UK Visa From Bangladesh: Your Passport to the UK!
We all know how confusing the UK visa application procedure can be from Bangladesh. The visa policies keep on changing and hence it’s important to stay updated with the recent policies so you can apply for your visa without any hassle.
The UK offers many different types of visas for Bangladeshi residents starting from Work visa, student visa to visit visa. Each of these visas have their own different set of requirements and rules. Depending on your needs and qualifications you can get these visas.
If you are looking to apply for a UK visa from Bangladesh, our guide will have all the information you will need.
Step 1: Determine the Visa Type
Selecting the right visa category is your first and essential step. It sets the foundation for your entire application process.
Step 2: Complete the Application Process
Follow the application procedures for either work student visa or visit visas, ensuring accurate form submission, fee payment, interview scheduling
Step 3: Monitor Your Visa Status
Regularly check your visa application’s progress on the official website to stay updated on its various stages, from submission to decision.
Types Of UK Visas Available For Bangladeshi Citizens
The UK offers a huge range of visas for Bangladeshi but that doesn’t typically mean you can apply for all of them together. It’s crucial to carefully choose the visa that exactly fits your objective before moving forward with your application.
| Visa Type | Eligibility |
| Skilled Worker Visa (Tier 2) | Occupation listed in skilled worker category Valid certificate of sponsorship |
| Temporary Work Visa | You must have work contract in UK under international organization You have at least $1270 in your bank account.Valid certificate of sponsorship |
| High Potential Individual (HPI) Visa | Degree completed from UK based institution within 5 years of application |
| Student Visa | Got admission in any UK based institution for study purpose |
| Business Visitor Visa | Visiting UK for any business seminars, conference or similar thingsGot an invitation letter for the program. |
| Visit or Tourist Visa | Wish to travel to the UK for vacation. |
| Spouse Visa | Married to any UK residents |
| Civil Partnership Visa | You are in a relationship with someone settled in UK. |
1. Work Visas
If you wish to stay and work in the UK then you will need to go for work Visas. They offer many different types of work visas in both short term and long term periods.
Now, do keep in mind each of these visa categories have their own set of requirements. The most common type of work visa includes.
- Skilled Worker Visa (Tier 2)
The skilled worker visa was previously known as Tier 2 visa in the UK and it depends on skills like engineering, health care specialists, senior officers in fire, social service managers and more. To see if your occupation is listed in the skilled worker category you can go to this site and search for your job and from here verify the work codes.
For most of the skilled worker visas, you will get a minimum visa for 5 years, which means you can stay and work in the UK under this visa for up to 5 years. After 5 years, you have the option to extend your visa even further and permanently settle down in uk.
The total time needed varies but in general it takes around 3-4 weeks to receive the final decision. So, it is suggested to apply at least 3 months before your work start date.
- Temporary Work Visa
Another sub category of work visa is temporary work visa, The Temporary Worker Visa, formerly known as Tier 5, is a work visa that allows you to work temporarily in the UK.
If you have a work contract in the UK under an international agreement, you can apply for a temporary visa similar to those granted for international agreements.
This is more suitable for people working through international organizations but posting to the UK. Additionally if you are on a diplomatic mission then this also applies to this category of visa.
The time varies depending on your work length and time, generally you can be issued a visa spandoing from 6 months to a maximum of 2 years.
In the case of diplomats it can be up to 5 years; you can extend the length of visa if required but you cannot settle down permanently.
Just like a skilled work visa, this category of visa also requires 3-4 weeks time for final decision. But it is suggested to apply at least 3 months beforehand.
- High Potential Individual (HPI) visa
The HPI visa is suitable for you if you have completed your education from a list of UK’s eligible universities within the last 5 years of your application. You can check the list of universities here https://www.gov.uk/high-potential-individual-visa/eligibility
Under this visa you will have the permission to work full time until your visa expires.
Depending on your degree, the length of visa varies; if you are done with a PhD then you will receive a 3 year visa but for other degrees it is 2 years.
Do keep in mind, you cannot extend this visa after expiry but you will have the option to switch to a different visa category. Your spouse can also apply for this visa as a dependent.
You can apply before 3 months for this category of visa and can take anywhere between 3-5 weeks for the final decision.
2. Student Visa
Student visa or previously known as Tier 5 is a visa issued for students who are interested in pursuing a degree in any UK based institutions.
Under the new Graduate Visa pathway, those who complete an accepted programme in the UK will be permitted to stay in the country for up to two years to live, work, and hunt for employment.
If you are over 18 and pursuing a degree level course then you will be granted a 5 years visa. But with any courses below degree level you will receive a 2 years visa.
It takes usually 3 weeks for the final decision but you can apply well before 6 months of your course start date and it is suggested to apply beforehand to make sure you receive the visa on time.
3. Visit or Tourist Visa
If you wish to visit the UK just for vacation and spend some quality time then you will need a Visit or Tourist visa. This is one of the most commonly applied visas for Bangladeshi citizens.
Under a tourist visa you won’t be able to work and the sole purpose of this visa is to visit the UK and enjoy it. But you do have the option to take short courses in this time like for 6 months.
For tourist or visit visa, you will get 6 months of visa but you can extend it a bit more under certain circumstances and UK immigration will decide if your visa can be extended or not.
You can apply before 6 months of your required visa time and can take between 3-5 weeks for the final decision.
4. Business Visitor Visa
Foreign nationals from non-EEA nations, including Bangladesh, are permitted to travel to the UK for certain business purposes with a business visitor visa. The business visitor visa is usually for you if you need to travel for attending business meetings, conferences, seminars or anything related.
The requirements for a business visiting visa vary slightly depending on the category.
The visa length is usually offered up to 6 months just like visitor visa but if needed you have the option to extend it.
If you qualify for a UK business visa then the application time can be between 3-5 weeks but you must apply at least 3 months before.
5. Family Visa
You can be qualified for a Family Visa to travel from Bangladesh to the UK to be with your family members if they are British nationals or lawful permanent residents. Spouse visa and civil partnership visa are also considered family visas.
- Spouse Visa
If your spouse is an Irish, British, or resident of the UK, you may apply for a spousal visa. For instance, they possess documentation of permanent residency, established status, or indefinite license to remain.
- Civil Partnership Visa
Just like Spouse visa, a civil partnership visa works in a similar way. For instance if you are not married but in a relationship with someone legally settled in the UK or is a UK resident then you can apply for it.
Also, you will be married or form a civil partnership in the UK within six months of arrival if you are engaged, engaged-to-be, or planning to be.
This visa allows you to stay in the UK for a duration of two years and nine months. However, if you’re applying as a fiancé, fiancée, or prospective civil partner, your stay duration is limited to six months.
The final decision can take anywhere between 2 weeks to 12 weeks depending on the rush at the immigration.
While working with Visa candidates we often end up hearing a question: what is the easiest way to obtain a UK visa? The UK visa procedure is not that difficult but you need to be very careful with your documents which we will be discussing later in this guide. If your documents are accurate then getting a visa should be quite easy. To find the perfect visa category for you try visiting this website https://www.gov.uk/check-uk-visa/y , this is the official website for UK visas for all countries not just from Bangladesh.
Required Documents for applying for a UK Visa
Whether you will get a UK visa or not depends heavily on your documents; the required documents will depend on what type of visa you are pursuing.
Never put any false information or forged documents as the UK embassy put heavy emphasis on the papers. They will double check all the documents like they may call your bank to verify if the statement is correct or not.
Also they will double check with higher Police authorities to make sure the police clearance is legitimate.
Basic documents needed for all visa types
These stated documents below will be needed for almost all visa types regardless and depending on the visa type you will require few other documents. So, the common documents include.
- Valid passport of residency of Bangladesh
- Proof of english proficiency
- Evidence of a financial statement like a bank statement that shows you have enough funding to support yourself in the UK.
- Police clearance certificate that shows you are not involved in any criminal activity.
- Passport size color photograph (UK size)
Work Visa
As there are a lot of categories for work visas the required documents can slightly vary but in general they are the same for all subcategories of work visas.
- Valid certificate of sponsorship – proof that you are working for a UK employer (will be provided by the employer)
- Proof that you are paid the min salary or going rate for your type of work.
- Job’s occupation code
- A Valid TAS certificate at times if your job requires it
- Medical test report in UK embassy enlisted center
HPI Visa
- Provide fingerprint at visa application center (VFS Global) to get your biometric permit
- Create a UKVI account to scan and verify your documents.
- An acknowledgment from Ecctis confirming the eligibility of your qualification
- Medical test results
Temporary Work Visa
- Show proof you are over 18 when you are applying for it
- You have at least $1270 (approx 175000 Tk) in your bank to support your stay in the UK.
- Certificate of Sponsorship reference number (provided by your sponsor)
Student Visa
- Acceptance letter from your UK university
- Bank statement showing you have enough money to fund your full course.
- If you are under 18 proof of your relationship with parent or other guardian and their consent.
- If you have received financial support for your tuition and living expenses during the last 12 months, you must submit formal authorization from your sponsor for your application.
Tourist Visa
- Provide the date you are planning to visit on your application
- Details of travel history for last 10 years
- Information like where you wish to stay, your travel costing, parents details.
- Your yearly income details and supporting documents with it like tax return paper.
Business Visitor Visa
- A formal invitation letter from a UK based organization who invited you for the business visit.
- Present documentation proving your firm intention to depart the UK when your visit is over.
- Have proper documentation for any business activity you plan to do while you are in the UK.
Family Visa
- Show proof that you are married with your partner like a marriage certificate
- Show evidence that you live together, share costs, or are in a civil partnership if you are not married.
- You will need to show valid documents to financially support yourself and your dependents.
- You can apply for a family visa if you’re a parent and your kid is in the UK, and your child is either a British or Irish citizen or has lived in the UK for 7 years.
How To Apply For A UK Visa From Bangladesh?
Obtaining a UK visa from Bangladesh can be a streamlined process when approached systematically. Here are the six key steps to follow in a professional and efficient manner:
1. Determine Visa Type
Commence by discerning the most appropriate UK visa category that aligns with the purpose of your travel. The UK offers a range of visa options, including work visas, student visas, tourist visas, and more.
2. Complete the Online Application
Navigate to the official UK government visa application portal and meticulously fill out the online visa application form. It is imperative to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information provided in the application.
3. Pay Visa Fees
Fulfill the mandatory visa application fee of your intended visa. Please be advised that visa fees are subject to revisions, necessitating a thorough check of the current rates before making the payment. Typically, these fees can be settled online through the application portal, utilizing a MasterCard or Visa.
4. Book an Appointment
Subsequent to the payment of visa fees, you will be directed to a platform for scheduling an appointment with the Visa Application Center. You will be required to enter your reference number at this stage.
5. Attend Biometric Appointment
Execute a visit to the Visa Application Center, commonly handled by VFS Global in Bangladesh on the appointed date. During this appointment, your biometrics, encompassing fingerprints and a photograph, will be collected.
6. Track Your Application
After completing your application, you can easily monitor its progress online using the provided reference number. The portal will keep you informed from submission to the final decision.
Fees and Charges for Getting UK Visa From Bangladesh
Down below you will find info about the fees you will be required to pay for different types of visa. Do keep in mind these fees can increase or decrease a bit depending on the pound to taka exchange rate.
Also, visa fees are not the only fees you need to pay; you will need to pay other fees like medical insurance and others.
| Type of Visa | Visa Fees |
| Skilled Worker Visa (3 years) | 34,522 – 87,352 TK |
| Skilled Worker Visa (more than 3 years) | 131,197-172,608 Tk |
| Temporary Visa | 36,199 Tk |
| Standard Visit Visa (2 years-10+ years) | 52,552-116,982 TK |
| Business Visit Visa (6 months) | 13,976 Tk |
| Student Visa | 48,000-50,000 TK |
| Family Visa | 206,2300 TK |
You can pay the visa your visa application fee through an online based payment gateway as the whole application is done through an online portal. The online payment must be done by MasterCard or Visa and cash payments are no longer accepted.
How To Apply For A UK Visa From Bangladesh?
Applying for a UK visa is quite easy and you can do it yourself using an online portal from your home. Follow the step by step guide below to know how.
Step 1: Choose your visa
The first step is to research and find the right type of visa for you from https://www.gov.uk/check-uk-visa and make sure to understand the terms and eligibility really well.
Step 2: Apply for the visa
Again go to this website https://www.gov.uk/apply-to-come-to-the-uk and here you will find options to apply for the visa you want to. Go ahead and start the application and upload all the required documents.
Step 3: Pay application fee
You must pay the visa fees after completing the application and, if applicable, the healthcare premium. You’ll be given a reference number that starts with GWF after completing these payments.
Remember this number in case you need to amend anything about your appointment or visa application in the future.
Step 4: Book an appointment
When you are done paying the visa fees you will be redirected to this website https://visa.vfsglobal.com/bgd/en/gbr/login which is the main site for booking an appointment. You will need to put your reference number here.
Step 5: Attend appointment for biometric
After you have booked your appointment, you can go to the application center which is the VFS Global which is located at 1212, Delta Life Tower (4th Floor) Plot # 37 Road, 90 Madani Ave, Dhaka. In the application center your fingerprints and photograph will be taken.
Step 6: Track your Application
Once you have finished applying, you can track the progress of your application and you can see through the portal if your visa is approved or not.
Common Reasons for UK Visa Rejection From Bangladesh
Even though it is hard to find the exact reason for your visa rejection and it heavily depends on the visa officer. But, from recent research a few common points have come up for visa rejection.
Not providing enough documents for your purpose of travel
A typical reason for visa rejection is a lack of sufficient proof of the visit’s intended purpose. This indicates that the authorities did not obtain sufficient documentation or information to comprehend your trip plans.
You have a criminal record
If you have any previous criminal record then there is a high chance for your visa rejection.
Your visa was rejected for first time
In case if you have been rejected a UK visa for the first time then you will need to find the exact reason and fix this before reapplying again. Reapplying before fixing the documents can again result in visa denial.
Not showing strong ties to country
Your application must show enough reasons for documentation that you have strong ties to the country and you will come back once you are done serving your purpose in the UK.
Appeal Process After Getting UK Visa Rejection From Bangladesh
Unfortunately if your visa gets rejected, you will have the option to reapply as well as appeal to challenge the decision.
Even though it is very less likely that your appeal request will be accepted, you will find the exact reason for visa refusal.
If you think the rejection was incorrect, unfair, or unjust, you can typically appeal. Fill out the appropriate appeal form if you chose to appeal.
Make sure you include all the data and records required to back up your appeal. You’ll also be required to pay an additional 80-140 pound appeal cost.
After launching the appeal request, you will need to wait for a few days and if you are lucky your visa can get approved again and you will be notified through mail.
Tips for Successfully Obtaining a UK Visa from Bangladesh
To successfully obtain a UK visa you must follow a few guidelines. Following these tips will make sure the application is strong and increase your Visa possibility.
- Always provide enough documentation to show you will come back to bangladesh.
- Never use any forged or fake documents.
- Do not miss providing any required documents while applying for the visa.
- Make sure you have the funds necessary for your visa category.
- Provide proof of all of your previous travel history if applicable.
What To Do After Visa Approval?
As you have the option to track your application, you can track your application using the reference number given to you during the application.
If you got your visa, you will be notified through email that your visa has been approved as well as the portal will show the same thing.
Once your visa is approved you will again need to visit the VFS Global and drop your passport. They will notify you through email to collect your passport after stamping the passport with visa.
VISA Process Timeline
The total time needed to get a UK visa can vary depending on the type of visa, individual circumstances, and processing times.
Total time from making payment to BDV: 30.5 – 38.5 months
*Timing fluctuates and changes, since this is a government processing. Each individual will have a unique process.
FAQs
If you still have some questions regarding the UK visa process from Bangladesh then our FAQs below will help you find all the answers.
Applying for a UK visa from Bangladesh is the initial step toward various opportunities, be it work or higher education. However, a simple mistake due to lack of research can jeopardize your UK aspirations.
So, we hope by now you have gotten the full idea about different types of visas in the UK and what are the required documents for these visas and application process.
