UK Visa Checklist

If you are applying for a visa to come to the UK, you need to make sure you have all the necessary documents at the ready. There are a number of supporting documents required to prove your identity and demonstrate that you meet the eligibility criteria for any UK visa application. However, each visa is subject to different requirements and the documents you will need to supply as evidence differs in each case.

Depending on the nature of the visa you are seeking, you may need to provide evidence in the form of financial documents, proof of a relationship with a British citizen, an endorsement or a job offer from an eligible business, and additional documents that demonstrate your eligibility.

It is best to secure as much evidence as possible, and before you start filling in your visa application form. If, for example, your supporting documents are in a language other than English, you will need to provide a certified translation of each one alongside a copy of the original, and this can take time to prepare. Any delays in sourcing evidence can slow down your visa application and, if you are moving to the UK for work, could affect your relationship with your prospective employer or have other unintended consequences. After all, the timing of a visa application is very important and must be managed carefully.

By speaking to an expert immigration solicitor, you can find out the correct documents to supply in your specific circumstances, and give yourself a better chance of a successful outcome. Here, the immigration experts at Latitude Law have provided checklists for each of the most common visa types to help you gather the evidence you will need.

What supporting documents do you need for a visa application?

Every visa application is different, but there are some general documents that you will need to provide in almost all cases. If you are applying from overseas, you will usually need to present supporting documents during an appointment at a visa application centre in your home country. In some cases, you can also upload documents to the online portal where you will fill out your application form.

Common documents that you will need for most types of UK visa applications include:

• A valid passport or other travel documents: You will need to provide a valid passport that will not expire before the end of your stay in the UK. This should have at least one blank page, on which a sticker or stamp will be applied if your visa is granted.


• A tuberculosis (TB) test certificate: Applicants from certain countries must supply a valid TB test certificate. This proves that you have undergone an X-ray or other test for TB and been found negative.


• Biometric information: For stays longer than six months, you will need to provide fingerprints and a digital photograph at a visa application centre. This will be used to issue a biometric residence permit, a legal document that can be used to prove your immigration status.


• An English language test certificate: For most types of visa, you will need to prove that you have a minimum level of proficiency in the English language. This will usually mean providing a test certificate from an approved English language test, unless you have an exemption. You may be exempt if you hold a degree that was taught or researched in English, or if you come from a majority English-speaking country.

These are the only documents that remain consistent across all types of visa application. However, as we have noted, there are many other types of supporting documents you may be asked to show. The specific documents differ according to the category, and we have explained some of the ones that are most frequently requested. For some of the most common visas, we have identified documents listed below that will support your application in the form of a checklist.