Applying online for Tier 1 Visa. Kind of confused here guys.

1. Exactly what is the process, we make an online application, we get called for document submission and fingerprints, then presumabaly we get called for an interview, and finally a confirmation from the Home office?. I seem to be missing things here, exactly what is IGH Refund and complex letter?.

2. When exactly will they take out passports ? As far as i can see, there is an option in the country I am applying for us to keep our passports and submit copies, anyone here has done that?.

3. Whats the time line like?, I checked out the itme line post (aplogies if this question is banned here), but there is a mixture between people applying for an extension and applying for the intitla visa so things get confusing.

Zimba wrote: ↑

Wed Nov 07, 2018 3:38 pm

1. Exactly what is the process, we make an online application, we get called for document submission and fingerprints, then presumabaly we get called for an interview, and finally a confirmation from the Home office?. I seem to be missing things here, exactly what is IGH Refund and complex letter?.

You will apply online and fill the form. You pay your application fees including the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) all online
Generally when applying online, you will get your confirmation letter, application barcode page and Biometrics letter at the same time.
You print the application barcode page and send it along with the documents to the UKVI.
You take the Biometrics letter to a post office branch for Biometrics collection.
You then wait to hear back from HO.

However from 9th November, you can choose to instead book an appointment and submit your documents and Biometrics at one of the new UKVCAS centers in person. They copy your original documents and return them to you.

New UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services Centres Open

The promised timeframe is 8 weeks to decide your application but if it takes longer, you may get a letter saying that it cannot be decided within the promised timeframe as your application maybe complex. This is what people call the 'complex letter'. You may not even get this letter.
Also the online system charges an IHS fees for 3 years (£600) instead of two (£400) per person for a visa extension so applicants should expect a refund of £200 per person when their application is decided. This has led to many on the forum to believe that if they get a refund, their application is decided or it was successful (and that is a false assumption!)

2. When exactly will they take out passports ? As far as i can see, there is an option in the country I am applying for us to keep our passports and submit copies, anyone here has done that?.

Available from 9th November, see link above

3. Whats the time line like?, I checked out the itme line post (aplogies if this question is banned here), but there is a mixture between people applying for an extension and applying for the intitla visa so things get confusing.

The standard timeframe is 8 weeks, however every application is decided on its own timeframe. So no one can tell you what to expect

cricypop wrote: ↑

Thu Nov 08, 2018 8:49 am

Zimba wrote: ↑

Wed Nov 07, 2018 3:38 pm

1. Exactly what is the process, we make an online application, we get called for document submission and fingerprints, then presumabaly we get called for an interview, and finally a confirmation from the Home office?. I seem to be missing things here, exactly what is IGH Refund and complex letter?.

You will apply online and fill the form. You pay your application fees including the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) all online
Generally when applying online, you will get your confirmation letter, application barcode page and Biometrics letter at the same time.
You print the application barcode page and send it along with the documents to the UKVI.
You take the Biometrics letter to a post office branch for Biometrics collection.
You then wait to hear back from HO.

However from 9th November, you can choose to instead book an appointment and submit your documents and Biometrics at one of the new UKVCAS centers in person. They copy your original documents and return them to you.

New UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services Centres Open

The promised timeframe is 8 weeks to decide your application but if it takes longer, you may get a letter saying that it cannot be decided within the promised timeframe as your application maybe complex. This is what people call the 'complex letter'. You may not even get this letter.
Also the online system charges an IHS fees for 3 years (£600) instead of two (£400) per person for a visa extension so applicants should expect a refund of £200 per person when their application is decided. This has led to many on the forum to believe that if they get a refund, their application is decided or it was successful (and that is a false assumption!)

2. When exactly will they take out passports ? As far as i can see, there is an option in the country I am applying for us to keep our passports and submit copies, anyone here has done that?.

Available from 9th November, see link above

3. Whats the time line like?, I checked out the itme line post (aplogies if this question is banned here), but there is a mixture between people applying for an extension and applying for the intitla visa so things get confusing.

The standard timeframe is 8 weeks, however every application is decided on its own timeframe. So no one can tell you what to expect

Thankyou so much, that made things so much clearer. I applied for my siblings university so alot of things are famliar really.

However, will we make ONE online application or TWO seperatre ones?. Because the application only allows the details of one individual.

marcnath wrote: ↑

Thu Nov 08, 2018 9:14 am

cricypop wrote: ↑

Thu Nov 08, 2018 8:49 am

Zimba wrote: ↑

Wed Nov 07, 2018 3:38 pm

1. Exactly what is the process, we make an online application, we get called for document submission and fingerprints, then presumabaly we get called for an interview, and finally a confirmation from the Home office?. I seem to be missing things here, exactly what is IGH Refund and complex letter?.

You will apply online and fill the form. You pay your application fees including the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) all online
Generally when applying online, you will get your confirmation letter, application barcode page and Biometrics letter at the same time.
You print the application barcode page and send it along with the documents to the UKVI.
You take the Biometrics letter to a post office branch for Biometrics collection.
You then wait to hear back from HO.

However from 9th November, you can choose to instead book an appointment and submit your documents and Biometrics at one of the new UKVCAS centers in person. They copy your original documents and return them to you.

New UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services Centres Open

The promised timeframe is 8 weeks to decide your application but if it takes longer, you may get a letter saying that it cannot be decided within the promised timeframe as your application maybe complex. This is what people call the 'complex letter'. You may not even get this letter.
Also the online system charges an IHS fees for 3 years (£600) instead of two (£400) per person for a visa extension so applicants should expect a refund of £200 per person when their application is decided. This has led to many on the forum to believe that if they get a refund, their application is decided or it was successful (and that is a false assumption!)

2. When exactly will they take out passports ? As far as i can see, there is an option in the country I am applying for us to keep our passports and submit copies, anyone here has done that?.

Available from 9th November, see link above

3. Whats the time line like?, I checked out the itme line post (aplogies if this question is banned here), but there is a mixture between people applying for an extension and applying for the intitla visa so things get confusing.

The standard timeframe is 8 weeks, however every application is decided on its own timeframe. So no one can tell you what to expect

Thankyou so much, that made things so much clearer. I applied for my siblings university so alot of things are famliar really.

However, will we make ONE online application or TWO seperatre ones?. Because the application only allows the details of one individual.

Two separate applications. Each application is considered on its own merit.

cricypop wrote: ↑

Sat Nov 10, 2018 9:05 pm

marcnath wrote: ↑

Thu Nov 08, 2018 9:14 am

cricypop wrote: ↑

Thu Nov 08, 2018 8:49 am

Zimba wrote: ↑

Wed Nov 07, 2018 3:38 pm

You will apply online and fill the form. You pay your application fees including the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) all online
Generally when applying online, you will get your confirmation letter, application barcode page and Biometrics letter at the same time.
You print the application barcode page and send it along with the documents to the UKVI.
You take the Biometrics letter to a post office branch for Biometrics collection.
You then wait to hear back from HO.

However from 9th November, you can choose to instead book an appointment and submit your documents and Biometrics at one of the new UKVCAS centers in person. They copy your original documents and return them to you.

New UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services Centres Open

The promised timeframe is 8 weeks to decide your application but if it takes longer, you may get a letter saying that it cannot be decided within the promised timeframe as your application maybe complex. This is what people call the 'complex letter'. You may not even get this letter.
Also the online system charges an IHS fees for 3 years (£600) instead of two (£400) per person for a visa extension so applicants should expect a refund of £200 per person when their application is decided. This has led to many on the forum to believe that if they get a refund, their application is decided or it was successful (and that is a false assumption!)



Available from 9th November, see link above



The standard timeframe is 8 weeks, however every application is decided on its own timeframe. So no one can tell you what to expect

Thankyou so much, that made things so much clearer. I applied for my siblings university so alot of things are famliar really.

However, will we make ONE online application or TWO seperatre ones?. Because the application only allows the details of one individual.

Two separate applications. Each application is considered on its own merit.

Even though we are applying as partners? Wouldnt two partners have ONE applicaion ?

Zimba wrote: ↑

Wed Nov 07, 2018 3:38 pm

1. Exactly what is the process, we make an online application, we get called for document submission and fingerprints, then presumabaly we get called for an interview, and finally a confirmation from the Home office?. I seem to be missing things here, exactly what is IGH Refund and complex letter?.

You will apply online and fill the form. You pay your application fees including the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) all online
Generally when applying online, you will get your confirmation letter, application barcode page and Biometrics letter at the same time.
You print the application barcode page and send it along with the documents to the UKVI.
You take the Biometrics letter to a post office branch for Biometrics collection.
You then wait to hear back from HO.

However from 9th November, you can choose to instead book an appointment and submit your documents and Biometrics at one of the new UKVCAS centers in person. They copy your original documents and return them to you.

New UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services Centres Open

The promised timeframe is 8 weeks to decide your application but if it takes longer, you may get a letter saying that it cannot be decided within the promised timeframe as your application maybe complex. This is what people call the 'complex letter'. You may not even get this letter.
Also the online system charges an IHS fees for 3 years (£600) instead of two (£400) per person for a visa extension so applicants should expect a refund of £200 per person when their application is decided. This has led to many on the forum to believe that if they get a refund, their application is decided or it was successful (and that is a false assumption!)

2. When exactly will they take out passports ? As far as i can see, there is an option in the country I am applying for us to keep our passports and submit copies, anyone here has done that?.

Available from 9th November, see link above

3. Whats the time line like?, I checked out the itme line post (aplogies if this question is banned here), but there is a mixture between people applying for an extension and applying for the intitla visa so things get confusing.

The standard timeframe is 8 weeks, however every application is decided on its own timeframe. So no one can tell you what to expect

cricypop wrote: ↑

Sat Nov 17, 2018 8:22 am

Hi just to clarify, i am applying from OUTSIDE the UK and currently hold no visa to the UK. Not the Same time frame and process I assume? I have all my documentation ready, its just the how to apply part thats confusing me. Apparently, on the website I have to make 2 Seperate applications, then how would I show myself as a partner to someone else?.

The applications asks for my information, then for thre information on the main applicant and how i am related to the main applicant. If i am applying for myself, then i AM the main applicant. Any advice here?..

marcnath wrote: ↑

Sat Nov 17, 2018 10:11 am

cricypop wrote: ↑

Sat Nov 17, 2018 8:22 am

Hi just to clarify, i am applying from OUTSIDE the UK and currently hold no visa to the UK. Not the Same time frame and process I assume? I have all my documentation ready, its just the how to apply part thats confusing me. Apparently, on the website I have to make 2 Seperate applications, then how would I show myself as a partner to someone else?.

The applications asks for my information, then for thre information on the main applicant and how i am related to the main applicant. If i am applying for myself, then i AM the main applicant. Any advice here?..

As i think I have already mentioned twice, each team member applies on their own. I haven't been through the online application, but I assume it is similar to the paper one. There would be a section which would ask if you are applying as a team and if so, what the details of your team member are.

That is how both the applications will get linked.

cricypop wrote: ↑

Sat Nov 17, 2018 6:20 pm

marcnath wrote: ↑

Sat Nov 17, 2018 10:11 am

cricypop wrote: ↑

Sat Nov 17, 2018 8:22 am

Hi just to clarify, i am applying from OUTSIDE the UK and currently hold no visa to the UK. Not the Same time frame and process I assume? I have all my documentation ready, its just the how to apply part thats confusing me. Apparently, on the website I have to make 2 Seperate applications, then how would I show myself as a partner to someone else?.

The applications asks for my information, then for thre information on the main applicant and how i am related to the main applicant. If i am applying for myself, then i AM the main applicant. Any advice here?..

As i think I have already mentioned twice, each team member applies on their own. I haven't been through the online application, but I assume it is similar to the paper one. There would be a section which would ask if you are applying as a team and if so, what the details of your team member are.

That is how both the applications will get linked.

Thats my confusion haha, i chcked out the paper form and it seems to have a part where you can link your partner. The online application has no such part and is very confusing. Aplogies for the questions!