Frequently Asked Questions

From questions about our services, to each individual visa process - this is your one stop resource for essential information for all things UK Visa related.

General FAQ

What happens after I purchase a service from Restless World?

Once you have purchased our services you will receive a confirmation email to let you know that we have received your order. If you have ordered our services during office hours, we will aim to fulfil your order the same day. If your order falls outside of our office hours, you will hear from us on the next business day. First, you will receive an automatic confirmation email outlining the next steps. Next, you will receive our 'Welcome Email' that includes the forms and documents we require to get the process started. One of our lovely staff members will also give a courtesy call to make sure that you have received our documents and a welcome email.

Can I still apply for a UK Visa if I have a criminal conviction?

Yes, you can still apply for a UK Working Visa if you have a criminal conviction. However, you can only apply 12 months after your conviction date. If you have multiple convictions an Entry Clearance Officer will consider your case and determine if you should be approved. Here at Restless World we are no strangers to criminal conviction cases. If you have been to jail, this may preclude you from making a successful application. Please contact us before you pay the fee for a quick chat. You can then decide whether to sign up. Once you sign up with us we will give you the right advice and ensure you make the best possible application.

What if I have a traffic offence(s) on record?

If you have a speeding fine but you did not go to court and were not arrested for speeding (and you paid the speeding fine in full), then you will be fine. But if you have a suspension or disqualification, this will need to be disclosed. We can help determine which traffic offences are applicable to your case and the documents needed for your application.

I don’t have an address yet for where I will stay in the UK, what do I do?

Whether you need to know where you will be staying will depend on which visa you are applying for. While accommodation is not generally mandatory, it is useful for you to have an idea if which part of the country you intend to stay in. This is where we come in and help! Once we understand your circumstances and the area you are most likely to be as soon as you arrive we will know what to put on your application form. If it is for a UK Ancestry Visa, then accommodation will be important (whether you are staying with family/friends, a hotel/airbnb, or renting). We can discuss your options and ensure that we have the correct information for your visa application.

I bank with an online bank and don’t know how to get my proof of funds?

This is not a problem. Most online banking institutions have a very good customer service department and they should be able to issue you with a bank statement that can be emailed to you, if you are not able to download a form. Allow plenty of time when applying for the visa, in case you have to wait until the end of a month to obtain a statement.

I don’t have work arranged in the UK yet, is that a problem?

No, but you do need to know what you could do for employment when you arrive. Are you planning to work in a pub? Office administration? Construction? It's best to get clear on your employment options before you arrive in the UK - and if you need advice here, we can help with that too!

Can I book my flights to the UK before my visa is approved?

You can, but we highly recommend that you wait until you have your passport in your hands with an approved visa. Sometimes UK visa applications are delayed due to reasons that are beyond our control.

I have a visa for the UK, can I book a one way flight?

Yes, as you have been granted permission to enter the UK and live and work there, you can purchase a one way flight.

What is a vignette?

The vignette is the sticker that is inside your passport and it will allow you a ‘90 day window to enter the UK. Your photo is on the left hand side and information on the visa you applied for. The vignette allows you to arrive in the UK and enter the country.

What is a BRP Card?

A BRP Card - called Biometric Residence Card. These are no longer issued as UK Visas and Immigration have moved onto digital visas. For those who have a BRP Card, you should retain it, or a copy so you can keep a record of the number should it ever be needed.

My passport will expire while I’m in the UK. Will this affect my visa?

Yes, once your visa has been authorised, you will register for your eVisa. The eVisa is connected to your passport. If you obtain a new passport, you should immediately update your eVisa. If you have to travel before this goes through, make sure you carry both your old and new passport with you, but I do not recommend travelling until you are sure your eVisa is correct and up to date. You must make sure that your passport is valid for 6 months or more when you go to visit any other country. You may not be allowed to board the flight with a passport that is valid under 6 months. So make sure you check this carefully!

What is the IHS fee and why is it so expensive?

The IHS fee is the Immigration Health Surcharge, and you pay a particular fee for the amount of time that your visa is valid for. If your visa is for 2 years, then you pay for 2 years even if you are not staying for the whole 2 years. The IHS covers you for particular medical expenses during your time in the UK. For more info, read here:

To find out the calculation of your IHS fee, see this link: https://www.immigration-health-surcharge.service.gov.uk/checker/type

I’m only going to the UK for one year, do I get a refund for my remaining IHS fee?

No, you must pay the IHS for the full term of your UK visa’s validity even if you only stay for 6 months.

I only want to work and live in the UK for 1 year, do I need a visa?

Yes, if you wish to stay in the UK to live and work for 6 months or longer you must apply for a UK working visa such as the Tier 5 Youth Mobility Visa, Ancestry Visa, Tier 2 Sponsorship visa etc.

What happens at the biometrics appointment?

When you arrive at a biometrics appointment, you will firstly be greeted by a security guard. The security guard will check your appointment slip (Appointment confirmation) to make sure you arrived on the right day and scheduled time slot! You will then take a seat ready to be seen by a Biometrics Officer. The Biometrics Officer will register you on their system and they may scan every page of your current passport then (or later) as it will remain with the Visa Application Center (VAC) until a decision has been made by an Entry Clearance Officer based in the UK. The Biometrics Officer will take you into a room where your fingerprints will be taken as well as a photograph of your head and shoulders. There is no interrogation or interview, they are there to upload documents unless they have already been uploaded by Restless World or yourself. You will then play the waiting game (15 business days) until your passport is ready for collection or it is couriered out to you.

What happens after I attend my biometrics appointment?

After your appointment at the Visa Application Centre, your passport will be taken from you and your completed application is digitally sent to UK Visas and Immigration. The Entry Clearance Officer (Visa Officer) will then review your application, and make a decision on it. It can take up to 15 business days for a decision to be made about your visa application. You will receive an email and/or text from the Visa Application Centre advising that your application has been processed and your passport can be collected or couriered (depending on what you advised at your biometrics appointment). You will be sent an email confirming the outcome of the decision, and if successful, there will be a vignette sticker in your passport, which allows you to enter the UK within a 90 day period. Once you have received both these confirmations, you will need to register your visa on the eVisa site. Instructions are provided in the email.

I haven’t received my passport back or any correspondence from the UK Visas and Immigration department. What now?

This does happen and there can be a few different reasons for this: You may have not received the email/text from the application centre asking you to collect your passport; DHL may have tried to deliver the package, but not left a card stating no one was at home; UK Visas and Immigration may have tried to contact your for more information, but you have failed to respond. First check your junk mail for any emails from VFS Global, TLS, or UK Visas and Immigration. If you have received nothing in your email including junk/spam, and you have not received any notification about your application after 15 working days (or 90 days, if it is a settlement/UK Spouse/UK partner visa). Then you should follow it up. You will need to contact UKVisas and Immigration directly (https://www.gov.uk/contact-ukvi-inside-outside-uk). This will cost a little bit of money, but if you are a client of Restless World, we will do this for you -- plus we have contacts of our own that can speed up this process!

How long does the visa process take?

Normal processing times with the UKVI (UK Visas and Immigration) take up to 15 working days (90 days for settlement/uk spouse/partner visas). This does not include additional transit times if the passport is posted back to you. However, quite often, a decision is made before the 15 working day mark. If you need a decision faster, the you can pay an additional fee for the the priority service and you can receive a decision between 5-7 working days.

How do I fast-track my UK visa application?

UKVisas and Immigration has a priority service which costs £500GBP. This means the UK Visas andImmigration put your application ahead of the queue and your visa application should be processed between 5-7 working days. The is also a Superpriority service only available at the Sydney application centre which is a next day service and costs £1000. This service doesn't cover settlement and a few other application types.

I’m unable to arrive in the UK during my entry vignette 90 day period on the vignette in my passport, what do I do?

If you were unable to arrive in the UK during the dates allocated on your vignette sticker inside your passport, you will need to apply for a vignette transfer. A vignette transfer allows you to travel at a later date to enter the UK and you will be given a new vignette sticker showing a new 90 day entry clearance - BUT BE WARNED - your visa expiry date will not change, it will remain at the same!

My UK visa application was rejected... can I apply again?

In most cases, yes - you can apply again - however, depending on your individual circumstances, there may be additional steps to take or a waiting period before you can re-apply. We provide advice on re-applications on a case-by-case basis, based on your unique circumstances. We will also ensure that the initial reason(s) for rejection are addressed so that your new application is a successful one!

My visa application was approved, but I did not travel to or enter the UK. Can I re-apply for the same visa again?

Yes, you can re-apply so long as you did not enter into the UK on the visa. If not much time has passed, you may also consider applying for a Vignette Transfer.

Can I enter into the UK before my visa starts?

If you must enter the UK before your visa starts (the entry date printed on your vignette), you must ensure that you are entering as a tourist. You will need an ETA (Electronic Travel Authority) to do this. You must then depart as a tourist and re-enter the UK on your work visa (on or after the entry vignette start date). The border officer may ask you questions, such as why you are arriving early, and may also ask for proof that you will be undertaking tourist activities in the UK. Make sure to have proof and show your tour bookings (Contiki, etc). The rule of thumb is - if you are entering as a tourist at first, make sure you can prove that you are entering as a tourist.

I have an approved UK working visa with the vignette sticker inside my passport, but I can no longer arrive in the UK during my 90-day entry window... what do I do?

Call us! You may need to either apply for a vignette transfer (depending on your circumstances) or we may advise that you should apply again for your visa. This will depend on when the approval was processed and what you have done during that time.

Can I get a refund if I have an approved UK work visa, but did not enter the UK (and no longer wish to travel to the UK at all)?

No, unfortunately not. You will not be able to receive a refund on your visa fee. As far as UK Visas and Immigration are concerned, they have done their job in processing and issuing your visa.

Am I covered medically when I travel to Europe?

You are covered by the public health care system the NHS while you live and work in the UK. This cover only applies while you are in the UK. If you travel to other countries outside of the UK, you will need to purchase travel insurance.

Can I use my UK working visa to work somewhere else in Europe?

Unfortunately you cannot work in any other countries in the UK with your UK work visa. A UK visa only gives you work entitlements for the United Kingdom (this does not include Ireland).

How can I contact the UKVI (UK Visas & Immigration)?

The best way to contact the UK Visas and Immigration is via email. This is a lengthy process, but we have found it to be the cheapest and most efficient. To send an email to the UKVI, just click on this link. You will need to indicate whether you are making contact from within, or outside the UK. We also recommend that you add your GWF number (if applicable) to your email enquiry.

Full Link URL: https://www.gov.uk/contact-ukvi-inside-outside-uk/y

How can I contact VFS Global?

There is no option to contact VFS Global. If you need to ask a question about your visa application, it is recommended that you contact the UKVI directly (see link above). For frequently asked VFS Global questions, take a look here. There is also an option to lodge a complaint with VFS Global if required.

Why should I use a guaranteed visa service provider like Restless World?

We highly recommend that you apply for your UK work visa through a visa support agency like ours. Your application will be submitted on time and with a visa approval guarantee (in most cases). If anything goes wrong, a visa support agency like Restless World will do all the chasing for you to correct whatever mistake the UKVI has made. This probably happens in 5% of all cases (the UKVI are infamous for making mistakes)!

What are the additional benefits of using a service provider like Restless World?

Here at Restless World, we will take you through our simple step-by-step approach, ensuring we have all the information we need to submit your UK visa application correctly the first time. No delays. No rejections. No worries! UK Visas & Immigration are very particular. Any small error, missing documents, or question answered incorrectly, and your application could be refused without any possibility for a refund. By using our tried and tested process, we can eliminate the small (very) common errors made when doing it yourself, and will confirm you are providing the correct supporting documents - including the very important proof of funds documentation.

Here is what you'll get when you sign up with us:

We will complete and lodge the official UK Visa application on your behalf
Create a personalised supporting documents checklist tailored to your specific circumstances
Book your biometrics appointment at a time and location that suits you
Provide you with direct contact details for our team of Visa Experts for advice and support throughout the entire process - whenever you need it
If there are delays, we can follow up on your application directly with our contacts
FREE UK SIM card on the O2 Network
FREE international money transfers
FREE UK bank account AND National Insurance Number information

Youth Mobility Visa FAQ

I’m 17 years old, can I apply for the Youth Mobility Visa before I turn 18?

Yes, you can apply for a Youth Mobility Visa while you are 17 years of age. However, you cannot arrive in the UK before you turn 18. There are additional documents that you need to provide to meet the requirements. We will be able to advise when you can apply once we know your individual circumstances. We will ensure that you provide the correct documentation to ensure a successful application.

Can I apply for the YMS in any country - or do I have to apply from my home country (country of permanent residence)?

Yes! You can make an application for the Youth Mobility Visa from anywhere around the world, BUT you must be legally allowed to be in that country.

Does my Youth Mobility Visa end/expire once I turn 31?

This is a great question! And luckily, no, your visa does not end or expire once you turn 31. You can apply for your YMS visa the day before you turn 31 (or 36 if you are an Australian, New Zealand or Canadian national) and chose a UK arrival date (visa start date) that is 6 months ahead. This means that you are well and truly 31 by the time you arrive in the UK and you will be 33 by the time your visa runs out, unless you are able to apply for the one year extension.

I am about to turn 31 (36) and am worried I might make a mistake on my application... what do I do?

You should call us first, as you will only have the one chance to get your visa right. If you turn 31 (or 36 if you are an Australian, New Zealand or Canadian national) while your application is being processed, and your application is refused, you will not be able to apply again!

Can I study on the YMS Visa?

Applicants can study full-time on a YMS visa. However, we recommend to apply for a student visa as the YMS visa is a once in a lifetime visa. You might want to use this visa after you have completed your studies.

How far in advance can I apply for the YMS visa?

You can apply up to 6 months before your arrival into the UK.

Are there work restrictions on the YMS visa?

Yes, there are some restrictions on the YMS visa. This is what the guidance says:

YMS visa holders can do any work that complies with UK and European Union laws, directives and regulations with the exception of working as:

A professional sportsperson, including as a sports coach
A doctor or dentist in training

Self-employment is only permitted as a YMS migrant if you do not own your work premises (unless it is your home); the total value of the equipment you use in your business must not be worth more than £5000; and you cannot have any employees.

I’m South African, can I apply for the Youth Mobility Scheme Visa?

Unfortunately no, South African nationals are NOT eligible for the Youth Mobility Scheme. If you have a Grandparent born in the UK, you may be eligible for the UK Ancestry Visa.

How many times can I apply for the UK Youth Mobility Visa?

You can only have this working holiday visa once! Yep, just the once. So even if you entered the UK, picked up your BRP Card and then left the UK a month later, you will not be able to apply for this visa again. On a good note, if you applied for the visa but did not enter the UK on this visa, you can apply for another - but you will have to pay for the fee again. (If you decided not to come to the UK then we highly recommend that you contact UKVI to cancel your visa so that you can try and receive an IHS refund). You may have to provide extenuating circumstances, and they may not agree, but you never know until you try.

Do I have to have a job lined up in the UK to apply for the Youth Mobility Visa?

No, you do not need a job or a job offer to apply for this visa. You must be eligible for the visa though (based on the other eligibility requirements).

Will I still get the full two years if I apply when I am 30?

Yes, you sure will. You must apply for the visa before you turn 31 (or 36 if you are an Australian, New Zealand or Canadian national) and chose a UK arrival date (visa start date) that is 6 months ahead.and you will be granted your visa for the full two year period.

Can I extend my YMS visa?

If you are an Australian, Canadian or New Zealand national, you can extend your visa for a third year. You must be in the UK, on a valid YMS visa in order to do this. You must do this before your YMS visa expires.

What is an eVisa?

UK have now moved to a digital platform. Once you receive the 90 day vignette (visa sticker) in your passport, you must then register on the eVisa site. You will also have to download an app to confirm your identity, and this will show your visa status when you are travelling in and out of the country. It is really important that you register before or shortly after your first arrival in the UK, and do not travel outside of the initial 90 day window on the visa sticker, until your online registration has been confirmed.

UK Ancestry Visa FAQ

How far in advance of my arrival can I apply for the UK Ancestry Visa?

You can apply up to 3 months before your arrival in the UK.

Can I bring my children or my partner with me on a UK Ancestry Visa?

Yes, you can take any dependant children (you must apply for an Ancestry Dependent visa for your spouse and each individual child). You can also take your spouse, civil partner or unmarried partner. Unmarried partner's must be able to provide evidence that they have been living together in a relationship akin to marriage for 2 years or more (prior to submitting your application).

How old must you be to apply for a UK Ancestry Visa?

You can apply for the UK Ancestry Visa as soon as you turn 17 years old - right up until retirement age, depending on your circumstances. This is an employment visa, so it is an important aspect of this visa.

What can I do on my UK Ancestry Visa? Is this a work visa?

There must be an intention to work. There are no restrictions on the kind of work for those who enter the UK on this visa. You cannot obtain public funds, but you can work in any profession (provided you meet any industry registration requirements) or be self-employed. You can work part-time or full-time, or as a casual, but you must work. You can also study on this visa, but you also must intend to work even if it is casual or part time.

I’m 60+ years old and I have a Grandparent born in the UK, can I still apply for an Ancestry Visa?

Yes, you can apply for an Ancestry Visa as long as you intend to work while you are in the UK. We would be happy to assist here and ensure that you meet the requirements for this visa!

Can I apply for a UK Ancestry visa in a different country?

You can apply from any country, if you have a valid visa for that country.

I don’t have my Grandparents birth certificate... what can I do?

We can help you here. You can obtain birth certificates from the Gov.UK website. This will give you links to order a British birth certificate from the Births, Deaths & Marriages register in England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. If you are unable to locate the Birth Certificate, there may be other options, but this will require a lot more documentation to prove a birth in the UK. Contact us for further information.

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