FAQs
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Do I need to make an appointment to submit my application?
No. We do not operate an appointment system for lodging visa applications. -
Can I send my application by post?
No. All visa applicants have to apply in person at the High Commission to have their fingerscans and a digital photograph taken in support of their application. -
How long will it take for my application to be processed?
We aim to process all straightforward non-settlement visa applications within 10 working days. We aim to process all settlement visa applications within 10 weeks. Where an application needs detailed consideration, an application may take longer. -
I need to get my visa quickly. Do you offer a “premium service” to ensure my application is received quicker?
No. We cannot charge a fee to process an application out of turn, or assess it quicker than is permitted under our existing PSA target times. -
Why do I have to bring original documents, copies and translations?
In order to make an informed decision, the Entry Clearance Officer normally needs to see original documents. It could be inconvenient if applicants are without original documents for any period of time. By bringing copies with the originals to Suva, the Entry Clearance Assistant can verify that the documents are the same as the original and confirm this to the Entry Clearance Officer. Original documents can be returned immediately to the applicant. -
Do my copies have to be certified?
No. We do not wish to add extra costs to the visa process. The Entry Clearance Assistant will verify all copies locally. Where it is thought a document has been prepared with the intention to mislead, an application may be refused. -
Can I bring a friend or relative with me to the Visa Section?
No. Due to security and space limitations only applicants are permitted to enter the Visa Section. If the applicant is a minor, a parent or guardian may accompany them. If the applicant is disabled, they may bring a carer or helper. -
Can my friend or family member in the UK apply for my visa for me?
No. Visas for the UK can be issued only at UK visa offices overseas by the applicant in person. -
How early can I apply?
An application can be accepted up to 3 months before the visa is required. -
How will I know when to collect the decision on my application?
When an application has been decided, the Entry Clearance Assistant will contact you informing you when to return to the Visa Section to collect your decision. -
If my application is not successful, will the fee be refunded to me?
No. The visa fee covers the cost of processing the visa application. It is non-refundable once the application process has begun. -
If I am refused a visa, will I know why and can I appeal against the refusal?
If you are refused, the Entry Clearance Assistant will contact you. You will receive a written notice from the Entry Clearance Officer (ECO) detailing the reasons why you have been refused. A full right of appeal against refusal only exists for certain categories and the ECO will inform you at the time of refusal if you have the right to appeal.
For example: visitors to the UK (business or tourists) and students on courses of less than six months duration do not have a full right of appeal. -
If I am refused, how long do I have to wait until I can apply again?
There is no requirement to wait before submitting a fresh application following a refusal. However we advise our applicants to submit a new application only if there has been a substantial change in circumstances and/or there is new evidence supporting the new application. -
What is a sponsor?
A sponsor is the person/company you intend to visit in the UK. -
Will it help if my sponsor is present at the time I bring in my application?
No. We will, however, need to see a letter of invitation from your sponsor confirming that they have invited you, the length of your stay and whether they will be responsible for your expenses and accommodation. You may also be required to provide proof that your sponsor is in the UK legally and we suggest that you also bring in a copy of your sponsor’s passport showing their status. -
What documents should my sponsor send/fax to the High Commission?
The onus is on the applicant to submit an application accompanied by supporting documents (letter of invitation, proof of sponsor’s immigration status in UK, bank statement, etc.) and as such the applicant should bring these documents with them when they come to the High Commission. The sponsor should not send any documents to the High Commission in advance. -
How much money should I prove I have?
You do not have to show that you have a specific amount. However, you must be able to prove that you have enough funds for the visit you intend to make. -
Is it necessary to have a letter from my employer indicating my salary if some or all of my expenses are going to be covered by my sponsor?
Evidence of your circumstances in Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, Tonga, Tuvalu or Vanuatu is helpful to satisfy the Entry Clearance Officer that you are in settled employment. You should therefore include such information with your application whether you are paying for the trip or not. -
Do I need to show my old passport when I apply?
It is useful for us to have such direct evidence of previous travels abroad and seeing an old passport can often enable us to process your application much quicker. -
Is a transit visa required if I am staying in the United Kingdom for less than twenty-four hours and can I leave the airport?
Some visa nationals, provided they arrive by air and have a confirmed onward ticket for a flight within twenty-four hours to a country where they are assured entry, do not require a transit visa and can leave the airport. However, being able to transit without a visa is only a concession and there is no guarantee that someone will be allowed to pass through the UK in transit by the UK Immigration Authorities. You may still be refused entry when you arrive at an UK airport if an UK Immigration Officer is not satisfied that you qualify. You may wish, therefore, to actually apply for an UK transit visa before you travel. -
If I am applying for a settlement visa, should my sponsor be present at the interview?
No. However, you will be required to submit evidence of the sponsor’s residence status in the United Kingdom. Other documentation required will depend on the circumstances and might include, for example, evidence of freedom to marry or a marriage certificate and your sponsor's ability to support and accommodate you without recourse to public funds. -
How long will my visit visa be valid for?
The period for which your visa is valid is always shown on the visa placed in your travel document. A standard visit visa is usually valid for six months, but we also issue visit visas that are valid for 1, 2 or 5 years. All visit visas can be used for an unlimited number of entries to the UK. You may stay a maximum of 6 months on each visit, or to the expiry date of the visa, whichever is shorter. If you are coming for another reason, the validity of the visa and how long you can stay can vary. The visa will show the date from which it is valid. This is usually the date that it is issued. However, if you do not plan to travel immediately, you can ask for it to be post-dated for the start date to be deferred by up to three months. You must tell the Entry Clearance Officer this when you make your application. -
Can you help me find a job in the UK and obtain a work permit?
No. Our involvement in the work permit process is limited to dealing only with application for work permit visas after an applicant has obtained his/her work permit. -
Do you issue visas for Commonwealth countries?
No. We do not issue visas for Commonwealth countries and UK Overseas Territories such as the Bahamas, Gibraltar and the Cayman Islands. -
Will I be called for an interview?
The Entry Clearance Officer will try to make a decision based on the information you have supplied at the time of submitting your application. When an Entry Clearance Officer cannot make a decision about issuing you a visa immediately, you may be asked to attend an interview. Though we aim to do this within 10 days, this may be longer, depending on where and when you apply. Always try to make your application well in advance of your intended travel date. -
Does the visa guarantee my entry to the UK?
No, but if you have a valid UK visa, we will not normally refuse you entry to the UK unless
• your circumstances have changed
• you gave false information
• you did not tell us important facts when you applied for your visa.
When you arrive in the UK, an Immigration Officer may question you, so take all relevant documents in your hand luggage. -
What is the latest date I can arrive in the UK with my visa?
The expiry date will be shown on the visa, but remember that this is also the last day on which you are permitted to stay in the UK. -
How long can I stay?
The last day on which you may enter or be in the UK is the expiry date on the visa. For visitors, this is normally a maximum of 6 months. -
Can I use the visa to enter the UK more than one time?
UK visas are usually valid for multiple entries to the UK, until the expiry date shown on the visa. -
If my travel plans are delayed, can the validity of my visa be changed?
No. Except where there are compelling compassionate circumstances. At the discretion of an Entry Clearance Officer, the expiry date of a visa can be extended for up to 3 months, provided there has been no change in your circumstances. Otherwise you should apply for another visa. -
Do I need to bring any documents with me?
On arrival, an immigration officer may ask you to show evidence of your reasons for coming to the UK. This may include travel tickets, evidence of funding, letters from your sponsor or businesses you are visiting, or schools you will study at. You should bring copies of the documents that you showed to the Entry Clearance Officer in your hand luggage. -
Can I extend my stay in the UK?
If you are a visa national coming for a short visit to the UK, you are not allowed to extend your stay or change from being a visitor to another category. If you are coming to the UK for another reason, you may be allowed to extend your stay. You should contact the Immigration and Nationality Directorate for more information. -
I wish to study in the UK. Which sort of visa should I apply for?
You will need to apply for one of the three visas below:
1) Student Visitors
You should apply for this visa if:
* You are over 18 years
* You wish to take a short course of study lasting less than 6 months
* You do not wish to work during your stay
* You will not need to extend your stay in the UK
* Your course is for less than 15 hours per week or is in the evening or at weekends. However, the training provider must be on the DIUS Register of Education Providers.
You should not choose this if:
* You are taking a sandwich course or any short course with a work placement element.
2) Student
You should apply for this visa if:
* You wish to take part time employment during your studies
* You may need to extend your stay in the UK
* You are undertaking a short term English course before going on to long term studies in the UK. Give details of both courses in your application.
3) Child Visitor
You should apply for this visa if:
* You are a child under the age of 18 travelling to the UK for a short course of study lasting less than 6 months.
* Please note there is a requirement to demonstrate that adequate arrangements have been made for care in the UK. This means that you must give the name and address of the person you will stay with. You must also submit the necessary signed consent forms from both parents, and the name and passport number of who is accompanying you to the UK.
