Applying for a travel visa application can be a daunting process. The immigration requirements can appear confusing and contradictory. Never mind the copious amounts of documents to be gathered.
We often hear from clients that had put off the visa application process for several years before finally taking the matter forward.
The need to submit the application becomes more critical for applicants looking to extend their visas to remain in the U.K. For those individuals, putting off the visa application can lead to a rushed application and at worst, a visa refusal.
So how can you avoid overwhelm and feeling as if you want to give up before you have even started?
Be realistic about timescales
Visa applications take time to prepare. The U.K. immigration rules are complex and many documents are required. Appreciating that the application will take time to prepare will help you to be realistic about your timescales.
Don’t compare yourself to others
Your cousin, your work colleague, your friend applied for a visa within 3 days and received their visa the following week. So why is it taking you so long to make any traction on the application? The best response is not to make any comparisons at all.
Each application will be assessed on its individual merits. Even if you were applying for the same visa type as someone known to you, you may be required to submit different documents based on your circumstances, or to arrange for documents to be translated, of all which take time.
Therefore, it is best to understand how the immigration rules apply to you and to evidence how you need the requirements.
Accept that the application process is document intensive
UKVI require documentary evidence to assess whether you meet the immigration requirements.
Documents must be translated and will often need to be submitted in a prescribed format. Doing so, will ensure that the application goes smoothly.
Recognising that numerous supporting documents will form part of the application, can help avoid surprises and overwhelm.
Start early
Like point (1), giving yourself time to prepare the application can be beneficial. Therefore, starting the process early can help.
While a visa application may be submitted 3 months prior to the anticipated travel date, it can be advantageous to start preparing the application 4 months in advance of the travel date.
If applying to extend the visa from within the U.K., the application may be submitted 28 days before the expiry of the visa. Yet, preparing the application and documents at least 3 months in advance of the expiry date will allow time to address any gaps and to gather further documentary evidence, if needed.
Seek help
Some individuals are happy to prepare their visa application without assistance, and we provide several tips in our blog posts on our site to help them achieve a successful outcome.
However, if you are feeling overwhelmed and are considering giving up, seek help.
It may be that a qualified immigration consultant, such as Thomas Chase Immigration, can help you alleviate any concerns, or simply take the visa application preparation off your hands. Many clients fall within this bracket.
Hopefully, our 5 tips on avoiding giving up on your visa application has made you feel that little bit more positive about the visa application process.
Written by Carla Thomas – Managing Director at Thomas Chase immigration.
Thomas Chase Immigration offer immigration assistance to individuals and families.
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If you have questions or concerns or you would like straightforward immigration advice, or help applying for a visa, feel free to contact us.