UK VISIT VISA APPLICATION GUIDE 2023
If you’re planning to take an exam in the UK, you may need to apply for a visit visa in order to enter the country. The process for obtaining a UK visit visa can seem daunting at first, but with the right preparation and information, you can successfully apply for your visa and focus on preparing for your exam. In this article, we’ll go over the steps you need to take to apply for a UK visit visa for exam purposes, including what documents you’ll need to provide and any fees you’ll need to pay. We’ll also provide some tips and resources to help you navigate the process and increase your chances of getting your visa approved.
The first step is to assess your visa requirement, this varies on the passport you carry, some countries may offer visa free access to their citizens, for Pakistan exam aspirants need to obtain UK visa in order to proceed with the PLAB part 2.
You can check the official version from the UK Immigation website here, about the need for visa to enter UK.
Visa type you need to apply
If you are planning to take an exam in the UK, you will need to apply for a Standard Visitor visa. This type of visa allows you to enter the UK for a short period of time, usually up to six months, for a specific purpose, such as taking an exam. With a Standard Visitor visa, you can also participate in other activities while you are in the UK, such as tourism, visiting friends and family, and participating in certain business-related activities. However, you are not allowed to work or study in the UK on this visa. To apply for a Standard Visitor visa for exam purposes, you will need to provide evidence that you have been accepted to take the exam, as well as proof of your intended travel arrangements and any necessary fees. You will also need to demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay in the UK.
How to apply for UK standard visitor visa step by step
Once you have determined that you are eligible for a UK visit visa, it’s important to start gathering all the required documents. This includes any proof of your identity or nationality, your financial documents to prove that you are able to support yourself during your stay and any other documents relating to the purpose of your visit (such as an invitation letter). Be sure to include all relevant supporting documents in your application and make sure they comply with the UK visa requirements.
The process for applying for a Standard Visitor visa online
for the UK is as follows:
- Determine
if you are eligible to apply for a Standard Visitor visa. To be eligible,
you must:
- Have a
valid passport or other travel document - Be
able to provide evidence of your travel plans, including any necessary
exam (The dates you will arrive in the UK and depart from the UK. (The arrival date is very crucial. The itinerary in your cover letter should clarify on this) - Be
able to provide evidence of your ability to support yourself financially
during your stay in the UK - Meet
the entry clearance requirements for the UK
- Create
an account on the UK Visas and Immigration website and start your
application. You will be asked to provide personal information, including
your name, date of birth, and contact information. You will also need to
provide your passport details and any previous passport information. Choose business, including sports and entertainment/academic visit, as reason for visit. If you are working and supporting yourself, We strongly advise you to obtain two documents from your workplace. a) Salary Certificate; b) Certificate of No Objection. And your personal bank account information, as well as bank statements. The amounts in your account should be enough to cover your travel/accommodation/insurance while in UK. - Pay
the visa fee. You will need to pay the visa fee online as part of your
application. The fee for a Standard Visitor visa is currently £95. - Provide
supporting documents. You will need to provide certain documents as part
of your application, including:
- Your
passport or travel document - Evidence
of your travel plans, such as a letter from the exam board or organization
hosting your meeting - Evidence
of your financial circumstances, such as bank statements or a letter from
your employer - Any
other documents required to support your application, such as evidence of
your relationship to someone you are visiting in the UK
- Submit
your application. Once you have completed the online application form and
provided all the necessary documents, you can submit your application. You
will be able to track the progress of your application online. - Attend
a visa application center. Depending on where you are located, you may be
required to attend a visa application center to have your biometric
information (fingerprints and a digital photograph) taken. You will
receive information about this requirement as part of your application
process. - Wait
for a decision. It can take up to three weeks for the UK government to
make a decision on your visa application. You will receive a notification
by email when a decision has been made. If your application is approved,
your visa will be sent to you by post. If your application is denied, you
will be provided with information about how to appeal the decision.
Note: This guide is just for information purpose, please follow latest updates from the relevant authorities and consult an accredited travel consultant for visa related issues.