| Preparing your own immigration application to apply for | | | | send to the UKBA/ British High Commission. |
| a visa to the UK or extending your current leave may | | | | 5. Cover letter. Always prepare a cover letter to |
| seem an overwhelming experience, however we wish | | | | accompany the application bundle explaining your |
| to help you with 10 easy tips which you can apply to | | | | immigration history, how you meet the different points |
| navigate the process. | | | | and listing all the documents. |
| 1. Read and read again the immigration requirements | | | | 6. Payment. This might be an obvious tip, however |
| specific to your own category. You have selected | | | | make sure that you have paid the correct fee and if |
| your immigration category and even established | | | | you have decided to pay by credit card, alert your |
| through the UK Border Agency (UKBA) points based | | | | bank of the impending transaction or in the alternative |
| calculator that you are able to claim enough points to | | | | pay by postal orders or banker draft. An invalid |
| qualify, well done! However, make sure that you | | | | application can lead to become an over-stayer. |
| identify the specific requirements by checking UKBA | | | | 7. Post using special recorded delivery. This might again |
| website. | | | | be self explanatory, but it's SAFER to send your |
| 2. Do not cut corners. If in doubt, always assume that | | | | bundle by recorded delivery than dealing with the |
| the UKBA or the British Embassy will not exercise their | | | | headache and repercussion of a lost passport or |
| discretion in your favour. Most of the requirements are | | | | important documents. |
| mandatory and you will need to show that you do | | | | 8. Always check your visa expiry date! If you were to |
| meet these by providing the required evidence. Never | | | | make an application after the expiry of your leave, you |
| assume a caseworker will apply common sense when | | | | might lose your right of appeal. |
| considering their application, they have a limited time | | | | 9. Do not wait until the last minute to submit the |
| and resources to establish your exact situation thus | | | | application! Try to allow sufficient time for the |
| make sure that you explain in detail your | | | | submission and the processing of the application |
| circumstances and provide evidence to support your | | | | before you make any travel arrangements. |
| claims. Be particularly careful when it comes to the | | | | 10. Legal advice does not have to be expensive! If |
| maintenance requirement! | | | | your situation is not straightforward, you had previous |
| 3. Prepare the application form with accuracy. Reduce | | | | refusals/adverse immigration history, or if you are not |
| the chances of a refusal by carefully completing the | | | | fully confident you have all relevant documentation |
| application form, make sure that you have filled-in all | | | | speak to an immigration solicitor or an OISC registered |
| relevant sections, answer truthfully all the questions | | | | consultants. They often offer documents checking |
| (especially in case of a prior refusal), sign and date the | | | | service which is cheaper than the full representation |
| application form. | | | | and could buy you a peace of mind as well as save |
| 4. Evidence. All documents unless specified need to be | | | | you the government fee if your application is |
| original. Your application might be refused on the basis | | | | unsuccessful. |
| that you have only provided copies or not all the | | | | Spread the word! Share this information with others as |
| required evidence. Make copies of everything you | | | | it might help them too! |