Just wanted to share my experience applying UK visa from VFS Riyadh. Before I start, let me give you the following background:
– I’m a Filipino working in Riyadh
– I had previous UK visa refusal in 2012
– I already visited 10 Schengen countries, USA, Japan, S.Korea, Turkey, Thailand, Singapore, HongKong, UAE in the past 9 years all for tourism, prior to applying UK visa this April 2016.
Documents I submitted:
1. Original passport + copy of data page
2. Printed Online visa application form (they will only take the confirmation page showing the barcode and your photo you pasted on the first page)
3. Employment letter (attested by Chamber of Commerce)
4. Copy of my Iqama (residence permit)
5. Copy of my Exit/reEntry visa
6. Copies of my previous/existing Schengen Japan US visa, as well as my two older passports with its entry/exit stamps from countries I visited
7. Payslip for 6 months
8. Bank statement for 6 months (stamped by bank)
9. Copy of my Bupa travel insurance
10. Copies of my credit cards
11. Introduction letter stating what I will do in the UK (not required but I submitted)
12. Flight booking
13. Hotel booking (cancelable from booking.com)
14. Photo (pasted on the application)
Timeline:
21/03/16 – I registered at https://www.visa4uk.fco.gov.uk and started my 6months General Visitor visa Application.
30/03/16 – I completed my online visa application, paid my visa fee by creditcard $126, scheduled my appointment and took Primetime appointment on Saturday 02/04/16 as I cant go out during my office hours on weekdays, printed my appointment confirmation.
02/04/16 – I submitted my visa application documents at VFS Global Riyadh (check for more info at http://www.vfsglobal.co.uk/saudiarabia). Since i took primetime appointment I paid SAR387 cash + SAR10 for sms notification. They took my biometrics details (finger prints, digital photo). The photo that will appear on your UK visa will be the photo that they took during your biometrics collection. The whole process lasted 15min only. When i reach home I received sms and email notification that my application has been forwarded to UKVI.
03/04/16 – I received email that my visa application is now being prepared for assessment by an Entry Clearance Officer.
13/04/16 – I received email by noontime that the decision has been concluded and my passport will be returned to VFS Riyadh center shortly. Then late afternoon I received sms that my passport is ready for collection. No hint if visa is granted or not.
14/04/16 – I collected my passport at VFS Riyadh. My UK visa has been approved. They also returned some of the original documents I submitted.
*update: despite having hundreds of comments and inquiries asking assistance and guidance. There is only 1 like for this post so I won’t be answering anymore inquiries until i get LIKE first to show that this blog is helpful enough for u. Thanks for your understanding.
Hunterpm's Blog 
My boyfriend just applied for her youth mobility scheme visa the other day. A few days later she went to the bank to get her documents and proof of funds needed for her appointment. They’re dated after the day of application. Is this going to be a hindrance? Thanks for your help!
Visit:http://www.visaandmigration.com
Proof of funds or bank statements or bank certificates should be issued few days before your appointment for visa. Unless specified by ECO that it needs to be dated as per his/her specified date.
hello sir.im currently employed here in riyadh and about to exit after my contract ..do i have to have a new contract again for additional document?
If u are applying with few months remaining in ur contract and about to exit, u will loose ur ties to KSA, for that they will not approve ur visa. U can try by showing them new JO and new contract from new employer in KSA to show u r coming back in KSA after exiting. They dont normally approve visa for exiting expats.
Hello sir.thank you for the response.I’m applying for a standard visit visa only and it is obligatory for me to have a new contract? Thank you again sir.
Regardless of ur travel purpose, u need to establish ur economic or social ties with the country of residence (ksa), if ur going for final exit, this ties will no longer be valid.
Thank you sir!is there any option for me to het there? Sorry for questions because it’s my firt time to travel to other country.
Another ground for visa denial is no previous travel history, u should atleast travel to visa-free countries first before applying visa to any western country to establish good travel record and comeback after every trip.
Hello again sir.my mom will send me letter of invitation for visit.do i need to have a new contract?sorry sir for much inquiries.thank you for response
You should apply for visiting relatives in this case, there’s specific checklist for it from VFS website u need to check the supporting documents required. However, even if u provide an invitation letter from ur mom, u still need to establish strong ties to KSA or to PH to convince them that u will go back to ksa or PH after your trip. You’ve mentioned before that u haven’t traveled to other country which could lower your chances of getting visa approval. U can always try your luck though.
Ah…okay sir.
Perhaps i can submit a letter stating what will i do to UK? Thank you sir.
There’s a part on the online application for it “additional details” u can state details of your trip
hi is there a chance for me to appeal coz me and my friend applied but i got a refusal- I submitted a bank statements [actually i have 2 accounts in anb here in riyadh] i have dollar acct wch frstly handled over to the lady whos checking my docs but its not that active acct coz im just putting a money once every 2 or 3months but its sufficient. The lady ask for a active one I told her I prepared also my riyal acct but the fund there is not sufficient so she said she will just set aside the dollar acct then if they will ask she’ll just include so I told my self maybe she knows better so in the end I just said Okay.
After 4days we received a notification and I got denied for the reason of not sufficient acct I got really pissed out coz the lady did not submit the sufficent acct that I prepared instead she just submitted the riyal acct that doesnt have enough funds. my question is what is the statement they really want? the one that is active (coming in and out acct) or it doesnt matter as long as there is money that is more than enough funds for my stay? or what if ill just transfer the money in my dollar acct to my riyal acct? im confused now what am i going to do coz i want to re apply again and im running out of time bcoz we booked for may 22 flyt. pls help.
Hi Ash, firstly, filing an appeal is time consuming and total waste of time and money (for appeal fee). So reapply your visa as soon as possible, ofcourse u have to submit new sets of docs and new visa fee. On the additional info sheet part in the online application, put the reason of refusal and state how VFS staff handled your financial statement, make your explanation concise as number of words allowed are limited, then submit an introduction letter to support it stating why u want to apply again, why u believed that VFS staff committed an error not submitting your $ accnt, what u plan to do in the UK etc., type it in 1 A4 paper with your name and signature. Secondly, if u really believed that the VFS staff did not consider your dollar account (with sufficient funds) and only considered your Riyal account (not sufficient funds) then email VFS UK KSA now and complain about it. VFS staff have no right not to include your dollar account statement. They should submit all documents u provided as their main duty is to accept visa application only, purely administrative. Decision to grant u visa lies solely from the Entry Clearance Officer at the UK Embassy. Let me ask u, have u seen her not putting this $ statement on the dark blue envelop during your submission? If yes, then VFS staff committed an error so complain against her. If no, then start transferring some amount from your $ accnt to your SAR accnt, make sure your last balance should be atleast SAR15000+ depending how long u plan to stay in the UK, to be safe u should show atleast £100 per day. Never submit bank statement with less amount, although the Embassy does not specify any required amount intended for visa application.
thanx for a quick response coz im dead tired and im losing hope already (actually i ask here also b4 about my turkey trip-thanx so much)
-yes i saw her separating my 1page dollar acct and said she’ll submit only my riyal acct so i thought maybe they only need the more active acct and not merely the one with sufficient fund. Im planning to re apply on the 9th of may wch actually my last hope since we confirmed a flight booking this may 22. (my last resort indeed though it took me a lot of courage if still I will really need to do this or what coz time and money will be a waste again if I am going to be rejected d 2nd time around) Am I going to transfer my dollar acct to riyals? but im afraid theyll question me y theres a sudden huge amount on my SAR acct? or ill just stick to my dollar acct but this time ill prepare for a 6mos statement. coz b4 i only ask for 3mos bank statement wch doesnt include the time i deposited b4 coz the last 3 money deposited was nov 2015,dec 2015 and recently feb 2016 (hope u followed what im trying to say) please bear with me.
And since they already took my original copy of exit re entry, orig insurance, orig translated iqama is it ok to just submit the photo copied one?
is there a need also to present a copy of my credit card? coz really if theyll just review it further I am the one who booked for our hotel,flight en even the insurance of my friend with the use of my CC then bang i just got denied bcoz of this lady. nwei a big thanx. ill wait for ur reply 😞
Normally the Embassy should have returned back to u original docs u submitted whether visa is granted or not. If u read my blog properly i stated i submitted copies of Iqama (no english translation), copy of exitReEntry visa (not original), copy of travel insurance. I also submitted copies of credit card front page, hotel and flight booking. The only original docs i submitted were Employment letter, 6months bank statement, passport. Submitting your $ accnt statement (if its savings accnt) is a way of showing u are financial capable to travel so im surprised that VFS staff didnt included it. Send VFS UK KSA email to complain. U should transfer some money from your $ to SAR accnt to show your last balance atleast SAR15k. They will not question u of sudden increase as long as u support this with a letter signed by u, that u transfered some amount from your $ to SAR accnt. As i told u make introduction letter stating your refusal and why u think they make mistake in refusing your visa due to insufficient funds. Tip: never pay flight tickets unless visa is granted, dont be too confident specially if its your first time applying for UK. Request bank statement from your bank when you just received your salary to show your last balance is high, u can withdraw after they give u your bank statement on that same day. When u apply again at VFS remember this, VFS staff are not authorised to advise, reject or not include any supporting document on top of your other required docs. Their main task is ONLY to accept visa application and check if everything is correct and complete. If they ask u again, remind them about this, otherwise ask for their supervisor for more clarification. I saw some applicant doing this when a VFS staff start intimidating them. When I applied Schengen visa from Spain at VFS, this Indian staff showed some attitude so I reminded him “are u not supposed to give advise as stated on your website?” He ask me for a train ticket from brussels to paris as it is included in my itinerary, i told him I already stated on my intro letter that i will purchase train tickets if my visa is granted, let the embassy decide whether i still need train tickets since its also stated that the Embassy (not VFS) has the right to ask additional documents if necessary, yet he still insist, i left and went back and i was assigned to another staff and she didnt ask me for train tickets, my visa was granted after 2 days. About credit card copy, u should include this as its also a verifiable financial means. When i applied Schengen visa from Czech Rep they only ask me copies of my credit cards as means of financial capability, they didnt asked me for bank statement.
Hi. that lady ask us an english translation for our iqama and so we did. The reason we immediately booked and confirm a ticket bcoz its a promo b4 so we grab it like what i usually do during my other country trip but it seems this month is not in favor with me.. anyway ill try again and Wish me luck for smooth flow and positive result. ill keep u posted but if no response from me maybe I failed again. Pray for me .. lols … In God’s will itll be granted. fingers crossed.. thanx for ur time. 🙂
im back! i got my visa already.. thanx hunter!
Congratulations Ash im so happy for u! U should share your experience reapplying UK visa 😉
hi hunterpm, thanks for your help
i applied for a spouse visa( priority) today, and the lady was new and didn’t know anything and didn’t ask about any documents except for my passport and application and when i asked her are all my documents are sufficient and right? (because i thought maybe she should check) she replied and asked me did you include what they need from you? because we don’t deal with much settlement applications so i don’t know!
anyways i said yes and gave her all my documents and she stabled not the original online application but the copy to all the other papers she wrote and signed, then when i took the bio-metrics, the lady there returned the original application that i signed and removed the picture i gave the first lady and also returned it!
is that normal?
or i should go back and ask them?
thanks again for your help
First of all, i am not familiar about spouse visa application, only general visit visa. Second, photo is not actually needed as they will take ur biometrics data, finger print & digital photo, that digital photo they took will be the photo that will appear on the visa sticker on ur passport once ur visa is approved. Spouse visa is a settlement visa which is not very common to be processed at VFS so take the check list of all supporting documents required for spouse visa and complete it.
hi dear, nice to read your travel experiences and visa application process. Just like you my visa in USA granted last year, multiple visa valid for 10 years. I got also my Canadian tourist visa valid til november 2016. In fact I will be travelling this August for both countries. About my UK visas, I applied many times as student visa (nvq) and also as tourist visa but it was refused (student- im not a genuine student etc.) Tourist visa – dont believe that will not coming back in my work in KSA since my sister is working in UK. Now after returning from my trip to USA and Canada I would like to apply again for UK visa. Is there any chance that my visa be granted since I’ve got a 10 yers multi visa in USA ? Or is it the same thing that my visa refuse? many thanks
There’s a big chance that u will be granted UK visa after u show them your passport bearing visas with entry stamps from US & Canada. Next time u apply UK visa they will ask u if uv been refused visa to the UK so be honest in answering that and support it with a letter explaining your previous UK refusals and why u think they have to approve your visa application this time.
Hi! In immigration in uk, did they checked your hotel booking? I planned to book for application purpose only, cancel afterwards, then stayed with my cousin.
No problem to book any hotel then cancel it later, upon arrival in UK immigration officer will ask some questions so be ready to answer, in my case theyv ask me; what will u do in the UK (sightseeing, meet friends, watch Beyonce concert on July3), r u traveling alone (no Im traveling with a friend then he called my friend and we were interviewed together), how many days (6 days), r u meeting friends (yes another two UK-based friends will be joining us at our Airbnb). No hotel reservation shown.
Hi, do you know how to apply UK working visa, if i will be coming from Riyadh? I am a Filipino and would like to transfer after to UK.
As u are aware about #brexit , it would be much harder for an EU or nonEU citizen to apply to the UK to work. But if u have a prospected employer to sponsor u to work in the UK u can apply, just take note that UK is implementing Point based system for UK employment visa applicants that u need to qualify. For more information visit their official website http://www.gov.uk
I have just applied for the UK visa from Al Khobar they are requesting a residential proof that is like a tenancy contract or something but i stay with my parents and we live in the accomodation compound of my fathers employer so which document should i be taking??
U need to request a letter from your father’s employer confirming that you and your family under your father’s name, is living at your employers compound and it should show the location address with signature and stamp from your fathers employer.
The thing is i am currently working and have a separate iqama so i dont come under my fathers iqama anymore. Is it still the same procedure?
Submit copy of your iqama and your fathers iqama, also copy of your birth certificate to show that you are your father’s daughter, ask also your father to provide a letter confirming u are his daughter as evidenced by copy of your birth certificate
So the letter from the employer regarding the residency proof is not required if i just submit the iqama’s with my birth certificate?
Still needed
hi zainab read ur posts … did u show evidence of your residence or got visa without it ? thanks…and secondly can u tell me that after completing your online application ..can we get a vfs appointment at alkhobar easily or becuz of summer season its difficult to get an appoointment within the next week ? thanks
Another thing i wanted to ask was , is it necessary to carry the exit re entry too? Iam only travelling in October 2016 so if i apply for the exit re entry now it will expire in October 2016, my appointment is on Tuesday 2nd August 2016, if i dont carry my exit re entry will it be a problem or should i change my appointment to a later date.
Thank you
If u take exitReEntry visa tomorrow, it will be valid for travel before 25Oct3016 or 90days from issuance, u must exit ksa before 25oct. If u cannot submit exitReEntry visa, your application will not be accepted.
If my visa is not accepted and i end up not travelling then i have to pay a penalty of 1000sar if i do not use the exit re entry
If your visa is not granted, ask your company to cancel your exitReEntry visa, its free, there is penalty only if u dont cancel before its validity ends
This is scary as I applied without an exit and reentry visa
How do you get a multiple entry visa? I did not see any place where they ask us if we are applying for a single entry or a multiple. Does the UK embassy provide with multiple entires visa?
No need to ask for multiple entry as its automatically issued by UK, they dont give single entry.
One last question, you mentioned in your document list that the bank statement has to be atleast 6 months back but i have it only for 3 months from april that is because i did not have a bank account prior to that as iam a new recruit. Is that alright?
Thank you very much for all the answers hunter, i’ve been really worried about all this. I feel a little relieved after all the answers from you. Thank you very much. And sorry for so many questions.
Its ok u can try submitting 3months bank statement. However, make sure u should be working atleast 12months (minimum) from your present employer, as usual reason of visa refusal is not working long enough from present employer to establish strong ties in ksa.
I have been employed only from April 2016 but iam born and brought up here, been in the kingdom from 25 years now and my parents and the rest of my family are here too so is that a plus point?
Also in the document checklist they want me to submit proof that i have family residing in Saudi Arabia so their iqama copies will be sufficient for this right?
Iam just planning a 7 day trip 4 days out of which will be used for a training program that i have been accepted to.
And i just noticed that i made a mistake in the column countries travelled to in the last 10 years i have just travelled to India but a few times over the last 10 years i mentioned two of the dates properly but two other dates got mixed up will that cause a hindrance in the visa approval?
Having your whole family in ksa and being born here is a plus. However im not so sure about your very short employment history. Also traveling to your home country is not considered travel history since its your country of nationality.
regarding my earlier question about the adress proof, i aas told even the saudi post issues a letter regarding adress proof’s. Do you have any idea regarding that?
Possible only of the address is under your name. You said the address is under your fathers name so go back to my first reply to u
Hello, did you submit house deed or the national registered address is enough?
Pls click the LIKE button of this blog first, then il answer u.
Ohhh right. Okay got it. Thank you very much.
Does The adress proof have to be attested too? If so , from where?
Ask VFS if it needs attestation from Chamber of Commerce
Hi,
I received my visa today. Thanks a lot for your help hunter.
Congrats and enjoy your trip
Did you use an exit and reentry visa?
I submitted for visa on 14 Aug 2016, I forgot to submit my exit-reentry.
The lady at the counter who collected my documents was least bothered if I submitted anything at all.
Now, its been around 10 working days. I suspect they might not reject my application but will request for additional documents.
1) how will they request for documents? online or through VFS?
2) Either way, will I have to go and submit at British Embassy in Riyadh or VFS?
If it is VFS I’m sure I wont get a response before my travel date. I do not have much time as my tickets are booked for 7 Sept 😦
Any idea?
They shouldnt have accepted ur application without exitReEntry visa in the first place, there is a check list they need to tick if u have submitted all required documents then u have to sign it and the VFS staff who handled ur application. Embassy staff will decide if u need to submit additional document or request for an interview, they will inform VFS to contact u for any request. U can call VFS for follow up although 10 working days is still normal processing and could be longer since it is high season for visa application.
hey thanks for the quick reply. much appreciated.
the local lady at the counter who accepted my application did absolutely nothing to check any documents whatsoever. I was perplexed but I thought it is different from that of Schengen visa procedure.
Ok, so I understand any query will be routed via VFS.
1) Incase they request for documents today and I submit them today, how long would you think it will take for them to add that to my documents and get back? Another 5-10 days?
2) Do you think it could be rejected for this reason?
3) Are decisions taken in Riyadh or elsewhere?
1. Could take another 3-5days
2. Could be rejected since its one of the required supporting document, could be approved even without asking for additional document
3. Decision to issue or refuse visa is being decided by an Entry Clearance Office at UK Embassy Riyadh
Thanks again for the repy.
I have contacted the international help desk asking how do I update it. They said already decision made on Wednesday – I will wait for Sunday for a mail from them.
Ill let you know what happens.
Hello,
Just wanted to ask regarding flight booking for UK visa application, is it confirmed flight or plain booking/reservation? Thank you.
Dummy booking is accepted
Hey,
I received an email, that my application is under consideration by Clearance officer on 1st Sept. but till now no email received from them. I have contacted the international help desk asking how do I update it. They said already that the decision was made on Sunday the 4th September. But I haven’t received my passport yet from VFS nor received an email stating that the decision has been concluded. What could be the reason of delaying? any Idea?
U just have to wait for VFS to send u email or sms once your passport is ready for collection, sometimes their system is slow in updating. Also delay maybe because eid holiday came.
Sorry for the delay. My UK visa was granted. Realized that there is a big delay esp before holidays. In UK I saw a lot of Saudis , esp in London.
Hi, I am going to apply for UK visit visa. My question is that the flight ticket should be confirmed or dummy is accepted?
Dummy booking is accepted
Hi. I am planning to apply for UK visa. I only visit one country in ME for the past ten years. My salary is not that high but it is stable and have been working for years in one company. Is salary account enough for bank statements or do I need to have savings account? Thank you.
Current account or savings account as long as your last balance is enough to cover your trip. Just take note that Visa Officer will consider will application based on your credentials, that is your travel history, years in your present employer, financial status aside from submitting complete supporting documents as per the check list. Good luck
Ok. Thanks.
Does the iqama need to be translated to english? I read it from somewhere that it is one of the requirements.
How do you do dummy booking? I don’t want to buy ticket without knowing my visa will be approve for sure.
Thank you.
When i applied i didnt submitted translated iqama, when my friends applied they were required to submit english translated iqama so better submit translated one. U can ask any travel agency for a booking, just ask them to quote u airfare for your route and they should be able to give u print out for free, u can tel them u will pay it upon your visa approval, other agency ask a small fee in doing this.
Regarding exit/re-entry visa, is it required to pass it during application? Correct me if I’m wrong but if you have exit/re-entry, must be use within 2 months. And the dates plan on my tour is after 2 months. Just want to prepare early.
ExitReEntry visa is required, it is valid 90 days starting from date of issuance, u should use it within that period to exit ksa
If you apply for the visit visa, is it automatic as a multiple entry or do I need to request it? Thank you.
Its automatically given
Ok. Thanks. This site is very helpful. I passed my documents yesterday together with my sister bank statement. I hope I pass.
The Entry Clearance Officer contacted me today and asked our HR personnel extension number. He said he’s been calling for a long time and nobody is answering. Is that a normal procedure for them? Our people in HR is always out >_< . Now I'm nervous and afraid he might not be able to talk to our HR personnel and I wonder why he wants to talk with them. I hope he calls again.
On rare occasion they call to verify employment details of a visa applicant, but very rare
So what do I do now? Should I contact the UK embassy and tell them what time or when they should call our personnel or I’ll just what will happen next?
U have to wait for their next call m, u should give someone’s telephone no.to call to even if its mobile no.as long as he can verify ur employment details
Ok. I’ll just wait. I had my employment certificate attested by chamber of commerce and iqama translated to english. And the timing they called me is lunch break so it didn’t help for them to talk to someone. Thanks Hunter for replies.
Received my passport. Visa approved. Thanks a lot for your help Hunter. 🙂
Hello! Your blog is really helpful. Just wanna ask your opinion, I am a dependent here in Jeddah and my parents will sponsor my UK trip. what are the chances that visa application will be approved given that my mom’s bank statement is SR70,000+.
Thank you.
If u can submit complete supporting documents as per check list, check the VFS UK KSA website for details. Also if u have good travel history and if u have invitation from someone in the UK. Visa Officer will not rely on how much money u Or your mom have, decision will depend on your personal circumstances.
Thank you for your fast reply. 🙂
Btw, the travel agency who is helping us in my visa said that it would be better if I don’t declare/submit an invitation from someone in the UK since I am a dependent travelling alone. How true is that?
U shouldn’t go through a travel agency since applying UK visa u need to present urself in person at VFS for biometrics. Agents will just guide u on the visa process ofcourse u need to pay them for their service but wont guarantee ur visa approval. You’ve mentioned ur dependent from ur mom so i assume u dont earn a living for urself, correct me if im wrong. If this is the case, having invitation letter from someone in the UK helps. But if u dont have its still ok, as i said Visa officer will consider ur application based from ur personal merit.
Hi Hunter!
Thank you for your help. My visa got approved in just 4days. 🙂
Just wanna ask if the immigration asked you to show the cash that you’re bringing with you in the airport?
Thank you
I have no experience being asked to show actual cash/money upon arrival in any of my trips to any country, even in the US.
Hi Hunter,
Nice thread man, good to see so many persons getting help and advises under one roof. Well I have some queries with regards to UK visa.
In February 2016 my UK visa (Visitor Family) was refused saying I get salary regularly but account gets depleted and didn’t shown the proof of additive amount other than the salary..etc and that time I was travelling to Canada on Immigrant visa.
No again iam travelling to Canada with Canadian PR card, and applying as visitor Tourist visa for 4 days stay in London and also booked a hotel in London (booking.com, can be cancelled). What are my chances.
Secondly, taking company letter, do I need to stamp chamber or is it acceptable without chamber. As per UKVI requirements, they say ask company letter on their letter head.
Thirdly, do I need to present Exit-re-entry visa. Because nowdays the exit/re-entry visa is online based.
Please help man.
U said u applied before for UK visa then got refused so u should already familiarized what documents u need to submit. ExitReEntry visa regardless whether issued as electronic or not u need to submit copy of it plus Iqama copy with english translation. Maybe the UK visa officer will ask what are u still doing here in KSA since u already have PRVisa to Canada so better submit a letter of explanation for that. You bank statement last balance should show more than enough balance amount to satisfy that u can afford to travel.
Is it possible to have a two days vacation in London? How much money is needed to show or when asked by Immigration officer? Will booked a hotel. Was only allowed 3 days vacation from work.
1 2 3 5 10 160 days it doesnt matter, you’l still be given 6months UK visit visa if approved, just complete all supporting docs as per check list for visa application. Upon arrival at London, immigration officer will ask few questions about ur trip, im not sure if theyl ask u how much money u have (i havent been asked to show money in any of my Europe trip, only in the US they asked how much cash r u bringing but didnt actually ask u to show them the money as per my experience). Although 2 days s too short for vacation, not worth the airfare cost.
Visa is granted. Yup, two days is short. But if I do not take it. Then no vacation at all in London.
Hi. I have a question but not related to applying visa.
I tried to check where I can ask this question online but unsuccessful. My question is, if I travel to UK from SA, was it compulsary that my point of entry is the same for point of exit? Or is it allowed, from SA to UK, then UK to Manila (with return), then from UK back to SA? Thanks.
I forgot to add Hunter. From SA to UK, I’ll spend 2 weeks there before I travel to Manila. Thanks.
It doesnt matter where u will go after ur UK trip, what matters to them is u have plane ticket out of the UK. Like US & Canada, UK doesnt stamp passport upon exit since no more passport control upon departure from the UK, only airline & security check. I traveled 3x from KSA to UK this past 6months without any issue (Riyadh-London, London-Zurich), (Riyadh-Manchester, Manchester-Copenhagen), (Copenhagen-Manchester, Manchester-Riyadh).
Hi hunter,
I have a valid UK visa but it expires in feb 2017 and i need to travel again in april so is there any way wherein i can extend my visa or do i have to re apply?
U have to wait til ur UK visa expires and apply for a new one or u can apply again 90days before ur intended return visit to the UK on April, however ur current visa will be invalidated and they will put X in it and stamp “curtailed” which doesnt look good so better wait and apply by March or right after your UK visa expires.
Okay thank you very much.
Hello Sir Hunterpm! I found this website as very helpful.
I’m planning to go in UK for vacation when my contract will finish next year September 2017. ( 1 more year 😊) So I am going to Exit and will go to UK for tourism.
My question is about the exit/re entry visa.. Is it possible to request an Exit Visa before August 2017? So I can fully submit my complete requirements to VFS and hopefully to get the approved visa on or before my contract ends.
First of all, u cannot apply UK visa if u are going for final exit as they will ask u for exitReEntry visa. Unless u can show evidence of the following: evidences of good travel history, enough money available for ur trip, new employment contract after u exit Saudi, confirmed onward ticket to ur home country. Remember that exit visa is electronic and recorded to ur passport u dont need a print out of it, when u go final exit u just need to present your passport and ur original Iqama at the airport passport control which they will collect from u before they stamp ur passport EXIT. UK visa officer will consider if u have strong ties with KSA for them to approve ur visa, since u will go final exit, this ties will nolonger be valid.
Thank you so much Mr Hunterpm, you’re so kind.. I am now thinking of other options
Hello Mr. Hunter PM, another question I forgot to ask.. if l am going for final exit here in SA, Is it allowed to go to another country and not to my country of origin (Philippines) ? What process should I expect when I am in the airport? Hoping for your feedback.
I already answered this question, pls read my reply to Blue on the comments
Hello Mr. Hunterpm! Your website awesome!
I’m planning to go in UK for tourism/vacation next year as my work contract will end on September 2017. So I’ll go for an Exit Visa.
My question is, can I request an Exit Visa before August 2017 so I can fully submit my complete requirements to VFS and hopefully IT will grant my approved UK Visa on or before my contract ends..
hi hunter,
Read your uk visa process. I am a Filipino living and working in Cambodia. I applied for a UK tourist visa last week, my passport collection will be on thursday next week. I’m still worried no indication if approved or not, if have two previous schengen visas. Nabasa ko na you have schengen visas prior your UK application mo nung 2012, can I ask whats the reason kung bakit refuse nila ung visa mo…di pala plus points ang schengen visa kapag nag apply for UK visa.
Worried lang for the results.
Thanks
When i applied UK visa for the 1st time back in 2012, i havent been issued visa from any western country, my travel history that time only covers asean & middle east countries, this could be the reason why i got refused although theyv mentioned that i haven’t showed enough strong ties from my country of residence. But when i applied Japan visa and got approved, it started from there, i applied US Schengen and UK (2nd time) and i got approved from them all.
Hi Hunter,
Thank for taking time read and reply my message.
Got my approved visa today. Did you also buy oyster card?
Thanks
Marge
Congrats! I did bought oyster card at UK embassy website affiliated online shop and they shipped it to me by DHL
Hi hunterpm
Good Day!
Your blog was very helpful to everyone who is planning to travel in UK. I am reading all the conversation and I get more idea for faster visa approval. But I have some question regarding UK visa application. Because I am planning to travel to UK this January.
1. What is the minimum time for applying a UK visa before the intended travel?
Thanks
Normally u can submit ur application atleast 1month in advance, however for first time applicants its advisable to apply atleast 90days before ur intended travel dates to the UK.
what would be the validity start of uk visa? is they give different date and month ? or they follow on what you are written in itenirary?
Uk visa validity starts at the date of issuance, unlike Schengen visa which start from date of ur proposed travel date.
I have a problem in choosing an appointment. It always” the appointment you have chosen is no longer available. Please choose another time.” I almost check all the days together with different time but still disame. What should I do?
You seem to have made the same mistake i did..using the gov.uk website instead of the visa4uk one…anyway what my husband did to fix it was he went to an agency near vfs in jeddah and a guy fixed it however he paid 200SR, that is around 50 dollars
hi mr. hunter, i have some question about the Uk online application.Im applying here in Vfs riyadh i made my application thru online now I want to edit some information but i cannot make changes on it. I think I submitted it by mistake. Can you help me? thank you.
U need to submit a new online application. Once you click submit, u can nolonger edit it if u commit any error
Greeting hunterpm
wonderful blog you have here thank you!
I want to apply for UK visa but I have a few questions:
1- I will apply with my mother and she will sponsor me (I’m a student at University)
I am a resident (born and live in KSA) while she is a citizen of Saudi Arabia. I was wondering if our visa got approved and my mother decided not to travel, Will I be able to travel alone? or will the immigration officer ask me about her at the airport? (since she is my sponsor)
2- All of our Documents are complete, good salary 16,000 SAR and enough money on bank statement 25,000 SAR for 7 days. However, our travel history isn’t the best we’ve only been to Malaysia & Turkey in the last 10 years. Do you think we’ve got a big chance of approval since my mother is a citizen?
There is a change. If u decided to travel alone and if u r still minor, i dont know what document u need to present once saudi immigration officer at airport will ask u so u need to find that information yourself.
Hi mr hunter, I’m planning to visit my boyfriend in uk what document should I provide? Thank you.
U can check the VFS UK SA for check list, u need to ask ur bf for an invitation letter stating guarantee of financial support if he will shoulder ur expenses plus proof of his financial capacity such as bank statement
How much for the show money I mean exact amount should be in my account
For safety u should have atleast SR15000 minimum balance, although they didnt specifically state exact amount, its always safe to show well enough balance
Thank you so much mr hunter.
Hi hunter, good evening I just to as you some question.. I started my online application this week but there question on the application like this Have you been issued any visa for the uk, uk overseas territories or commonwealth country in the last 10 years? Should I tick yes? Since I’ve been to the commonwealth country like Malaysia and Singapore. And my seconde query is about any friends or family in the uk, as I am visiting my boyfriend should tick yes also? Thanks
Tick YES if you’ve been to the UK, tick NO if you’ve only been to Malaysia or Singapore. About you’re 2nd query, tick yes if u intend to visit your bf but be sure to present an invitation letter to support it and his personal details will also be asked such as his residence status in the Uk, address, profession etc so be ready to answer it.
Yes I had an invitation letter and his personal details. In fact I’m traveling with him from Manila as soon the visa issued.thanks you sir!
HI sir hunter, urgent I need your help I had mistake taken my appointment at vfs. I booked my appointment August 14 instead of August 10. Can I change my appointment to August 10?
U can cancel or reschedule your appointment on the UK vfs website
Hello Sir.
This is Umer. I have all documents regarding embassy expect letter of employment attested by Chamber of commerce. I can ask for letter but chamber of commerce is difficult. .. so is this okay if i have a simple letter by my Kafeel.
Waiting for your answer. .. God Bless you Kuya…
Its ok but be sure that your employment letter should be signed and stamped by your sponsor
Hi Mr. Hunter is it normal that the in passport there is a stamp of immigration officer in my uk visa page? Can I still come back to UK?( I have multiple entries). Many thanks.
They usually entry stamp on top of the UK visa sticker upon arrival in the UK but they will not stamp upon exiting the UK, ofcourse u can come back and they will stamp again ur Passport upon entry.
Hi! I would like toa sk of the plane ticket you submitted was confirmed? Coz i got some advoces that i may just submit a dummy plane ticket through travel agencies
Ny appointment will be this january 29th so if you may please give me an advice too..
If u read my blog properly i stated there “flight booking” or “dummy booking” not “flight ticket” also i already discussed this point in one of the comment
Yeah, that is why i asked coz it might be confirmed or pending pertaining to payment when you submitted it..
Coz what i have now is confirmed but is just a “Dummy” and acquired it through our hospital’s in house travel agency
No such thing as “confirmed dummy”, dummy means it’s just a booking with real flight details but the booking reference may not actually exist Or a booking that u need to pay before a deadline. the only considered “confirmed” is a paid tickets
Just wanna share with all of you that i got my visa today..The result was also exactly 10 days from the time I submitted my application ans support documents..Thanx to this very informative blog..😉😉😉😉
Oh! I get it now..Thank you!,,
Hi hunter,
i am applying for uk visitor visa to attend royal college conference along with my wife and daughter.
i have few queries? kindly help.
1. do i need to apply seperately for each member with different e mail?
2.do i need to apply for exit reentry visa before applying?
3.how can we get the appointment in vfs on same days for all family members?
4. i am sponsored my royal college,and i will cover my family expenses ,how to mention it.
plz help
1. U can apply for u & ur family members using 1 email using ur profile
2. U need to submit copy of ExitReEntry visa for u & ur family upon submission of ur visa application
3. Theres is “family appointment” option at VFS
4. Present a cover letter addressed to UK visa officer explaining what u gonna do, how u gonna fund ur trip, whos inviting u, support it with an invitation letter from ur college.
Good luck
Thanks a lot..
U said cover letter,Do I have to upload it with form or keep it with documents. Thanks
Print it, sign it, submit it
Hi sir I would like to ask a question actually this is my first time I will visit UK 🇬🇧 and this is also my first time to travel can you you give me some advice what I will do thanks sir
There is 95% chance you will not get the visa if you have no travel history. My advice is for you to travel to other non-visa countries first before u apply for UK visa. Good luck.
Hi sir hunter..id like to ask if it is needed for the coe to be stamped in the chamber of commerce? And does the exitReennty visa here available in english print out because ive seen my collegues exitReentry visa and its in arabic..
Hope to hear ur reply..thank you
Not required for chamber attested coe. ExitReEntry visa is issued in both English/Arabic
Thanks..more power to u sir
Sir.. Another question….a friend will send me an invitation letter, she is a uk national..is it necessesary to send her letter via dhl here in saudi?. Or she can just scan it and i will print it here?..
-thanks
U can submit copy of that invitation letter along with copy of her British passport, proof of home ownership if u r going to stay with her, bank statement if she will shoulder ur expenses while in the UK. Photo of u together to prove relationship if u have.
I am planning to apply for UK visit visa for 5 passports me, my wife and three kids aged 10, 7 and 3 years resoectively from Riyadh Saudi Arabia, I have also inivitation letter from my British friend. Will 40,000 SAR be enough as end balance at time of submission.
Reply please
Its enough as long as they see ur monthly salary being credited to your account by your employer.
I am filling an application forms for visit visa to UK for myself and for my kids.my kids are all under 18. In the application form for under 18 there is field says that “which country deport from” what it does mean ?
Please reply.
Regards
R u sure its the right word u read? May be it’s “country of departure”
Yes I m sure its written like “Country Deported from”
Do we need to have travel insurance for UK visit Visa?
Not required
What supporting documents should be submitted against spoise and childern under 18 Visit visa application form?
Being a husband and father I support this visit trip pf them. Though I also submitt application for visit visa along with my wife and kids.
Please list the documents of spouse and kids
Thanks
There is a list of supporting documents u need to complete depending on what type of visa application is being applied. Read the website of VFS UK and the British Embassy website, all your questions will be answered there, just read and understand it. If its too hard for u to understand, ask a travel agency to assist on your application. Ofcourse u need to pay service fee for that, but theyl definitely help someone like u who seems clueless about the application process.
What permission do you have to be in Saudi Arabia? (Required)
I have a temporary visa? I am a permanent resident?
what I should choose against this as I am full time employee and hold Resident Card (Iqama)
Put “Residence Permit” then state the number and validity date. Iqama or Muqeem are temporary resident permit, not permanent. Saudi have no permanent resident visa for expats like greencard in the USA.
Hi, I want to take appointment in First week of may, but the dates are not highlighted in May, what it does mean? Either VFS global open appointments in each month or its full?
brother, plss help me.. i was making an appoinment in VFS khobar, however there is no date available for their prime time ?.. should i just select the standard one?but plss enlighten me of the difference of these two selections
thankyou so much
Prime time appointment means it’s the date and time beyond the usual office times of VFS, it requires a different fee for u to take it, like me i took prime time appointment which was Saturday morning as I couldn’t submit my application during their usual operating hours Sunday-Thursday 9am-4pm
in addition to that, standard cost 185usd (693sar) in comparison with the prime time u selected whicH amounts to 387sar.
I am filling the visit visa application of UK for my kids who are all under 18. In section Under 18 of the application form where they ask “Please give details of your parents/guardian(s) in your home country?” under this form there is a field called “Country”, please advise what to put as its description says “Country deported from”
this deport has confused me so please help me out to what to put?
Regards
Yes It written exactly as follow:
Country deported from
Please help me out as I am strucked tro finish application form for my kids
(I am filling an application forms for visit visa to UK for myself and for my kids.my kids are all under 18. In the application form for under 18 there is field says that “which country deport from” what it does mean ? )
Please reply. Regards
Please do u have contact of vfs Riyadh, I paid for courier , but at the moment the only message I’ve got is that my documents are ready for collection at UKVI Visa centre….I’m far away from Riyadh
Check the website of VFS for contact info.
Pls I’ve checked 2ru the website, couldn’t find any customer care /contact phoneNUMBER..particularly Riyadh vfs.. perhaps ure not comfortable posting it online, kindly mail it to my email …. if u have it, that would be much appreciated. .Thanks .
If u know how to use google, search “VFS global riyadh contact number” telephone will appear
Hi
i am applying for a UK visa for me and my wife. If i visit the VFS Global UK page, it says 2 options”Register Account” or use the new Service(If u click on this it will take you to GOV.UK site and u enter an email ID and answer questions).
I have used the ‘New Service’ option and created 2 separate profiles with emails for me and my wife. Is this fine ? Also, i would be the one sponsoring the entire trip , so what do i input for the below questions?
1. Do you have any income or Savings(Entered NO for Wife application)
2. How much money are you planning to spend in UK(Entered same figure as that of my application)
3. Total money u spend each month(entered 0 SAR)
4. Paying towards cost of your visit(Gave details of Husband)
Also, for the question “Permission to Stay in KSA” , should we put Permanent Resident or Temporary? i have an Iqama.
Thanks
Taher
Permission to stay in ksa- u need to put your Residence Permit number (Iqama or Muqeem for 5yrs) and its validity date. It should be temporary as we dont have greencard-like Permanent Residence card.
Hi
For the option to enter countries travelled in last 10 yrs , should we mention details of each and every visit to the country or just the latest visit?
For Ex: i have visited Bahrain 10 times in last 3 yrs, do i give details for all these trips or just one is fine?
Taher
If u only visited Bahrain u can list all your travel dates to Bahrain and its purpose if it’s tourism or business.
Hello Hunter PM,
i read your whole comments, i really appropriated your efforts.
i asked a question about 5 months ago and you answered it very well i was glad,
but at the moment i have some more questions:
actually i m going to apply for UK visa to attend ICC Champion Trophy 2017 that is happening on 4th of June 2017, i am keen about cricket,
i read in your comments that we need 3 salaries that should transfer by our sponsor,
Mr. Hunter i have up to 20,000 SR in my account but my sponsor never transferred me my salaries. what is solution for it? and any special advice if i am applying for sports activities visa. kindly waiting for your reply.
one thing more sir,i am a Pakistani PP holder i never visited any country before.
someone just scared me here that they will reject your visa application, just because i never visited any country before.
kindly brief me about this topic as well. God bless you always.
It would be very difficult for u to get approve UK visa since u havent proven yet that u can travel and comeback to after your trip, plus being Pakistani which have a bad reputation of over staying having high cases in the UK. Also your financial capacity cant be established because it doesn’t being transferred thru your bank account by your employer. Having high cash balance in the bank isn’t guarantee your visa approval. Anyway u can try applying, just want to warn u that if u apply and get refused a visa, they will stamp your passport with evidence of your visa refusal which could lead to more visa refusal in the future. I suggest u travel first to other countries which doesnt need visa for Pakistani to establish good travel history.
Great.. Thanks Mr. Hunter
You r right. 1st i will see another country.. please let me know if i can arrange a Sponsor letter from a Pakistani British PP holder.
is there any chances ?
U can try but it will not guarantee visa approval too.
Thanks for your time Mr hunter.. can i have your number for future help?. if you dont please
Hi, i just got my visa yesterday. Thanks Mr Hunter. I will share my experience later. I just have one inquiry, I stated in my cover letter that i will go to UK june 2-9, they didn’t actually return my cover letter, but my plan is to go there the whole month of june. Would the immigration officer question me upon arriving?
They won’t bother relying on ur cover letter. Upon ur arrival in the UK, immigration officer will ask u several questions details about ur trip. If u tel them u will stay for a month then can verify it on their database if u have return ticket since ur passport details r link to ur flight ticket. If they can’t c any return ticket on their database they’ll ask u to explain why with more follow up question. Regardless u originally planned to stay only for few days, theyl still allow u to stay in the UK for 6months continuously or multiple times within 6month period.
UK visa VFS, Riyadh. I followed your template Mr Hunter for better explanation.
Background:
– I’m a Filipino working in Riyadh for more than a year now
– I had previous UK visa refusal in May 2016
– I already visited Thailand (2013), UAE (2016), Georgia twice and Armenia (2017)
Documents I submitted:
1. Original passport + copy of data page
2. Printed Online visa application form (they will only take the confirmation page showing the barcode and your photo you pasted on the first page)
3. COE with salary details stamped by Government Relations Office or HR
4. Copy of my Iqama (residence permit)
5. Letter from my Manager confirming my workplace and stating that I am required to go back to work on a certain date. The letter was also noted by my Director; I attached my Leave Form with it.
6. Copies of my previous entry/exit stamps and e-visas from countries I visited including my old passport.
7. Bank statement for 6 months (Payroll Account) (stamped by bank) + Personal Philippine Savings Account.
-copies of remittances and deposit slip showing that most of the money in my payroll account was transferred to my PH account. Anyway, I think it will also reflect in the statements
-I also provided a copy of my ATM card in my PH account to show that it is in my possession and can withdraw money anywhere internationally.
9. Copy of my Axa travel insurance
10. Copy of my credit card
11. Introduction letter stating what I will do in the UK (I also mentioned that I’m in a long-term relationship since I read that one of my refusal reasons stated in the appendix V 4.10 The applicant must not intend to marry or form a civil partnership, or to give notice of this, in the UK, except where they have a visit visa endorsed for marriage or civil partnership)
12. Flight booking (dummy)
13. Invitation letter from my Uncle in UK stating that he will provide my accommodation. I also get his 3-month bank statement even though he didn’t state that he will finance my travel.
14. Tenancy Agreement/ Contract Lease of my Uncle
15. Passport Copy of my Uncle
16. Copy of my Company ID (not required I guess, but still submitted one)
Timeline:
Feb 2017– I registered at https://www.visa4uk.fco.gov.uk and started my 6months General Visitor visa Application.
-I completed my online visa application, paid my visa fee by credit card SR432.79, I scheduled my appointment.
21/03/17 – 0900H-I submitted my visa application documents at VFS Global Riyadh. They took my biometrics details (finger prints, digital photo). The photo that will appear on your UK visa will be the photo that they took during your biometrics collection. The whole process lasted 15min only. Late in the afternoon received sms and email notification that my application has been forwarded to UKVI.
22/03/17 – I received email that my visa application is now being prepared for assessment by an Entry Clearance Officer.
30/03/17 – 1357H received an email:
Dear Applicant,
Your application has been concluded and will shortly be returned to our commercial partner. This does not mean that your documents are ready to collect: Please await confirmation of this, or follow the collection instructions you have already been given.
Regards,
UKVI Riyadh.
NOTE: I received all the same emails last year and now except for this email.
The year I was refused:
Dear…….,
The processed visa application for GWF reference number – GWF0…… was received at the UK Visa Application Centre on 5/23/2016 .
If a courier service was purchased from VFS Global, your processed application will be delivered to the chosen address.
If not, your documents can be collected during the designated passport collection times.
1528H I received sms that my passport is ready for collection. I asked my co-worker to fetch the passport and he brought the receipt along with the filled-up authorization letter I got from the website.
1627H– my passport was collected at VFS Riyadh. My friend called me and said that my visa has been approved.
PROCESSING time happened within the span of 10 days from the day of submission.
Previous application: on the 9th day I got my passport.
THINGS I THINK I DID WRONG IN MY PREVIOUS APPLICATION:
1. Submitted bank statement of my sponsor without my bank statement altho I included my payslip certificate. Well, it didn’t work tho.
2. 4 months length of employment in Riyadh
3. No proof of coming back eg. Ticket or exit/re-entry
4. Lack of Travel history
Thanks for sharing ur experience and congrats! Enjoy ur UK trip 😊
Hi as you mentioned here, you didn’t submit exit entry visa. What sort of letter you submitted to uk embassy? Thanks
Hi there
How I can fill Visit Visa application for my family of wife and 3 kids?
Hi I am filling the visit visa application form for my daughter whos aged 3 years, there is queation “what is your employment status” what is the most appropriate choice from
Employed, self employed, A Student, Retired, Unemployed
Though, none of the 5 choices apply to my daughter so please guide me what should I select under this question
Thanks
For children whos not yet going to school, u need to put “unemployed”. Same goes with adults whos not working whos depending on another person financially also falls in “unemployed”
Whats the difference between spouse and dependent? If spouse is unemployed then it also considered as dependent?
If yes then should I enter details of my spouse under dependent details too
Anyone who’s depending from u for a living (financially or otherwise) whose not working for themselves but relying from another person is called dependent. Dependent spouse, dependent children, dependent parents, dependent sister/brother, dependent uncle, dependent cousin/relative. Spouse is your partner (husband or wife) who may or may not depend on u for a living specially if he/she has his/her own work or wealth. Try to google or use a dictionary for more information.
Thanks dear, so if in visit visa application form there is spouse details coulmn is available separately and dependant on separate coulmn so no need to put spouse details under dependent coulmn?
Hi Hunter. If I am planning to get a UK visa (already been to UK), again months after expiration of my visa, will I go the same procedure for application? Will they need biometrics again? Thank you.
Same procedure like applying for the first time, unlike Schengen visa were u can submit biometrics once and it’ll be valid for 5yrs, UK visa need biometrics everytime u apply.
good morning,
i applied UK visa from riyadh yesterday,
now i’m trying to check my application status online but unfortunately i didn’t get any link to get application status, could you please tell me that can we check online or not ?
thanks
https://ukvi-international.faq-help.com/
thanks !
afternoon,
i submitted my application on monday 24/04/2017 after submission i received an email that “The visa application for GWFxxxxxx was forwarded to UK visas and immigration”.
25/07/2017 Tuesday morning 8:09AM received another email that was “this email is to notify you that Your UK visa application is now being prepared for assessment by an entry clearance officer”
26/07/2017 Wednesday morning 11:05AM received another email “your application has been concluded and will shortly be returned to our commercial partner”
yesterday evening i was expecting an email from VFS but didn’t get any and now today i’m desperately waiting for an email from VFS, what should i do, should wait or call them because it’s last working day if i dont get passport today then i have to wait till next week 😦
Oops!
sorry about dates, these are 25/04/2017, 26/04/2017
It means the Embassy is just preparing to forward your passport at VFS. U have to wait for VFS to email or sms u once your passport is ready for collection.
good morning,
im still waiting for their email, i bought sms service as well but i never got any text from them, i dont know what wrong,
i wanna ask you do you have any VFS inquiry number where i can phone them, i googled it but didn’t get any number if you have any please share it with me.
thanks
Hi there,
im back with my VISA update,
VFS is really shit, i emailed to UK embassy riyadh today and got their reply, they replied that your passport is sent back to VFS on 26/04/2017 contact with VFS,
but i didn’t receive any email or sms from VFS, anyways i went there today at 12:30PM and got my passport, VISA Granted.
thanks
Send a complaint to VFS by stating your case. Congrats
How much bank statement do u have during the application process
I always make sure that i have SR15k or more remaining balance on my account
Hi Mr. Hunter
Read all your post and really appreciate your kind and potential advice to all
this is to bring into your notice that i have applied for UK visa on 30th May 2017 from Al khobar Saudi Arabia . and received an email on 1st stating my documents has been submitted to UK embassy Riyadh .on 2nd i received an email stating that my application has been received to “Entry clearance officer ”
now fingers Crossed,
iam working in a Petrochemical compnay & i have submitted 6 months bank statement with SAR 24,200/- , exit re entry copy, dummy Ticket, Hotel from booking.com ( Can Cancel ), credit card copy , company Letter with chamber of commerce , Eqama copies of both of us, but no English Translation as the VFS dint ask so i submitted the copy of valid eqama only, i have been to 9 countries like China , Dubai. HongKong Macau Thailand Malaysia Singapore Indonesia & Bahrain, i want an advice that i have been rejected by US embassy in 2015, and i have clearly mentioned in my application colum that due to insufficient documents our visa has been reject for US so will it effect to obtain the current UK visa?? can you advice the chances for getting the Visa
your Reply will be highly appreciated
They will decide based on your supporting documents. Having good travel history helps. Being honest on your previous visa rejection is also helpful. Be patient and wait for the result. Good luck!
hi mr salman…can u kindly tell that after coompletely filling your online app and submittiing it..was the appointment at vfs khobar easily available ? i plan to apply on 16 aug ..should i complete the app and book now? or are the standard appointments easily available? thanks
Thanks for your immediate and valuable reply. i appreciate , i have a last question, i need to withdraw some money from my account,
1) can i do that now or i should withdraw after the conclusion of my visa status?? i just want to have a idea if they cross check the bank statement thats it ..
2) i did not translate eqama in English as they dint ask while submitting my application in VFS..is that a problem..my eqama profession is same mentioned in the company letter , ( Sales Representative )
3) i wanted to visit London and Manchester , in booking my travel agent just issued dummy ticket for 1 week for London hotel only…is that a problem visiting only London but not near by good cities
kindly reply please
1. U can withdraw ur money anytime u want after printing ur bank statement
2. Its ok iqama copy without English translation, unless they ask
3. If u mentioned London & Manchester on your application, u should support it by providing hotel booking for both cities. Nxt time don’t complicate it just say 1 city only then u can change or add city to visit after visa is issued.
bundle of thanks Mr. Hunter ,
in my application i just mentioned London
hi salman,
i can share my experience, maybe it gonna help you,
it’s my 3rd time i applied UK visa and every time granted, i never submitted any document with English translation, like my iqama or any other stuff, so dont worry about that.
and about hotel booking i always showed one city booking like london but i spend couple of days in different cities ,
my travel history is like bahrain, UAE, Malaysia, USA and many times UK
bank statement, i always kept 50K+ with 6 months statement
travel insurance
return air ticket
yeah that’s it.
#Hunterpm is doing great job.
best of luck.
thank you for your wishes
That is very True..Hunter is doing a Great Job..
iam glad to have your reply Mr. Shaun i was Bit tensed when i thought i mentioned only 1 city London and there are plenty to see other cities as well .i did my best had submitted the best i can Mr. Shaun.
i have applied with my wife so for 2 person 24,200/-SAR. i had submitted like you did except Travel insurance , i was aware of this thing..but my main concern was Visa assurance . iam planing to visit on 27th June.now fingers crossed,
well i think this is the best time to get UK visa because it’s summer time and second thing is EID holidays which you are planing to spend in UK, so hope for the best In Sha Allah you will get it,
if you maintained your balance then 24K should be enough, u got good travel history as well so no need to worry.
well i think 1 city is enough and rest of your plan you can explain in application.
In Sha Allah Mr. Shaun.. and you are Right , we have planned our Trip for Eid holidays for 9 days
In Sha Aallah we hope our Visa will be issued , and i thank you and Mr. Hunter for making me stress free. lets hope for the best , it is all game of Luck and Prayers …will update once our result will be announced .. well how many days will it take…
normally they take 2 weeks or 5 to 8 working days,
just pray for you self In Sha Allah you will get it,
yeah update you result once you get it.
Hi All
Today after noon i Received email from UK embassy …
Your application has been concluded and will shortly be returned to our commercial partner…
i think we will come to know only when we receive our passport in our hand..
Sure . 100% i will update the Result.
Hi All
Today after noon i Received email from UK embassy …
Your application has been concluded and will shortly be returned to our commercial partner…
i think we will come to know only when we receive our passport in our hand..
Wait until u received email or sms from VFS that your passport is ready for collection.
Dear Hunter, am waiting for your feedback, please
Hello Sir-“Hunter PM”
I read your whole comments and i really appreciate your efforts.
I do need your favor before i start my application process.
Well, me and my wife planning to visit UK to watch live “ICC Champions Trophy 2017” and based on my details which include;
1) I have current account with amount more than SAR 30,000.
2) I have traveled three countries before i.e One time Malaysia and Two times Bahrain and one
time Qatar for tourism only.
3) My Salary is more than SAR 10,000.
4) I have been working in a multi-national company from last 8 years.
I have passport of Pakistan and i don’t have invitation. Please advice me based on my information can i get UK visit visa?
Waiting for your advisable comments.
God bless you
Just apply and submit all required documents, they will decide based on it, u have chance as u already proven u can travel and salary is good. Good luck
ok fingers Crossed…Thank you Mr. Hunter for your kind responses all the time ,
Hi Hunter
Today morning ( 7th ). i have received a Txt msg on my mobile from VFS stating our passport is Ready for collection…so i have to go AL KHOBAR to collect the passport or they will deliver me to Jubail city. as i stay in Jubail..as far as i remember they did not gave me any slip for collection
Mr. Salman hope for the best In Sha Allah you will get your passport today with VISA,
on VFS site they mentioned clearly “Between 01 April 2017 and 31 August 2017, all UK visa applicants in Al Khobar will have their passports returned by courier for a discounted fee. This change has been introduced to maintain the quality of the service we provide to all our customers during our busy summer peak”
it means they gonna deliver .
U should have the receipt issued by VFS, u have to present it if u r going to collect your passport, but if u paid for courier fee they will deliver it to u and no need to show receipt
i remember now the lady in VFS charged me 120 Riyal for courier charges…
In Sha Allah i hope the same we will receive the passport with Visa.. Mr. Shaun that’s really so sweet of you to reply with such a nice info…i really dint notice it on the website..was just wondering how to follow up now…and yes i remember now the lady in VFS charged me 120 Riyal for courier charges…
im still waiting for ur update ?
Hi Mr. Shaun
Tonight i received email from ARAMEX..i checked with my tracking number on their website and it says that my shipment is in Transit…so today i think they will deliver Jubail. iam also eagerly waiting
dear Mr. Hunter and Mr. Shuan
this is to inform you that today 12.30pm i have received my passport from Aramex , and my Visa is Approved….iam very very happy…thanks to all of you for your kind attention and support
that is great, congratulation
enjoy your trip janab ..
Congrats
Aslamaalaykum Brothers,
My Self Shabaz Shaikh, I had apply Family Visit Visa for UK on 3/7/2017 in Alkhobar VFS. My Elder who is currently staying in UK Manchester is Sponsoring me.I am really confused that they will grant me the visa or not because i have not submitted Exit / Rentry as well as Residential detail of Saudi Arabia.Below Are the Docs I submitted.
Shabaz Shaikh:
1) Application copy
2) company letter (Chamber Attested / My Business Card Attached / Salary Confirmation / Designation)
3) passport
4) Iqama copy
5) Health Insaurance Card
5) Bank Statement..( 6 – Months as per salary 28300 SAR. )
6) cheque copy..( 6 months – As salary in our company Paid by Cheques)
Elder Brother Sponser.
1) Sponser letter
2) TCS company letter
3) UK Visa
4) Work Permit
5) Passport Copy
6) 3 months Pay slip.
7) P60 Tax and UK_NI NO
8) Bank Satatement (3 months UK Bank Satement)
9) Medical Insaurance
10) UK council Tax.
11) House Rent
12) Water Bill
13) Electricity & Gas.
Please share your knowledge
thank you very Much to all of you…i think if we have UK visa we can obtain turkey Visa online..any idea???
yes if you got 1st world country visa stamped on your passport, you can apply turkey visa online, i think it’s $60 you will pay.
Yes u can apply turkish visa online if u have uk visa
Thanks for the Info..today iam very happy alhumdulillah
Dear all
Need a short help…i need some info about the Tour operators who can arrange your trip for Turkey and UK..
Mr. Salman,
well i think no need to take these kind of services, u got internet u got google u can find out everything on google + google maps
yeh, thanks….Got Turkey Visa today by online…
Hi i would like to travel to both europe and uk for holiday. Is it better to apply for schengen visa first or uk visa first?
On average they both process visa application 1-2 weeks for first time applicants, if had u been issued UK/Schengen visas before, they can process as little as 1-3days.
For the second time applicant, visa approved before, is it ok to submit application if your travel date is after one month?
Hi Hunter,
I am planing on visiting both UK and Paris this summer. Could you please advice on which Visa to process first.
Already answered on other comment. It’s up to u to decide. Just take note that Schengen visa validity starts from the date of your proposed travel based from your flight booking, while UK visa validity starts immediately upon approval of your UK visa.
Hi
Has anyone got UK visa without submitting Exit-Rentry and Travel Insurance? Is this compulsory to be submitted?
My Multiple Entry Exit expires on 25th June and i am travelling on 26th. So if i need to submit Exit-Rentry, i would need to tell my sponsor to cancel my existing visa and issue a new Single Entry-Exit with a 90 day validity.
Thanks
in my case, i haven’t. instead, i presented a letter from my manager and addressed to UK Embassy stating that they assure my return etc.. i got a UK visa.
What sort of letter you submitted to uk embassy?
Hi, I applied for the UK visa, in the Checklist there is a requirement for proof of home address (tenancy agreement). Is it a must to submit?
In some cases they ask this document so get it ready.
Thanks, much appreciated for detailed explanation. Very clear steps mentioned and procedure.
I applied online and paid the fees. I missed one booking in my form, Ho can I modify it??
Secondly, how do I apply for my wife and baby? We go for standard visitor visa of UK. Thanks,
NAJAM
Hello!
I received an SMS Message to my Mobile from VFS and it says: GWFXXXXXX is ready for collection at UKVI Visa Centre.
Can I go now to VFS Office to collect my passport even though I don’t receive a call from them?
And also at the same date, I received a message from crmadmin@vfsglobal.com:
Subject: Application Received from the post CRM:XXXXXXXX
Dear WERNHER,
The processed visa application for GWF reference number – GWFXXXXXXX was received at the UK Visa Application Centre on 6/14/2017.
If a courier service was purchased from VFS Global, your processed application will be delivered to the chosen address.
If not, your documents can be collected during the designated passport collection times.
Please note this is an auto generated e-mail. Please do NOT reply to this email.
Do you think they will give me Visa or not?
VFS will never call u, they only send sms.
It means Sir, I can go now to VFS Global Riyadh. Do you have any idea Sir what time I can go there?
Do you think Sir that I have a chance to get VIsa with the email that I receive from VFS Global?
Thanks for the reply.
Today is Saturday their office is close. They dont tell on email nor sms if your visa is approved. U can only know it once u open the envelop.
Hello HunterPM.
Hope You are fine at your end!
I have one confusion and worried about my visit visa applied for UK.I am an Indian working in a I.T Company in Al-Khobar- Dammam. I have applied for UK Visit visa on 3/7/2017. I have submitted all the necessary documents including ( Company Letter chamber attested / Iqama Copy / Passport / Medical Card Copy / Business card & bank statement 6 month 28k sar ) but i have not submitted exit/ re- rentry Permit copy & Saudi Residential documents as they did not ask in the counter during submission.So my visa going to reject? please reply brother.
3/7/2017 : Application Submitted.
3/7/2017: Received SMS Visa Application Forwarded.
4/7/2017 : Received email that your visa application is been processed by Entry Clearance officer.
till now no reply….
Please reply Mr. HunterPM
If u read other comments on this post u can see other applicants with similar question so hope u find time to read it to know the answer.
Thank you so much Mr.HunterPM for the reply.one thing i want to ask that in the email which i received from VFS Riyadh they mentioned this below point..
This email is to notify you that your UK visa application is now being prepared for assessment by an Entry Clearance Officer.
Please note: We strongly recommend that you do not book a flight to the UK until your visa application has been approved and you have collected your passport. We do not accept responsibility for any financial loss incurred as a result of delays in processing applications and we will not fast-track applications solely because of travel plans.
Once a decision has been made on your application we will email you to let you know. You will then be contacted by the Visa Application Centre with instructions on how to collect your documents. Please do not go to the Visa Application Centre before they have contacted you.
What does this mean ( Not to book the flight ticket ?? ) Is this email is their general format or only in my case.?
Means do not purchase your ticket until visa is approved, that’s why u only need to submit flight booking during application.
okay Mr HunterPm.
Thank you for your reply..lot of expectation from this application as i am visiting to my elder brother in manchester with whome i have not meet from last 4 years.tensed situation.let c.
Dear Brother hunterPM.
I have check online maximum processing days for Family UK Visit visa is 15 days from Riyadh. I applied on 3 july2017 but still there is no update.
So the 15 day processing time for Visa is including week off i.e.(Fri / Sat) or only working days.???
15 working days, weekend not included
Thanks hunterPM. then I need to wait now its only 9 working days.let see.hoping for the positive results.
Hi, just want to share my uk tourist visa application here in riyadh. I am a Filipina currently working here as a nurse in Riyadh. I submiited my application last july 4, 2017. After 10 working days, my passport is already available for pick up. I was granted a visa. The bank statement that i submiited only showed a 7000 riyals balance,i also enclosed my COE, translation of my iqama in english, payslips for d previous 6 mos. I didnt include the exit reentry visa because it is not required (there is a checklist in their website for the documents to be submiited). And they specifically stated in their website that you dont book a round trip ticket in case you will be denied a visa. I think my travel history helped me get a visa. Anyway, tnx for your blog hunter. i came accross this site 2 weeks ago. By the way, 2 of my workmates paid 1000 sr each and they were given a visa in just 4 working days.
Thanks for sharing ur experience Harlyn enjoy ur trip 😊
Hello Harlyn, could you please tell us about your travel history. when and where u did have?
Dear HunterPM,
Sorry For Late Reply.I got my UK Family visit Visa Finally.I am Very happy and thank you for the support and the information Tc brother.
Good day po, sir Hunter tanong ko lang po if hanggang kelan valid ang uk visit visa once ma stamped and approved. For example po ay sa november 16 pa ang flight ko, and within this month ko plan mag asikaso for visa. kelangan po ba magpabook na kaagad kung wala pa namang visa approval? Thank you. I will appreciate po if magrereply kayo. Thank you
Not recommended to pay plane ticket if visa is not yet approved. However if u are confident enough for visa approval then u can buy ur ticket in advance. If u apply visa in KSA, UK visa is valid starting from the date of issuance up to 6 months validity. U can apply as early as 90 days max before your planned trip. U need flight booking or dummy booking in submitting your visa application.
Hello Hunter.
Thank you so much for this valuable information. I have few questions.
1. I have applied for the UK on 2012 and got rejected due to lack of document. I received a letter with my passport for the reason for rejection. Now I am planning to apply again and I have already mentioned in the application that my visa application has been rejected before. I asked one of the travel agents they said you have to submit this rejection letter while re applying. So is rejection letter important? currently, i don’t have that letter and even don’t have the copy for it. Should i submit anyways?
2. I have completed and paid the application fee and schedule an appointment on 15th Aug and I am planning to travel on 15 Nov till 31 jan. So if I apply for exit re-entry visa? I will be traveling on the last day ( From 90 days validity since its issued ). What if I request multiple exit re-entry for 6 months will it work?
Rejection letter- not important to submit when applying for new visa. But be sure to have your old passport, copy the page where they put the rejection stamp as the reference can be found there. U also need to write the date of that rejection stamp when answering the part “have u been refused visa to the UK before?”. Exit ReEntry visa- if u read the other comments in this blog u will see some applicants did not submit copy of their exitReEntry visa but got their UK visa approved. Although it is still advisable to submit one, just remember that u have to use it within 90days from issuance, otherwise it will expire and u will pay a penalty.
Thank you Hunter, for your reply.
About exit/ re-entry, i am planning to get it and try to prepone the air ticket or else I will ask the manager to cancel it after I receive the visa and re issue it. About Insurance I have Medgulf will it work? I called the customer care and inquire about. He replied yes it will be accepted in the UK only in emergency case. But I feel like he was not sure for what he said. You have mentioned that you used BUPA travel insurance. Kindly provide me the details from where you got it?
Thank You.
Actually travel insurance is not required for UK visa application. But it is useful for emergency cases while abroad. Bupa and Medgulf are both accepted as long as its validity states “worldwide coverage”. My company issue BUPA insurance for all our employees and it has worldwide coverage. ExitReEntry visa is valid 90days from date of issuance. If u cannot use it within 90days u have to cancel it to avoid penalty. For tickets it’s up to u.
Hi,
I applied family visit visa on 10-Aug-2017 with normal process at Riyadh centre. Can anyone suggest how much time will it take to get my passport ? has anyone got information about recent processing times ?
On UK immigration website, processing times of Riyadh embassy are of May 2017 which suggests most family visit visa applications are processed within 5 working days. But now I believe with Eid Holidays are ahead, there are more visa applications in Embassy and time for decision will be more.
I need to get back my passport before 31-Aug-2017 because I need to travel to home country for Eid vacations. Any information about recent processing times of july/Aug will be appreciated.
Thanks in advance.
Regards,
Burhan
U applied during peak season so expect 2weeks processing. Dont worry they usually finish it before Eid Holiday starts.
Thank you for reply Hunter. I hope I get it before Eid vacations as there are 13 workings days still to go.
As I gone through above comments, so far I have not received email which people have received after submitting application such as below
“Received email that your visa application is been processed by Entry Clearance officer.”
Does it mean, process on my application has not started yet ?
Uptil now, I only have received sms about forwarding application to ukvi, it was received on the day I submitted application.
Regards,
Burhan
It means still not accessed by entry clearance officer at the UK embassy. Its high season so expect some delay due to huge number of applicants. Also sometimes their system is not updated so be patient. Nxt time apply as early as 90 days before ur travel dates to avoid this worries.
Same here, mr burhan I submitted my documents last August 10 in vfs Riyadh till this time still no update.
Norphrie, I think its due to peak season, I have not got any update so far. It looks like, my eid vacations are going to be ruined as possibility of getting passport before 31-Aug-2017 is less.
Please update here if you get any update and whenever you will get passport. Many thanks.
Also did you apply as normal process ?
Yes normal process. I will as soon as I get an update.
Hi,
18-Aug-2017: Today I received email which says “This email is to notify you that your UK visa application is now being prepared for assessment by an Entry Clearance Officer.”
Now, I am hopeful to get passport in coming week.
But I received this email today and its friday which is off day here in Riyadh. I dont know if they are processing applications on off day as well.
18-Aug-2017: I received email which says application being prepared for assessment by entry clearance officer.
Would someone suggest how many days it takes after this email ?
Also I received this email on Friday which was off day, are they processing applications on off days as well ?
Norphrie, any update on your side ?
I recieved email from them last Friday the same as yours. Still no update
27-Aug-2017: Received concluding email. Hope to get passport today or maximum tomorrow.
No update till now.. It’s good. You got email from them that they already concluded you application.
28-Aug-2017: passport received, visa granted.
Many thanks this blog was very helpful.
Hi mr burhan, any update?
hi hunter .. im a doctor applying for business visitor visa …all of my peers who applied in july got their visa back in 8 days ( including nonworking days).. i intend to apply on 21 aug 2017..and wil have 8 days before eid… and also i want to get my visa before eid..i heard they try to clear all visas before eid ..so should i apply for priority or non priority visa ? plz advise thanks
ps: im apllying from alkhobar
Its peak season to apply this period. Good luck if u can have visa before Eid. U can try priority visa if u like but still it wont guarantee you’l get visa before eid. But try your luck!
but dont they guarantee to process your visa within 5 working days on priority visa service ? ..do u think if i even apply on priority basis i wont get my visa before eid? thanks
I Submitted all my documents on 15th Aug and still, I didn’t receive the email says application being prepared for assessment by entry clearance officer.
Lesson learn guys, do not apply during peak season to avoid this inconvenience, even their website does not recommend this as u can submit your application 90 days in advance.
Today afternoon I received the email states that the application has been received.
I successfully got my visa ( tourist + family & friends visit visa ). A Million thanks for Mr. Hunter.
Would like to share my experience.
> Completed Online visa application on 13 Aug 17
> Took an appointment on 15 Aug 17
> Submitted all the required document on 15 Aug 17
1. Passport (original)
2. Passport copy with stamp pages.
3. Iqama copy with English translation
4. Salary certificate with COC
5. Application states the holiday period has been granted by my company (Instead of Exit/Re-entry)
6. Credit card copy
7. Vehicle registration with English translation
8. 6 Months Bank Statement ( 25K+)
9. Check List application
10. House rent documents.
11. Details of my Sister in Uk ( Her UK ID card, House rental agreement, Passport copy, Job certificate )
12 Mom/Dad passport copy, Iqama copy.( to prove relationship between me and my sis )
13 Flight ticket.
> Received email states “UK visa application is now being prepared for assessment by an Entry Clearance Officer” on 23rd Aug 17
> Received email states “Your application has been concluded and will shortly be returned to our commercial partner” on 4th Sep 17 ( Delayed due to Eid holidays from 31st Aug till 3rd Sep )
> Received Sms to collect the passport on 4th Sep
> Collected the passport and UKVI returns all my documents 😀 on 4th Sep evening.
Dear Hunter,
How interesting and very useful is your blog, I read all the comments above.
I would like to share my experience too, I’m from morocco, I’m a doctor, I’ve submitted a standard visitor uk visa application on the 30th August at the TLS contact in Rabat (The capital of Morocco), the documents I submitted are :
– Visa application form duly completed,
– Bank statements of 6 months,
– A payslip from the ministry of health,
– Proof of employment,
– A booking of a hotel,
– 6 previous schengen visa,
– My passport
I’ve completed the old form application not the new one.
By the way in morocco they accept the french documents.
I’ve received an email the day I submitted, 30th August, telling me that my application was forwarded to uk embassy, then in 4th September I received an other mail telling me that my Visa application is received by the UK Visas & Immigration and will now be processed in accordance with published timelines.
Up to now I didn’t receive anything else.
I hope it will work !
I’ll give you update.
Visa approved and collected today.
Wondering if you can help –
My wife applied for spouse visa to join me and she has got the email from ukvi that’s her application has been concluded on 1st October and that the application has been forwarded to vfsglobal Riyadh. We have not yet heard from vfsglobal (in fact even after paying 20 SAR for the SMS service my wife has not heard a thing from them).
We need to fly out on the 7th of October So is there anyway we can contact them? Do you know of any number ? ( I trawled the Internet but couldn’t find a vfs helpline).
Many thanks ;
U can go directly at VFS and show the email. Ive experience the same issue, paying for sms but never receive message.
MANY thanks for your reply
I’ve told my wife to go today. Here’s hoping that the visa will be granted. Keep us in your prayers
Visa granted
Hello, Mr Hunter, How are You?
i had a conversation before that time i asked many questions about UK visa, unfortunately that time i had lack of doc and travel history. now i just completed my doc and created some travel history by traveling to 3 different countries in June, 2017 like Georgia, Azerbaijan and Sri Lanka, the whole trip was for 9 days.
Now i have complete doc expect the salary transfer in my account but i have salary slips from my company, and 2nd issue is i don’t have any credit card to show them but i have good bank statement history with 25K ending balance. I am working in my company as a Senior Sales Representative, please write me somethings for possibility, waiting for your response, TC God Bless You
Its ok if u dont have creditcard, important is ur bank balance is in good standing, u can try ur luck to apply UK visa.
can anyone share the format of Spenser’s letter for visa?
waiting for response
The Consular General
Embassy of the United Kingdom
Riyadh
KSA
Visit Visa
Excellency:
This is confirm that Mr. ABC XYZ, (your nationality) National, Passport No ABC12345, is employed by XXX XXX Ltd. Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia since XXth June 20XX and currently working as XXXX.
Mr. ABC XYZ is planning to visit the United Kingdom between the period 3rd may – 2nd June 2018.
Mr. ABC XYZ currently receiving a total monthly salary of SR XX,XXX
Any assistance you can provide to facilitate his proposed visit to the United Kingdom would be highly appreciated.
Yours sincerely,
Ahmad Al Najmi,
Head of HR
(COMPANY NAME .)
and also tell me please is there possible to submit my application without exit re-entry ?
Greetings hunterpm,
This blog is very useful among others, who need to apply UK Visa in KSA. Sharing stories between peoples experiences here just make it excellent.
May I ask you, if I’m planning to submit for UK VISA wife+kid, what are all documents need to be translated into english (birth certificate) as my kid born in KSA, so its written in arabic. And if its translated do I need to re-attest into COC and MOFA as well ? I understand this is to ensure/proof he is my kid but is it necessary ?
Secondly, for marriage certificate also is it needed or necessary for UK embassy to translate this and again to COC and MOFA ? as my marriage certificate issued from my home country not from Saudi. I understand both documents are not required/stated on vfs, but my wife colleague gave unsure clue that “All documents must be translated”. And if they require some more documents, the VISA process should be re-apply from beginning or just bring the required docs to be completed, and how many days it would take the process.
For Iqama, I read above comments that your friend and some other person translate their iqama as well. Again, does it need to be attested by COC and MOFA to be legalized the documents in KSA ?
Thanks in advance to allow me asking on this blog, I will be submitting into vfs early next month to have 1 and half month before my travelling date.
To prove family relation, u need to present Birth Cert of ur child & Marriage Cert for ur wife. I assume they r both under ur sponsorship so their Iqama will show this details. If u r going to submit any document written in other language, u need to provide official English translation. U can find alot of translation office in KSA. That English translation doesn’t need COC/MOFA. Also ask ur employer to include in ur COE that u and ur wife/kid with passport number blah blah would like to apply UK visa. Visa processing takes 10-20days for first time applicants, u can apply 90 days in advance prior to ur planned trip. If u find this blog helpful, please hit the like button. Thanks!
Hello Sir Hunter, I didn’t give the details of Hotel Reservation, please tell me can i edit my application or can i create a new one? my current application just have payment remains.
If u already made online signature & click the submit button, u cant modify it. Either u try to make new online application or u can go on with the existing application and ask VFS to modify it during ur appointment, they may ask for payment for doing this. Lesson, review all answers 5X before click submit.
Thank you hunterpm for your quick response.
Today I have paid to book appoinment, but make a mistake for my baby booked on different day (day after).
Any idea if I update/reschedule his appoinment date, should I pay $197 again ?
Or another thought, If I keep the schedule separately with my son. Should I complete all of my application docs part to his supporting documents as well ?
Thanks,
No issue if u book ur son on a different day, he’s a minor which means he needed to be accompanied by his parents during application. U can bring his application with u (and ur son if he’s required to appear in person) during ur appointment.
hunterpm and all readers, allow me to bring updates on the situation where your family member having different appoinment date (my case is my son) a day after :
1. You will need all ORIGINAL documents for your son (family member) if they are going to apply on different date, so as you said my son is minor is slight inaccurate. As they won’t be accepting copy such my Employement Letter or Bank Statement which is time consuming.
2. You still can include your family member to applying the same time with you just tell to the officer, BUT you have to pay 415 SAR (VFS Al Khobar) where they accept debit/card, the details I’ve just read it now :
http://www.vfsglobal.co.uk/saudiarabia/user_pay_services.html
“Walk-in without appointment service – Walk in without pre-booking an appointment, or use the walk in service if you miss your appointment.
This service is aimed at customers who prefer not to book an appointment and is ideal for those looking to travel spontaneously. A Walk In Without Appointment service will be offered between 14:00 – 15:00 hrs for customers wishing to use our standard lounge and between 09:00 and 16:00 hrs for customers paying 415.00 SAR to use our premium lounge.”
1/11/2017 – All Documents Submitted @2pm appointment at VFS Al Khobar
– Receive SMS for GWF# was forwarded to UKVI on 1/11/2017
2/11/2017 – Receive Email from OFFICIAL: UK visa application – GWF# that your UK visa
application is now being prepared for assessment by an Entry Clearance Officer
I’m surprised is it that fast to receive our application status within a single day, as I read
above shared by Akarsh Saleem. says: September 5, 2017 at 8:35 am took around 7
Days after documents submitted.
I will share the updates once I had any from UKVI.
During documents submission found some unsure facts that :
– They didn’t take my photograph (3.5×4.5) and attach it on our application, But I leave it there on the officer desk (hopefully they will aware off it, since while I’m taking biometric she said “no need”) is it OK ?
– We have to make checklist by ourself where I found some uncertain for some documents between give tick mark of Original / Copy section. What if we gave incorrect tick marks ?
Hello Mr Hunter,
I am a Pakistani National living here in Madinah, I need your help regarding UK visa. I have been travelled 3 different countries in June 2017 in a single trip, and today I got the visit visa for Japan as well. now my plan is also to apply for UK Tourist visa on Sunday. because I have planned to visit UK and Japan on the same trip. here I need your help to How to present my file in UK embassy?
My profession is Sales Representative
i have these Doc to submit :
1. Original passport + copy of data page
2. Copy of my National Identity card from Pakistan
3. Printed Online visa application form
4. Employment letter (attested by Chamber of Commerce)
5. Copy of my Iqama (residence permit)
6. Translation of my Iqama (residence permit)
7 Copy of my Exit/reEntry visa
8. Payslip for last 6 months
9. Bank statement for last 6 months of Quick Pay NCB account ( SR 39K Standing balance )
10. Copy of AXA travel insurance for 1 months covers worldwide
11. Copy of my credit card from Al Rajhi Bank
12. Flight booking reservation (Madinah to London – London to Islamabad – Islamabad to Tokyo- Tokyo to Madinah)
13. Hotel booking from Booking.com (For 10 Days in London & 8 Days in Tokyo)
All Xerox copies are Colored copies
so please tell me if something is missing or irrelevant in this file. I will amend it.
It will be my pleasure if you suggest me something for my better presentation. Hopefully you will reply me soon.
Seems ur documents are all complete, go ahead apply for UK visa. Good luck
Hello Mr Hunter. i am confused by filling this column,
can you please help to fill this answer:
Give details of tourist activities and places you will visit, friends or family you will see or stay with, plus any non-tourist activities you plan to do during your trip such as doing business, receiving private medical treatment or getting married.
Hello Mr Hunter,
I just printed my application and Documents Checklist, I found that is little different than the copy that is available on the website on VFS. actually, 4 requirements are confusing me:
( Tick if you are including this documents)
1- information about your visit visa.
2- Home address, doc showing where you live such as ( Tick if you are including this documents)
3- Evidence of Assets
4- Additional information- Evidence of Family members remaining in your home country whilst you travel.
what should I present to the embassy to tick all requirements ? while I have only the doc that I wrote in my post before. now, what shall I do for these 4 Ticks. should I tick or just leave blank?
I don’t have any house contract copy
evidence of assets I have only my car and savings that are on my account
waiting for you guideness soon.. as my appointment is tomorrow. hopefully, you’ll rep me soon
I dont know why they’re asking u these requirements as i never encountered it. I applied for General Visitor visa. Maybe u applied another type. Sorry cant help u.
I also applied for General Visitor Visa.
any suggestions that I can present them to cover all these requirements or should I leave blank that I don’t have the doc.
U can submit the documents they are asking or make a letter of explanation why u cannot submit the documents.
I am still confused & finding the way to fill these requirements. hopefully can find a better solution. if anyone has better idea..please share your experiences
Hey there, just a quick question tho.
My friend is living in the KSA, and they are planning to visit me here in London this Summer for a couple of weeks. He has been living there for over two years and working on an independent. He doesn’t have a bank account, and it looks like can’t open one. I find this a bit strange that why he can’t open a bank account.
Is there any other set documents that can be submitted other than the bank statements?
I’m not sure if anyone come across with this situation before?
The way u describe your friend is kinda suspicious. You said he is working as independent, how is that? He should have an employer sponsoring him to legally work in the UK. If he is freelancer, what is his legal status of staying in the UK? Only illegals are not allowed to open bank account.
Hi I been in the UK twice, now that my visa will expire on February 2018, do you think I can renew my visa for 2 years as my spouse living in the UK.???
Its up to u if u want to apply 2 yrs, im sure u r aware that UK visa cost depends on the length of visa validity u applied (6months, 1 2 5, 10yrs being the most expensive) and sometimes even if u applied 2yrs visa still they can approve visa with lesser validity and visa cost will not be refunded.
but what are the chances that they can give me for 2 years validity? do i have a better chance to get it?? thanks
I personally dont know ur personal circumstances but if u have valid reason to travel to UK multiple times within 2yrs then apply for 2yrs UK visa. Your wife in the UK can provide u invitation/guarantee letter to support ur application, however both of u should show financial capacity to support ur planned multiple trips tp the UK.
another question, do you think submitting a friends invitation letter and another letter from my spouse is a bad idea??? thanks.
It would be safe if u just include 1 invitation from closest relative (your wife).
can i ask about Schengen Visa? What is the requirements needed from my sponsor? Thanks
Your on a wrong blog post. Pls check my Schengen visa post. Thanks
dear for uk visit visa flight booking in confirmed requires or we just show the reservation only
Reservation only
We need information about visit visa. My wife is on visit visa in Saudi Arabia . Can I apply her visit visa for Uk from Saudi Arabia. I have already multiple Uk visa .Even I can ask my uncle for sponsor letter for Uk .
Pls contact VFS UK KSA if your wife can apply here while on visit visa
My visit visa will expires soon do you think its easy to get another visa or is it easy to renew it???
Whether u apply new visa or renew, procedure is the same as applying for the first time.
Good day sir! i will be having a transit visa to london after exit from riyadh then headback to philippines.does it have additional fee for the ticket going to london?thank you
U need to tell me first, do u have UK visa? Why do u have to transit to london if ur going home to PH in the first place? Thats highly questionable unless u possess valid visa to the UK. U might not be allowed to board ur flight upon checkin at Riyadh airport if they ask u UK visa and u cannot provide one and will ask u to purchase ticket direct to PH since PAL’s airfare is really cheap.
I will apply for transit visa just to see my mom and its only 48hrs and then i will be heading to ph.
Transit visa is allowed only if u r arriving at let’s say Heathrow and ur connecting flight is at Gatwick and ur transit time s less than 24hrs. Judging from what u just said u will not be allowed transit visa, instead u need to apply General Visitor visa. However, expats going for final exit to ksa will not be issued this visa since u will lost ur economic ties with ksa which s one of the requirement. Also take note of airfare from riyadh to london is different from ur airfare from london to manila.
Ah…ok sir.but the 24hrs is just for direct transit visa right?
I mean i want to be a visitor in transit visa only sir.thank you sir.
I suggest u search for more info about this and visit official UK visa website to avoid being refused visa. If u believe u have strong chance of getting approve visa then u can always try ur luck. Either way u r case will be assessed based from ur personal circumstances and travel history.
Hello my dear friend. I would like to visit my brother in uk so I select standard visitor visa type. My planning to travell with my family( wife and son) I have all documents exept address proof and exit/re-entry visa. I have 3 doubts during filling my application
1) I am working in jubail since 2014 and went vacation 5 times. These trips are required to included in the travel history? I am confused on this. First I fill the date when I reach in saudi arabai but again they are asking did you travel any other contries. Can I write saudi arabia again and again.because of this I stuck in my application.
2) what should be the answer for what permission you have to be in saudi arabia( I have iqama)
3) for my wife’s application what will be the answer for how much money you expected to spend for the trip as she is independent visa and unemployed.Is it necessary to divide equaly for the 3 applications
Waiting for your reply and thanks in advance
1) you should list the countries u visited in the past 10yrs. Saudi and your home country are not included since saudi is your current country of residence/employment, and your home country is where u go home every vacation. Have u been to countries other than Saudi and your country of nationality?
2) u need to provide your iqama number and its validity, u can also provide exit/reEntry visa number and validity.
3) for your wife u need to put the amount u intend to give her during your trip and explain that u (her husband) will be providing that fund to her since your wife is unemployed and dependent with u financially. Same goes with your dependent son. U can add these details on the part “additional details of your trip”.
Thanks for your reply.
I visited malaysia for 5 days for tourism purpose, so malaysia is enough in this part?
One more thing I would like to know
I got company letter and NOC in letter headed paper. Is attestation from COC is required?
Thanks in advance
Its ok even if u just visited other country for 1 day that should be part of travel history. Attestation for CoE and NOC is not required, just signature and stamp from your company.
18k SAR bank balance is enough for my 3 applications( including me, wife and 1.5 year old baby)In the invitation letter my brother mentioned he will pay our all expenditure in uk. Including transportation,stay and food.
Also my salary for Dec and Jan are pending. Should I wait for my salary because my leave application has been approved from 15th april. So I have to apply early as possible,is there any problem if apply with 18k. I can provide pay slips for Dec and Jan but bank statement will not showing this amount. Should we consider this also?
Very very thanku for your prevoius reply
Ask your company to credit ur pending salary to your bank account immediately so it can add strength to your bank statement and financial capabilities to travel with your wife & child.
Can anyone share the proper location of visa application centre in khobar( user pay). I could not find in google map
Hello!
Do we need to provide exit/re-entry visa information (number and validity) in the online application?
or can we just get exit/re-entry visa when they grant us UK visa?
Thanks!
If u read the comments, some were able to submit without presenting exit/reEntry visa and got approved, but for latest details pls ask VFS.
Thank you!
can you tell me the right type i select. my mother sister husband sponsoring me for uk visit visa so what type i select for visa Tourist or Family Visa . my main purpose of travelling for tourism and meet relatives..
General Visitor visa is for tourism, visit family/friends, medical purpose, sports, entertainment, training.
while applying from this site
https://www.visa4uk.fco.gov.uk
there are only two option showed one for family visa and other for Tourist
when i select tourist their is a question showed the main purpose of your trip to visit/stay with close family relative who is settled in the UK. if i select yes then the caution showed you select wrong visa type. so which type i select either tourist or family.?
Then choose the other one.
i am Second degree relatives so its possible to apply family visit.
Yes
Hello hunter I am blessed with your generosity in sharing and advising on your blog.What can you advise me regarding documents to be submitted(on my part and my sister’s- invitee) on visiting her in the Uk and at the same time to attend her daughter’s(my niece) 18th birthday on May 25th, 2018.I am planning to lodge my application in 2nd or 3rd week of mar.I have SR14,00 on my account, i just got my salary a week ago.Is it ok not to withdraw until I finished my application?will it will suspicious for the consulate why I don’t have any bank transactions prior to my application?(maybe they’ll think why I didn’t have expenses/withdrawal history after i get my salary ’till my application time?)
I am currently working in Yanbu and I’ll be submitting my application through vfs (visa application center) ,Jeddah .
In the invitation letter, should I address it to Bristish General Consulate , Jeddah or Embassy in Riyadh.I am asking this because I’m not sure whether the vfs will be forwarding my documents, Jeddah or Riyadh.
Thank you in advance.
Address it to UK consulate in Jeddah. U can take bank statement when ur last balance is at its highest then right after getting it u can withdraw some amount of ur salary. Ive done it all the time without any problem.
hi sir, is exit reentry really needed for visa application?
You’l find the answer on the comments.
Hi sir, hope your doing good! I have a question my tourist visa was expired last February 24 2018. I’m planning to apply again this coming July do think, there will be a problem? Hoping for your kind respond. God bless.
Hi Hunter. being a single expat in saudi arabia, my ties to the country are quite weak and this remains as a reason i got my british visa refused last year. What is the solution around this?
Being single has got nothing to do with UK visa. I applied for UK Schengen USA Canada Australia New Zealand Japan etc. as SINGLE status without any issue.
as for as my personal experience: Show your max assets in this Country and much money in your bank statement. good job status also helps to show you have strong ties with this country. it doesn’t matter you are single or not. Good timing for visa applies also helps a lot to get the visa. and many more things that should follow.
Dear i need some information about visit visa my bank statement is 15K and my monthly salary is 3000 sar is it possible to get uk visit visa
Click the “LIKE” button for this blog first then il answer u. So many inquiries here but no likes.
i am a big fan of you i always read your blog and share your blog with friends here in ksa and Pakistan as well..
I really appreciate that, however clicking the “LIKE” button would be more effective in showing that this blog is indeed helpful. Thank u
I already like it so now come to question 20k bank statement and showing salary on emploment letter 3000 sar is it possible to get visa
Yes u can try, they will base their decision in granting or refusing visa from your financial capacity, travel history, number of years with your employer and from all supporting other documents u will submit with your application. Some applicants have lower salary but with high savings and got approved, some have high salary but with low balance on their bank but still got approved. It totally depends on your personal merits. Good luck!
Dear Hunter PM,
A really helpful and well written blog and really admire the dedication for helping others and replying all the queries.
I have few questions and your reply will be highly appreciated,
I’m planning to visit UK 25th September,2018 and will be applying my visa after Eid holidays.
I have very good Job and Salary status, also good bank statement 50K+.I have visited Czech Republic, France, Turkey & Bahrain but my wife and kids only visited Tukey so far but they were issued Schengen visa before.
As per your experience how much chances we have to get UK visit visa if we apply with above mention credentials.
I think u have high chances. Wish u & your family good luck with your UK visa!
Dear Hunter,
Hope u remember me!.
Your previous suggestion were correct and I have been granted the UK Family visit visa for 6 month so thank you so much.Now I have applied again for UK from KSA but this time i have applied for Long term family Visit Visa for 2 years.I wanted to know how much is the chances for approval as i have visited earlier in UK.please let me know..
Waiting for your reply!
Big chances. If u can support your next application with a letter explaining why u need to apply for 2yrs visa + higher money available in your bank. Good luck.
I will update you the result..Hoping for the best.
Thank you so much!
Dear HunterPM
I got the Visa refusal.please guide me should i reapply again or what should be the next step
Your application for a visit visa to the United Kingdom has been refused.
I have refused your application for a visit visa because I am not satisfied that you meet the requirements of paragraph(s)4 2 of Appendix V of the Immigration Rules because • You have provided as evidence of your sponsor an invitation letter along with various financial documents This sponsorship does not satisfy me of your own intention to leave the UK on completion of your visit It is your own personal circumstances and the credibility of your trip that I must assess for this application.
I am not satisfied that you have provided a accurate representation of your financial situation in Saudi Arabia or that the funds you have presented are genuinely available for your exclusive use
The documents you have provided do not satisfactorily demonstrate your personal Circumstances in Saudi Arabia and I am not satisfied that you have shown ties which would necessitate your departure from the UK at the end of your visit duration.
In tight of all the above. I am not satisfied that You will leave the at the end of your of your visit or that you are genuinely seeking entry for a purpose that is permitted by the visitor routes.and will not undertake any prohibited activities set out in V 4.5 – V 4.10. ( Paragraph 4.2(a), 4.2(c), and 4.2(d) )
Furthermore, given the above concerns about the funds actually available to you, I am not satisfied that you will have sufficient funds to cover all reasonable costs in relation to your visit without working or accessing public funds This includes the cost of the return or onward journey and a
any costs relating to dependents and the cost of planned activities (paragraph 4.2(e))
Future applications
Any future UK visa applications you make will be considered on their individual merits. however you are likely to be refused unless the circumstances of your application change
In relaton to this decision there is no right of appeal or right to administrative review.
Waiting for your reply!!!
salam so sad shahbaz sahb… on which date did u submit your application?
Dear Shabaz, despite my many replies, still u have not click the LIKE button for this blog (at the end of this blog u can see a star icon next to the word “like”). It is unfortunate they had refused your UK visa, i do not know what supporting documents u had submitted nor your personal circumstances at this time so it’s hard for me to judge what went wrong.
hey hunter ..is it like a rule that we cannot apply for UK visa if there are less than two months remaining in iqama validity ? have you seen some one getting rejection because of less duration of iqama validity? thanks
Dear Ark, still u have not LIKEd this blog. The star icon next to the word LIKE is at the end of this blog if u haven’t seen it.
U need to renew your Iqama before u apply for any visa, if they see your Iqama is about to expire it can lead to visa refusal, ur employer cant issue u exitReEntry visa if iqama is less than 2 months remaining. U can renew your Iqama 2 months before it expires.
I went to the UK several times, I got my visa for 2nd time first visa was sponsored by my partner the second one sponsored by a friend of mine, just sharing my experience.
Just want to share my personal experience on the email format sent when visa is issued and when its rejected.
From my personal experience, there appears to be some difference in the emails sent in both scenarios. For e.g. my husband and myself applied for UK visa together. His was Super Priority Visa catergory and mine was priority one. The email that he received said “Your UK visa application has been issued”. Mine said “Your UK visa application has been concluded”. Outcome was that he got the visa and I got rejected on grounds that I haven’t submitted enough financial evidence.
I submitted the application again very next day – this time opting for normal delivery service and after 11 working days, I received the email stating “Your UK visa application has been issued”. Outcome was I got the visa.
Just sharing my views as I did notice the difference in the emails.
P.S. My husband visa type was Business Visit, Mine was Standard tourist visit & GWF reference numbers was included in all correspondence.
Thank u for sharing. This is a good update for our readers knowing that the phrase “issued” is already being included in the email signaling UK visa approval rather than just “concluded”.
Dear hunter,
I got email stated that my visa application has been concluded.
Does that mean thats its rejected?
Not precisely, only way to find out is when u collect your passport.
@ Ken… absolutely i faced the same situation but luckily i received my passport after 20 days & it was so difficult time because i had a flight on very next day when i received it.
but in your case it seems you are facing other problem. because on next day i received normal email by UK visa, that your application has been forward and being processed entry clearance officer etc. but after that nothing heard from them. and on 19th day i just got e mail by UK visa.
I got Email on 27 Jan, 2019 from Embassy Abu Dhabi that with
Subject UK Visa Application-GWF000000
Dear Customer,
Your UK visa application has been concluded.
What is expected, any recent?
Hi. Thank you so much for this blog. I’ve used this as a guide for my visa application last month and it’s been very helpful. Unfortunately, I still haven’t got my visa yet til now and it’s been 22 days since. Today has been 13 working days because of Christmas holidays (Dec 25,26, and January 1st).I hope that doesn’t mean there’s a problem with my paperwork? Are they gonna phone you if there’s any problem or clarification? All the people I’ve asked, their visas were released in 10 days. Not working days, but 10 days.
Now it’s making me feel paranoid over things. I recall at VFS they removed the Declaration portion of my application form up to the very last page. I asked the girl why, and she just told me it’s not needed. Before leaving the counter, I asked her one more time what about those papers she handed back to me, she confirmed it’s not needed.
Has anybody experienced that?
I did receive an email the day after that my papers are being processed by an entry clearance officer but since then I haven’t heard from them.
U can read my updated UK visa 2018 blog. U can try to contact them (with fee) via their UK international help desk by phone or by email. Contact details is at UK Embassy website.
Hi again. Last week right after I left a comment here, I’ve received an email that my application has not been straightforward and that i have to wait for another email when its ready to collect. However, my problem now is that I urgently need to fly back to the Philippines on the 24th.
The problem is, there has still been no decision made regarding my visa and its been almost a month since I submitted for biometrics (Dec16).
I read a comment from Sharaf on your other post. I’ve got a similar situation with him. I did try to email them but still waiting for a response.
If I phone them to retrieve my passport, would that be possible? Would that void the application?
1month is definitely long enough, u can try to call the embassy to inform them u need your passport back for some urgent travel.
@ Ken… absolutely i faced the same situation but luckily i received my passport after 20 days & it was so difficult time because i had a flight on very next day when i received it.
but in your case it seems you are facing other problem. because on next day i received normal email by UK visa, that your application has been forward and being processed entry clearance officer etc. but after that nothing heard from them. and on 19th day i just got e mail by UK visa.
Hello Mr. Hunter ..How are you Sir?
need your suggestions about UK visa for my wife. She recently came here in KSA on Family visit visa that is valid for “2 Years (Multiple)”. we are Pakistani nationals. her passport have only this KSA visa but i have been visited Japan, UK, schengen States, Azerbaijan, Sri Lanka, Georgia, Oman for Tourism & i got once again UK visa a month ago. means i have a Valid UK visa. up to 4 months. I am having Good job with good salary. My Questions are:
1- Can she apply on this Visit Visa that is valid for next two years with multiple entries?
2- is this good to apply without any travel history on her passport? i think my travel history could be use for her.
what are your recommendations for me. waiting for your response?
If she’s here in ksa for 6months she can apply, otherwise she needs to apply from her home country. Visa issuance is case to case basis per applicant, regardless whether an applicant has previous travel history or not. U can try to apply for her and see what documents she will have to submit. If any of the supporting document missing, u can provide an explanation letter why u cant submit it.
Thanks for your response Mr, Hunter. she has 2 years multiple visa & of course she can stay here in KSA 6 months then must exit from ksa and come back to stay again 6 months.
Should i attach my Job/salary letter by my company, my exit re-entry & my iqama copy with her documents for UK visa? but my iqama have expiry reaming only 3 months. i have already valid UK visa. what are your advice in my case..?
Regards,
Make a covering letter signed by you stating what u plan to do in UK and you will take care of all her travel expenses during her trip. Also include list of supporting documents you will attach to her visa application, your iqama should still be valid after your trip to UK so u can request your employer if u could renew it 90days prior to expiration as u need to present copy of exitReEntry visa for u and your wife, along with your employment certificate.
DEAR WAITING FOR YOUR SUJJESTION ,I ALREADY TRAVEL TO SCHENGEN ALONG WITH MY FAMILY
Then same rules applied to UK, almost same amount like what u had submitted when u applied for your Schengen visa before.
THANKYOU
HI Hunter,
I wish i read your blog before applying for my UK visa as it was rejected two times.
My First visa application was rejected in Sep’2018 for the reason of Insufficient fund and few cash deposits. My previous employer use to re-imburse the travel expense by cash and i use to deposit in my account. Also my average balance was around 15,000/- SR
In Oct’18 i joined a new company and maintained a good balance. My balance is around 44K SAR.
I applied in Feb’19 and they again rejected for below reason.
“Your have submitted an employment letter stating that your monthly salary is 4,357 Pounds and a bank statement shows this amount being deposited. However, i note that you state on your application that your total outgoing are 2,200 Pounds. Your bank statement shows an opening balance as on 27/7/18 of 1,200 Pounds and and a closing balance as on 27/1/19 of 9,200 Pounds. Your bank statement does not prove that your financial circumstances are as you say
In light of this, i am not satisfied that you will leave the UK at the end of your visit or you are genuinely seeking entry for a purpose that is permitted.
Further more, given the above concerns about the funds actually available to you, i am not satisfied that you will have sufficient funds to cover all reasonable costs in relation to my visit.
“.
I am planing to travel London and Scotland for 9 days with my WIfe. My Wife is working in Dubai and she applied for the visa and visa was granted. I used the same travel plan which she submitted for my application.
I also submitted, her visa copy, her bank statement and my bank statement, employer letter, travel plan and a covering letter.
Please suggest when and how to apply again.
Thanks and Regards
GB
Sad to hear ur visa application got refused again. U may read my most updated 2018 UK visa blog on my page and LIKE it if u find it helpful. I’ve mentioned there i only have around SR10k balance. I dont know exactly the details of your case but judging from the information u have given, there is a big discrepancies on your financial standing. U should be careful next time about this discrepancies. You should have provided an explanation or cover letter explaining this part. Even in the online visa application there is part for additional information where u can add other important details which u think is helpful to your visa application. Having huge balance on ur bank accnt doesnt guarantee visa approval.
Dear Hunter
There is only salary credit and my usual expenses like Rent, Car and Food.
I’ll see your other page.
Hello Mr Hunter
as you suggested to renew my iqama in advance. today i got renew my iqama now it has the validity of 1 year and 3 months. I also got the exit re-entry visa. I already have a valid Uk visa for up to 3 months. but now I am applying a visa for my wife. she came here in KSA 3 weeks ago on 2 years multiple Visit Visa.
I have my bank statement with ending balance 23k SR. is that enough balance?
And of course, I will attach my all related doc with her file. because I am supporting her for the whole trip to the UK
do you have any suggestions regarding this case? because as I told you before. she doesn’t have any travel history.
strongly need your suggestions. Waiting for your answer.
U can try applying visa for your wife while she’s here on visit visa. It’s up to the UK Embassy Riyadh if they will issue or deny her visa. Attach all your supporting docs with her application. Your bank balance is good enough. Upon completing her online visa form, it will generate a checklist of supporting documents she need to provide. If u cant submit 1 or any on the checklist, provide a letter explaining why u cant provide such doc.
I also need your help to answer these questions. because my wife is totally depended on me
1- Do you have another income or any savings?
2- What is the total amount of money you spend each month?
I am confused please help me with appropriate answers..
Its the same questions u answered on your own previous visa application. U should know the answers to it for sure since u support your wife u should know if she has her own savings or other source of income and how much she spend each month in living cost.
Hello Mr hunter.
please can you help to fill these columns… ( Income and Expenditure )
I am filling this application for my wife and I am covering her all expenses. what should be answering? because I am confused what amounts should I mention here? should I write N/a in every column or can I write some amounts? because I am paying for our whole trip
please help to write some reasonable answer
1- How much do you spend each month on living costs?
2- How much of your total monthly income is given to your family members and other dependants?
3- What is the cost to you personally of your trip in GBP(£)?
4- The total amount of money you have for this trip
5- The cost of the aeroplane, boat or train tickets
6- The cost of your accommodation
7- The cost of your living expenses
8- Is someone other than you paying for all or a part of your trip?
9- Please select what the relationship is of the person who is contributing to the payment for your trip?
10- How much will they be paying towards your trip (in GBP £)?
11- What is the total amount in GBP(£)?
waiting for your response.. please help me because you are leading us from a long time. God bless you
U can answer all these questions by putting yourself to your wife’s situation. Ask yourself, if u are the wife applying visa and u are dependent to your husband for everything, how would u answer each of the question? Example for 1st question: how much money do u give to your wife every month on living cost? Question 2: if your total monthly income is SAR15000 how much of that money do u allot for your wife and children every month? If your wife has no personal income then put Not Applicable. Question 3: cost of this trip personally to your wife, since wife depends on u, she need to answer NONE or Not Applicable. Question 4: how much money (husband’s money) u have available for this UK trip? Using a little bit of common sense helps.
If visit visa is rejected, and circumstances changed or missing document can be provided, how soon is it wise to reapply.
Apply the following day after rejection, no problem.
Dear hunter,
I applied 6 month tourist visa from Pakistan and already hold UK visa earlier twice one 6 months and one Two years but that’s in 2014 although I have decent travel history to Europe, US and Asia today I got email from UK Embassy Riyadh which is surprising as I earlier held visa through Abu Dhabi and thought it’s a norm for Pakistani Passport holder applying UK visas.
Other surprise was below
I got email stated from OFFICIAL: UK visa application – GWF# that your UK visa
application is now being prepared for assessment by an Entry Clearance Officer.
And just after two hours I got another email with same GWF in subject that my visa application has been concluded.
Does they work so quick? All the necessary documents were attached am I rejected in terms of concluded and issued ? It was no priority visa just normal
It happen sometimes during low season for travelers with good travel history, they issue visa that quick, so congrats to u.
Dear Hunter
I am in process of applying for UK Business Visa and just came across the question on Visa application form (GOV.UK) having the options which are somewhat confusing to me:
Saudi Immigration Status:
1. Temporary Visa
2. Permanent Resident
3: Neither of above two
I am Pakistani national, and have a valid Iqama which is renewal and is renewed automatically every year since my job is permanent in Jeddah, KSA.
So, which option shall I choose above? I understand that there is no ‘Permanent Residency’ for expats in KSA but I was born and brought up in Jeddah and have transferable Iqama. f I choose ‘Temporary Visa’ option, it would not ask for Resident Permit no, just would ask for expiry date. So, in that case I am not able to mention that I have Residence Permit visa. So which option seems more preferable to choose from above? Temporary visa might confuse people with Visitor Visa, Business visa etc.
Please Advise.
I’ve checked my last UK visa app, i actually answered “permanent resident” since i have 5yrs renewable iqama, yet i was approved. However it would be safe to answer “temporary visa” since there’s no such thing like US greencard here in KSA.
Dear Hunter
Thanks for your quick update. Another question, I also ticket ‘Permanent Resident’ in my last application way back in 2016 (and application was successful) as that time I got confused with ‘Temporary Visa’ option. Also, this time if you choose option ‘Permanent Resident’ option, it would bring another field to enter ‘In which Year you became Permanent Resident’? (which was not the case three years ago in GOV.UK application). So, obviously I cannot go for PR option this time.
So if I choose ‘Temporary Visa’ option this time in new application, would it make any problem for my new application since in my last application I chose different option (PR). They could reject the application by mentioning that I lied to them in my previous application. Should I offer explanation in ‘Additional Information’ page that why I chose ‘Permanent Resident’ option in previous application and why time time I choose the option ‘Temporary Visa’? Or this Immigration status information (in KSA) would not matter to them much? Please advice!
2nd Question: My Iqama/Muqeem card has 5 years validity and expiry written on card is in APR 2021, but as per absher, my Iqama would expire next year in June 2020. So, which expiry date should I choose? Absher one or Muqeem card one?
U can explain further to additional details part.
Thanks again for your quick reply. However, I did not get answer for my last question. Shall I enter Muqeem card’s expiry date (5 years validity) or actual Iqama expiry date as per Absher (1 year validity)?
Seems ur muqeem is like mine the one with expiration date, u may put its expiration date instead of Absher validity date. Newly issued muqeem now have no expiration date, only issued date.
Hi Hunter
What year did you enter for question ‘In which year you became Permanent Resident” when you chose the option ‘Permanent Resident’ in your last UK visa application? Or the above question did not come at all?
Theres no such followup question after answering it during my application way back in 2016.
Hi. I am just about to apply for visit visa and 2 weeks ago there is sum amount of deposit credited to my account from a friend for whom I have purchased a ticket and then the said amount he transferred to my account. Though the deposited amount is less than my total gross salary (let’s say if my salary is 15000 then transferred amount is 12000). Will this amount be classified as fund parking? Still I need to explain this deposited amount in a cover letter? If I am submitting a cover letter then do I need to attach my friends bank card copy, iqama copy and passport copy as well or only bank card copy will be enough?
U dont have to explain anything about your bank statement, they’l consider only the last balance amount u have showing u have enough funds to cover ur trip.
But they could reject the application by specifying that you had one large deposit just before days of visa applying, and it was done to beef up the account balance and you did not explain the reason of the source of the credited amount….. Also I have seen on various forums that visa application rejected for the same stated reasons, some had bonus transferred to their account by the employer…… Some had requested friends to deposit the amount just days before visa application so their bank account balance could be incremented….
Its a possibility. Iv done the same to some of my older visa application but i was approve. Important thing is they saw my monthly salary stated on my certificate of employment is the same salary im getting each month and my last balance is enough for my trip.
@ AHMEDHO.. TRY TO DEPOSIT AMOUNT IN YOUR ACCOUNT PARTIALLY IN 2…3 DAYS. AND BETWEEN THESE 2..3 DAYS. YOU MUST USE YOUR DEBIT CARD ON POS POINTS. EVEN YOU BUY A SMALL THING BUT YOU MUST PAY THROUGH YOUR DEBIT CARD. AND AGAIN DEPOSIT SOME AMOUNT. AGAIN USE IT FOR…4…5 TRANSACTIONS AGAIN DEOPIT. DEPOSITED AMOUNT ONCE. IT COULD BE UNFAVOURABLE FOR YOU. HOPEFULLY, MY THIS EXPERIENCE MIGHT BE HELPFUL FOR YOU.
HI, IF SOMEONE HAVING SALARY CERTIFICATE FOR U CAN SAY 10K AND AFTER SOME MONTHLY DEDUCTIONS THE DEPOSITED SALARIES IS LESS 1000 SAR IS THERE ANY PROBLEM
U can support this discrepancies by showing copies of your payslip. Payslip shows your total monthly salary, additions if u have OT pay or deductions if u have loan.
Hi Hunter
I have received my Visa today. Thank you for all your help and stay blessed.
HI HUNTER
I WANT TO ASK YOUR HELP THAT I HAVE DONE MY EXIT RE ENTRY VISA BEFORE 15 DAYS AND FOR MY FAMILY AFTER 15 DAYS BUT WE ARE GOING TO APPLY TOGETHER AND TRAVELING DATES ARE SAME IS THERE ANY PROBLEM
Ask your HR if there will be issue or not. Normal ERvisa is valid 90days from date of issuance u need to exit then u have to reEnter KSA as per ur visa (30/60 or 90days from exiting) or sometimes ERvisa have specific date of exit/entry.
HI HUNTER
CAN U HELP ME IN UNDERSTANDING THAT MY SALARY CERITIFICATE I GOT CHAMBER DONE ON 29TH OF AUG AND I AM GOING TO APPLY ON 8TH OF OCTOBER FOR VISA ITS OK TO GO WITH THE SAME LETTER.
U need to submit an updated one. Also for UK visa u dont need chamber attestation for Employment letter. For convenience they are now encouraging applicants to upload all supporting documents online so during ur appointment u only need to bring ur passport.
Hi hunter please help me out 😞.
Accully I applied uk visa to travel attend fashion week unfortunately visa got refused
Am living with my husband and he doesn’t have strong bank statement in suadi arabia.
We have wealthy documentation in india.
So how can I over come with problems….
What is the reason of refusal? U said ur husband’s bank account is weak, it would be hard for UK to establish your financial capacity to travel on such luxurious event like fashion week. How about ur travel history? I suggest u apply from india, UK embassy can easily counter check the authenticity of your “wealthy documentation” in india.
Please suggest me some good visa consultant in Riyadh that I can do a good content cover letter regarding Uk
refusal.
Anyhow I want get visa before February 14.
Please help out to overcome
Refusal points
1)you state you will be traveling to the uk for period of 6 days for tourism.you state on your visa application that you your children remain in suadi and your husband funding your visit to the uk.
2) your responsibilities to satisfy me personal circumstances in ksa are such as granted leave to enter abide by all of conditions attached to any such leave and that you will leave the uk on completion of the proposed visit.
3)in support of your visa application you have submitted your husband personal bank statement from al Raj
I note the statement period covers 18 May 2019 to 18 November 2019.
I note from that transaction history that there is just one deposit during 18 May 2019 to October 2019.The balance is then significantly increased by unexplained deposits during 11 October 2019 to 18 November 2019.
I note the closing balence on 18 November 2019 stood At 11,000 however the balance on 15 November 2019 stood Sr0.00 and iits regurally been depleted prior to this date.
Based from the details you’ve given, it shows the main reason of refusal is financial status. Your husbands bank statement transaction is highly questionable why theres only one transaction in a period of 6months, then sudden surge in last balance from 0 to SR11k in a matter of days. It would be hard for u to convince UK embassy if u are indeed capable of paying this trip. U can google the nearest travel agency in your location to help u reapply but u need extensive/more documents to prove ur financial capacity and at same time there is no guarantee they can approve u visa.
4)in support of your visa application you have submitted a copy of your iqama your iqama conforms you are residing in. Suadi arabia under sponsors of your husband. The information and documents that you have provided in support of your application does not confirm your husband employments circumstances in suadi arabi
5)I am not satisfied that you have provide an accurate representation of your financial situation in suadi arabia or that the funds you have presented are genuinely available for your exclusive use.you have therefore not demonstrated that your economic circumstances in ksa are as you claim and that you are genuine visitaor who wil comply with all of conditions attached to any leave to enter
Given the above I am not satisfied that you are genuine seeking entry as visitor that you plan to leave the uk at the end of your visit or you have sufficient funds.
Your application refused under paragraph v4.2(a)(c)(e)
So these are refusal point
So next what I have to do for reapply again. Which documents has to be submitted.
Ya….
my husband is recently changed company and Most of the month they gave salaries by cash.
So how Shal Mention these….
I told my husband to get it some documents from india..
Does it work?
I am living Riyadh and Uk fashion week it happens Yearly twice…
I just need to be there
Husband recently changed employer means uncertainty interms of his employment status. Normally they refuse visa applicants with less than 1 yr with present employer. Its required for employers to transfer salary through bank, why his company not following it? U have to submit his 6 month payslip in support of your application. Prior to application, your bank should have constant flow of cash and never go zero balance. Making huge deposits few weeks before submission is highly questionable. Also, SR11k balance is pretty low considering he still need to support himself and your child. Fashion week as reason for travel u need to support that, r u a fashion designer/student/blogger/influencer? Do u have any contacts at UK fashion week organizers etc that could send u an invitation to attend who can prove your presence during fashion week is very important? Can u provide land titles, property ownership documents, cars and local banks in india with high balance amount? Any relatives in UK who can guarantee your stay? Have u traveled to any other countries for tourism as proof u can go and comeback after your trip? Do u have credit card under your name? Do u have personal bank account under your name or any other personal source of income? Did your husband submitted a letter stating he fully support u as his wife and guarantee your travel under his sponsorship and financial guarantee and promise u will come back after your trip? To conclude, it is very hard for someone who does not have personal income and intend to travel to UK under another persons financial guarantee if that person is not traveling with u on the same trip.
I am fashion designer and Arts&illustration blogger.
I have saving account
L.I.C insurance
I have been traveled 2 countries last year. We have some Property india one of them documents a I will keep.
By my name foreign travel dollar exchange card also there which I use for travel.
But the thing is bank transactions he didn’t maintain it properly.
He’s receiving money by hand with all allowances.
So I have recent 5 months transaction.
Reapplication visa thought of applying on February Reason because 5 months Salary proper bank statement we get.
6 months salary slip I wil attach and
LFW tickets I got.
I contacted one visa consultant from Riyadh now.
He gonna help me only to apply applications.
Am confused that how to write cover letter with good content explaining with all the refusal points…
NOC Letter also I should do.
if you have any template please send me. It would find me very helpful..
This bloggs helps me A lot.
I would love to share each and every steps which am going to reapply very soon.
HI HUNTER:
I HAV JUST SUBMITTED MY APPLICATION TO UK EMBASSY AND IT HAV BEEN RECIVED BY THEM YESTERDAY. BUT I HV FORGOT TO MENTION IN APPLICATION THAT I HV BEEN REJECTED BY CANADA STUDENT VISA IN 2017. WILL MY VISA WILL GET REFUSED BY UK EMBASSY ? WILL THEY CHECK WITH CANADIAN EMBASSY FOR SURE ABOUT ANY REFUSAL, KINDLY REPLY.
Im not in any position if u will be refused or not, only UK embassy have that power, for new applicants they do thorough verification of all documents u submitted and informations u provided including your travel history. Can they check with Canadian embassy? Maybe or maybe not.
Hello Mr Hunter.
looking for your guidance once again. I got twice the UK visa by following your instructions. now I am applying 3rd time with my wife. before applying I have few questions because I got rejected visa by Ireland Embassy in November 2019.
Should I mention that I got rejection by the Irish embassy & what reasons I should mention there in explanation?
2nd: Can I download my internet bank statement and print it to present in the embassy?
Regards
Yes u have to mention that Irish visa rejection as they share information with UK. Yes u can download bank statement online, print it and get it stamp by your bank.
Thank you very much for your response.
can I print e-statement in black n white printer or it should be in colour print?
Hello . Mr. Hunter. Waiting for your response..
Today i went to get the stamp on my E-Statement but they deny to stamp and said to print from here.
I need some more help from you regarding filling the application.
About: Income and expenditure
I have 8500 GBP for my savings
I wrote these amounts in answers
planning to spend in the UK: 3500 GBP
the money you spend each month: 1000 GBP
is this ok for me? but my question is what should I write for my wife’s application?
I wrote this information in her application
1- Do you have another income or any savings? / Other regular income
2- What kind of regular income do you have? /Allowance or regular money from your family
3- Total amount of money that you get in a year. / 3000.00 GBP
4- How much money are you personally planning to spend on your visit to the UK? / 1500.00 GBP
5- What is the total amount of money you spend each month? / 150.00 GBP
6- Will anyone be paying towards the cost of your visit? / Yes ( i am paying for this trip)
7- How much money will they be paying towards your visit? / 2000.00 GBP
Please guide me. if somewhere I need to correct the amounts.
your help will be highly appreciated.
Write Everything same in wife’s application. No need to make it half. Before submitting you r wife application just mention your GWF Number in the last section as a remark .i did the same for my wife application.only copies of suppoting Documents was taken by VFS for both of us.Please take the Documents scanning service as they do it in a systematic way inserting Barcode between the Documents. Exit Reentry/Iqama Tanslation/Address not required.I submitted the Documents on Saturday as walk in without appointmenta and today i got my passport in Normal processing
Thank you very much Shahid for your response. actually, in our 1st application we wrote a similar thing such as half of my expenses but that I was filled in visa4uk. now, this is other website. that why u was making sure.
can you tell me how we can make an appointment together?
and what about photocopies?
Sir Hunterpm. is everything alright? you’re late to reply. still waiting for your suggestions
Dear Hunterpm Sir
many thanks for your step by step guidance.It helpd me a lot for documenation part.i applied on saturday and today got my passport with visa.
You made it so simple for me to apply
Regards
shahid
Date of submission 15th Feb(prime Time) and same day recived the mail from visa uk about the processing and recieved Passport from VFS on 19th Feb with normal processing.Arabic Iqama is OK, Exit reentry not required.
all submitted documents they returend iwth the passport
Dear,
I want to apply UK visit visa with my parents who are living with me here in Saudi Arabia on a visit visa and now I’m planning to visit my UK national brother with my parents. I visited UK last year in September 2019 with my wife and kid.
My question is that will it be okay if I become the main applicant of my parents and sponsor them for the trip and apply for a visa from Saudi Arabia?
Hi sir,
I’m working in Saudi Arabia and my wife is settled in uk,What all documents need to submit to get a uk spouse visa from Saudi Arabia ??
Pls check https://www.vfsglobal.co.uk/SaudiArabia for updated procedure
HELLO, MR HUNTER
HOW ARE YOU?
CAN WE APPLY FOR VISIT/TOURIST VISA NOW FOR VISIT IN DECEMBER OR JANUARY?
IS THERE ANY CHANCES TO CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS OR NEWYEAR THERE?
AS I HEARD THEY ARE ACCEPTING THE APPLICATION FOR VISITOR VISAS.
REGARDS,
Yes VFS Uk is open for accepting visa applicants now, probably the only country in Europe which is accepting visa applicants currently. Pls check their official website for update procedures.
Hello sir,
I submitted my all documents on 28/10/2020 for PBS partner visa in vfs Riyadh,on the same day evening I got an email from vfs your visa application has forwarded to UKVI. Today’s the 13 Th day thr is no response from UKVI. Is it normal has this much delay for an application?
It is normal for delays specially now that VFS & embassy staff not functioning in its full capacity due to covid.
Is thr any chance to get delay more than one
Months ? I’m under notice period for one month in my company ! If it’s delay more what I have to do further action ?
Others wait even longer than a month, for now u cant do nothing but wait. Sometimes it’s also system update delay were application is done but passport not yet forwarded back to VFS.
Today I got message from VFS stating The processed visa application for GWF ref no. *** was received at the UK Visa Application Centre on 10-11-2020. If a courier service was purchased from VFS, your processed visa application will be delivered to the chosen address.
But I didn’t get any message from UKVI!!! Is it normal ?
Email updates from UKVI sometimes delay, id experience it on my previous apps were i got email from them after i received my passport from VFS.
Can I track my passport if they sent via courier ?
If u receive sms from courier company with tracking number, u can.
Yesterday by 3:30pm I got a email from Riyadh VFS that your passport has dispatched via courier,so far I didn’t any call or message from courier company.Is it normal to take one day to deliver from Riyadh 100 km surrounding area
Everything that you’r experiencing now is the new normal.
Our visa is stamping from Riyadh embassy or Jeddah Consulate?
Even if u submitted your application in jeddah or khobar, visa stamping is being done by UKVI at UK Embassy Riyadh.
Thanks hunterpm
My visa granted 🙏