Frontier Worker permit

Overview

A Frontier Worker permit lets you come to the UK to work while living elsewhere.

You may be eligible if all of the following apply:

you’re from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein

you live outside of the UK

you began working in the UK by 31 December 2020

You must usually have worked in the UK at least once every 12 months since you started working here.  You may still be able to apply if you’ve had periods of unemployment or were unable to work during this time.

If you’re an Irish citizen, you do not need to apply for a Frontier Worker permit but you can choose to do so.

You cannot apply if you’re a British citizen (this includes dual citizenship).

If you have not worked in the UK by 31 December 2020

If you want to work in the UK from 1 January 2021, and were not working here before, you’ll need to apply for a visa.

The visa you’ll need (a visa) depends on the type of work and how long you want to come for. Check which type of visa you’ll need.

You do not need a visa if you’re a British or Irish citizen.

What the permit (A Frontier Worker permit) allows you to do

You can use your permit (A Frontier Worker permit) to enter the UK as a frontier worker and show your right to:

work

rent

access benefits and services, including NHS healthcare, if you meet the relevant eligibility requirements

Fees

There’s no fee to apply for the permit (A Frontier Worker permit), and you do not have to pay the immigration health surcharge. You may have to pay to submit your biometric information (photograph or fingerprints).

When and how to apply

If you’re a frontier worker, you’ll need a permit to enter the UK to work from 1 July 2021 (1 January 2021). You can use your passport or national identity card until then (1 January 2021).

You must apply online.

You’ll be told if you’ll also need to go to an appointment at a visa application centre or UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) service point.

You will not usually need an appointment if you can use a smartphone app and have a passport or ID card with a biometric chip.

If you need an appointment

Allow extra time to arrange your appointment and travel to the centre - there may not be one near you. You may need to pay for your appointment.

The centre may need to keep your passport and documents while they (the centre) process your application.

Family members

Family members are not covered by your Frontier Worker permit.

Your family member may be eligible to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme for settled or pre-settled status.

Who can apply

You can only apply for a Frontier Worker permit if you’re from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein, and you:

live outside the UK

meet the requirements for working in the UK

Living outside the UK

You must live ‘primarily’ outside of the UK. How you meet this requirement depends on how much time you’ve spent here since 1 January 2020.

You’ll be eligible if you’ve spent less than 180 days in total in the UK over the course of any 12 month period.

If you’ve spent 180 days or more in the UK within 12 months

You’ll still be eligible if, in that 12 month period (12 months), you returned to the country you live in at least either:

once every 6 months

twice in the 12 month period (12 months)

You’ll still be able to apply if there are exceptional circumstances meaning you could not travel to your country of residence in this period (12 months), such as an illness or accident.

Working in the UK

You must:

have started working in the UK while living elsewhere by 31 December 2020, either as an employed or self-employed person

do eligible work

usually have worked in the UK (as an employed or self-employed person) at least once every 12 months since you started working here

Eligible work

You’ll be eligible as long as your work in the UK is ‘genuine and effective’. This means it must be more than small, one-off tasks, such as:

an interview

taking part in a one-off competition or audition

signing a contract

If you’re not sure if your work is eligible, the Home Office has guidance on what counts as genuine and effective work.

If you’ve been unable to work or unemployed in the UK during a 12 month period

You might still be eligible if you’ve been unemployed or not worked during this time (a 12 month period) because you were:

temporarily unable to work because of an illness or accident

temporarily unable to work because you were pregnant or had given birth

unable to come to the UK and work because of coronavirus (COVID-19)

voluntarily unemployed and doing vocational training related to your last occupation

involuntarily unemployed, and either looking for work in the UK or doing vocational training

This is known as having ‘retained worker’ or ‘retained self-employed person’ status.

If you became involuntarily unemployed and are looking for work, you’ll keep your status for:

6 months if you worked in the UK for less than a year before becoming unemployed

as long as you continue to look for work, if you worked in the UK for a year or more before becoming unemployed

You’ll need to be registered as a jobseeker with an employment office (such as Jobcentre Plus) and provide evidence that you’re looking for work in the UK.

Apply

You must apply online.

Once you’ve started your application, you can save your form and complete it later.

Documents you’ll need to apply

When you apply you’ll need a valid passport or national identity card.

You’ll be told which documents you need to provide when you apply. Some depend on whether you’re employed or self-employed, for example:

an employment contract, or contracts to work in the UK

payslips, or copies of invoices for work carried out in the UK

If you have ‘retained’ status, you’ll be asked for evidence for which criteria you meet. For example, a letter from a doctor if you have an illness, or copies of recent job applications if you’re unemployed and seeking work.

The Home Office has more examples of the types of evidence you will be asked for.

How you’ll prove your identity

As part of your application, you’ll need to prove your identity. How you do this depends on what identity document you use and whether you can use the UK Immigration: ID check app.

You’ll either:

use the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app (the UK Immigration: ID check app) to scan your identity document (you’ll also create or sign into your UK Visas and Immigration account)

have your photograph and fingerprints taken at a visa application centre (if you’re applying from outside the UK and cannot use the smartphone app (the UK Immigration: ID check app))

have your photograph taken at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) service point (if you’re applying from inside the UK and cannot use the smartphone app (the UK Immigration: ID check app))

You’ll be told what you need to do when you apply.

Apply from outside the UK

Apply online for your Frontier Worker permit.

Apply now

Apply from inside the UK

Apply now

If you were a frontier worker on or before 31 December 2020, you can use your passport or national identity card to travel to the UK and work until 30 June 2021.

After you've applied

If you need to change something in your application after you’ve sent it contact UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).

You can ask to cancel your application by following the same process as cancelling a visa or citizenship application.

If your application is successful

You’ll be sent a decision notice saying your application has been approved.

If you applied using the ‘UK Immigration: ID check’ app (the UK Immigration: ID check app), you’ll be issued a digital version of your permit.

If you do not use the smartphone app (the UK Immigration: ID check app) to apply, you’ll either be sent:

a physical version of the permit (your permit) (if you applied inside the UK)

an email explaining how you can come to the UK and collect your permit (if you applied outside the UK)

Your permit will last for 5 years, or 2 years if you apply with ‘retained’ status.

When you’re working in the UK

You’ll usually have to pay tax on your UK (the UK) income.

You can change jobs or move from being employed to self-employed in the UK without needing to tell the Home Office.

You need to tell the Home Office if you stop working in the UK and do not meet one of the retained status criteria.

Reporting a problem with your physical permit

Your permit should arrive within 10 days of receiving the decision notice about your application (a decision notice saying your application has been approved). You should get an email with information about your permit being sent to you.

If your permit does not arrive, you should first contact the delivery service.

If you cannot resolve the issue with the delivery service, and it has been more than 10 days since you received your decision notice (a decision notice saying your application has been approved), you should contact the Home Office.

You’ll also need to tell the Home Office if:

you did not get an email from UKVI with your permit delivery information

your permit has a mistake on it (your permit) (for example your name, date of birth or gender is wrong)

your permit gets lost, stolen or damaged

You can report your problem by phone. You’ll need:

your full name, date of birth and nationality

your Home Office reference number (this is in the email you got with your application decision)

an email address or UK postal address

You can get someone to report for you, for example a legal representative or employer. The phone number is different if someone is reporting on your behalf.

If your application is unsuccessful

You’ll get a decision notice explaining why it (your application) was refused. It will explain if you have the right to either an:

administrative review

immigration decision appeal

Renewing your permit

When you renew your permit, you’ll need to show that you continued to meet the eligibility requirements over the period of time since you last applied.

If you’re not employed or self-employed at the point you apply to renew, or you’re temporarily unable to work, you’ll still be able to apply for a 2-year permit as someone with ‘retained’ status (as long as you meet the requirements).

Apply to renew your permit.


Turkish Businessperson visa

Overview

You can apply to extend your Turkish Businessperson visa if you already have permission to stay in the UK as a Turkish Businessperson.

You can:

continue running your business in the UK, and start another one

continue to help run an established business in the UK

You must meet the eligibility requirements.

New applications for the Turkish Businessperson visa (your Turkish Businessperson visa) have closed. Only children under 21 (‘child dependants’) can apply to join you in the UK on this visa (your Turkish Businessperson visa).

Eligibility

You can only extend your visa (your Turkish Businessperson visa) if you’re already in the UK.
You’ll need to meet the eligibility requirements to extend your visa (your Turkish Businessperson visa).

How long you can stay

You can apply to extend your visa (your Turkish Businessperson visa) for up to 3 years.

If you want to stay longer in the UK

You can apply to extend your visa (your Turkish Businessperson visa) as many times as you like as long as you still meet the eligibility requirements.

After 5 years, you may be able to apply to settle permanently in the UK (also known as ‘indefinite leave to remain’). This gives you the right to live, work and study here for as long as you like, and apply for benefits if you’re eligible.

How to apply

You must apply to extend your visa online.

Your partner and children (‘dependants’) can apply separately to extend their dependant visas, if they already have them.

If your children or your partner’s children want to join you from outside the UK, they’ll need to apply as your dependants.

How long it takes

As part of your application, you’ll need to prove your identity and provide your documents.
You may need to allow extra time if you need an appointment to do this. You’ll find out if you need one when you start your application.

Getting a decision

Once you’ve applied, you’ll usually get a decision on your visa extension within 6 months.

How much it costs

There’s no fee to apply to extend your visa.

What you can and cannot do

With a Turkish Businessperson visa extension you can:

keep running your business in the UK, and start another one

keep being a partner in an existing business which you’ll have an active part in running

apply to extend your stay if you meet the eligibility requirements

study

do voluntary work

apply to settle permanently in the UK (also known as ‘indefinite leave to remain’) if you’ve lived in the UK for 5 years and meet the other eligibility requirements

You cannot:

apply for most benefits (public funds), or the State Pension

change jobs or employer

If your application is successful, you’ll get a full list of what you can and cannot do with a Turkish Businessperson visa.

Eligibility

To be eligible to apply for an extension of your Turkish Businessperson visa (a Turkish Businessperson visa) you need to:

have a valid Turkish Businessperson visa

show you have not broken any immigration laws

keep running a viable business

keep being able to pay your share of the costs of running the business (a viable business)

show that your share of the profits continue to be enough to support you and your family without your needing to have another job

If you are part of an existing partnership or company you’ll need to show that you still have an active part in running the business (a viable business).

Documents you’ll need to apply

When you apply to extend your visa (a Turkish Businessperson visa) you’ll need to provide:

a valid passport or other document that shows your identity and nationality

proof that you can support and house yourself and your dependants during your stay, for example bank statements or payslips for the last 6 months

proof of your living costs, such as a tenancy agreement, mortgage agreement, utility bills, council tax statement, bank statements, documents relating to transfer of money to relatives abroad

proof of state benefits you’ve received in the UK

a biometric residence permit showing your Turkish Businessperson visa (a Turkish Businessperson visa)

your police registration certificate

You’ll need to have a blank page in your passport on which to put the visa (a Turkish Businessperson visa).

You may be asked to get a police certificate for yourself and your family in the UK if you or they don’t already have one.

Proof for your business

You should provide proof that you’re currently running your business

If you’re continuing to run a business or partnership

You may need to provide proof such as:

insurance documents

business accounts prepared by a chartered accountant or approved by an auditor

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) documents (including evidence of payment)

qualifications for running the business (a viable business), such as relevant formal qualifications or evidence of previous relevant experience

evidence of your finances and your investment in the business, such as UK or overseas bank statements, overseas money transfers, and bank loans

evidence of any financial assistance from a third party (for example family member), such as bank statements or other financial documents as evidence of their finances, and a legal or other document confirming their involvement in and share of the business (your business)

a document setting out the terms of your involvement in the business (your business)

If you’re establishing another business or partnership

You may need to provide proof such as:

a business plan

evidence you are investing money of your own into the new business

documents for your business premises

partnership agreements

Extend your visa

You can usually apply to extend a Turkish Businessperson visa if you’re in the UK and all of the following are true:

your business is still going

you’re still able to pay your share of the costs of running the business (your business) (its (your business) liabilities)

your share of the profits will be enough to support you and your dependants without you needing to have another job

Your partner or children will need to apply separately, including children who have turned 21 during your stay.

You must not travel outside of the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man until you get a decision. Your application will be withdrawn if you do.

Fees

There’s no fee to apply to extend your visa.

Proving your identity and providing supporting documents

As part of your application you’ll need to prove your identity. How you do this depends on where you’re from and the type of passport you have.

You’ll either:

give your fingerprints and a photograph (biometric information) at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) service point - this is to get a biometric residence permit

use the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app to scan your identity document - you’ll also create or sign in to your UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account

You’ll be told what you need to do when you apply.

Apply to extend your Turkish Businessperson visa

You must apply online before your current visa expires.

Once you’ve started your application, you can save your form and complete it later.

Apply now

Continue your application

Sign in to your account (your UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account) using the link from your sign-up email.

How long it takes to get a decision

You’ll usually get a decision within 6 months of your application date.

You’ll be contacted if your application will take longer, for example because:

your supporting documents (supporting documents) need to be verified

you need to attend an interview

of your personal circumstances, for example if you have a criminal conviction

You may be able to pay to get a faster decision - you’ll be told if you can when you apply.

After you apply

If you need to change something in your application after you’ve sent it (your application) contact UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) (your UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI)).

You can ask to cancel your application. You’ll only get your fee refunded if UKVI (your UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI)) has not started processing your application.

You’ll get an email or a letter containing the decision on your application. This will explain what you need to do next.

Your partner and children

Your partner and children can apply to extend their permission to stay in the UK as your ‘dependants’ if they’re eligible. To do this, they must have a valid dependant visa.

Your children or those of your partner can apply to come to the UK if you have a Turkish Worker visa. They’ll need to apply for a visa as your dependant.

If their (Your children or those of your partner) application is successful, their (Your children or those of your partner) visa will end on the same date as yours.

Your relationship

A dependant partner or child is any of the following:

your husband, wife, civil partner or unmarried partner

your child under 21 - including if they were born in the UK during your stay

your child over 21 if they’re currently in the UK as your dependant

You’ll need to provide evidence of your relationship when you apply.

Your partner

You must be able to prove that either:

you’re in a civil partnership or marriage that’s recognised in the UK

you’ve been living together in a relationship for at least 2 years when you apply

Your child

Your child must:

live with you (unless they (Your child)’re in full-time education at boarding school, college or university)

not be married, in a civil partnership or have any children

be financially supported by you

If your child lives with you, you’ll need to provide evidence of their address such as:

a bank statement

credit card bills

driving licence

NHS registration document

an official letter from their (your child) university or college

Documents you must provide

For each family member in the UK applying to extend you must have:

a valid passport or other document that shows your identity and nationality

a biometric residence permit (BRP) showing their current dependant visa

proof that you have sole responsibility for any dependants aged under 21 if the other parent will not be in the UK, for example written permission or relevant legal documents

If your dependant is in the UK and was asked to register with the police when they arrived, you must also provide their police registration certificate.

Applying inside the UK (extend)

Your partner or children who are already in the UK can apply to extend their visa.

You can either:

include your dependants on your visa extension application

ask your dependant to apply separately

How to apply

If the dependant is your partner, they must apply online as a partner.

You need to apply online for your child.

They (Your partner or children who are already in the UK)’ll need your application number - you’ll get this when you apply. This number is called a Global Web Form (GWF) or a Unique Application Number (UAN). You’ll find it on emails and letters from the Home Office about your application.

Proving their identity

As part of their application, your partner and children will need to prove their identity. They’ll either:

have their fingerprints and photograph taken at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) service point - this is to get a biometric residence permit

use the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app to scan their identity document - they’ll also create or sign in to their UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account

They’ll be told what they need to do when they apply.

How long it takes to get a decision

Once they’ve applied online, proved their identity and provided their documents, they’ll usually get a decision within 6 months.

They may be able to pay to get a faster decision - they’ll be told if they can when they apply.

Applying from outside the UK

Your children or those of your partner can apply to come to the UK if you have a Turkish Businessperson visa. They’ll need to apply for a visa as your dependant.

If you’re already in the UK and want your child to join you, they must apply online for a dependant visa.

Proving their identity

have their (your partner and children) fingerprints and photograph taken at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) service point - this is to get a biometric residence permit

use the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app to scan their (your partner and children) identity document - they (your partner and children)’ll also create or sign in to their (your partner and children) UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account

They (your partner and children)’ll be told what they (your partner and children) need to do when they (your partner and children) apply.

How long it takes to get a decision

Once they (your partner and children)’ve applied online, proved their (your partner and children) identity and provided their (your partner and children) documents, they (your partner and children)’ll usually get a decision within 6 months.

They (your partner and children) may be able to pay to get a faster decision - they (your partner and children)’ll be told if they (your partner and children) can when they (your partner and children) apply.

Children born in the UK

If you have a child while you’re in the UK, they do not automatically become a British citizen.

You can apply online for their dependant visa. You must do this if you want to travel in and out of the UK with your child.

You’ll need to provide a full UK birth certificate for each child, showing the names of both parents.

You must apply for their (your partner and children) dependant visa before they (your partner and children) turn 18 if they (your partner and children) want to stay in the UK.


Child Student visa

Overview

You can apply for a Child Student visa if you’re between 4 and 17 years old and you want to study at an independent school in the UK.

You must:

have an unconditional offer of a place on a course at an independent school

be able to show you’ll have access to enough money to support you in the UK and pay for your course

have the consent of your parent or guardian to study in the UK - you’ll need to prove this when you apply

If you’re 18 or over, apply for a Student visa instead.

This visa (a Child Student visa) has replaced the Tier 4 (Child) student visa.

If you or your family are from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein

If you or your close family member started living in the UK before 1 January 2021, you may be able to apply to the free EU Settlement Scheme. The deadline is 30 June 2021.

Otherwise you need a visa to study in the UK.

Irish citizens do not need to apply for a visa or to the EU Settlement Scheme (the free EU Settlement Scheme).

When to apply

When you can apply depends on whether you’re applying from inside or outside the UK.

Applying from outside the UK

The earliest you can apply for a visa is 6 months before you start your course.

You’ll usually get a decision within 3 weeks.

Applying from inside the UK

The earliest you can apply is 3 months before your course starts.

You must apply before your current visa expires. Your new course must begin within 28 days of your current visa expiring.

You’ll usually get a decision within 8 weeks.

How long you can stay

How long you can stay depends on your age on the date you apply and the length of your course.

Age when you apply (the date you apply) | How long you can stay

Under 16 | Course length (up to 6 years) plus 4 months afterwards

16 or 17 | Course length (up to 3 years) plus 4 months afterwards

When you can travel to the UK

You can arrive in the UK up to 1 month before your course starts.

Staying longer in the UK

You may be able to:

extend your visa if you’re eligible, for example to continue your studies in the UK

switch to a Child Student visa from another visa if you’re already in the UK

Fees

It costs:

£348 to apply for a Child Student visa from outside the UK

£475 to extend or switch to a Child Student visa from inside the UK

You’ll also have to pay the healthcare surcharge as part of your application.

Check how much you’ll have to pay before you apply.

What you can and cannot do

You can study at an independent school.

If you’re 16 or over you can work:

part-time during term for up to 10 hours per week

full-time during vacations

on a work placement as part of your course (but not for more than 50% of your course)

You cannot:

study at an academy or a local authority-funded school (also known as a maintained school) or further or higher education institution

get public funds (benefits)

take a full-time permanent job or be self-employed

work as a professional sportsperson (for example a sports coach) or entertainer

apply for settlement

bring family members (‘dependants’) - if a parent wants to accompany you, they’ll need to apply for a Parent of a Child Student visa visa

If your application is successful, you’ll get a full list of what you can and cannot do with a Child Student visa.

Your course

You must have an unconditional offer of a place on a course with a licensed Child Student sponsor.

To prove this, your education provider will send you a reference number (called a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)) once they’ve offered you a place on the course (a course). You need a CAS before you can apply for your visa.

Courses you can study

You can do a course at an independent school that’s taught in line with one of the following:

the national curriculum

the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) at level 3 or below

independent school education inspection standards

You can also do a course that’s accepted as being at the same academic level by:

Office for Standards in Education (Ofsted)

Education Scotland

Estyn (in Wales)

Education and Training Inspectorate (in Northern Ireland)

You can do a short ‘pre-sessional’ course to prepare you for your main course.

You cannot do a foundation course that will prepare you for direct entry to a higher education institution.

Your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)

Once your education provider has offered you a place on a course, they’ll send you a reference number called a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS).

You’ll need to enter this reference number (a CAS) on your visa application.

Your CAS (Your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)) can cover both the pre-sessional course (a short ‘pre-sessional’ course) and your main course of study (your main course).

You must apply for your visa within 6 months of receiving your CAS.

Money you need

You must have enough money available to you to pay for your course and support you in the UK.

How much money you need depends on where you will live and who will be looking after you.

If you’ll live with your parent or guardian

Your parent must have a Parent of a Child Student visa to accompany you to the UK. If you’re over 12 your parent will not be eligible, unless you have a younger sibling who’s under 12 and also has a Child Student visa.

You must have enough money to pay for your course fees for one academic year (up to 9 months).

You’ll also need £1,560 per month (for up to 9 months) - this amount is for both you and your parent.

Your parent will need an extra £625 a month (for up to 9 months) for each additional child they accompany to the UK. The child must be your sibling and must also have a Child Student visa.

If you’re boarding at an independent school

You must have enough money to pay for your course fees and your boarding fees for one academic year (up to 9 months).

If you’ll live with a foster carer or close relative

Your foster carer or close relative (a foster carer or close relative) must confirm they (a foster carer or close relative) have at least £570 per month (for up to 9 months).

Your foster carer or close relative (a foster carer or close relative) must be a British citizen or be settled (have ‘indefinite leave to remain’) in the UK. They (a foster carer or close relative) cannot be your parent.

If you’re 16 or 17 and living independently

You’ll also need either:

£1,334 per month (for up to 9 months) if you’re studying in London

£1,023 per month (for up to 9 months) if you’re studying outside of London

London means the City of London and the 32 London boroughs.

Read the guidance to find out how much money you need and how to prove it.

You must prove you (or your parent) have the money for at least 28 consecutive days. The end date of the 28-day period must be within 31 days of the date you apply for your visa.

If you have a student loan or financial sponsorship, you’ll need to provide evidence of this from your loan or sponsorship company.

When you do not need to prove you have money to support yourself

You do not need to prove you have money to support yourself if you’ve had a valid UK visa for at least 12 months immediately prior to the date of your Child Student visa application - you must currently be in the UK.

If you’re from a country listed under the ‘differential evidence requirement’

You do not need to prove you have enough money to support yourself if you’re a British national overseas or from one of the following countries or territories:

Australia

Austria

Bahrain

Barbados

Belgium

Botswana

Brazil

Brunei

Bulgaria

Cambodia

Canada

Chile

China

Croatia

Republic of Cyprus

Czech Republic

Denmark

The Dominican Republic

Estonia

Finland

France

Germany

Greece

Hong Kong

Hungary

Iceland

Indonesia

Ireland

Italy

Japan

Kazakhstan

Kuwait

Latvia

Liechtenstein

Lithuania

Luxembourg

Macao

Malaysia

Malta

Mauritius

Mexico

Netherlands

New Zealand

Norway

Oman

Peru

Poland

Portugal

Qatar

Romania

Serbia

Singapore

Slovakia

Slovenia

South Korea

Spain

Sweden

Switzerland

Taiwan

Thailand

Tunisia

United Arab Emirates

United States of America

However, you might be asked to provide this evidence before you get a decision on your application.

If you do need to provide it (this evidence), you’ll be contacted by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) after you’ve submitted your application.

Documents you'll need to apply

When you apply for your Child Student visa you must provide:

a current passport or other valid travel documentation

a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from your course provider

written consent from your parent or legal guardian for your study in the UK

You may also need to provide:

proof that you have enough money to support yourself and pay for your course - this will vary depending on your circumstances

proof of your relationship to your parent or guardian (for example a birth certificate or other government issued document showing their names)

evidence of the qualifications you used to get a place on your course - if this was required by your course provider

your tuberculosis (TB) test results

written consent for your application from your financial sponsor if you’ve received sponsorship for your course fees and living costs in the last 12 months

You may need to provide additional documents depending on your circumstances. Read the guidance for the full list of documents you’ll need to provide.

You need a blank page in your passport for your visa if you need to give your biometric information (fingerprints and a photograph) at a visa application centre. You’ll be told if you need to do this when you apply.

Parental consent

You must have written consent from both parents (or one parent if they have sole responsibility) or legal guardian. This (Parental consent) must confirm they consent to:

your visa application

your living arrangements and care in the UK

your travel to the UK

If you’re living with a close relative or foster carer, you’ll need to provide additional evidence. Read the guidance for the full list of documents you’ll need to provide.

Apply

You must apply online for a Child Student visa.

Check which documents you’ll need to apply.

Apply outside the UK

As part of your application, you’ll need to prove your identity. How you do this depends on where you’re from and what type of passport you have.

You’ll either:

have your fingerprints and photograph taken at a visa application centre

use the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app to scan your identity document (you’ll also create or sign into your UK Visas and Immigration account)

You’ll be told what you need to do when you apply.

Once you’ve started your application, you can save your form and complete it later.

Start now

How long it takes to get a decision

You’ll usually get a decision within 3 weeks.

If you need to give your biometric information at a visa application centre, you may be able to pay to get a faster decision. Check if your visa application centre offers faster decisions and other services.

Apply inside the UK

You may be able to apply to:

extend your Child Student visa

switch to a Child Student visa from another type of visa

After you apply

You’ll be contacted if your application is complex and will take longer, for example because:

your supporting documents need to be verified

you need to attend an interview (if you’re 16 or 17)

of your personal circumstances (for example if you have a criminal conviction)

If you need to change something in your application after you’ve sent it, contact UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).

You can ask to withdraw your application by contacting UKVI. Your fee will only be refunded if UKVI has not started processing your application.

After you get a decision

If your application is successful, you’ll get either:

a biometric residence permit - if you gave your biometric information at a visa application centre

a digital immigration status which you can view and prove online - if you used the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app

Find out what happens after you get your decision.

Extend your visa

You may be able to apply to extend your Child Student visa to stay longer in the UK. This (Extend) includes if you currently have a Tier 4 (Child) student visa.

To extend your visa you must:

be in the UK on a Child Student visa (or a Tier 4 (Child) student visa)

have an unconditional offer of a place on a course with a licensed Child Student sponsor - shown by your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)

If you’ve been in the UK with a valid visa for less than 12 months, you’ll need to prove you have enough money to support yourself.

When to apply

The earliest you can apply is 3 months before your course starts.

You must apply before your current visa expires. Your new course must begin with 28 days of your current visa expiring.

For example, if your visa expires on 1 December, you must apply for a new visa before 1 December. Your new course must begin by 29 December.

You must also apply within 6 months of getting a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS).

You can stay in the UK until you get your decision.

If you applied for an administrative review because your application was refused, you can stay in the UK until you get your review decision.

Fees

You’ll need to pay:

£475 to extend this visa

the healthcare surcharge - check how much you’ll have to pay

You may need to pay £19.20 to have your biometric information (fingerprints and a photo) taken.

Apply

You must apply online.

As part of your application you’ll need to prove your identity.

How you do this (prove) depends on where you’re from and the type of passport you have.

You’ll either:

give your fingerprints and a photograph (biometric information) at a
UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) service point

use the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app to scan your identity document (you will also create or sign in to your UK Visas and Immigration account)

You’ll be told what you need to do when you apply.

Start now

You must not travel outside of the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man until you get a decision. Your application will be withdrawn if you do.

How long it takes to get a decision

A decision will usually be made within 8 weeks.

You may be able to pay to get a faster decision - you’ll be told if you can when you apply.

After you apply

You’ll be contacted if your application is complex and will take longer, for example because:

your supporting documents need to be verified

you need to attend an interview (if you’re 16 or 17)

of your personal circumstances (for example if you have a criminal conviction)

You can ask to withdraw your application by contacting UKVI (UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI)). Your fee will only be refunded if UKVI (UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI)) has not started processing your application.

If your application is successful

If your application is successful, you’ll get either:

a biometric residence permit - if you gave your biometric information at a UKVCAS centre

Switch to this visa

You may be able to change (‘switch’) to a Child Student visa from another visa. You must be between 4 and 17 years old.

You cannot switch to a Child Student visa if you have one of the following:

a visitor visa

a short-term student visa

leave outside the immigration rules

If you have settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, you do not need to apply for a visa.

Eligibility

To switch to a Child Student visa you must:

be in the UK

be between 4 and 17 years old

have an unconditional offer of a place on a course with a licensed Child Student sponsor - show by your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)

When to apply

The earliest you can apply is 3 months before your course (a course) starts.

You must apply before your current visa expires. Your new course (a course) must begin with 28 days of your current visa expiring.

You must also apply within 6 months of getting a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS).

You can stay in the UK until you get your decision.

Fees

You’ll need to pay:

£475 to switch to this visa

the healthcare surcharge - check how much you’ll have to pay

You may need to pay £19.20 to have your biometric information (fingerprints and a photo) taken.

Apply

You must apply online.

As part of your application you’ll need to prove your identity.

How you do this (prove) depends on where you’re from and the type of passport you have.

You’ll either:

You’ll be told what you need to do when you apply.

Start now

How long it takes to get a decision

A decision will usually be made within 8 weeks.

You may be able to pay to get a faster decision - you’ll be told if you can when you apply.

After you apply

You’ll be contacted if your application is complex and will take longer, for example because:

your supporting documents need to be verified

you need to attend an interview (if you’re 16 or 17)

of your personal circumstances (for example if you have a criminal conviction)

If your application is successful

If your application is successful, you’ll get either:

a biometric residence permit - if you gave your biometric information at a UKVCAS (UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI)) centre


Apply to settle in the UK if your partner dies

Overview and fees

You may be eligible to apply for settlement (indefinite leave to remain in the UK) if your partner has died. Your partner must have either:

been a British citizen

had indefinite leave to remain in the UK

been from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and had pre-settled status

Your permission to be in the UK must have been based on being their (Your partner) partner as part of a family visa. A ‘partner’ is one of the following:

your spouse (husband or wife)

your civil partner

someone you were living with in a relationship that’s like a marriage or civil partnership

When to apply

You can apply any time after your partner’s (your partner) death. You do not have to wait until your current visa expires.

You must be in the UK when you apply.

Fees

The application fee is £2,389.

You also need to pay £19.20 to have your biometric information (fingerprints and a photo) taken.

If you have family members applying for settlement with you, you’ll need to pay the £2,389 application fee (The application fee) and the £19.20 biometric information fee for each person.

How long you can stay

Getting indefinite leave to remain means you can continue to live and work in the UK for as long as you like. It will also mean you’re eligible:

to work in any job

to run a business

for public services, such as healthcare and schools

for public funds and pensions

for British citizenship, if you meet the requirements

Eligibility

Your permission to be in the UK must be based on your relationship.

Before your partner died, you must have got a family visa as their partner (but not as their fiancé, fiancée or proposed civil partner).

When your partner died, you must have:

been living together in the UK

intended to live together permanently in the UK

Your partner must not have been living permanently in any another country.

You do not need to take the Life in the UK Test or prove your English language skills.

When your application can be refused

Your application might be refused if, for example, you’ve:

got a criminal record in the UK or another country

provided false or incomplete information to the Home Office

broken UK immigration law

Documents you must provide

You must provide:

a current passport or other valid travel identification

any previous passports you’ve had while living in the UK

your biometric residence permit, if you have one

your police registration certificate (unless you did not need to register)

your partner’s death certificate

proof of your relationship, for example your certificate of marriage or civil partnership

proof that you and your partner were living together

Proof that you were living together

You need documents to show that you lived with your partner until they (your partner) died, starting from when you got permission to be in the UK as their (your partner) partner.

Provide 6 official documents addressed to both of you, or each of you individually, at the same address.

Include as many different types of documents as you can, for example:

gas, water or electricity bills

telephone bills

Council Tax bills

bank statements and letters

letters from a government department

letters about your TV Licence

tenancy agreements

mortgage agreement or statements

letters from your GP, a hospital or health service

Applying for your children

Your children may be eligible to get settlement (indefinite leave to remain in the UK) at the same time as you.

You can include your children as ‘dependants’ on your application form if all the following are true:

they (your children) have permission to be in the UK based on being your partner’s (your partner) dependant

they (your children) were under 18 when this permission (permission to be in the UK) was given - it does not matter if they (your children)’ve turned 18 since

they (your children)’re going to live with you in the UK

they (your children)’ll have somewhere to live and be financially supported without using public funds

they (your children)’re not married or in a civil partnership

If your children do not meet these conditions, they (your children) may still be able to apply separately. Find out if they (your children) can apply to settle in the UK.

Your child’s application can be refused, for example if they’ve broken UK immigration law. Read the guidance on why applications can be refused.

Documents you must provide for your children

For each child you include on your application form, you must provide:

a birth certificate if they (your children) were born in the UK

their (your children) biometric residence permit, if they (your children) have one

their (your children) police registration certificate if they (your children)’re 16 or over (unless they (your children) did not need to register)

proof they (your children) live permanently with you, for example letters from your child’s school or doctor

How to apply

You must apply online. You need to be in the UK when you apply.

Get help using a computer to apply online

You can get help with:

accessing a computer or the internet

finding the right information on GOV.UK

You cannot get advice on:

whether you’re eligible to apply

what information to put in your application

an application you’ve already made

Providing biometric information and supporting documents

When you apply, you’ll be asked to make an appointment at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) service point to provide your biometric information (your fingerprints and a photo).

You’ll also need to submit your supporting documents (supporting documents). You can:

upload them (supporting documents) into the online service

have them (supporting documents) scanned at your UKVCAS (UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS)) appointment

You must not travel outside of the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man until you get a decision. Your application will be withdrawn if you do.

Any children aged 6 or over must provide biometric information if you’re applying for them on your form.

How long it takes

You’ll be told whether your application has been successful within 6 months.

You’ll be contacted if your application is complex and will take longer, for example:

if your supporting documents (supporting documents) need to be verified

if you need to attend an interview

because of your personal circumstances, for example if you have a criminal conviction


Indefinite leave to remain if you have an Innovator visa

Overview

You may be eligible for indefinite leave to remain if you have an Innovator visa.

You cannot apply until March 2022 at the earliest - 3 years after this way to settle (indefinite leave to remain) was introduced.

Indefinite leave to remain is how you settle in the UK. It (indefinite leave to remain) gives you the right to live, work and study here for as long as you like, and apply for benefits if you’re eligible. You can use it (indefinite leave to remain) to apply for British citizenship.

Eligibility

You must have:

lived in the UK for 3 years using an Innovator visa - you cannot include time spent in the UK using any other visa

a new endorsement that shows you’ve met the requirements for growing your business

Knowledge of life in the UK

If you’re 18 to 64 you must pass the Life in the UK Test.

Time outside the UK

You must have spent no more than 180 days outside the UK in any 12 months.

If you think you’re affected by this rule, find out how to calculate your time in the UK (‘continuous residence’).

When to apply

You’ll be able to apply 28 days before you’re eligible. Your application may be refused if you apply earlier.

Do not wait until your current visa expires. If your visa expires before you can apply for indefinite leave to remain, you’ll need to renew it first.

Fees and how long it takes

It costs £2,389 for each person applying. You can include your partner and children on the same application form, if they’re eligible.

You also need to pay £19.20 per person to have your biometric information (fingerprints and a photo) taken.

You’ll usually get a decision within 6 months.

You must not travel outside of the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man until you get a decision. Your application will be withdrawn if you do.

You’ll be contacted if your application is complex and will take longer, for example:

if your supporting documents need to be verified

if you need to attend an interview

because of your personal circumstances, for example if you have a criminal conviction

Getting endorsed

Before you can apply, you must show an approved body that you’ve grown your business.

If you meet the criteria, the body (an approved body) will give you an endorsement letter to show that you’re eligible for indefinite leave to remain.

Once you’ve got your letter, you must apply for indefinite leave to remain within 3 months.

You do not need to use the same body that endorsed you for your Innovator visa.

Endorsement requirements

You must be actively managing and developing the business.

Your business (the business) must be:

registered with Companies House, and you’re either the director or a member

currently trading, and be able to continue for at least the next 12 months

Your business (the business) must have done 2 of the following:

had £50,000 of investment, which you’ve spent on developing the business

doubled the number of customers in the last 3 years - and this number is higher than the average for similar businesses

applied for intellectual property protection in the UK

made £1 million revenue in the last full year covered by accounts

made £500,000 revenue in the last full year covered by accounts, with £100,000 of this from exporting overseas

created the equivalent of 10 full-time jobs that have existed for 12 months

created the equivalent of 5 full-time jobs that have existed for 12 months, with an average salary of £25,000 a year

You may have already met some of these criteria when you applied for your visa.

If you’ve created jobs

The jobs you’ve created (jobs) must be for ‘settled workers’. A settled worker is someone who was one of the following when they started working for you:

a British citizen

an EEA citizen who was living in the UK and working for you by 31 December 2020

a Commonwealth citizen with a UK Ancestry visa

someone with indefinite leave to remain or settled status

Family members

You can include your partner and children on your application if they’re eligible.

Your partner and children can apply separately at a later date, for example if they’re not eligible yet. They can continue to extend their visa as your dependant, even after you get indefinite leave to remain.

Eligibility for partners

Your partner may qualify if all of the following apply:

they (Your partner) have permission to be in the UK as your partner (as a ‘dependant’ on your Innovator visa)

they (Your partner)’ve lived in the UK with you as your dependant for at least 5 continuous years

your relationship is genuine

you intend to keep living together

you have enough income to support yourselves and your dependants

you’re not using public funds (benefits)

Your partner can include time they’ve spent as your dependant on another visa to count towards the continuous years they need to qualify. They cannot count any time spent on their own visa (not as your dependant).

Your partner must also:

pass the Life in the UK Test

meet the English language requirements

Eligibility for children

You can include children as dependants on your application if:

they have permission to be in the UK as your child (as a ‘dependant’ on your visa)

they are not married, in a civil partnership or living an independent life

they will live with you and be supported by you without relying on public funds (benefits)

you and your child’s other parent are both currently applying to settle, or are already settled

Your child (your child’s) can also apply to settle in one of the following situations:

you’re the child’s (your child’s) sole surviving parent

you have sole responsibility for your child (your child’s), or they normally live with you

there are serious or compelling reasons why they should be allowed to stay, for example you or your child (your child’s) has a serious illness

Extra documents for children over 16

You’ll need to prove:

where they (children over 16) live - if they (children over 16) do not live with you, you’ll need to explain why

any rent or upkeep they (children over 16) pay you each month

that you support them (children over 16) financially if they (children over 16) do not live with you

You’ll need to provide 2 documents from this list to prove where they (children over 16) live:

bank statement

credit card bill

driving licence

NHS registration document

a letter from their (children over 16) current school, college or university, on headed paper and issued by an authorised official of that organisation

The documents you provide (2 documents from this list) cannot be more than a month old on the date you make your application.

If your child lives away from home, you’ll need to provide:

bank statements for you and your child (your child’s) covering the 3 months before the date you apply (the date you make your application) (to prove you’ve supported them (your child))

confirmation from their (your child) university or college on headed paper and issued by an authorised official (if they (your child)’re studying)

Children 18 and over

You can only include older children in your application if they both:

were under 18 when they (they both) got permission to be in the UK as your dependant

still do not live an independent life - for example, they (they both) have not got married or had children

They (they both) also need to:

pass the Life in the UK Test

meet the English language requirements

If your child is over 18 by the time you apply and does not meet these requirements, they must apply separately.

How to apply

You cannot apply for indefinite leave to remain using an Innovator visa until March 2022 at the earliest.

Other ways to stay in the UK

If you’re not eligible to apply using an Innovator visa, you may be able to stay in the UK another way. Check if you can:

extend your permission to stay in the UK

use a different way to apply for indefinite leave to remain


Life in the UK Test

Book the Life in the UK Test

This is the only official government service for booking the Life in the UK Test. You need to take the test (the Life in the UK Test) as part of your application for British citizenship or settlement in the UK.

You must book your Life in the UK Test (the Life in the UK Test) online at least 3 days in advance. It costs £50.

There are over 30 test centres in the UK. You can choose where to take your test when you book.

Prepare for the test (the Life in the UK Test)

You’ll be tested on information in the official handbook for the Life in the UK Test. You should study it to prepare for the test (the Life in the UK Test). The handbook is available as a book, an eBook, an e-Learning subscription or in audio formats.

You’ll have 45 minutes to answer 24 questions about British traditions and customs.

Book the test (the Life in the UK Test)

You need all of the following to book a test:

email address

debit or credit card

an accepted form of ID

Start now

Accepted forms of ID

You can use one of the following as ID to book the test (the Life in the UK Test):

valid passport

valid travel document with a photo (you cannot use an emergency travel document)

biometric residence permit

biometric residence card

Check the ‘Identification requirements’ document to make sure the ID you have is acceptable.

Email nationalityenquiries@homeoffice.gov.uk for help if you do not have any of these documents (the following).

The name you give on your test booking must be an exact match with the name on the ID you use to book the test (the Life in the UK Test).

If you have a previous gender (including a different name) that you do not want the test centre staff to see or for it to show on your test result, email sensitivebookings@homeoffice.gov.uk before booking your test. They’ll tell you what you need to do.

If you have a disability

You can make special requests when you book your test, for example if you have a disability and need extra equipment or help accessing the centre.

Get help

Contact the Life in the UK Test Helpline if you need help with your booking.

When you do not need to take the test (the Life in the UK Test)

You do not need to take the test (the Life in the UK Test) if you:

are under 18

are 65 or over

have passed it (the Life in the UK Test) before - for example, if you’re applying to become a citizen and already passed it as part of your settlement application

have a long-term physical or mental condition - you must provide either a form or letter from a doctor confirming your physical or mental condition

If you’re an EU citizen and you were living in the UK by 31 December 2020, you can apply to the EU Settlement Scheme to continue living here after 30 June 2021. If you want to move to the UK from 1 January 2021, you may need to apply for a visa.

What happens at the test (the Life in the UK Test)

You have 45 minutes to answer 24 questions based on the Life in the UK handbook.

You cannot bring children or other family members with you to the centre.

What to bring to your test (the Life in the UK Test)

You must bring the same ID that you used to book the test (the Life in the UK Test). Your photo will also be taken on the day to confirm your ID.

You will not be able to take the test (the Life in the UK Test) and you will not get a refund if you do not bring the correct ID or if you refuse to have your photo taken.

If you pass the test (the Life in the UK Test)

You must score 75% or more to pass the test (the Life in the UK Test).

You’ll get a ‘unique reference number’. You’ll need this number to complete your citizenship or settlement application. The Home Office will use it to check that you’ve passed.

If you took your test before 17 December 2019, you’ll have a letter with a ‘test reference ID’ instead of a unique reference number.

If you have lost your letter, send a letter explaining that you have lost it with your citizenship or settlement application.

If you fail the test (the Life in the UK Test)

You must wait 7 days before taking the test (the Life in the UK Test) again, but you can take the test (the Life in the UK Test) as many times as you need to. You need to book and pay again each time.

Cancellations, refunds and complaints

You must cancel your test if you cannot make it.

You’ll get a refund if you cancel your test at least 3 days (72 hours) before you’re due to take the test. You will not get a refund if you cancel or rearrange within 3 days of your test.

How to cancel

Sign into your Life in the UK account.

Select ‘Confirmed tests’.

Select ‘Cancel tests’.

If you’re eligible for a refund due to cancellation, the £50 fee will be refunded to the card you used to book the test (the Life in the UK Test) - you do not need to contact UK Visas and Immigration.

You can then book a test on another date.

Ask for a refund

You can ask for a refund if the test centre cancels the test (your test).

You cannot ask for a refund for any other reason, for example if you brought the wrong ID, you were ill, you were late, you did not bring the right documents or you refused to have your photo taken.

You must ask for a refund within 3 months of the test date. The fee (the £50 fee) will be refunded to the card you used to book the test (your test).

Contact PSI to ask for a refund.

Or write to PSI e-Assessments.

Make a complaint

Contact PSI to make a complaint.

You’ll get a response within 10 working days.

You must make your complaint within 3 months of the test date.


Apply for a Home Office travel document

Overview

You can apply for a document to travel outside the UK if:

you are not British

you cannot use or get a passport from your country’s national authorities

your country’s national authorities cannot give you a new passport

If you have already applied

It’s taking longer than usual to return supporting documents because of coronavirus (COVID-19).

If you changed address after you submitted your application, contact the Home Office immediately to let them know. If you do not, your documents may be sent to the wrong address.

Email the Home Office (the Home Office) travel document enquiries team with ‘Change of address’ and your name in the subject line.

Eligibility

To apply you must be living in the UK because of one of the following:

you have permission to stay as a refugee or stateless person

you have humanitarian protection and it has been officially accepted that you have a fear of your country’s national authorities

you have permission to stay (known as ‘leave to remain’) or are settled in the UK (known as ‘indefinite leave to remain’), but you cannot get a passport or travel document from your country’s national authorities

You must be in the UK when you apply.

Refugee travel document

You can apply for a refugee travel document if either:

you have refugee status in the UK

you originally came to the UK on a family reunion visa to join someone who has refugee status

How long it (a refugee travel document) will be valid for

Your document (a refugee travel document) will usually be valid for up to 10 years if you’re settled in the UK (known as having ‘indefinite leave to remain’). If you have permission to stay (known as ‘leave to remain’), your document (a refugee travel document) will usually be valid up to 5 years.

If you’re 15 or under, the document (a refugee travel document) will usually be valid for up to 5 years.

Countries you can travel to

You can usually travel to all countries except:

the country you’re from

any country you sought asylum from

Before you travel

Check which documents you’ll need before you book your travel.

Ask the authorities of the country you’re visiting or travelling through if:

the country (the country you’re visiting or travelling through) accepts refugee travel documents

you need a visa to enter the country (the country you’re visiting or travelling through)

You should also check if coronavirus (COVID-19) travel restrictions will affect your journey.

Fees

It costs:

£75 for adults (it’s free if you were born before 1 September 1929)

£49 for children 15 or under

Stateless person’s travel document

You can apply for a stateless person’s travel document if you have been recognised as stateless in the UK.

How long it will be valid for

Your document (a stateless person’s travel document) will usually be valid for up to 10 years if you’re settled in the UK (known as having ‘indefinite leave to remain’). If you have permission to stay (known as ‘leave to remain’), your document (a stateless person’s travel document) will usually be valid up to 5 years.

If you’re 15 or under, the document (a stateless person’s travel document) will usually be valid for up to 5 years.

Countries you can travel to

You can usually travel to all countries on a stateless person’s travel document.

Before you travel

Check which documents you’ll need before you book your travel. Ask the authorities of the country you’re visiting or travelling through if:

the country (the country you’re visiting or travelling through) accepts UK stateless person’s travel documents

Fees

It costs:

£49 for children 15 or under

Certificate of travel

You can apply for a certificate of travel if one of the following is true:

you have permission to stay (known as ‘leave to remain’) or are settled in the UK (known as ‘indefinite leave to remain’), and you have been refused a passport or travel document by your country’s national authorities

you are in the UK with humanitarian protection and it’s been officially accepted you have a fear of your country’s national authorities as part of your asylum application

you are in the UK on a family reunion visa because you’ve joined someone who has humanitarian protection

you were born in the UK as the child of someone with refugee status and you have permission to stay but do not have refugee status yourself

you have an important reason to travel and your country’s national authorities are unable to issue you with a passport or emergency travel document quickly

Proving you have an important reason to travel

You must provide evidence of why you need to travel urgently, as well as evidence that your passport or emergency travel document application was refused.

The following situations are examples of valid reasons why you might need to travel urgently:

essential employment, business or educational trips (but not holidays)

compelling or compassionate reasons - for example, a family member is seriously ill or has died

religious reasons

Proving you have been ‘unreasonably refused’ a travel document

Depending on your circumstances, you might need to prove that you’ve applied for a passport from your country’s national authorities and your application was ‘unreasonably refused’.

You must provide evidence of this (applied) if one of the following is true:

you do not have permission to be in the UK as a refugee or stateless person

you have humanitarian protection but it has not been officially accepted that you have a fear of your country’s national authorities

Your application is not considered ‘unreasonably refused’ if one of the following is true:

you applied incorrectly or without enough supporting evidence to confirm your identity and nationality

you are required to complete military service in your home country

you have a criminal record in your home country

you did not comply with tax rules in your home country

You do not have to prove that you’ve been ‘unreasonably refused’ a passport if one of the following is true:

you have been granted humanitarian protection and it’s been officially accepted you have a fear of your country’s national authorities

you must be in your country (your country’s) to apply for a passport

your country’s national authorities cannot issue passports in the UK or send an application to your own country (your home country) to be processed

How long it will be valid for

A certificate of travel is usually valid either:

for up to 5 years if you’re settled in the UK (known as having ‘indefinite leave to remain’)

until the end of your permission to stay in the UK (known as having ‘leave to remain’)

It (A certificate of travel) may be shorter if it (A certificate of travel)’s being issued for exceptional reasons.

Countries you can travel to

You can usually travel to most countries with a certificate of travel.

If you have been given humanitarian protection because it’s been accepted you have a fear of a country’s national authorities, you cannot travel to that country.

Before you travel

the country (the country you’re visiting or travelling through) accepts certificates of travel

you need a visa to enter the country (the country you’re visiting or travelling through)

Fees

It (A certificate of travel) costs:

£280 for adults

£141 for children 15 and under

One way travel document

You can apply for a one way travel document if you meet all of the following criteria:

you are not a British citizen

you do not have a valid passport or travel document from the country you’re from (your country’s)

you are not in the process of being deported from the UK

you want to leave the UK permanently

you do not have outstanding criminal proceedings in the UK

You do not need to be settled in the UK (known as having ‘leave to remain’) to apply.

How long it (A certificate of travel) will be valid for

The document (a one way travel document) will be valid for 12 months from the date it (a one way travel document)’s issued.
It (a one way travel document)’s for a single journey out of the UK - you cannot use it (a one way travel document) to come back.

Before you travel

the country (the country you’re visiting or travelling through) accepts one way travel documents

Fees

It (A certificate of travel) costs:

£75 for adults

£49 for children 15 and under

Family members

Each family member must apply for their own travel document separately.

If your child is not a British citizen

If your child is not a British citizen, they may be able to apply for a travel document if all of the following are true:

they (your child) have the same permission to stay in the UK as their (your child) parents

they (your child) have a biometric residence permit (BRP)

they (your child) meet the relevant eligibility criteria for the travel document they (your child)’re applying for

If your child was born in the UK

Your child may be able to become a British citizen, and be entitled to a British passport, if they were born in the UK to a parent who:

was settled in the UK (known as having ‘indefinite leave to remain’) on the date of the child’s (Your child) birth

was a British citizen on the date of the child’s (Your child) birth

Check if your child can become a British citizen.

How to apply

Before you apply

If you have less than 6 months’ permission to stay in the UK (known as ‘leave to remain’), you need to extend it before you apply for a travel document.

If you have a biometric residence permit (BRP), make sure it has not expired and all the details are correct before you apply for a travel document.

You’ll need to:

apply for a replacement BRP if yours has expired

contact the team that issued your BRP (a biometric residence permit (BRP)) if your details are not correct (their contact information will be on your letter or email notification)

Apply

The type of travel document you can apply for depends on what kind of permission to stay you have - for example, if you have refugee status or are recognised as stateless.

You can find what kind of permission to stay you have on your BRP or your Home Office decision letter.

If you apply for the wrong type of travel document, your application will be refused and you will not get a refund. You’ll have to submit a new application and pay the fee if you want to apply again.

It’s taking longer than usual to process applications because of coronavirus (COVID-19).

How to apply

To apply for a travel document you need to:

complete the online form

send supporting documents by post

You can get help with completing the online form if you:

do not feel confident using a computer or mobile device

do not have internet access

You cannot get immigration advice through this service.

Send supporting documents by post

You’ll be told in the online application (the online form):

which documents to send

where to send them (supporting documents)

You’ll need to send original documents.

Do not send your BRP - you’ll need to keep this as proof of identity.

If you have a compassionate reason for travelling

If you urgently need a travel document for compassionate reasons, send additional supporting evidence by email. Compassionate reasons for travelling include:

you are seriously ill

a family member or friend is seriously ill or has died

you - or someone you care for - need to travel abroad for medical treatment that cannot be delayed

Attach a scan or photo of a letter confirming the reason for your travel. The letter must:

be from a doctor or hospital

be on headed paper

be in English, or be accompanied by a certified translation

include your name

include, where relevant, the name of the sick or dead person and their relationship to you

You can send a death certificate but it must be accompanied by the letter confirming the reason for your travel (a letter confirming the reason for your travel).

Where to send your supporting email

Send your email with supporting evidence (your supporting email) to the Home Office travel document enquiries team.

Put ‘New application enquiry – urgent compassionate case’ and your name in the subject line.

Withdrawing your application

You can withdraw your application at any time. In most cases you will not get a refund.

You might be able to get a refund of your application fee if both of the following are true:

you withdraw your application within 7 days of submitting it (your application)

you do not need to provide biometric information or go to a visa application centre as part of your application

Email the Home Office travel document enquiries team to withdraw your application.

Report your lost or stolen travel document

If your travel document is lost or stolen, you must report it to the Home Office (Home Office). Email the Home Office travel document enquiries team with:

your name

your date of birth

your nationality

If you have them, you must also provide your:

travel document number

Home Office reference number

biometric residence permit (BRP) number

police report and crime reference number

Reporting your document as lost or stolen does not mean that you have requested a new one.

You must also report and replace a lost or stolen BRP if you had one.

Replace your document

You can only apply for a new travel document if you are in the UK.

You may be asked to confirm your identity and immigration status with biometric data before you can get your new document (a new travel document).

If you lose your travel document outside the UK

You will have to apply for a visa to return to the UK.

If you’ve been away for less than 2 years, you can get a replacement BRP visa.

If you’ve been away from the UK for over 2 years, and you had indefinite leave to remain, you can apply online for a returning resident visa.

You’ll get a temporary travel document if you are allowed to return. You may have to give your fingerprints to confirm your identity.

When you’re back in the UK, you can apply to replace your travel document.


Get help to return home if you’re a migrant in the UK

Overview

You can get help to return to your home country. This is known as ‘voluntary return’.

If you are eligible, the voluntary returns service can:

explain your options for returning home

help you get travel documents, such as a passport

pay for travel tickets, if you are unable to

You can still get help if you’re already making your own plans to return to your home country.

You may also be eligible to apply for financial support of up to £3,000, which you can use to find somewhere to live, find a job or start a business in your home country.

Who can get help

You can usually apply for help to return home (‘voluntary return’) if any of the following are true:

you’re in the UK illegally or have overstayed your visa or permission to stay

you’ve withdrawn, or want to withdraw, your application to stay in the UK

you’ve made a claim for asylum in the UK

you have a letter from UK Visas and Immigration confirming you’re a victim of modern slavery

When you cannot apply

You cannot apply for voluntary return if you:

are currently being investigated by the police or detained by the Home Office

have been given a prison sentence that’s 12 months or longer

have been convicted of an immigration offence and given a deportation order

have already been given humanitarian protection, indefinite leave to remain or refugee status in the UK

have a Service Providers from Switzerland visa

have a Frontier Worker permit

have an S2 Healthcare Visitor visa

If you or your family are from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein

You cannot apply for voluntary return if you either:

applied for, or have, settled or pre-settled status under the EU settlement scheme - even if you withdraw your application

started living in the UK before 1 January 2021 and meet the ‘right to reside’ criteria

Who can get financial support

The voluntary returns service can provide up to £3,000 in financial support to help you after you leave the UK. If you are eligible, you will receive a single payment on a card before you leave the UK. You can only use the card in your home country.

You can apply for financial support if any of the following are true:

you are returning to a ‘developing country’, as defined by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)

your claim for asylum in the UK has been refused

you’re part of a family group that will travel together, including someone under 18 years old

you’re under 18 and travelling alone

you’re under 21 and a care leaver

you’re sleeping rough

you need more help with your return - for example, because you have a medical condition

Contact the voluntary returns service if you’re not sure whether or not you’re eligible.

How to apply

To apply online for help to return to your home country you’ll need:

your address in the UK

an email address

You cannot apply if you’ve booked a flight to leave the UK in the next 7 days.

Apply for help online to return to your home country.

Get help to apply online

You can get help with completing the online form if you:

do not feel confident using a computer or mobile device

do not have access to the internet or a device

You cannot get immigration advice through this service (The voluntary returns service).

If you cannot apply online

Contact the voluntary returns service.

What happens next

The Home Office will contact you within 3 days to let you know they’ve received your application.

You might need to provide further information to support your application. Your application can be cancelled if you do not do this.

If your passport or travel document is being held by the Home Office, it will be returned to you at the airport when you leave the UK.


Send mail with the British Forces Post Office (BFPO)

Find a BFPO number

You can use the British Forces Post Office (BFPO) if you’re sending mail to:

serving armed forces personnel and their families

You should only use BFPO (the British Forces Post Office (BFPO)) to send mail to someone you know - there are other ways to support members of the armed forces.

Check for updates to postal services, including changes to services because of Christmas, coronavirus or problems like severe weather or industrial action.

BFPO (the British Forces Post Office (BFPO)) numbers

See a list of all BFPO (the British Forces Post Office (BFPO)) locations with their numbers and postcodes.

Only use postcodes when ordering items from UK-based websites.

How to address BFPO (the British Forces Post Office (BFPO)) mail

Write the address clearly in capital letters, keeping exactly to the format for the role of the person you’re posting to.

Write a return address on the back of the mail.

Use a BFPO (the British Forces Post Office (BFPO)) postcode if you’re ordering goods online, or a BFPO (the British Forces Post Office (BFPO)) number for anything else.

If you use a BFPO postcode instead of a BFPO (the British Forces Post Office (BFPO)) number, it’ll still arrive but it may take longer.

Write ‘GB’ after the BFPO (the British Forces Post Office (BFPO)) number or postcode if you’re posting mail from outside the UK.

Your mail may be delayed or sent to the wrong place if you:

include the location (such as the town or country) in the address when using a BFPO (the British Forces Post Office (BFPO)) number

write anything else on the packaging

Address format for service personnel

Address format for family

Use this format (Address format for family) if the item is for a dependant of a serving member of HM Forces.

Use this format (Address format for non-service personnel) if the item is for an employee of the Ministry of Defence (MOD), or another official organisation, who’s entitled to use BFPO (the British Forces Post Office (BFPO)).

Customs declarations

You’ll need to make a customs declaration if you’re sending something outside of the UK.

Parcels up to 2kg are delivered by Royal Mail. You must include:

form CN22 - for contents worth up to £270

form CN23 - for contents worth more than £270

Parcels over 2kg and up to 30kg are delivered by Parcelforce. You must include a form PFU 509/CP72 with these - get one from your local Post Office.

Cost, size and weight

The cost of using British Forces Post Office (BFPO) (the British Forces Post Office (BFPO)) depends on the size and weight of the letter or parcel you’re sending.

Standard letter

Length: up to 240mm
Width: up to 165mm
Thickness: up to 5mm

Weight range | Cost

Up to 100g | £0.85

Large letter

Length: up to 353mm
Width: up to 250mm
Thickness: up to 25mm

Weight range | Cost

Up to 100g | £1.29

101g to 250g | £1.83

251g to 500g | £2.39

501g to 750g | £3.30

Small parcels

Length: up to 450mm
Width: up to 350mm
Thickness: up to 160mm

Weight range | Cost

Up to 1,000g | £3.85

1,001g to 2,000g | £5.57

If you’re sending a cylindrical parcel, double the diameter and add this to the length. The total cannot be more than 1,040mm. The biggest dimension cannot be more than 900mm.

Medium parcels (Royal Mail)

The medium parcels service is available at Forces Post Offices and UK Post Office branches.

Add up the length, width and depth. This cannot be more than 900mm.

Weight range | Cost

Up to 1kg | £6

1.1kg to 2kg | £9.02

Up to to 5kg | £15.85

5.1kg to 10kg | £21.90

10.1kg to 20kg | £33.40

Worldwide parcels (ParcelForce)

There are certain size and weight restrictions depending on which service you choose and where you’re sending your parcel.

Maximum weight | Cost

2kg | £9

5kg | £11.60

10kg | £13.45

15kg | £19.35

20kg | £23.75

25kg | £34.20

30kg | £37.45

Families and friends in UK and BFPOs can send packets of up to 2kg, free of charge, to service personnel in certain operations and HM Ships.

Read more about the enduring families free mail service (Enduring families free mail service (EFFMS).

Compensation, insurance and special delivery

Read the guidance on claiming compensation for items that are lost or damaged.

What you cannot send

You cannot send some items with British Forces Post Office mail, including:

alcoholic beverages

arms and ammunition

batteries

Christmas crackers

financial documents

fragile items

indecent, obscene or offensive articles

prescription medicines and drugs sent for scientific purposes

pressurised containers (including aerosols like deodorants and shaving foams or gels)

sharp objects and instruments (including scissors and kitchen knives or utensils)

Read the detailed guidance for the full list of items you cannot send.

If you send these items (some items), your whole parcel may be delayed or returned to you.

Buying goods online

You can use the British Forces Post Office (BFPO) to order goods from certain UK-based online retailers.

See the list of retailers in this scheme.

Read the disclaimer and additional information if you want to use a company that is not on the list of approved retailers (the list of retailers in this scheme).

Send an INtouch message

The INtouch service (INtouch) has been discontinued and is no longer available.

You can send letters using the enduring families free mail service (EFFMS).

Contacts and enquiries

Read the guidance about what to do if your mail has not arrived within 30 days.

Other ways to get support

BFPO (the British Forces Post Office (BFPO)) is also on:

Twitter

Facebook


Disciplinary procedures and action against you at work

Overview

Your employer could start formal disciplinary action against you if they have concerns about your work, conduct or absence.

Before taking formal disciplinary action or dismissing you, your employer may try to raise the matter informally with you. However, they (Your employer) can go straight to their (Your employer) formal disciplinary or dismissal procedures.

Disciplinary procedures are a set way for an employer to deal with disciplinary issues. They should include a disciplinary hearing where you’re given a chance to explain your side of the story.

There should also be a chance to appeal any disciplinary action your employer decides to take.

How disciplinary procedures work

Your employer should put their disciplinary procedure in writing, and make it easily available to all staff.

It (their disciplinary procedure) should say what performance and behaviour might lead to disciplinary action and what action your employer might take.

It (their disciplinary procedure) should also include the name of someone you can speak to if you do not agree with your employer’s (Your employer) disciplinary decision.

Disciplinary steps

Your employer’s (Your employer) disciplinary procedure should include the following steps:

A letter setting out the issue.

A meeting to discuss the issue.

A disciplinary decision.

A chance to appeal this decision (A disciplinary decision).

Acas (Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service) Code of Practice

Your employer’s disciplinary procedures should follow the Acas code of practice.

Your employer does not have to follow the Acas code (the Acas code of practice). However, if they do not and you win an employment tribunal against them, you could get a larger payout.

There’s more guidance about how employers should run disciplinaries in the Acas (Acas (Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service)) guide on discipline and grievances at work.

Disciplinary procedures and employment contracts

Your employer can also put their disciplinary procedures in your employment contract.

If your employer does this (put) and then does not follow these procedures (their disciplinary procedures) you could sue them for breach of contract.

Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland has different ways of solving workplace disputes.

Disciplinary hearings

Your employer should not take any disciplinary action before meeting with you first and discussing the problem.

This disciplinary meeting (normally called a ‘hearing’) should be at a reasonable time and place.

At the hearing your employer should:

explain the complaint against you

go through the evidence

give you a chance to tell your side of the story

If you raise a significant new fact or issue at the hearing your employer might stop it and look into the issue. They (Your employer) should then rearrange the hearing at a later date.

Taking someone with you to a disciplinary hearing

You have the right to take someone with you to a disciplinary hearing, but you must tell your employer about this first.

Your companion can be either:

a colleague

a trade union representative

a trade union official

If a colleague cannot go with you and you’re not in the union you can ask to bring a family member or a Citizens Advice worker. However, your employer does not have to agree to this (take) unless your employment contract says they (Your employer) must.

The companion can:

present and/or sum up your case and say things to support your case

speak to you during the hearing

Your companion (The companion) cannot answer questions on your behalf.

Your companion (The companion) cannot be disciplined for supporting you.

Disciplinary action

After the hearing your employer should write to you as soon as possible, saying what action they (Your employer)’re going to take, and telling you about your right to appeal.

The decision might be:

no action

written warning

final warning

demotion

dismissal

It (The decision) might also be anything else that could resolve the problem, for example an agreement to mediate with a co-worker you’ve had personal problems with.

Disciplinary appeals

If you think disciplinary action taken against you is unfair you can appeal.

Write to your employer saying you’re appealing and why.

Appeal hearings

You should be offered another meeting to discuss your appeal. This appeal hearing should be held as soon as possible.

If possible it (another meeting to discuss your appeal) should be dealt with by someone who has not already been involved with your disciplinary action.

An appeal hearing (another meeting to discuss your appeal) will be similar to your original disciplinary meeting and you’ll have the right to bring a companion.

Final decision

After the appeal meeting your employer should write to you with their final decision (The decision).

Suspension from work

When a disciplinary issue is being looked into you might be suspended from work. This does not happen very often. If it does it should normally be with pay and you should be told why you’re being suspended.

Employment contracts

You can be suspended without pay if your employment contract says your employer can do this, but they must be acting reasonably.

If your employment contract does not say your employer can do this (suspended), your employer may still be able to suspend you, but with pay. To show that it (suspended)’s not a punishment the suspension will normally be on full pay.

Employment rights when suspended

You keep your employment rights while suspended. If you do not get the right pay you may be able to make a claim to an employment tribunal for ‘unlawful deduction from wages’.

Talking to other employees, customers and/or suppliers

If you’re suspended, you might be told not to talk to other employees, customers and/or suppliers. If this means you cannot defend yourself properly at a disciplinary hearing, you could make an appeal.

But if you’ve been asked not to talk and you do, your employer might decide to take further disciplinary action against you.

Help and advice with disciplinary issues

There are several organisations that could give you advice about disciplinary issues.

Acas

Acas (the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service) offers free, confidential and impartial advice about all employment rights issues.

Citizens Advice

Your local Citizens Advice can also give free and impartial advice.

Trade unions

If you’re a member of a trade union you can get help and advice from them.

Equality Advisory Support Service

Contact the Equality Advisory Support Service (Equality Advisory Support Service) for advice about discrimination, equality and human rights.

You can also find more information on the Equality Advisory Support Service website.


Raise a grievance at work

Overview

If you’re a worker and you’ve tried solving a problem or concern informally by talking to your manager but you’re not satisfied, you can make a formal grievance complaint in writing.

Your employer should have a written grievance procedure that tells you what to do and what happens at each stage of the process. After raising the grievance you’ll have a meeting to discuss the issue.

You can appeal if you do not agree with your employer’s (Your employer) decision.

Read Acas’s guide to discipline and grievances at work.

Mediation can also help resolve a problem - this can take place at any time during the dispute.

Following the Acas (Acas’s) code of practice

You and your employer should follow the Acas code of practice on disciplinary and grievance procedures (the Acas (Acas’s) code of practice).

Otherwise, if you take your claim to an employment tribunal, any compensation you might get could be adjusted by up to 25%.

Grievance procedure

Your employer should put their grievance procedure (Grievance procedure) in writing and share it (Grievance procedure) with all staff, such as on the company intranet or in the HR manual.

It (Grievance procedure) should include information about:

how to set out the details of your grievance in writing

who to send your letter to

who to write to if the normal contact person is involved in the grievance

a meeting with your employer to discuss the issue (the grievance)

how to appeal your employer’s (Your employer) decision

how long each stage should take

Mediation

Mediation is when an independent, impartial third party discusses a problem with you and your employer (or between you and another employee) to try and find a solution. It’s often used after informal discussions have not solved the issue.

Mediation is voluntary and confidential. The mediator cannot force you or your employer to accept a solution - both parties must agree on the way to solve the dispute.

It (Mediation) should not be used for problems that have to be formally investigated (such as harassment or discrimination).

Read the Acas (Acas’s) guide on mediation (the Acas (Acas’s) code of practice) for more information.

You can find a mediation service in your area.

Grievance meetings

What happens at the meeting

The aim of the meeting is to establish the facts and find a way to resolve the problem.

Your employer will run the meeting. They (Your employer)’ll normally go through the grievance and give the worker the chance to comment. You can bring supporting documents if you want.

Who can attend meetings with you

You can be accompanied to grievance meetings (and any appeal meetings) by a:

colleague

trade union representative

You may also be able to bring a family member or Citizens Advice Bureau worker, depending on the HR procedure where you work.

After the meeting

Afterwards the employer (Your employer) will write to you setting out their (Your employer) decision along with:

details of any action they (Your employer) intend to take

information about how to appeal

Appealing a grievance decision

Your employer’s (Your employer) grievance procedure will set out:

who you should submit your appeal to

the time limit within which an appeal must be made

information about any meetings that will be held

how the appeal meeting will be run

You have the right to be accompanied during any appeal meetings. If possible, a manager who has not been involved in the process should handle the appeal (your appeal).

After the appeal meeting your employer should write to you setting out their (Your employer) final decision (their (Your employer) decision).