Documents Required

The UK Border Agency website provides guidance on the sorts of supporting documents you should submit in support of your visa application at www.ukvisas.gov.uk/en/howtoapply/vafs/vafsdocschecklist/

Why do I need to provide documents to support my application?
UK immigration law says that it is up to you to satisfy the visa officer that you qualify for a visa. We aim to make a decision on your application without interviewing you, so it is vital that you send us the correct documents with your application. If you do not send us the documents we need, we may refuse your application without interviewing you. Where possible, please send us documents which can be checked by someone else. For example, it can be difficult to prove that a mobile phone number belongs to a particular person, whereas it is easier to prove that a landline number belongs to that person. We appreciate that it may not always be possible for you to provide these kinds of documents, but please be aware that it will help us make the decision if you can.

What sort of documents do I have to show?
Everyone's circumstances are different. This is why we don't ask for a set list of documents, but give you a general idea of the kinds of documents which will help the visa officer check that you have met the immigration rules. It is up to you whether you send us these documents, or different ones. It is your responsibility to make sure that you have read the available information on the category of visa you want to apply for. Please make sure that you include all supporting papers with your application, and don't send or fax us any papers separately. If you are submitting evidence of your (or your sponsor’s) financial situation, this should be in the form of bank statements covering the 3 months before the date of application, and not as a letter from the bank simply giving your balance.

Do I need to send original documents?
Yes, where possible. It is easier for us to confirm that an original document is genuine, rather than a photocopied one. We can examine original documents to make sure that they have not been tampered with. But we realise that some documents are too valuable for you to want to send them with your application. In these cases, please send us a good-quality photocopy of the original. Also, please make sure that, wherever possible, you do not laminate your documents. However, students must always submit the original enrolment letter from their university, college or school in the United Kingdom. Such letters must not be sent direct to this Embassy, but should be submitted by the applicants with their application.

Do I need to provide English translations?
Yes. The translations don’t need to be notarised, but you must submit an English translation of every document you submit with your application.

What happens if I don't send the suggested documents?
The Entry Clearance Officer will make a decision to issue or refuse your visa, based on your application form and any documents you do submit.  To make sure that s/he has all relevant information about you to make the right decision, it is your responsibility to make sure that you include all documentary evidence in support of your application.