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, view the relevant GOV.UK application page.

Fees

There is a fee for each application.

You may be able to choose to pay more to get a faster decision for some applications.

The fees are the same for each family member who applies to you.

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. However, you may not receive a refund. In some cases, you may be able to get a refund of the healthcare surcharge.

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.

Verify your identity

You’ll be asked to verify 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 an EEA biometric passport and a compatible smartphone, you’ll be able to verify 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 verify 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 verify 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 verify 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 verify 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 verify their identity.

If they’re unable to use the app, or if they’ve been asked to verify their identity at a UKVCAS, they’ll need to attend an appointment to provide their biometric information and documents.

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