How to Apply Visa of UK in Beijing

This page contains information on applying for a visa in Beijing. You should now apply at a UK Visa Application Centre and NOT at the British Embassy Visa Section.  

1. Complete an application form.

Firstly you should complete an application form. The forms are located here.

2. Take one passport picture (taken with a white background.)

3. Prepare documentation.

Gather all the documentation that is required for your type of application. There is a list of the required documentation for each category of visa on this website.

4. Submit your application. (This procedure will apply to all visa applications.)

Your application should be submitted at a UK Visa Application Centre, and can be done by you or your representative. You must submit your application to the nearest application centre to where your family book is registered. Once your application has been submitted, you will receive a reference number for your application and you will be able to check the status of your application online at the UK Visa Application Centre's website www.ukvac.net.cn. If you do not have access to the internet, you should call the UK Visa Application Centre on (010) 6418 5156 two or three days after your application has been submitted.

Group applications. 

Student group applications can be submitted as a group using a single messenger (an official agent is not required). To qualify as a student group it must contain 5 or more people with similar study plans.

Tourist group applications (ADS) must be submitted by an accredited agent. Please refer to the ADS section on this website.

Finally, take care over your application. To avoid unnecessary delay, please take all the documents that might be relevant to the UK Visa Application Centre. We need to see originals of all documents with translations.

5. Collect your documents.

When you submit your application, the UK Visa Application Centre will advise you when to return to collect your documents and result. We expect the process to take 4-5 days. You can also monitor the status of your application online at the UK Visa Application Centre's website www.ukvac.net.cn. Or, if you do not have access to the internet, you should call the UK Visa Application Centre on (010) 6418 5156.

Please also note that certain applications (eg. work permit applications, work permit dependants, settlement and visits to some Commonwealth countries) may need to be referred to the UK or other Commonwealth countries and will take longer to process.

If you do not wish to return to the UK Visa Application Centre a courier service will be available at an additional cost.

6. Information

If you have questions that are not answered by this website, contact the UK Visa Application Centre for further information. All forms and guidance leaflets are free, and can be picked up in person from the UK Visa Application Centre, 07:30-14:30 Monday to Friday. You can also obtain impartial advice direct by calling (010) 6418 5156 between 07:30 -14:30, Monday to Friday.