How to apply for a UK visa 

Where can I get information?

The UK Border Agency and the British High Commission Colombo work in partnership with a commercial organisation, VFS.

You can find out whether you need a visa and how to apply through the VFS website: www.vfs-uk-lk.com.  VFS also provides information through an e-mail and telephone enquiry service.  The email address is info@vfs.lk.  Dialog users can dial 331, calls cost LKR 20/per minute plus tax and levy charges and for international callers the telephone number is 00 94 773 908011, relevant international charges will apply. All the information provided is supplied and approved by the UK Border Agency.

Do I have to pay?

There is a charge for using the phone service, but information from the website and by email is free of charge.

Where can I get advice?

VFS and its staff cannot give you advice on how to complete your application, or what type of visa you should apply for.   If you need help with your application or advice about the UK's immigration rules and requirements, you should seek advice from a qualified immigration adviser. In the UK these are immigration advisers regulated by the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner or legally qualified professionals regulated by designated professional bodies.  Their websites are:

• Law Society of England and Wales
• Law Society of Scotland
• Law Society of Northern Ireland
• Institute of Legal Executives

How do I submit my application?

VFS manages the Visa Application Centre in Colombo, where you should submit your application and your biometric fingerscans. Please see the VFS website http://www.vfs-uk-lk.com/contactus.aspx for more information on the location and opening hours.

Who decides whether I will get a visa?

UK Border Agency staff will process and decide your visa application. VFS and its staff play no part in the outcome of your visa application. They cannot influence it in any way.  If any member of staff employed by VFS say they can influence your application, you should tell the UK Border Agency (http://www.vfs-uk-lk.com/customer.aspx) immediately. 

Customer Service -feedback and compliments

The UK Border Agency aims to offer a fair and professional service to all our customers.  We welcome feedback it helps us to see where we need to improve

If you have any comments, or are concerned about the standard of service you received, please let us know. We investigate all complaints fully and will send you a reply within 20 working days.

If you wish to complain about the service you received from the UK Border Agency's Visa Services, please address your complaint to the Operations Manager and send your email to: chennai.visaenquiry@fco.gov.uk. Alternatively you may submit your complaint in writing  http://www.vfs-uk-lk.com/customer.aspx

If you wish to complain about the service you have received from VFS, please refer to the VFS website for information on how to submit your complaint http://www.vfs-uk-lk.com/customer.aspx

Useful Links

Visa applications forms and guidance http://www.ukvisas.gov.uk/en/howtoapply/infs
Visa fees [http://www.vfs-uk-lk.com/visafees.aspx]
UK Border Agency Visa Services www.ukvisas.gov.uk
Supporting documentation guidance http://www.ukvisas.gov.uk/en/howtoapply/vafsdocschecklist/
Frequently asked questions http://ukvisas.gov.uk/en/faqs/