family visitor application process

[rezz]

I want to sponsor my aunt and her child to come and visit us in the UK for 6 month.

I have a few question on the application process.


1. Do separate application forms need to be completed, one for my aunt and for her son who is 10 years old, or can one application be completed for both of them?


2. What is the difference between applying direct online via the UK border agency website or applying through the VFS Global centers on a hard copy application form? Are the forms processed differently? Also when applying online, how would any supporting documents be supplied?


Thanks.

[vinny]

1. Separate applications.

See also
Visiting the UK and
Visitors - visa application guide and
Entry Clearance Guidance - Visit and Transit (VAT).

Similar to visitors to the USA, they should show "strong ties" to home country.

[rezz]

thanks for your response on question 1. Now I know I will need to do seperate forms


Does anyone have advise on the best approach wheither to do online application or hard copy at vfs centre.

Also The country the vistor is from is listed as able to make online application but not online payment


I am thinking of filling in the application online here in the UK on behalf of visitor. What does it mean not able to accept online payment because I will also be paying the fee with my credit card. Will this be acceptable?

[geriatrix]

If you have both the options (online application & paper application), you may choose either. There is no advantage of one over the other, in context of application processing.

If online payment is not accepted, then the applicant will be required to pay the fees at the visa application centre.


regards

[Rozen]

What does it mean not able to accept online payment because I will also be paying the fee with my credit card. Will this be acceptable?

Normally, if online payments are not accepted on an online application, then the applicant will have to pay in person at the Visa Office where they will present their print out of the application form (as well as all other necessary documents).
The online application gives an option of appointment dates and generates a unique reference number for the applicant to take on the appointment date.
So in this case, it is unlikely that you will be able to use your credit card, as the applicant will have to pay at the point of appointment within their resident country.