I am the operator of a HGV. I have been told that I have broken the terms of my licence by the Traffic Commissioner. The licence has been revoked. I am not happy about the decision. What do I do to go about appealing this decision?

The traffic commissioner can decide to:

Traffic commissioner public inquiries

Overview

Traffic commissioners are responsible for licensing and regulating operators of heavy goods vehicles (HGVs), public service vehicles (PSVs) and local bus services. They can also take action against their drivers.

They can call a formal public inquiry in a court to get more evidence to help them decide if they should:

grant or refuse licences for HGV or PSV operators

take action against a vehicle operator, bus service operator or driver of a bus, minibus or lorry

This might be if someone has objected to a licence being granted or the traffic commissioner thinks an operator may have broken the terms of their licence.

A vehicle or bus service operator can also request a public inquiry but the traffic commissioner doesn’t have to hold one.

Objecting to a licence

Licence applications are made public. Objections can be made by certain public bodies and in some cases individuals.

Objections by public bodies

Bodies that can object to a licence application include:

local and planning authorities

the police

some trade associations and trade unions

When a public body can object

A public body can object to a licence about the:

professional competence of the operator or its transport manager

operator’s finances

operator’s reputation or fitness to hold a licence

operator’s arrangements for vehicle maintenance and drivers’ hours

operating centre’s environmental standards and general conditions

Objections must be put in writing to the traffic commissioner within 21 days of a licence application being made public.

You can see the latest applications and traffic commissioner decisions in the regularly updated ‘Applications and Decisions’ guides for goods vehicles and the ‘Notices and Proceedings’ guides for public service vehicles (PSVs).

Read the guide on goods vehicle operator licensing for further information.

Objections by individuals (representations)

If a vehicle operator wants to add an operating centre to a licence or make changes to an existing centre, owners and residents of land nearby can object. This is called a ‘representation’.

However, representations must be about environmental issues, such as concern over noise, and only if they’re going to affect the owner or resident’s ‘use or enjoyment’ of the land.

Read the guide on making a representation or complaint for further information.

Being called to a public inquiry

You may have to attend a public inquiry if:

someone has objected to your application for a licence or change to a licence

you have not kept to the conditions of your licence, for example you’ve used more vehicles than permitted

there are environmental concerns about a goods vehicle operating centre on your licence

your conduct has come into question, for example you’ve been caught using a mobile phone while driving

You’ll get a letter with all the details.

Notice to attend

You’ll get a minimum of:

28 days’ notice if the inquiry is about a transport manager

21 days’ notice if the inquiry is about a new or existing goods operator licence

14 days’ notice if the inquiry is about a new or existing passenger operator’s licence

You cannot ask for the hearing to be changed to another date, unless you have a good reason that can be backed up. For example, if you’re going on holiday, you may need to send evidence to show it was pre-booked.

At the public inquiry

You can decide to represent yourself or ask someone to represent you, such as a lawyer. This could be someone else like a transport consultant if the traffic commissioner agrees.

Evidence is not given under oath but witnesses have to tell the truth.

If you do not tell the truth you could lose your licence or criminal charges may follow.

What happens at the hearing

Report to the inquiry clerk as soon as you arrive. The traffic commissioner will then:

decide whether oppositions should be heard

listen to the application outline and ask questions about it

listen to objectors or a Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) traffic examiner outline their cases and ask questions

ask applicants and objectors to present their cases in detail - they or any of the parties may ask questions

question applicants on how conditions added to the licence may affect their business

ask applicants and objectors to sum up their cases

The traffic commissioner will announce their decision at the time, or give it in writing later, usually within 28 days.

Decision and penalties

The traffic commissioner can decide to:

refuse to grant a licence

refuse to vary an existing licence

attach conditions to a licence

grant a licence allowing fewer vehicles than the number applied for

impose financial penalties on registered bus service operators

end or suspend an existing licence

disqualify an individual or a company from having a licence

disqualify transport managers

You can appeal against the decision.

Appeals

You can appeal to the Upper Tribunal against a traffic commissioner decision (form UT12).

You must send the form to the tribunal within 1 month of the traffic commissioner’s written decision. The address is on the form.

Find out more about making an appeal to the Upper Tribunal.

Further information

The Office of the Traffic Commissioner has produced a detailed guide to traffic commissioner public inquiries. It includes further information on:

how you might be called to an inquiry

how you might find out if an inquiry is to be held

how they work on the day

end or suspend an existing licence

Traffic commissioner public inquiries

Overview

They can call a formal public inquiry in a court to get more evidence to help them decide if they should:

grant or refuse licences for HGV or PSV operators

take action against a vehicle operator, bus service operator or driver of a bus, minibus or lorry

Objecting to a licence

Licence applications are made public. Objections can be made by certain public bodies and in some cases individuals.

Objections by public bodies

Bodies that can object to a licence application include:

local and planning authorities

the police

some trade associations and trade unions

When a public body can object

A public body can object to a licence about the:

professional competence of the operator or its transport manager

operator’s finances

operator’s reputation or fitness to hold a licence

operator’s arrangements for vehicle maintenance and drivers’ hours

operating centre’s environmental standards and general conditions

Read the guide on goods vehicle operator licensing for further information.

Objections by individuals (representations)

Read the guide on making a representation or complaint for further information.

Being called to a public inquiry

You may have to attend a public inquiry if:

someone has objected to your application for a licence or change to a licence

you have not kept to the conditions of your licence, for example you’ve used more vehicles than permitted

there are environmental concerns about a goods vehicle operating centre on your licence

your conduct has come into question, for example you’ve been caught using a mobile phone while driving

You’ll get a letter with all the details.

Notice to attend

You’ll get a minimum of:

28 days’ notice if the inquiry is about a transport manager

21 days’ notice if the inquiry is about a new or existing goods operator licence

14 days’ notice if the inquiry is about a new or existing passenger operator’s licence

At the public inquiry

Evidence is not given under oath but witnesses have to tell the truth.

If you do not tell the truth you could lose your licence or criminal charges may follow.

What happens at the hearing

Report to the inquiry clerk as soon as you arrive. The traffic commissioner will then:

decide whether oppositions should be heard

listen to the application outline and ask questions about it

ask applicants and objectors to present their cases in detail - they or any of the parties may ask questions

question applicants on how conditions added to the licence may affect their business

ask applicants and objectors to sum up their cases

Decision and penalties

The traffic commissioner can decide to:

refuse to grant a licence

refuse to vary an existing licence

attach conditions to a licence

grant a licence allowing fewer vehicles than the number applied for

impose financial penalties on registered bus service operators

end or suspend an existing licence

disqualify an individual or a company from having a licence

disqualify transport managers

You can appeal against the decision.

Appeals

You can appeal to the Upper Tribunal against a traffic commissioner decision (form UT12).

Find out more about making an appeal to the Upper Tribunal.

Further information

how you might be called to an inquiry

how you might find out if an inquiry is to be held

how they work on the day

You can appeal against the decision.

Traffic commissioner public inquiries

Overview

They can call a formal public inquiry in a court to get more evidence to help them decide if they should:

grant or refuse licences for HGV or PSV operators

take action against a vehicle operator, bus service operator or driver of a bus, minibus or lorry

Objecting to a licence

Licence applications are made public. Objections can be made by certain public bodies and in some cases individuals.

Objections by public bodies

Bodies that can object to a licence application include:

local and planning authorities

the police

some trade associations and trade unions

When a public body can object

A public body can object to a licence about the:

professional competence of the operator or its transport manager

operator’s finances

operator’s reputation or fitness to hold a licence

operator’s arrangements for vehicle maintenance and drivers’ hours

operating centre’s environmental standards and general conditions

Read the guide on goods vehicle operator licensing for further information.

Objections by individuals (representations)

Read the guide on making a representation or complaint for further information.

Being called to a public inquiry

You may have to attend a public inquiry if:

someone has objected to your application for a licence or change to a licence

you have not kept to the conditions of your licence, for example you’ve used more vehicles than permitted

there are environmental concerns about a goods vehicle operating centre on your licence

your conduct has come into question, for example you’ve been caught using a mobile phone while driving

You’ll get a letter with all the details.

Notice to attend

You’ll get a minimum of:

28 days’ notice if the inquiry is about a transport manager

21 days’ notice if the inquiry is about a new or existing goods operator licence

14 days’ notice if the inquiry is about a new or existing passenger operator’s licence

At the public inquiry

Evidence is not given under oath but witnesses have to tell the truth.

If you do not tell the truth you could lose your licence or criminal charges may follow.

What happens at the hearing

Report to the inquiry clerk as soon as you arrive. The traffic commissioner will then:

decide whether oppositions should be heard

listen to the application outline and ask questions about it

ask applicants and objectors to present their cases in detail - they or any of the parties may ask questions

question applicants on how conditions added to the licence may affect their business

ask applicants and objectors to sum up their cases

Decision and penalties

The traffic commissioner can decide to:

refuse to grant a licence

refuse to vary an existing licence

attach conditions to a licence

grant a licence allowing fewer vehicles than the number applied for

impose financial penalties on registered bus service operators

end or suspend an existing licence

disqualify an individual or a company from having a licence

disqualify transport managers

You can appeal against the decision.

Appeals

You can appeal to the Upper Tribunal against a traffic commissioner decision (form UT12).

Find out more about making an appeal to the Upper Tribunal.

Further information

how you might be called to an inquiry

how you might find out if an inquiry is to be held

how they work on the day

Traffic commissioner public inquiries

Overview

They can call a formal public inquiry in a court to get more evidence to help them decide if they should:

grant or refuse licences for HGV or PSV operators

take action against a vehicle operator, bus service operator or driver of a bus, minibus or lorry

Objecting to a licence

Licence applications are made public. Objections can be made by certain public bodies and in some cases individuals.

Objections by public bodies

Bodies that can object to a licence application include:

local and planning authorities

the police

some trade associations and trade unions

When a public body can object

A public body can object to a licence about the:

professional competence of the operator or its transport manager

operator’s finances

operator’s reputation or fitness to hold a licence

operator’s arrangements for vehicle maintenance and drivers’ hours

operating centre’s environmental standards and general conditions

Read the guide on goods vehicle operator licensing for further information.

Objections by individuals (representations)

Read the guide on making a representation or complaint for further information.

Being called to a public inquiry

You may have to attend a public inquiry if:

someone has objected to your application for a licence or change to a licence

you have not kept to the conditions of your licence, for example you’ve used more vehicles than permitted

there are environmental concerns about a goods vehicle operating centre on your licence

your conduct has come into question, for example you’ve been caught using a mobile phone while driving

You’ll get a letter with all the details.

Notice to attend

You’ll get a minimum of:

28 days’ notice if the inquiry is about a transport manager

21 days’ notice if the inquiry is about a new or existing goods operator licence

14 days’ notice if the inquiry is about a new or existing passenger operator’s licence

At the public inquiry

Evidence is not given under oath but witnesses have to tell the truth.

If you do not tell the truth you could lose your licence or criminal charges may follow.

What happens at the hearing

Report to the inquiry clerk as soon as you arrive. The traffic commissioner will then:

decide whether oppositions should be heard

listen to the application outline and ask questions about it

ask applicants and objectors to present their cases in detail - they or any of the parties may ask questions

question applicants on how conditions added to the licence may affect their business

ask applicants and objectors to sum up their cases

Decision and penalties

The traffic commissioner can decide to:

refuse to grant a licence

refuse to vary an existing licence

attach conditions to a licence

grant a licence allowing fewer vehicles than the number applied for

impose financial penalties on registered bus service operators

end or suspend an existing licence

disqualify an individual or a company from having a licence

disqualify transport managers

You can appeal against the decision.

Appeals

You can appeal to the Upper Tribunal against a traffic commissioner decision (form UT12).

Find out more about making an appeal to the Upper Tribunal.

Further information

how you might be called to an inquiry

how you might find out if an inquiry is to be held

how they work on the day

Traffic commissioner public inquiries

Overview

They can call a formal public inquiry in a court to get more evidence to help them decide if they should:

grant or refuse licences for HGV or PSV operators

take action against a vehicle operator, bus service operator or driver of a bus, minibus or lorry

Objecting to a licence

Licence applications are made public. Objections can be made by certain public bodies and in some cases individuals.

Objections by public bodies

Bodies that can object to a licence application include:

local and planning authorities

the police

some trade associations and trade unions

When a public body can object

A public body can object to a licence about the:

professional competence of the operator or its transport manager

operator’s finances

operator’s reputation or fitness to hold a licence

operator’s arrangements for vehicle maintenance and drivers’ hours

operating centre’s environmental standards and general conditions

Read the guide on goods vehicle operator licensing for further information.

Objections by individuals (representations)

Read the guide on making a representation or complaint for further information.

Being called to a public inquiry

You may have to attend a public inquiry if:

someone has objected to your application for a licence or change to a licence

you have not kept to the conditions of your licence, for example you’ve used more vehicles than permitted

there are environmental concerns about a goods vehicle operating centre on your licence

your conduct has come into question, for example you’ve been caught using a mobile phone while driving

You’ll get a letter with all the details.

Notice to attend

You’ll get a minimum of:

28 days’ notice if the inquiry is about a transport manager

21 days’ notice if the inquiry is about a new or existing goods operator licence

14 days’ notice if the inquiry is about a new or existing passenger operator’s licence

At the public inquiry

Evidence is not given under oath but witnesses have to tell the truth.

If you do not tell the truth you could lose your licence or criminal charges may follow.

What happens at the hearing

Report to the inquiry clerk as soon as you arrive. The traffic commissioner will then:

decide whether oppositions should be heard

listen to the application outline and ask questions about it

ask applicants and objectors to present their cases in detail - they or any of the parties may ask questions

question applicants on how conditions added to the licence may affect their business

ask applicants and objectors to sum up their cases

The traffic commissioner will announce their decision at the time, or give it in writing later, usually within 28 days.

Decision and penalties

The traffic commissioner can decide to:

refuse to grant a licence

refuse to vary an existing licence

attach conditions to a licence

grant a licence allowing fewer vehicles than the number applied for

impose financial penalties on registered bus service operators

end or suspend an existing licence

disqualify an individual or a company from having a licence

disqualify transport managers

You can appeal against the decision.

Appeals

You can appeal to the Upper Tribunal against a traffic commissioner decision (form UT12).

Find out more about making an appeal to the Upper Tribunal.

Further information

how you might be called to an inquiry

how you might find out if an inquiry is to be held

how they work on the day


I applied for an Armed Forces Compensation about 3 months ago. I received a letter last week informing me that I have been declined due to insufficient information. I do have some additional documents I can submit regarding my case which I was told not to submit the first time around since I apparently I already had enough proof. Can I directly appeal to the case tribunal?

Write a letter to Veterans UK and ask them to reconsider their decision. Explain why you think the decision is wrong and give any information not included in your original claim.

War Pensions and Armed Forces Compensation Tribunal

Overview

You can appeal to the First-tier Tribunal (War Pensions and Armed Forces Compensation Chamber) if you disagree with a decision about your war pension or compensation.

You must appeal within 1 year of getting your decision letter.

The tribunal is independent of government and will listen to both sides of the argument before making a decision.

There are different tribunals in Scotland and tribunals in Northern Ireland.

Decisions the tribunal can make

The tribunal will decide whether your injury was caused or made worse by serving in the armed forces.

If it was, it can then make decisions about:

your entitlement to a pension or compensation

how much pension you get

your entitlement to extra allowances, for example for mobility needs

pension start dates

withheld pensions

The tribunal deals with appeals for the 2 pension schemes currently running, which are:

the War Pensions Scheme - for injuries caused or made worse by service before 6 April 2005

the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme - for injuries caused by service from 6 April 2005 onwards

Help you can get

You may want to get legal help or advice before you appeal.

You may also be able to get help from organisations including:

Combat Stress

Blesma: The Limbless Veterans

Burma Star Association

National Gulf Veterans and Families Association (NGVFA)

Royal Air Forces Association (RAFA)

Royal British Legion (RBL)

Soldiers Sailors and Airmen’s Families Association Forces Help (SSAFA)

UK Armed Forces Charities

How to appeal

You should appeal within one year of getting your decision letter.

Before you appeal

They will look at your case again and write to you with their decision.

Veterans UK was previously known as the Service Personnel and Veterans Agency (SPVA).

If you’re still unhappy

Contact the Veterans UK helpline and ask for an appeal form to take your case to the tribunal. Fill it in and send it back to Veterans UK.

Call if you need help filling in the form.

Late appeals

In some cases you’ll be allowed to appeal after one year, but you must explain why your appeal is late. You cannot appeal against any decision after 2 years.

After you appeal

Veterans UK will send the response to your appeal to the tribunal - you’ll get a copy of the response. The response will contain information given in your claim and the evidence used to make the decision under appeal, such as medical reports that you may regard as confidential.

You can choose to reply in writing (a ‘written submission’) explaining why you disagree with the facts they used - you must do this within one month of receiving the copy.

The tribunal will look at your case and ask for more information if they need it.

You can also send any other evidence to support your case to the tribunal.

The tribunal will tell you if there’ll be a hearing about your case.

The tribunal hearing

Hearings are usually held in major cities across England and Wales. You’ll be told where you have to go.

The tribunal will give you at least 14 days’ notice of the date of any hearing. You should be given a hearing within 4 months of the tribunal receiving a response from Veterans UK.

You must tell the tribunal if you cannot make it to the hearing - they might arrange another date if you have a good reason.

The tribunal might hold the hearing without you if do not attend.

Prepare for the hearing

You can go to the hearing on your own or ask someone to help represent you. You can also call a witness to support your case.

Organisations that can help represent you include:

Royal British Legion

Royal Air Forces Association

Combat Stress

Blesma: The Limbless Veterans

UK Armed Forces Charities

Take your appeal papers and the documents you’re using as evidence to the hearing. You should give copies of any evidence to the tribunal and Veterans UK before the tribunal hearing.

Tribunal panel

The tribunal is made up of:

a judge

a medical member

a service member

What happens at the hearing

The judge, tribunal members, Veterans UK and your representative (if you have one) will ask you questions about your case.

The tribunal will then question any witnesses you’ve brought to the hearing.

You’ll usually get a decision from the tribunal on the day of the hearing.

Expenses

You might be able to claim expenses or compensation for:

travel (only in the UK)

living expenses for the time you’re away from home

loss of earnings

More information

You can find out more about expenses or contact the tribunal for more information.

If you lose your appeal

You can ask the tribunal for permission to appeal to the Upper Tribunal (Administrative Appeals Chamber) if you lose your appeal.

You must ask for permission to appeal within 6 weeks of getting the decision.

The Upper Tribunal will look at the case to see if the original decision was correct.

Reasons for appealing

You can only appeal if you think the decision was wrong for a legal reason, including if the tribunal did not:

follow the right procedures - for example it did not tell you in time about the hearing

give proper reasons for its decision, or back up the decision with facts

apply the law properly

Before appealing, ask the original tribunal for the written statement of reasons for its decision.

Contact the Upper Tribunal

Legislation

The tribunal will make decisions based on:

the Pensions Appeal Tribunals Act 1943

The Naval, Military and Air Forces Etc. (Disablement and Death) Service Pensions Order 2006

the Armed Forces and Reserve Forces (Compensation Scheme) Order 2011

The tribunal must follow the rules and process set out in the:

the Tribunal Procedure (First-tier Tribunal) (War Pensions and Armed Forces Compensation Chamber) Rules 2008

the Tribunals, Courts and Enforcement Act 2007


I am a  full time student from a University in England . I was getting Tuition Fee Loans and received regular finance payments. Now I have dis-continued the course How to stop my student finance payments ?

You must:

Student finance if you suspend or leave your course

Overview

If you leave or suspend your studies you must:

stop your student finance

repay any student finance you are not entitled to

Your student finance includes:

Maintenance Loans

Tuition Fee Loans

grants and bursaries

How much you need to repay and when you need to repay it depends on:

what type of student finance you have

when in the academic year you leave your course

whether you’re planning to return to your course or not

If you suspend because of illness or another serious personal reason, you might still be able to get student finance while you’re away.

Stopping your student finance

You must stop your student finance payments as soon as you decide to suspend your studies or leave your course early.

This will reduce any repayments you may need to make.

Student finance covers:

Maintenance Loans

Tuition Fee Loans

grants and bursaries

How to stop your student finance payments

You must:

tell your university or college that you’re leaving or suspending your course

contact Student Finance England if you’re a student from England

The way to make contact is different if you’re a student from:

Scotland

Wales

Northern Ireland

If you suspend your studies you can usually postpone your student finance payments until you return.

Repaying your student finance

How much and when you have to repay depends on:

the type of student finance you have

Your university or college will tell your student finance provider the date you finished your studies.

Maintenance Loans

Your student finance provider will reassess your Maintenance Loan based on the number of days you attended your course.

If any of your loan covers the period after you’ve left your course, this counts as an overpayment and you’ll need to repay it straight away.

The Student Loans Company will write and tell you how much you must repay. If you cannot repay the full amount, you can ask them to set up a repayment plan.

The rest of your Maintenance Loan is repaid in the usual way once you start earning over the threshold amount.

If you’re planning to return to your studies

The amount you were overpaid will usually be taken off your student finance payments when you return, so you do not have to repay straight away.

Grants and bursaries

If any of your grant or bursary covers the period after you’ve left your course, this counts as an overpayment and you’ll need to repay it straight away.

There are exceptions for:

childcare grants taken in or after the 2019 to 2020 academic year

grants taken in or before the 2016 to 2017 academic year

You do not have to pay back overpayments on these grants until you’ve finished your course.

Tuition Fee Loans

You’ll need to repay at least some of your Tuition Fee loan for the year that you suspend or leave your course.

You’ll need to pay back:

25% of the loan for the year if you suspend or leave in term 1

50% of the loan for the year if you suspend or leave in term 2

all the loan for the year if you suspend or leave in term 3

This is repaid in the usual way once you start earning over the threshold amount.

Getting student finance while you suspend your studies

You might be able to get student finance while you’re away from your course if you suspend due to illness, bereavement or another serious personal reason.

You might also be able to get Disabled Students’ Allowances.

You can apply for funding if you return to your studies.

If you suspend because you’re seriously ill

You might be able to get a Maintenance Loan for 60 days after you suspend your course.

Your university or college must tell the Student Loans Company (SLC) about your situation.

Apply for extra money

If you’re having financial difficulties after 60 days you might be able to get more Maintenance Loan.

Apply to Student Finance England with:

a covering letter explaining your situation, including your customer reference number

evidence to support your claim, such as a bank statement or copy of your tenancy agreement

The address you send your application to is different if you’re a student from:

Scotland

Wales

Northern Ireland

You might also be able to get extra money from your university or college hardship fund.

If you suspend for another serious personal reason

You might still be able to get a Maintenance Loan for some or all the time you’re away from your studies.

Apply to Student Finance England with:

a letter explaining why you have to suspend your course, including your customer reference number and the academic year it relates to

evidence to support your claim

Supporting evidence includes things like:

a letter from your doctor or social services

a letter from your university or college

a bank statement

Scotland

Wales

Northern Ireland

You might need to send more than one piece of evidence.

SLC will send you a letter explaining how much loan money you can get. You’ll usually get a decision within 6 weeks.

tell your university or college that you’re leaving or suspending your course

Overview

If you leave or suspend your studies you must:

stop your student finance

repay any student finance you are not entitled to

Your student finance includes:

Maintenance Loans

Tuition Fee Loans

grants and bursaries

How much you need to repay and when you need to repay it depends on:

what type of student finance you have

when in the academic year you leave your course

whether you’re planning to return to your course or not

Stopping your student finance

This will reduce any repayments you may need to make.

Student finance covers:

Maintenance Loans

Tuition Fee Loans

grants and bursaries

How to stop your student finance payments

You must:

contact Student Finance England if you’re a student from England

The way to make contact is different if you’re a student from:

Scotland

Wales

Northern Ireland

Repaying your student finance

How much and when you have to repay depends on:

the type of student finance you have

Maintenance Loans

If you’re planning to return to your studies

Grants and bursaries

There are exceptions for:

childcare grants taken in or after the 2019 to 2020 academic year

grants taken in or before the 2016 to 2017 academic year

Tuition Fee Loans

You’ll need to pay back:

25% of the loan for the year if you suspend or leave in term 1

50% of the loan for the year if you suspend or leave in term 2

all the loan for the year if you suspend or leave in term 3

This is repaid in the usual way once you start earning over the threshold amount.

Getting student finance while you suspend your studies

You might also be able to get Disabled Students’ Allowances.

You can apply for funding if you return to your studies.

If you suspend because you’re seriously ill

Apply for extra money

Apply to Student Finance England with:

a covering letter explaining your situation, including your customer reference number

The address you send your application to is different if you’re a student from:

Scotland

Wales

Northern Ireland

If you suspend for another serious personal reason

Apply to Student Finance England with:

evidence to support your claim

Supporting evidence includes things like:

a letter from your doctor or social services

a letter from your university or college

a bank statement

Scotland

Wales

Northern Ireland

You might need to send more than one piece of evidence.

contact Student Finance England if you’re a student from England

Overview

If you leave or suspend your studies you must:

stop your student finance

repay any student finance you are not entitled to

Your student finance includes:

Maintenance Loans

Tuition Fee Loans

grants and bursaries

How much you need to repay and when you need to repay it depends on:

what type of student finance you have

when in the academic year you leave your course

whether you’re planning to return to your course or not

Stopping your student finance

This will reduce any repayments you may need to make.

Student finance covers:

Maintenance Loans

Tuition Fee Loans

grants and bursaries

How to stop your student finance payments

You must:

tell your university or college that you’re leaving or suspending your course

The way to make contact is different if you’re a student from:

Scotland

Wales

Northern Ireland

Repaying your student finance

How much and when you have to repay depends on:

the type of student finance you have

Maintenance Loans

If you’re planning to return to your studies

Grants and bursaries

There are exceptions for:

childcare grants taken in or after the 2019 to 2020 academic year

grants taken in or before the 2016 to 2017 academic year

Tuition Fee Loans

You’ll need to pay back:

25% of the loan for the year if you suspend or leave in term 1

50% of the loan for the year if you suspend or leave in term 2

all the loan for the year if you suspend or leave in term 3

This is repaid in the usual way once you start earning over the threshold amount.

Getting student finance while you suspend your studies

You might also be able to get Disabled Students’ Allowances.

You can apply for funding if you return to your studies.

If you suspend because you’re seriously ill

Apply for extra money

Apply to Student Finance England with:

a covering letter explaining your situation, including your customer reference number

The address you send your application to is different if you’re a student from:

Scotland

Wales

Northern Ireland

If you suspend for another serious personal reason

Apply to Student Finance England with:

evidence to support your claim

Supporting evidence includes things like:

a letter from your doctor or social services

a letter from your university or college

a bank statement

Scotland

Wales

Northern Ireland

You might need to send more than one piece of evidence.


Mark is a musician from Brazil . He had visited the UK to perform several music concerts under a creative and sporting visa concession. His time on his concession is about to expire and he has still more work to do. Can he extend his stay?

You can apply to extend your Temporary Worker - Creative and Sporting visa (T5).

Temporary Worker - Creative and Sporting visa (T5)

Overview

You must apply for a Temporary Worker - Creative and Sporting visa (T5) if:

you’ve been offered work in the UK as a sports person or creative worker

you meet the other eligibility requirements

A creative worker is someone who works in the creative industry, for example an actor, dancer, musician or film crew member.

This visa has replaced the Tier 5 (Temporary Worker - Creative and Sporting) 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.

Otherwise you need a visa to work in the UK.

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

Sponsorship

You need to have a certificate of sponsorship from a licensed employer before you can apply to come to the UK to work.

The work you do in the UK must relate to the work of your sponsor organisation.

How long it takes

The earliest you can apply for a visa is 3 months before the date you’re due to start work. This date is on your certificate of sponsorship.

You should get a decision on your visa within 3 weeks when you apply from outside the UK.

Find out about paying for a faster decision.

Application fee

The application fee for each person applying is £244.

The fee is the same whether you’re applying from inside or outside the UK.

If you’re from an eligible country

Your application fee will be automatically reduced by £55 if you’re from one of the following countries:

Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Republic of Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden or Turkey.

This reduction only applies to your visa application. Your partner and children will still need to pay the full application fee.

Healthcare surcharge

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.

If you’re applying to extend or switch in the UK

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

Get a faster decision on your application

If you’re applying to extend or switch in the UK you can pay an extra £500 for the priority service to get a decision within 5 working days.

You can pay an extra £800 for the super priority service to get a decision:

by the end of the next working day after providing your biometric information if your appointment is on a weekday

2 working days after providing your biometric information if your appointment is at the weekend

Working days are Monday to Friday, not including bank holidays.

Once you’ve got your decision letter, your biometric residence permit will take up to 10 working days to arrive.

How long you can stay

You can come to the UK for a maximum of up to 12 months, or the time given in your certificate of sponsorship plus up to 28 days, whichever is shorter.

You may be able to extend your visa.

Your stay must start no more than 14 days before the start date on your certificate of sponsorship.

If you intend to work in the UK for 3 months or less, you may be able to use the Temporary Worker - Creative and Sporting visa (T5) concession instead of applying for the visa.

What you can and cannot do

You can:

study (for some courses you’ll need an Academic Technology Approval Scheme certificate)

work for your sponsor in the job described in your certificate of sponsorship

do a second job in the same sector and at the same level as your main job for up to 20 hours per week

do a job on the Skilled Worker shortage occupation list for up to 20 hours per week

work as a sportsperson for your national team while it is playing in a British University and College Sport (BUCS) competition

work as a sports broadcaster

bring your partner and children with you as your ‘dependants’, if they’re eligible

You cannot:

get public funds

start your own business

Eligibility

Your eligibility for a Temporary Worker - Creative and Sporting visa (T5) depends on whether you’re a sports person or a creative worker.

Sports person

You need to make a significant contribution to your sport at the highest level in the UK to be eligible for this visa.

You’ll also need all of the following:

a certificate of sponsorship reference number

enough money to support yourself in the UK - you’ll usually need to have at least £1,270 available (unless you’re exempt)

Creative worker

You need all of the following to be eligible for the creative category:

make a unique contribution to the UK labour market, for example you’re internationally renowned or are required for continuity

certificate of sponsorship reference number

be paid the minimum salary as set by Equity, PACT or BECTU (except for models, musicians or circuses)

Certificate of sponsorship

You need a licensed sponsor to give you a certificate of sponsorship before you can apply to work in the UK.

A certificate of sponsorship is a reference number which holds information about the job and your personal details. It’s not an actual certificate or paper document.

Your sponsor will give you your certificate of sponsorship reference number.

They must also give you some other information to help you to apply, for example how much you’ll be paid.

Your certificate of sponsorship is valid for 3 months from the date it is assigned to you.

Changing your sponsor

You must apply again and meet all the eligibility rules if you want to change your sponsor within the same organisation or move to a new organisation.

Changing your sponsor does not change how long you can stay in the UK. You can only stay the maximum length of time allowed by this visa.

Multiple entry

Your sponsor needs to give you a multiple entry certificate of sponsorship if you need to leave and come back to the UK as part of the job you’re doing.

Multiple jobs when you’re a creative worker

Your sponsor can give you a certificate that covers the entire length of your stay, even if you need to perform at more than one engagement. If you’re working for more than one sponsor, you can get a  certificate from each sponsor.

There cannot be a gap of more than 14 days between each job. If you leave the UK and come back, your time away will not count towards those 14 days.

Money to support yourself

You must have at least £1,270 in your bank account to show you can support yourself in the UK.

You will need to have had the money available for at least 28 days in a row. Day 28 must be within 31 days of applying for this visa.

You’ll usually need to show proof of this when you apply, unless either:

you’ve been in the UK with a valid visa for at least 12 months

your employer can cover your costs during your first month in the UK, up to £1,270

Your partner and children will also need to prove they can support themselves while they’re in the UK. Check how much they’ll need.

Read the guidance on financial evidence for more information about the money you need and how to prove it.

If your employer can support you instead

Your certificate of sponsorship must confirm this. Your employer will need to complete the ‘sponsor certifies maintenance’ section on your certificate. This is under ‘Additional data’.

Documents you must provide

When you apply, you’ll need to provide:

your certificate of sponsorship reference number - your employer will give you this

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

evidence that you have enough personal savings to support yourself in the UK, for example bank statements (unless your certificate of sponsorship shows your employer can support you)

proof of your relationship with your partner or children if they’re applying with you

your tuberculosis test results if you’re from a country where you have to take the test

a letter of endorsement from your sport’s governing body, if you’re applying as a sportsperson or coach

You need a blank page in your passport for your visa.

You’ll need to provide a certified translation of any documents that are not in English or Welsh.

Read the guide for a full list of documents you can provide.

You may need to provide additional documents depending on your circumstances.

Apply

Read the full guidance before you apply.

Apply from outside the UK

You must apply online for this visa.

You’ll need to have your fingerprints and photograph taken at a visa application centre (to get a biometric residence permit) as part of your application.

You’ll have to collect your biometric residence permit within 10 days of when you said you’d arrive in the UK (even if you actually arrive at a later date).

Find out how to get your visa decision faster - this depends on what country you’re in. Check if your visa application centre offers faster decisions and other services.

Apply from inside the UK

You can only extend your existing visa or switch to this visa if you’re already in the UK.

Extend your visa

You can apply to extend your Temporary Worker - Creative and Sporting visa (T5).

You should apply before your current visa expires.

You cannot extend your stay if you’ve used the Temporary Worker - Creative and Sporting visa (T5) concession to enter the UK.

Eligibility

You must continue to meet the eligibility rules.

You must be in the UK to extend your visa.

How long you can stay

Creative worker

You can extend your visa for whichever is the shortest of:

up to 12 months

the time on your certificate of sponsorship plus 14 days

the time needed to extend your stay to the maximum of 24 months

You must stay with the same sponsor.

Sports person

You can extend your visa up to 12 months, or the time on your certificate of sponsorship plus 14 days, whichever is shorter.

Fees

Check the fees for this visa.

How to extend your visa

You should read the full guidance before you apply.

You must apply online.

Your partner and children

You can add your partner and children to your online application - including children who have turned 18 during your stay.

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. You can:

upload them into the online service

have them scanned at your 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.

How long it takes

A decision will be made within 8 weeks of your application date if you use the standard service.

If you use the super priority service a decision will be made:

by the end of the next working day after your UKVCAS appointment if your appointment is on a weekday

2 working days after your UKVCAS appointment if your appointment is at the weekend

Working days are Monday to Friday, not including bank holidays.

Once you’ve got your decision letter, your biometric residence permit will take up to 10 working days to arrive.

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)

Switch to this visa

You can switch to a Temporary Worker - Creative and Sporting visa (T5) if you’re in the UK on a Standard Visitor visa and your sponsor gave you a certificate of sponsorship for this visa before you came to the UK.

You should apply before your current visa expires.

You cannot switch to this visa if you’ve used the Temporary Worker - Creative and Sporting visa (T5) concession to enter the UK.

How long you can stay

You can stay for a maximum of up to 12 months after switching to a Temporary Worker - Creative and Sporting visa (T5).

Fees

Check the fees for this visa.

How to switch to this visa

You must apply online.

Your partner and children

You can add your partner and children to your online application - including children who have turned 18 during your stay.

Providing biometric information and supporting documents

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

upload them into the online service

have them scanned at your UKVCAS appointment

How long it takes

A decision will be made within 8 weeks of your application date if you use the standard service.

If you use the super priority service a decision will be made:

by the end of the next working day after your UKVCAS appointment if your appointment is on a weekday

2 working days after your UKVCAS appointment if your appointment is at the weekend

Working days are Monday to Friday, not including bank holidays.

Once you’ve got your decision letter, your biometric residence permit will take up to 10 working days to arrive.

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)

Your partner and children

Your partner and children can apply to join you or to stay in the UK as your ‘dependants’ if they’re eligible. If their application is successful, their 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 18 - including if they were born in the UK during your stay

your child over 18 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

If your child is 16 or over

They must:

live with you (unless they’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 university or college

Money they need to support themselves

Your partner and children must have a certain amount of money available to support themselves while they’re in the UK.

You - or your partner or child - will need:

£285 for your partner

£315 for one child

£200 for each additional child

You - or your partner or child - will need to have had the money available for at least 28 days in a row. Day 28 must be within 31 days of you or them applying for this visa.

You’ll usually need to show proof of this when they apply, unless either:

you have all been in the UK with a valid visa for at least 12 months

your employer can cover your family’s costs during your first month in the UK - this must be confirmed on your certificate of sponsorship

If your partner or child is applying at a different time to you, they’ll only need to prove they have enough money to support themselves if they have been in the UK for less than 1 year.

Apply from outside the UK

Your partner and children must apply online.

Each family member will need to complete a separate application and pay the visa fee.

They’ll also 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 have their fingerprints and photograph taken at a visa application centre. They may need to travel to get to their nearest centre (this could be in another country).

The visa application centre may need to keep their passport and documents while they process their application.

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 3 weeks.

They may be able to pay to get their visa faster - check with the visa application centre.

Apply from inside the UK (extend or switch their visa)

You can include your partner and children on your application to extend or switch to this visa. This includes children who were born or have turned 18 during your stay.

If you cannot apply at the same time, your partner or child can apply to extend or switch their visas at a later date. This must be before their current visa expires.

Your partner or children cannot apply to switch to your visa as your dependants if they are currently in the UK:

on a visit visa

on a short-term student visa

on a Parent of a Child Student visa

on a seasonal worker visa

on a domestic worker in a private household visa

on immigration bail

because they were given permission to stay outside the immigration rules, for example on compassionate grounds

How to apply

Your partner and children must apply online to either:

extend or switch as a partner

extend or switch as a child

They’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 have their fingerprints and photograph taken at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) service point.

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

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 8 weeks.

They may be able to pay to get a faster decision - they’ll be told if they can when they 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 visa as your dependant. 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 dependant visa before they turn 18 if they want to stay in the UK.

Temporary Worker - Creative and Sporting visa (T5) concession

You can enter the UK without applying for a visa in advance if you:

have a valid Temporary Worker - Creative and Sporting visa (T5) certificate of sponsorship

are coming to work in the UK for 3 months or less

do not normally need a visa to enter the UK as a visitor

You must still meet the Temporary Worker - Creative and Sporting visa (T5) eligibility criteria.

You will not be able to extend your stay while you are in the UK, or switch to another temporary worker visa or a Skilled Worker visa.

Your partner and children can travel with you if they also do not normally need a visa to enter the UK as a visitor.

When you arrive in the UK

You must see an immigration officer when you arrive in the UK - do not use the automatic ePassport gates. The officer will check:

your certificate of sponsorship is valid

you have enough money to support yourself

You will not be allowed to work if you use an automatic ePassport gate. You must see an immigration officer.

If you enter the UK from Ireland

If you’re travelling to the UK from Ireland using the Temporary Worker - Creative and Sporting visa (T5) concession, you must apply for remote clearance at least 72 hours before you arrive in the UK.

What you can and cannot do

You can:

study (for some courses you’ll need an Academic Technology Approval Scheme certificate)

work for your sponsor in the job described in your certificate of sponsorship

do a second job in the same sector and at the same level as your main job for up to 20 hours per week

do a job on the Skilled Worker shortage occupation list for up to 20 hours per week

work as a sportsperson for your national team while it is playing in a British University and College Sport (BUCS) competition

work as a sports broadcaster

bring your partner and children with you as your ‘dependants’, if they’re eligible

You cannot:

get public funds

start your own business

extend your stay or switch to another visa

You cannot extend your stay if you’ve used the Temporary Worker - Creative and Sporting visa (T5) concession to enter the UK.

Overview

You must apply for a Temporary Worker - Creative and Sporting visa (T5) if:

you’ve been offered work in the UK as a sports person or creative worker

you meet the other eligibility requirements

A creative worker is someone who works in the creative industry, for example an actor, dancer, musician or film crew member.

This visa has replaced the Tier 5 (Temporary Worker - Creative and Sporting) visa.

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

Otherwise you need a visa to work in the UK.

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

Sponsorship

You need to have a certificate of sponsorship from a licensed employer before you can apply to come to the UK to work.

The work you do in the UK must relate to the work of your sponsor organisation.

How long it takes

You should get a decision on your visa within 3 weeks when you apply from outside the UK.

Find out about paying for a faster decision.

Application fee

The application fee for each person applying is £244.

The fee is the same whether you’re applying from inside or outside the UK.

If you’re from an eligible country

Your application fee will be automatically reduced by £55 if you’re from one of the following countries:

This reduction only applies to your visa application. Your partner and children will still need to pay the full application fee.

Healthcare surcharge

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.

If you’re applying to extend or switch in the UK

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

Get a faster decision on your application

You can pay an extra £800 for the super priority service to get a decision:

by the end of the next working day after providing your biometric information if your appointment is on a weekday

2 working days after providing your biometric information if your appointment is at the weekend

Working days are Monday to Friday, not including bank holidays.

Once you’ve got your decision letter, your biometric residence permit will take up to 10 working days to arrive.

How long you can stay

You may be able to extend your visa.

Your stay must start no more than 14 days before the start date on your certificate of sponsorship.

What you can and cannot do

You can:

study (for some courses you’ll need an Academic Technology Approval Scheme certificate)

work for your sponsor in the job described in your certificate of sponsorship

do a second job in the same sector and at the same level as your main job for up to 20 hours per week

do a job on the Skilled Worker shortage occupation list for up to 20 hours per week

work as a sportsperson for your national team while it is playing in a British University and College Sport (BUCS) competition

work as a sports broadcaster

bring your partner and children with you as your ‘dependants’, if they’re eligible

You cannot:

get public funds

start your own business

Eligibility

Your eligibility for a Temporary Worker - Creative and Sporting visa (T5) depends on whether you’re a sports person or a creative worker.

Sports person

You need to make a significant contribution to your sport at the highest level in the UK to be eligible for this visa.

You’ll also need all of the following:

a certificate of sponsorship reference number

enough money to support yourself in the UK - you’ll usually need to have at least £1,270 available (unless you’re exempt)

Creative worker

You need all of the following to be eligible for the creative category:

make a unique contribution to the UK labour market, for example you’re internationally renowned or are required for continuity

certificate of sponsorship reference number

be paid the minimum salary as set by Equity, PACT or BECTU (except for models, musicians or circuses)

Certificate of sponsorship

You need a licensed sponsor to give you a certificate of sponsorship before you can apply to work in the UK.

Your sponsor will give you your certificate of sponsorship reference number.

They must also give you some other information to help you to apply, for example how much you’ll be paid.

Your certificate of sponsorship is valid for 3 months from the date it is assigned to you.

Changing your sponsor

Changing your sponsor does not change how long you can stay in the UK. You can only stay the maximum length of time allowed by this visa.

Multiple entry

Multiple jobs when you’re a creative worker

Money to support yourself

You must have at least £1,270 in your bank account to show you can support yourself in the UK.

You will need to have had the money available for at least 28 days in a row. Day 28 must be within 31 days of applying for this visa.

You’ll usually need to show proof of this when you apply, unless either:

you’ve been in the UK with a valid visa for at least 12 months

your employer can cover your costs during your first month in the UK, up to £1,270

Your partner and children will also need to prove they can support themselves while they’re in the UK. Check how much they’ll need.

Read the guidance on financial evidence for more information about the money you need and how to prove it.

If your employer can support you instead

Documents you must provide

When you apply, you’ll need to provide:

your certificate of sponsorship reference number - your employer will give you this

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

proof of your relationship with your partner or children if they’re applying with you

your tuberculosis test results if you’re from a country where you have to take the test

a letter of endorsement from your sport’s governing body, if you’re applying as a sportsperson or coach

You need a blank page in your passport for your visa.

You’ll need to provide a certified translation of any documents that are not in English or Welsh.

Read the guide for a full list of documents you can provide.

You may need to provide additional documents depending on your circumstances.

Apply

Read the full guidance before you apply.

Apply from outside the UK

You must apply online for this visa.

Apply from inside the UK

You can only extend your existing visa or switch to this visa if you’re already in the UK.

Extend your visa

You can apply to extend your Temporary Worker - Creative and Sporting visa (T5).

You should apply before your current visa expires.

You cannot extend your stay if you’ve used the Temporary Worker - Creative and Sporting visa (T5) concession to enter the UK.

Eligibility

You must continue to meet the eligibility rules.

You must be in the UK to extend your visa.

How long you can stay

Creative worker

You can extend your visa for whichever is the shortest of:

up to 12 months

the time on your certificate of sponsorship plus 14 days

the time needed to extend your stay to the maximum of 24 months

You must stay with the same sponsor.

Sports person

You can extend your visa up to 12 months, or the time on your certificate of sponsorship plus 14 days, whichever is shorter.

Fees

Check the fees for this visa.

How to extend your visa

You should read the full guidance before you apply.

You must apply online.

Your partner and children

You can add your partner and children to your online application - including children who have turned 18 during your stay.

Providing biometric information and supporting documents

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

upload them into the online service

have them scanned at your UKVCAS appointment

How long it takes

A decision will be made within 8 weeks of your application date if you use the standard service.

If you use the super priority service a decision will be made:

by the end of the next working day after your UKVCAS appointment if your appointment is on a weekday

2 working days after your UKVCAS appointment if your appointment is at the weekend

Working days are Monday to Friday, not including bank holidays.

Once you’ve got your decision letter, your biometric residence permit will take up to 10 working days to arrive.

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)

Switch to this visa

You should apply before your current visa expires.

You cannot switch to this visa if you’ve used the Temporary Worker - Creative and Sporting visa (T5) concession to enter the UK.

How long you can stay

You can stay for a maximum of up to 12 months after switching to a Temporary Worker - Creative and Sporting visa (T5).

Fees

Check the fees for this visa.

How to switch to this visa

You must apply online.

Your partner and children

You can add your partner and children to your online application - including children who have turned 18 during your stay.

Providing biometric information and supporting documents

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

upload them into the online service

have them scanned at your UKVCAS appointment

How long it takes

A decision will be made within 8 weeks of your application date if you use the standard service.

If you use the super priority service a decision will be made:

by the end of the next working day after your UKVCAS appointment if your appointment is on a weekday

2 working days after your UKVCAS appointment if your appointment is at the weekend

Working days are Monday to Friday, not including bank holidays.

Once you’ve got your decision letter, your biometric residence permit will take up to 10 working days to arrive.

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)

Your partner and children

Your relationship

A dependant partner or child is any of the following:

your husband, wife, civil partner or unmarried partner

your child under 18 - including if they were born in the UK during your stay

your child over 18 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

If your child is 16 or over

They must:

live with you (unless they’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 university or college

Money they need to support themselves

Your partner and children must have a certain amount of money available to support themselves while they’re in the UK.

You - or your partner or child - will need:

£285 for your partner

£315 for one child

£200 for each additional child

You’ll usually need to show proof of this when they apply, unless either:

you have all been in the UK with a valid visa for at least 12 months

your employer can cover your family’s costs during your first month in the UK - this must be confirmed on your certificate of sponsorship

Apply from outside the UK

Your partner and children must apply online.

Each family member will need to complete a separate application and pay the visa fee.

Proving their identity

The visa application centre may need to keep their passport and documents while they process their application.

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 3 weeks.

They may be able to pay to get their visa faster - check with the visa application centre.

Apply from inside the UK (extend or switch their visa)

Your partner or children cannot apply to switch to your visa as your dependants if they are currently in the UK:

on a visit visa

on a short-term student visa

on a Parent of a Child Student visa

on a seasonal worker visa

on a domestic worker in a private household visa

on immigration bail

because they were given permission to stay outside the immigration rules, for example on compassionate grounds

How to apply

Your partner and children must apply online to either:

extend or switch as a partner

extend or switch as a child

Proving their identity

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 8 weeks.

They may be able to pay to get a faster decision - they’ll be told if they can when they 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 visa as your dependant. 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 dependant visa before they turn 18 if they want to stay in the UK.

Temporary Worker - Creative and Sporting visa (T5) concession

You can enter the UK without applying for a visa in advance if you:

have a valid Temporary Worker - Creative and Sporting visa (T5) certificate of sponsorship

are coming to work in the UK for 3 months or less

do not normally need a visa to enter the UK as a visitor

You must still meet the Temporary Worker - Creative and Sporting visa (T5) eligibility criteria.

You will not be able to extend your stay while you are in the UK, or switch to another temporary worker visa or a Skilled Worker visa.

Your partner and children can travel with you if they also do not normally need a visa to enter the UK as a visitor.

When you arrive in the UK

You must see an immigration officer when you arrive in the UK - do not use the automatic ePassport gates. The officer will check:

your certificate of sponsorship is valid

you have enough money to support yourself

You will not be allowed to work if you use an automatic ePassport gate. You must see an immigration officer.

If you enter the UK from Ireland

What you can and cannot do

You can:

study (for some courses you’ll need an Academic Technology Approval Scheme certificate)

work for your sponsor in the job described in your certificate of sponsorship

do a second job in the same sector and at the same level as your main job for up to 20 hours per week

do a job on the Skilled Worker shortage occupation list for up to 20 hours per week

work as a sportsperson for your national team while it is playing in a British University and College Sport (BUCS) competition

work as a sports broadcaster

bring your partner and children with you as your ‘dependants’, if they’re eligible

You cannot:

get public funds

start your own business

extend your stay or switch to another visa


I have lost a land case to my neighbor who acquired it through fraud. I didn't receive timely court proceedings and I am saddened by the decision. Can i appeal the decision considering it is not satisfactory to me?

You can appeal to the Upper tribunal (Land Chamber) if you’re not happy with the verdict. You must ask the First-tier Tribunal for permission first.

Apply to the land registration tribunal

Overview

You need to apply to the Land Registration division of the Property Chamber (First-tier Tribunal) if you want to correct or cancel certain documents relating to registered land.

You may also be referred to the tribunal by HM Land Registry if you’re in a dispute over a change to the land register (known as a ‘reference case’).

If you want to change the title register or title plan, contact HM Land Registry directly.

The tribunal is independent of government. A judge will listen to both sides of the argument before making a decision.

Help you can get

You may want to get help and advice before you appeal, for example from a lawyer.

Apply to the tribunal

Apply to the tribunal if you want to correct or cancel (sometimes known as ‘set aside’) certain documents relating to registered land. You can also object to someone else’s application. These are known as ‘rectification cases’.

Apply to make a change to a document

Download and fill in the application form and send it to the address on the form.

You must also include a statement saying that you believe that the facts stated in the application are true.

The tribunal will then send, or tell you to send, a copy of the application to all other interested parties.

You’ll be told whether there’ll be a hearing to decide your case.

Object to a change of a document

Download and fill in the objection form and send it to the address given in the form.

You must send the form within 28 days of getting your copy of an application to change the register.

Your response must include your reasons for objecting to the application, giving all relevant facts and evidence

You’ll need to include a list of and copies of all documents that:

are important to your case

the tribunal and all interested parties will need to understand the case

You’ll be told by the tribunal if there’ll be a hearing to decide your case.

Get help

You can get help with the appeal process and forms by contacting the Land Registration division of the Property Chamber. The helpline cannot give you legal advice.

Being referred to the tribunal

Your case may be referred to the Land Registration division of the Property Chamber if somebody disputes your application to HM Land Registry. This is known as a ‘reference case’.

Both parties will be sent a letter by the tribunal after your case has been referred by HM Land Registry.

The letter will explain whether you’re the ‘applicant’ or the ‘respondent’. Generally, you’ll be named as the applicant if the tribunal thinks you’re the party that needs to prove its case.

Making a ‘statement of case’

Applicants

You have 28 days after getting the letter to send your ‘statement of case’ to the tribunal and the respondent. The letter will tell you where to send your statement.

Your statement must include:

your name and address (and an address where documents can be sent to you)

the name and address of your legal representative (if you have one)

You need to include copies of documents that:

are important to your case

are needed to understand the case

You also need to include a list of the documents.

After the other parties have responded to the tribunal, you’ll be told if there’s going to be a hearing.

Respondents

You have 28 days after getting the applicants ‘statement of case’ to send your own  case to the tribunal and the applicant.

Your statement must include your reasons for supporting or objecting to the original application to HM Land Registry, giving all relevant facts and evidence.

You need to include copies of all documents that:

are important to your case

are needed to understand the case

You also need to include a list of these documents.

The tribunal will then contact you to tell you if there’s going to be a hearing.

Starting court proceedings

You or the other party can be ordered by the tribunal to start court proceedings at any time. This will happen if the tribunal cannot handle your case.

You can also contact the tribunal and ask them to make the other party start court proceedings, or voluntarily start proceedings yourself.

Get help

What happens at the hearing

You may have to attend a hearing where you (or your legal representative) and the other parties will present your cases to a judge.

The judge will decide:

which party wins the case

if any costs are payable by one party to another

You’ll usually be told the outcome of the case within 42 days of the hearing.

Preparing for the hearing

You’ll be told the time and date of the hearing and where its being held. You’ll usually be told at least 14 days beforehand if there’s going to be a hearing. Hearings can be held sooner than this under exceptional circumstances or if all parties agree to a shorter notice period.

You’ll be sent instructions on how to prepare and exchange evidence after all the parties have given their statements of case.

Decisions without hearings

The tribunal may make a decision without a hearing if all the people involved agree or if no one objects once given notice.

The people involved can also ask the tribunal to make a decision without a hearing.

Getting a time extension

You can ask for a time extension at any point in the proceedings.

You should ask all other parties involved to agree to an extension before applying to the tribunal.

If you lose your case

You can also ask the First-tier Tribunal to set aside their decision if you think there was a problem with the tribunal’s procedure, for example you did not receive a notice of a hearing.

Read guidance on how to challenge a decision for details.

You can complain about the tribunal staff or the service you received. You cannot complain about the decision.

Legislation and previous decisions

You can read the rules the tribunal must follow and its decisions on previous cases if you’re representing yourself or someone else.

The tribunal will make a decision based on the Land Registration Act 2002.

The tribunal must follow the rules and process in:

Tribunal Procedure (First-tier Tribunal) (Property Chamber) Rules 2013

Practice Directions issued by the Senior President of Tribunals (30 July 2013) (PDF, 49KB)

Practice Statement issued by the Senior President of Tribunals (8 August 2017) (PDF, 0.1MB)

You can also search the decisions database to see how and why previous decisions have been made.