Living in the UK: applying from within the UK
Guidance for applicants already in the UK. It explains the steps to applying for and being granted permission to live in the UK.
This guide covers the journey from making your application and getting a decision to then sharing information about your immigration status with others.
Make your application
You can apply and pay for most applications online.
If you have dependents, the relevant GOV.UK application pages will explain how they can apply.
To submit a valid application, you’ll need to:
- choose the correct application form on GOV.UK
- pay the fee
- pay the healthcare surcharge (if required)
- provide any required biometrics
- provide a passport or other document which proves your identity and nationality
- meet any other specific requirements that are set out by the application route
Gathering your documents
You’ll need to provide documents to support your application.
For more information, check which visa you need and view the documents required for that route.
Fees
There is a for each visa.
The fee depends on which entry route you apply for. You may be able to choose to pay more to get a faster decision for some routes.
In addition to your visa fee, each family member who applies to come to the UK with you must also pay a fee.
Read more about visa fees.
Pay for healthcare
You may need to pay the healthcare surcharge as part of your application.
Applying for someone else
You can make an application for someone else. For example, a relative or your child if they cannot apply for themselves.
You must get permission from the person you’re applying for, or written permission from their parent or guardian if the applicant is under 18.
Enter the applicant’s details into the form, not your own.
Change, vary or cancel your application
If you want to change something in your application after you’ve sent it, for example a spelling mistake, or a change of circumstances, contact UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).
You can ask to cancel (withdraw) your application. You’ll only get your fee refunded if UKVI has not started processing your application.
If you want to vary the basis of your application, you can do so at any time before a decision on your original application is made.
If you wish to vary your application, you will need to submit the correct specified form for the second application.
Prove your identity
You’ll be asked to prove your identity as part of your application. The application process will provide details on how to do that.
If you’ve been asked to use the mobile app
If you have a biometric passport and a compatible smartphone, you’ll be able to prove your identity using the UK Immigration: ID Check app.
The app is free to download. Search ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ in your app store. Check if the app is compatible with your phone.
If you do not have a compatible smartphone, you can use the app on a family member or friend’s phone. View further information on how to use the app.
You’ll need to provide supporting evidence to prove your identity. The document checklist for your application will explain what you need to provide.
If you use the app, you will not need to send your passport anywhere to be checked. Instead you’ll just need to take a picture of the photo page of your passport using your smartphone camera.
If you’ve been asked to use the app to prove your identity and you’re unable to, you’ll be asked to make an appointment to attend a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) service point to provide your biometric information (your fingerprints and a photograph).
If you need to prove your identity at a UKVCAS
When you book your appointment, you’ll be advised when to submit your supporting documents. The document checklist in your application explains what you need to provide.
If you applied for someone else
The applicant will need to prove their identity.
If they’ve been asked to use the mobile app, and they have a compatible smartphone, they’ll be able to use the UK Immigration: ID Check app to prove their identity.
If they’re unable to use the app, or if they’ve been asked to prove their identity at a UKVCAS, they’ll need to attend an appointment to provide their biometric information and documents.
If you applied on behalf of a child, a responsible adult will need to accompany them to their appointment. A responsible adult means someone aged 18 or over who can help the child with their appointment, such as a family member or teacher. You will need to give their details on the visa application.
Get a decision on your application
If your application is successful, what you’ll need to do will depend on how you proved your identity.
If you used the mobile app
From 31 October 2024 you will receive an eVisa. An eVisa is an online record of your immigration status and the conditions of the type of permission you have to enter or stay in the UK.
You need to create an account to get an eVisa.
You’ll be notified by email with instructions on how to access it.
If you visited a UKVCAS to prove your identity
If your application is successful, you’ll receive a decision notice that includes the conditions of your grant of permission to stay in the UK.
If you don’t already have one, create your UKVI account and get access to your eVisa. An eVisa is an online record of your immigration status and the conditions of the type of permission you have to enter or stay in the UK
eVisas and the conditions that apply to you
Your eVisa will include the conditions of your grant of permission to come to the UK.
To see your conditions, you will need to access your eVisa.
You can also see these conditions in your decision notification.
For example, your conditions might say:
- ‘No access to public funds’ - you cannot claim benefits
- ‘No work’ - you cannot take paid or unpaid work in the UK
- ‘Restricted work’ - you can only work for your sponsor
Keep your details up to date in your UKVI account
You should update your UKVI account if you’ve changed your:
- mobile phone number
- email address
- name
- identity document, such as your passport or national identity card
- home address
- postal address
It is really important that you keep your details up to date to ensure you can:
- view and prove your rights to others, for example employers or landlords
- be contacted by UKVI, for example if you’re waiting for a decision or to have documents returned
- travel with your current identity documents
If your application is refused
You’ll receive a decision notice which will set out the reasons your application was refused.
Your decision will explain if you have the right to either an:
Your immigration status
When your application is successful, you’ll be told how to view your immigration status through your eVisa.
You will be able to view and share your immigration status information completely online
This is a fully secure service and allows you to share your status with prospective employers, universities, and other organisations.
To view your status, you’ll need:
- details of the identity document you used when you applied (your passport, national identity card, or biometric residence card or permit)
- your date of birth
- access to the mobile number or email address you used when you applied - you’ll be sent a code for logging in
View and prove your immigration status.
Sharing your status
You can also use the view and prove service to share your status with people or organisations, such as employers or universities.
The ’view and prove’ is an online service which allows people with eVisas to:
- get a ‘share code’ to prove their status to others, for example employers
- update personal details with your UKVI account, for example their passport number or email address
- check what rights you have in the UK, for example the right to work, rent or claim benefits.
Share your immigration status.
Updating your details
It’s important that you keep your details up to date.
If you have an eVisa, you can update your personal information in your UKVI account, such as your contact details.
You must tell us about any changes to your personal details, such as your name and nationality. You should also tell us if any of the information displayed on your online immigration status profile is incorrect.
You will be able to check and update your personal details and register your current passport in your UKVI account. Always give yourself plenty of time to check both your personal details are up to date and your eVisa information is correct before traveling. Not doing so may mean that you are delayed or denied boarding by carriers.
If you need help using the service
If you need help using the view and prove service, you can contact UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).
Help accessing your account
Get back into your account if you’re having problems singing in.
Contact UKVI for help with:
- accessing your account
- updating your personal details
- sharing your status on your behalf, if you are unable to do so yourself
How we protect your data
You can find information on how we protect your personal data by reading our privacy notices:
Updates to this page
Published 5 October 2020Last updated 11 November 2024 + show all updates
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Updated information on how to access your eVisa, which is replacing biometric residence permits (BRPs).
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Added guidance for if your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) expires on 31 December 2024.
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First published.