Frequently asked questions for life in the UK and new arrivals, plus trusted links
Short, sourced answers to the questions our community asks most. Newest first.
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Clear filtersThe GOV.UK guidance says you can apply for ILR up to 28 days before you reach the required period. The absence ceiling is 180 whole days in any 12 months. The time between entry clearance being issued and entering the UK may count. Check the current guidance for your route.
The Schengen country to apply to is the one of the main destination; if that cannot be determined, the country of first entry is responsible. Long multiple-entry visas are given in steps: 1 year, 2 years, 5 years. The length can be shortened. Appointment bots are not official.
As of October 2026, GOV.UK: the 6-month visa is £135; long-term visas are £506 for 2 years, £903 for 5 years and £1,128 for 10 years. Each visit can last up to 6 months. A shorter visa than requested can be given and the fee is not refunded. A decision usually takes about 3 weeks.
As of October 2026, GOV.UK says you do not need to pay to set up a UKVI account. You need a passport, the application number and a smartphone; the person or someone helping them can set it up. If someone else opens it, the details must be updated later.
As of October 2026, GOV.UK: a passport, the details in the online form and biometrics at an appointment. Certified translations are required for documents not in English or Welsh. The page does not ask for flight or hotel bookings. An adviser is not required; you apply on GOV.UK.
The GOV.UK guidance says that if you have limited leave, apply before it expires and the decision will come after it ends, Section 3C continues your leave until a decision. From 8 October 2026, changing route after a fee waiver request can affect 3C protection. Personal cases need an adviser.
GOV.UK says that for a Graduate visa you must be in the UK, apply before your Student visa expires, and your provider must have reported your course as complete. Applications up to 31 Dec 2026 get 2 years, from 1 Jan 2027 get 18 months. A decision usually takes about 8 weeks.
As of October 2026, GOV.UK says an eVisa is a digital record of immigration status, viewed through a UKVI account. An expired BRP can be used to set one up for 24 months after its expiry date or until 31 Dec 2026, whichever is first. A share code lasts 90 days.
As of October 2026, GOV.UK says new Turkish Businessperson applications are closed, and the Turkish Worker page covers extensions only. GOV.UK lists no fee to extend. This is general information, not personal advice.