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 www.visa4uk.fco.gov.uk

Q: Can I send my application by post?

A: No. The Visa Section in Reykjavik does not process applications sent in by post. All applications must be made online at www.visa4uk.fco.gov.uk

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

A: In most cases it takes not longer than 3 working days. Where an application needs detailed consideration, an application may take longer.

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 that will  be returned immediately to the applicant.

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

Q: Do my copies and translation have to be certified?

A: No. We do not wish to add additional costs to the visa process. Applicants may translate documents themselves, or ask friends or relatives to do so. But all copies and translations will be verified by the Entry Clearance Officer locally. Where it is thought a document has been prepared with the intention to mislead, an application may be refused.

Q: Can I bring a friend or relative with me to the Visa Section?

A: No. Due to security and  space limitations only applicants are permitted to enter the Visa Section. In the case of a minor,they may be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

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 decide you will be contacted regarding when you can collect your visa.

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: Visitor 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 form you sponsor confirming that they have invited you, the length of you 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 immigration 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 the UK, bank statement, etc.) and as such you should bring these document with you when you come to the Embassy. The sponsor should not send any documents to the Embassy in advance. Any documents reveived in advance of an application being submitted will be destroyed.

Q: Will you accept documents which are not in English?

A: If you want to send us documents which are not in English, we strongly advise you to get them translated beforehand. It will help the visa officer to make a decision if all supporting papers have been translated into English.

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 Iceland 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 you 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 e-mail we send you at the end of the online application process.

Q: Is a transit visa required if I am staying in the United Kindgom for less than twenty-four hours and can I leave the airport?

A: Some Visa nationals, provided they arrive by air and have confirmed onward ticket for a flight within twenty-four hours to a country where they are assured entry, do not require a transit visa and can leave the airport. However, being able to transit withour a visa is only a concession and there is no guarantee that someone will be allowed to pass through the UK in transit by the UK Immigration Authorities. You may still be refused entry when you arrive at a UK ariport if a UK Immigration Officer is not satisfied that you qualify. You may wish, therefore, to actually apply for a UK transit visa before you travel.

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: Why do I have to wait for an interview date?

A: The Entry Clearance Officer will try to make a decision based on the information you have supplied at the time of submitting your application. When an Entry Clearance Officer cannot make a decision about issuing you a visa immediately , you may be asked to attend an interview. Though we aim to do this within 10 days, this may be longer, depending on where and when you apply. Always try to make your application well in advance of you intended travel date.

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 unless:

• • your circumstances have changed;
  • you gave false information;or
  • you did not tell us important facts when you applied for you visa.
• When you arrive in the UK, ann Immigration Officer may question you, so take all relevant documents in you hand luggage.