What supporting document should I include with my applications?

The documents we want to see will depend on the type of visa you apply for. The guidance notes will give an indication, but there may be others that you should include. The documents that our visa sections around the world will ask for can vary and you should visit the visa section's website in each country to find out more.

We ask for supporting documents to help us decide if you meet the requirements of the UK Immigration Rules. For example you will usually need to show that you have enough money to pay for your trip, and your food, accommodation and expenses in the UK. To show this we will ask to see bank statements, pay slips and evidence of savings - yours and/or your sponsor's, depending on who is paying the costs. Also you will usually need to show that you will leave the UK at the end of your proposed time there. To show this you could send evidence of your job, or continuing studies in your home country.

If you are not sure whether or not you should include a particular document, include it. It is better that we have too many than not enough. But please do not include an excessive number - the entry clearance officer only has a limited amount of time to read the documents.

You should not pay for any travel tickets until a decision has been made on your visa application, but you may want to send evidence that you have reserved flights.

Documents checklist

The documents checklist tells you what kind of supporting documents you should include in your application. The checklists are designed to assist you in the application process. As part of the local requirements, you have to complete and sign the relevant checklist to be submitted with your visa application.

Please click on the relevant link to download the relevant checklists.

• checklist for visit student [PDF, 27KB]
  
• checklist for visit spouse of UK citizen [PDF, 30KB]
  
• checklist for visit marriage [PDF, 28KB]
  
• checklist for visit academic [PDF, 27KB]
  
• checklist for social and business visit [PDF, 31KB]
  
• checklist for settlement spouse civil partner [PDF, 31KB]
  
• checklist for settlement_fiancee register civil partnership [PDF, 32KB]
  
• checklist for direct airside transit [PDF, 27KB]
  
• checklist for visit transit [PDF, 38KB]
  
• checklist for child settlement [PDF, 38KB]
  
• checklist for domestic worker (other) [PDF, 30KB]
  
• checklist for domestic worker (visitor) [PDF, 29KB]
  
• checklist for EEA Family Permit [PDF, 29KB]
  
• checklist for minister of religion [PDF, 29KB]
  
• checklist for missionaries [PDF, 27KB]
  
• checklist for Renewal of the Right of Abode [PDF, 25KB]
  
• checklist for Right of Abode [PDF, 25KB]