Uploading evidence as part of your visa application
How to self-upload evidence when making an application to come to or stay in the UK.
When you make an application to come to or stay in the UK, you’ll usually be asked to provide evidence such as documents or photos. How you provide this evidence depends on how you make your application.
Who can use the self-upload service
If you use the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app to scan your identity document, you’ll use the self-upload service when you apply.
You cannot use this service if you have your fingerprints and photograph taken at a visa application centre (VAC) or UK Visa and Citizenship Services (UKVCAS) service point. You can upload documents using our commercial partner websites instead, or pay for an Added Value Service to submit your documents at your appointment at a visa application service or UKVCAS service point.
What to upload
You can check what documents you’ll need before you apply. This information is usually on the visa guide of the visa you’re applying for. There’s also a document checklist on the application form.
You’ll be asked to upload specific evidence based on the answers you provide earlier in your application. For example, a copy of your passport or birth certificate.
You may have to upload the same evidence more than once.
Prepare your documents
You can either scan your document or take a photo of it. The full document must be visible on the scan or photo.
Take a photo of your document
You can take a photo using either a smartphone camera or digital camera.
When you take your photo make sure:
- the area you’re in is well lit
- the document is in focus on your camera screen
- the flash is off on your camera if you’re taking a photo of a reflective document – for example, a laminated passport page
You must save the photo as one of the following file types:
- PNG
- JPG
- JPEG
Most smartphones and digital cameras automatically save photos as one of these file types.
Give your photo file a descriptive name. For example, ‘bank statement 2019’.
If you took a photo using your smartphone and you’re completing the application form on the same phone, you should be able to upload your photo directly from your phone to the application form.
If you took a photo using your smartphone but are using another device to complete your application, you’ll need to transfer your photo to the device you’re applying on. For example, if you’re applying on a laptop, you’ll need to send the photo from your phone to your laptop. You can usually do this by:
- emailing the photo to yourself and opening on your other device
- using a cable to connect your phone with your other device
- sending the image via Bluetooth
If you took a photo using a digital camera, you’ll need to transfer your photo from the camera to the device you’re applying on. You can usually do this by:
- taking the memory card (sometimes known as an SD card) out of the camera and inserting it into a desktop computer or laptop
- using a cable to connect your camera with your other device
Scan your document
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on your scanner to scan your document.
When you create your scan make sure:
- the document is flat against the surface of the scanner
- nothing is covering the information on the document
You must save the scan as one of the following file types:
- PNG
- JPG
- JPEG
Most scanners automatically save scans as one of these file types.
Give your file a descriptive name. For example, ‘bank statement 2019’.
If your scanner is connected to the device you’re completing your application form on, you should be able to upload your file directly from your device to the application form.
If you’re applying on a different device to the one your scanner is connected to, you’ll need to transfer your file to the device you’re applying on.
Upload your documents
You need to upload your documents once you reach the evidence section of the application form. Click ‘upload evidence’ next to the evidence you want to upload and then ‘choose file’ to select the file you need.
If your upload is successful, you’ll see it under the ‘Files added’ heading on the application form. You can then add more files if you need to. Repeat these steps for each type of evidence you’re asked to upload.
Check your evidence and make any changes needed before you submit it. You cannot upload any other evidence after you submit.
If you need further help
You may be able to get help through Assisted Digital if you’re unable to upload your documents if you:
- do not feel confident using a computer or mobile device
- do not have internet access
- do not have access to a device like a laptop or smartphone
You must be in the UK to use this service.
Contact Assisted Digital for further advice.
Updates to this page
Last updated 1 November 2022 + show all updates
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Updated information for people who are not able to use the service.
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Updated 'Upload your documents' instructions.
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First published.