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How to apply UK visa from USA

US citizens do not need to apply for a visa to enter the UK if they travel for tourism or business purposes, for stays up to six months. However, they are required to apply for all other types of visas in order to travel or stay in the United Kingdom.

Therefore you should find out whether you need a visa to enter UK for your purpose of visit. If you must apply a UK visa from United States, check out the following three main steps for apply a visa:

  •   Complete the Online UK visa application form.
  •   Book an appointment to provide Biometrics.
  •   Attend the visa interview.

Complete the Online Application form

After determining whether you need to apply for a UK visa from the US you can begin the application process. To begin the application process for a UK visa you need to create an account on https://visas-immigration.service.gov.uk, and it will guide you through the instructions. It’s pretty Easy. Remember to submit correct and honest information and then pay the visa application fees.

Collect all required documents

To apply for a UK visa from USA, Green card holders should prepare the following documents:

  • Completed UK visa application form.
  • Two UK visa photographs
  • A Valid Passport.
  • Fees payment receipt
  • Translations of documents that are not in English or Welsh.
  • Proof of US status. 
  • Proof of flight booking
  • Employment Letter.
  • Proof of Accommodation in the United Kingdom (Letter of Invitation for UK visa, Hotel Confirmation)
  • Proof of means of subsistence.
  • Tuberculosis Test Results.
  • Biometric information.

Book an appointment to provide Biometrics

You will need to book an appointment at one of Application Support Centers (ASCs) throughout the United States for Biometric testing. You will have your digital image taken and also a digital scan of all ten fingers here. The earliest you can submit your visa application with all of the required documents is one or one and a half days after and the latest 2 weeks after biometric submission.

You should bring some important documents in your appointment such as:

  • your current passport.
  • a print out of your application form.
  • a copy of your biometric confirmation receipt.

Children under the age of 5 are exempt from having their fingerprints taken.

Attend the visa interview at the UK Embassy/Consulate in the United States

The final step to apply UK visa from USA is attending the visa interview at the UK embassy or consulate in the United States.

After gathering every required document, then you will have to send them to the British Consulate General in New York via mail or registered travel agent. Put your passport, application form, and the other documents in an envelope. Arrange them according to the checklist and do not staple any of them.

Non-settlement applications should be submitted to the British Consulate General in New York under the following address:

UK Visas and Immigration British Consulate General
845 Third Avenue
New York
10022

Settlement applications are done within the United Kingdom and should be submitted here:

International Operations and Visas
6 Millsands
Vulcan House
Sheffield
S3 8NH
United Kingdom

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