What documents do I need to provide and why do I need to provide documents in support of my application?

UK immigration law says that it is up to you to satisfy the Visa Officer that you qualify for a visa. We aim to resolve your application without interviewing you, and so it is vital that you make sure that your application is properly documented when you submit it. If you do not submit the required documents, your application may be refused without an interview. Where possible, please provide documents which can be verified by a 3rd party. For example, it can be difficult to obtain independent verification that a mobile phone number belongs to the person claimed, whereas it is more straightforward to establish that a landline number belongs to that person. We appreciate that it may not always be possible for you to provide these kinds of documents, but please be aware that it helps us make the decision if you are able to.

What sort of documents do I have to show?

Everyone’s circumstances are different. This is why we don’t ask for a set list of documents. What we have done is give you a general idea of the kinds of documents, which help the Visa Officer to be satisfied that certain requirements of the Immigration Rules are met. It is up to you whether you submit these documents, or different ones. It is your responsibility to make sure that you have read the available information on the category of visa you want to apply for – the list below does not cover every single eventuality, and producing all the documents on it will not guarantee you a visa. Please make sure that you include all supporting papers with your application, and don’t send, or fax, us any papers separately.

Will you accept photocopies of documents?

Where possible, please submit original documents. It is easier for us to verify that an original document is genuine, than a photocopied one. But we recognise that some documents are too valuable for you to want to submit with your application, e.g. a US Green Card. In these cases, please submit a good quality photocopy of the original. Original documents can be examined to ensure that they have not been tampered with. In addition, please ensure that, wherever possible, you do not laminate your documents.

Will you accept documents which aren’t in English?

All supporting documents submitted with visa applications, if not already in English, must be accompanied with an official English translation. These documents include bank statements, savings books, property deeds, rental agreements, evidence of employment, payslips, pension slips, birth certificates, marriage or divorce certificates and Yemeni educational certificates etc.
If no translations are provided, the visa officer dealing with your application will not take into consideration any documents that have not been translated into English.

Are there any documents which you don’t need to see?

Please don’t send us credit cards, or original airline tickets.

What happens if I don’t send the suggested documents?

The visa officer may not be able to assess your eligibility for a visa and your application may be refused.

What if I want to apply for a visa for my child?

If a child is under 18, then as well as meeting the requirements of the Immigration Rules, they must show that they have a parent or guardian who is responsible for their care, that they have suitable travel, reception and care arrangements concerning their travel to the UK. From 12th February 2006, the name of the adult accompanying them to the UK will now be endorsed on the visa, and the child must travel in the company of this adult. If travel plans change and it is proposed that the child will travel unaccompanied, or with another adult, then a new visa must be applied for to reflect this.

How do I make my application?

British Embassy in Yemen now ONLY accepts online visa applications. You should complete an online application form and submit a printed copy of the application to the visa section along with the required documents. Please note that you must be in Yemen at the time that your application is lodged. Please allow enough time for us to process your application, and remember that at busy times of year, it may take slightly longer for a decision to be made on your application. We recommend that you do not buy your ticket before your visa has been issued.

Tourist Visa

Student Visa

Medical Treatment Visa

Settlement Visa

Direct Airside Transit Visa

Work Permit Visa

Highly Skilled Migrant Programme

Family Reunion

Domestic Workers

Business Visitors

Family Visitor