Decide if you want to come to England as a highly skilled migrant, student, family member, visitor, marriage or other special circumstance. More than one application could apply to the same person, so you will want to weigh your options and choose the best application to fit your personal situation.
Decide how you want to apply. You can look for a visa application center in your home country, apply online, or print and mail a visa application. Processing times may vary, so you will want to factor that into your decision as well.
Fill out the visa application. Depending on the status for which you are applying, you will need to supply different supporting documents.
Obtain copies of requested supporting documents and a passport-sized photograph (45mm high x 35mm wide). You will have to show evidence of any information you provided, such as copies of marriage certificates, tax refunds, income and other pertinent information. You will also have to provide a copy of your passport.
Pay your fee. The fee will vary depending on your country, and the UK Border Agency keeps an up to date Visa fees page. If you apply at a local Visa application center, you can pay in your local currency there.
Attend an interview with a visa officer, if required. You will be contacted if an interview is necessary. If the visa officer cannot make an immediate decision, he may wish to meet with you within 15 days of assessing your application.
The UK Border Agency will contact you with its decision and tell you what your next steps should be.
