After I Get My Visa

Does the visa guarantee my entry to the UK?
You should not experience any problems on arrival in the UK, providing that:

• you have given the entry clearance officer all information relevant to your visit to the UK
• you have not, with or without your knowledge, given false information to support your application, and
• there has been no change to your circumstances, or reasons for going to the UK, since the visa was issued

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

How long can I stay?
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.

Can I use the visa to enter the UK more than one time?
UK visas are usually valid for multiple entries to the UK, until the expiry date shown on the visa.

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

What if my reason for going to the UK changes?
A visa is normally issued for a specific purpose. If your reason for going to the UK changes, you should inform the visa office, preferably the one that issued your visa. You may be asked to make another visa application.

Do I need to bring any documents with me?
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 documents that you showed to the entry clearance officer.

Can I extend my stay in the UK?
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. People coming to the UK for other reasons may be allowed to extend their stay.