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US Government Civilians and Dependents

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NOTE:The visa application process can be complicated and time consuming. You must read all instructions and make sure you fill out the application thoroughly. The process is also different if you are applying from outside the United Sates, so please pay special attention to all instructions below.

A UK visa, sometimes referred to as "entry stamp", "entry visa", "entry clearance", "entry clearance stamp", or "entry clearance visa" MUST be obtained from the UK and is required for DoD civilians,and their eligible family membersBEFORE PCSing to the UK. Failure to obtain a UK visa before arriving in the UK can result in denied entry or deportation. DO NOT PCS to the UK without a US no-fee passport and a UK visa.

A UK visa is required for stays longer than six months. A UK visa is not required for stays of less than six months.

DoD civilians and eligible family members of DoD civilians require a U.S. no-fee passport. A U.S. no-fee passport can be obtained with the aid of the nearest military installation passport office.

Although not required, it is recommended for DoD civilians and their eligible family membersto obtain a US tourist passport in addition to the no-fee passport.

DoD civilians,and their eligible family membersrequire biometric screening. During your biometrics appointment, your photograph will be taken along with your fingerprints.

*The UK visa application website is experiencing some technical difficulties. If you receive an error message when creating an application for a minor, change the minor's birth year to a year that makes the minor over the age of 18. Once the account is accepted and created, you MUST change the birthday in the application to the correct birthday. *

 

    

  1. Visit https://www.gov.uk/apply-uk-visa and click the "Start Now" link. Click "Continue to this website (not recommended)."
  2. A New webpage about the Immigration Health Surcharge will open. US government civilian employees and dependents are exempt from the surcharge but you must still step through the online Immigration Health Surcharge application process to obtain an IHS reference number. This number is required to complete the via application. Click on the link https://www.gov.uk/healthcare-immigration-application, then click "Next." A new page opens and under the section "When you'll need an IHS reference number" click the link: https://www.gov.uk/healthcare-immigration-application/pay. A new page opens and click "Pay Now." You will be required to register by providing a username, name, email address and password. Even though exempt from the surcharge, the applicant will need to select the appropriate category from a dropdown menu in order to obtain the IHS reference number for the visa application.
  3. To fill out the online application click "Register an Account". On the following page, provide the necessary information and choose a password. An email will be sent to the address provided to complete the application. It is best to use a personal email as .mil firewalls block the email. Additionally, this will increase the ability to be contacted during time in transit. If you do not get the email within a few minutes, check your "junk" box.
  4. Once you are logged onto the site, select either "Apply For Myself" or "Apply For Someone Else" from the "My Applications" page.
  5. Provide information as required.
  6. For "Reason for Visit" choose "Work".
  7. For "Visa Type" choose "Non Points-Based Working visas".
  8. For "Visa Sub Type" choose "Dependents of Current Work Permit Holders" and then click "Create Application". **This category prompts Biometrics and the correct fees. Once form is printed, in BIG and BOLD lettering handwrite one of the following categories at the top of the front page: "DOD CIVILIAN COMPONENT EMPLOYEE", "DOD CIVILIAN COMPONENT DEPENDENT".
  9. Click on "Go to Application" and provide required information for the next few pages.
  10. For "How long do you intend to stay in the UK?" enter "60 months". This is NOT an indication of member's tour length.  It merely indicates the application is for a 5 year visa.
  11. If asked for "Date of Departure" enter RNLTD + Tour Length (ex. 31 Jul 2014 + 60 months = 31 Jul 2019).
  12. A separate online application and fee payment must be made for each eligible family member, regardless of age. Pay the application fee for each application using a Visa or MasterCard only. It must be paid online.
  13. Schedule a biometrics appointment using the link on "My Applications" page.
  14. Submit the application(s) online, then print the application(s) for mailing or submitting in person. Mailing or submitting the application in person will depend on the country where applying from. Keep a hard copy of the application for records.
     
  15. Complete biometrics on your scheduled appointment date and time.
  16. When mailing or submitting in person, provide the following items with the application(s). Failure to submit the required items will result in extensive delays in the processing of UK visa applications.
  17. a. Printed application form(s). Cross out the "Visa Sub Type" then write-in one of the following categories as it applies to you: "DOD CIVILIAN COMPONENT EMPLOYEE", "DOD CIVILIAN COMPONENT DEPENDENT". Remember to also write this on the top of the front page.
    b. Valid US no-fee passport for each application. The UK can only issue one visa per individual, so applicants should only submit one type of passport with each application. If you submit a tourist passport and a no-fee passport for the same application, the UK will have to determine in which passport to place the visa. This will delay the process.
    c. One passport-sized photograph per applicant, taken against a light background and printed on professional photographic paper. Do not use homemade printouts.
    d. Biometrics appointment confirmation receipt.
    e. Cover letter that includes a point of contact (with telephone number and email address), member's name, UK assignment location, relationship of dependents travelling, arrival date, duration of stay in UK, and address indicating where the passport/visa will be mailed. Also indicate: "The member is requesting a 60 month UK visa." A sample cover letter is available HERE.
    f. Orders naming traveler(s) as dependent(s). U.S. Navy personnel use Transportation
    Authorization - DD Form 884.
     
- Highlight assignment location, arrival date, dependent names, and dependent birthdates.
- Highlight remark stating that the member will request a 60 month UK visa.
 
g.For dependents, include legible copies of Birth Certificate(s) for dependent children and Marriage/Civil Partnership Certificate for spouses / partners. (Some Visa Application Centers require originals)
h. If children are from a separate relationship, include a NOTARIZED letter from the other biological parent granting permission to travel to the UK. It must demonstrate that the non-custodial parent is aware the child will be in the UK for the duration of the assignment. Submit a court order if parent has sole custody. If no father is listed on the birth certificate, the mother of the child is assumed to have sole custody, and no further documents are necessary.
i. If the children are more than 18, include a letter explaining why the children are still part of the family unit, and what they will do in the UK. This should include student status, employment status, who is financially responsible for the dependent, any special needs or disabilities that exist, and activities to be undertaken in the UK. In depth evidence of current personal circumstances is required and applicants can expect to be interviewed by telephone by the assessing officer. These applications can take an additional twelve or more weeks to process.
j. DO NOT send copies of U.S. passport applications.
 
  1. If travel date is within 3 weeks, Priority Service can be purchased at an additional cost per application. Visit www.visainfoservices.com and select "Additional Services" On the top left. Priority receipts must be printed and mailed with the applications. The outer most shipping envelope should be marked in large print as PRIORITY.
  2. If applying from WITHIN the United States (e.g. CONUS, Alaska, Hawaii or U.S. Territories such as Guam and Puerto Rico) select "By Mail" as your submission method. You MUST provide a fully pre-paid return shipping envelope (UPS, USPS) for your US passport and other documents to be returned to you. Obtaining a tracking number is highly recommended. The British Consulate will ship to U.S. addresses only. If an APO address is used, ensure the carrier can deliver to APO addresses. Submit hardcopies to the British Consulate in New York using the following address:
UK Visas and Immigration
MVF PRIORITY
British Consulate-General
845 Third Avenue
New York, NY 10022 
 
  1. If applying from OUTSIDE the United States, it is best to visit your local military passport office for further instructions as the applications are the same, but the submission procedures may be different depending on the country from which you are PCSing. DO NOT mail your applications to the British Consulate in New York as they will be returned without processing.
  2. For further information about the application process from overseas countries, visit https://www.gov.uk/find-a-visa-application-centre.

 

 

 

 

UK Biometric Data Requirements: DoD civilians, and their eligible family members are required to provide biometric data as part of the UK visa application. 

 

 

  • WITHIN the United States, biometric data collection is accomplished at any of the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Application Support Center (ASC) locations throughout the United States. During the online visa application process,applicants are directed to a biometric scheduling website. Once an appointment is scheduled, applicants must visit the USCIS ASC where fingerscans and digital photographs will be taken.
  • OUTSIDE the United States, biometric data collection is accomplished at various locations based on the country from where you are applying. For further information about the application process from overseas countries, visit https://www.gov.uk/find-a-visa-application-centre.
  • Fingerscans will be collected from each applicant with an electronic scanner. No ink, liquid or chemical will be used. Ensure fingertips are free from decorations (e.g. henna tattoos), cuts, abrasions, or other markings.
  • Photographs will be taken with a digital camera. Ensure facial cuts and bruises have
    healed or disappeared prior to the appointment, and understand photographs will not be taken if the applicant's face is concealed in any way (e.g. head coverings that cover part of the face, dark glasses, or face or neck coverings.