Important note: You will not be able to submit further documents after you have submitted your visa application at the visa application. The documents you submit at the time you made your application are the only documents that can be considered.

Biometric information collection

Biometric information collection includes a digital fingerscan (all 10 digits) and a digital photograph. The fingerscan procedure uses an electronic scanner. No ink, liquid or chemical. You should ensure that your fingertips are free from any forms of decoration (for example, henna), cuts, abrasions or other markings as these may affect your ability to provide acceptable fingerscans. Your digital photograph must be taken with full face and without sunglasses or tinted spectacles, or head covering unless it is worn for religious or medical reasons. Your face should be clearly visible with no hair across the eyes. Female applicants will be required to take off their veil for biometric photo capture. A hijab will be allowed as long as full frontal view of the face is visible. VFS will ensure a female employee is present to capture the biometric information and will provide privacy in the booth. We cannot process your visa if you do not submit your biometric information.

VFS will then be responsible for safe forwarding of the applications they process to the UK Border Agency at the High Commission, for consideration. The UK Border Agency at the High Commission will return passports and supporting documents to VFS after a decision has been made, for delivery back to applicants.

Step 8 - Wait for a decision

Wait for a decision on your visa application. Please refer to the guide to processing times page on this website for information on our processing times. You can use this information as a guide to our recent performance but it cannot be used as a guarantee of your individual visa application processing time. Visa applications are assessed individually and processing times may vary.

The status of your application can also be monitored by using the track your application facility on this website.

Interview procedures

Exceptionally, you may be asked to attend an interview. Visa staff reserve the right to make a decision based on the documents you submitted with your visa application. It is essential that you submit all relevant documents with the initial application.

Should an interview be required then you will be offered the first available interview date. Depending on workload, there may be a waiting period before the interview so bear please bear this in mind. Interview will be carried out in English but, if told in advance, the UK Border Agency may be able to provide interpreters in Malay, Mandarin and Tamil. If you need an interpreter, please say so when you are contacted.

Children under 10 years old, applying for a visa will not be interviewed. Where the child is travelling alone an interview may be carried out with a responsible adult (for example a parent or guardian). Children aged between 10 and 14 may be interviewed, but this would only be in the presence of a responsible adult. Children aged over 14 may be interviewed alone.

Step 9 -Collect the decision on your visa application

Collect the decision on your visa application along with your original documents from the visa application centre. You will need the original visa submission receipt to collect your documents. A nominated person can also collect your documents on your behalf. Your nominated person will need to provide an authorised letter signed by you and proper proof of their identity. If you prefer you can have your documents returned to you by courier service.

If you are issued a visa, please check it. You should make sure that:

• your personal details are correct
  
• it correctly states the purpose for which you want to come to the UK, and
  
• it is valid for the date on which you want to travel. (You can ask for it to be post-dated for up to 3 months if you do not plan to travel immediately).