Q:

Do I need to make an appointment to submit my application?

A:

All applicants must submit an application and book an appointment online at visa for uk.

Q:

Can I send my application by post?

A:

No. The Visa Section in Kigali does not process applications sent in by post. All applications must be made online at visa for uk.

Q:

How long will it take for my application to be processed?

A:

Applications submitted to the British Embassy in Kigali are processed at the British High Commission in Kampala. In most cases, the entire processing time takes no longer than 7-15 working days. Where an application needs detailed consideration, an application may take longer.

Q:

Do I have to pay an additional courier charge for my application to be delivered to Kampala?

A:

No. The costs incurred by transferring applications to Kampala will be absorbed by UKvisas.

Q:

I need to get my visa quickly. Can I apply directly in Kampala?

A:

Yes. If you are resident in Rwanda, you may apply directly to Kampala. But please bear in mind that if you do, you will be required to attend an appointment in Kampala to submit your application and Biometric information.

Q:

Do you offer a “premium service” to ensure my application is delivered to Kampala quicker?

A:

No. The current service means that applications are delivered in Kampala the day after dispatch. To charge for a premium service would not be cost effective for the applicant as it effectively means delivery at Kamplala only a few hours earlier. Additionally, we cannot charge a fee to process an application out of turn, or assess it quicker than is permitted under our existing target times. In complicated cases, this could mean up to 15 working days. In Settlement cases, up to 3 months. 

Q:

Why do I have to bring original documents, copies and translations?

A:

In order to make an informed decision, the Entry Clearance Officer normally needs to see original documents. But as applications are transferred from Kigali to Kampala, it could be inconvenient if applicants are without original documents for any period of time. By bringing copies with the originals to Kigali, the Entry Clearance Assistant can verify that the documents are the same as the original and confirm this to the Entry Clearance Officer. Original documents can be returned immediately to the applicant.

Our Visa Section in Kampala will be dealing with a wide range of nationalities, and therefore languages. Again, in order to make an informed decision on an application, documents need to be translated into English to aid the process.

Q:

Can my friend or family member in the UK apply for my visa for me?

A:

No, visas for the UK can be issued only at UK visa offices overseas.

Q:

How early can I apply?

A:

An application can be accepted up to 3 months before the visa is required.

Q:

How will I know when to collect the decision on my application?

A:

When an application has been decided in Kampala, you will receive an e-mail informing you when to return to the Visa Section in Kigali to collect your decision. Please note that an e-mail will be sent only once. Any errors made by you on the application form may result in an e-mail not being received.

Q:

If my application is not successful, will the fee be refunded to me?

A:

No. The visa fee covers the cost of processing the visa application. It is non-refundable once the application process has begun.

Q:

If I am refused, how long do I have to wait until I can apply again?

A:

There is no requirement to wait before submitting a fresh online application following a refusal. However we advise our applicants to submit a new online application only if there has been a substantial change in circumstances and/or there is new evidence supporting the new application.

Q:

If I am refused a visa, will I know why and can I appeal against the refusal?

A:

If you are refused, you will receive a written notice from the Entry Clearance Officer (ECO) detailing the reasons why you have been refused. A full right of appeal against refusal only exists for certain categories and the ECO will inform you at the time of refusal if you have the right to appeal.

For information: Visitors to the UK (business or tourists) and students on courses of less than six months duration do not have a full right of appeal.

Q:

What is a sponsor?

A:

A sponsor is the person/company you intend to visit in the UK.

Q:

Will it help if my sponsor is present at the time I bring in my application?

A:

No. We will, however, need to see a letter of invitation from your sponsor confirming that they have invited you, the length of your stay and whether they will be responsible for your expenses and accommodation. You may also be required to provide proof that your sponsor is in the UK legally and we suggest that you also bring in a copy of your sponsor’s passport showing their status.

Q:

What documents should my sponsor send/fax to the Embassy?

A:

The onus is on you to submit an application accompanied by supporting documents (letter of invitation, proof of sponsor’s immigration status in UK, bank statement, etc.) and as such you should bring these documents with you when you come to the Embassy. The sponsor should not send any documents to the Embassy in advance. Any documents received in advance of an application being submitted will be destroyed.

Q:

How much money should I prove I have?

A:

You do not have to show that you have a specific amount. However, you must be able to prove that you have enough funds for the visit you intend to make.

Q:

Is it necessary to have a letter from my employer indicating my salary if some or all of my expenses are going to be covered by my sponsor?

A:

Evidence of your circumstances in Rwanda is helpful to satisfy the Entry Clearance Officer that you are in settled employment. You should therefore include such information with your application whether you are paying for the trip or not.

Q:

Do I need to show my old passport when I apply?

A:

It is useful for us to see such direct evidence of previous travels abroad and seeing an old passport can often enable us to process your application much quicker.

Q:

Apart from the list of main requirements give on your website, what other documents might I be asked to produce?

A:

A list of required supporting documents will be included in the email we send you at the end of the online application process.

Q:

If I am applying for a settlement visa, should my sponsor be present at the interview?

A:

No. However, you will be required to submit evidence of the sponsor’s residence status in the United Kingdom, freedom to marry and ability to support and accommodate without resource to public funds.

Q:

How long will my visit visa be valid for?

A:

The period for which your visa is valid is always shown on the visa placed in your travel document. A standard visit visa is usually valid for six months, but we also issue visit visas that are valid for 1, 2 or 5 years. All visit visas can be used for an unlimited number of entries to the UK. You may stay a maximum of 6 months on each visit, or to the expiry date of the visa, whichever is shorter. If you are coming for another reason, the validity of the visa and how long you can stay can vary.

The visa will show the date from which it is valid. This is usually the date that it is issued. However, if you do not plan to travel immediately, you can ask for it to be post-dated for the start date to be deferred by up to three months. You must tell the entry clearance officer this when you make your application.

Q:

Can you help me find a job in the UK and obtain a work permit?

A:

No. Our involvement in the work permit process is limited to dealing only with application for work permit visas after an applicant has obtained his/her work permit.

Q:

Does the visa guarantee my entry to the UK?

A:

No, but if you have a valid UK visa, we will not normally refuse you entry to the UK unless

·        your circumstances have changed;

·        you gave false information; or

·        you did not tell us important facts when you applied for your visa.

When you arrive in the UK, an Immigration Officer may question you, so take all relevant documents in your hand luggage.

Q:

What is the latest date I can arrive in the UK with my visa?

A:

The expiry date will be shown on the visa, but remember that this is also the last day on which you are permitted to stay in the UK.

Q:

How long can I stay?

A:

The last day on which you may enter or be in the UK is the expiry date on the visa. For visitors, this is normally a maximum of 6 months.

Q:

Can I use the visa to enter the UK more than one time?

A:

UK visas are usually valid for multiple entries to the UK, until the expiry date shown on the visa.

Q:

If my travel plans are delayed, can the validity of my visa be changed?

A:

No, except where there are compelling compassionate circumstances. At the discretion of an entry clearance officer, the expiry date of a visa can be extended for up to 3 months, provided there has been no change in your circumstances. Otherwise you should apply for another visa.

Q:

Do I need to bring any documents with me?

A:

On arrival, an immigration officer may ask you to show evidence of your reasons for coming to the UK. This may include travel tickets, evidence of funding, letters from your sponsor or businesses you are visiting, or schools you will study at. You should bring copies of the documents that you showed to the entry clearance officer, in your hand luggage.

Q:

Can I extend my stay in the UK?

A:

If you are a visa national coming for a short visit to the UK, you are not allowed to extend your stay or change from being a visitor to another category. If you are coming to the UK for another reason, you may be allowed to extend your stay. You should contact the Immigration and Nationality Directorate for more information.

Q:

Where can I get further information?

A:

For further information regarding UKvisas services, please consult their website at UK Visas If you are already in the United Kingdom and need further information regarding changes to your stay, please visit the Border and Immigration Agency’s website at BIA home office website.