The UK Immigration System

Introduction to the UK system

How to apply

Do I need to use a representative?

Home Office fees

UK Immigration Routes

Tier 1

Tier 2

Settlement

Visit Visas

UK Immigration Resources

Latest UK immigration news

Online information and forum advice

Sheffield Public Enquiry Office

Sheffield travel and accommodation

How to Apply to the UKBA

You can make an application to the UK Border Agency (UKBA) either by post, or in person.

Postal applications take between three weeks to over six months to be resolved, dependent on the type of application. The UKBA publish current processing times for some applications on their website. Useful anecdotal information on processing times can also be found on trackitt.com, and on the excellent UK Resident Forum.

You can find the correct form for your application on the UKBA's Apply Online web page.

Public Enquiry Offices

Given the long delays when posting an application, and the fact that your passport and other important documents will be unavailable throughout this delay, it is often better to apply in person. In person applications are completed on the same day, so are usually referred to as 'same day' or 'premium' applications.

To apply in person, you must book an appointment at one of the seven Public Enquiry Offices (PEOs) in the UK, by visiting the UKBA booking page, or by calling 0870 606 7766. The PEOs are located at:

• Croydon, (South London)
• Solihull (Birmingham)
• Glasgow (Scotland)
• Liverpool
• Sheffield
• Belfast (Northern Ireland)
• Cardiff (Wales)

Further information on the PEOs can be found on the UKBA's site here. You do not need to apply at your nearest centre but can book an appointment anywhere you are able to travel to. We have prepared a detailed guide to Sheffield PEO which you may find useful if you are attending independently.

Many applicants find that it is very difficult to obtain a premium appointment, as they are often fully booked. You can sometimes obtain a cancellation by calling the UKBA on a daily basis. Alternatively you can take advantage of a premium slot assigned to a designated Representative, such as White Rose Visas. White Rose Visas has an allocation of guaranteed weekly premium slots at Sheffield PEO, usually available to our clients at very short notice.