Visiting the United Kingdom is a dream come true for many. It is renowned for its world-class educational institutions, rich cultural heritage in arts and literature, top position as a European financial hub, thriving business environment, and advancements in modern technologies.
Thousands of students from Bangladesh travel to the country for higher education each year, as studying in the UK is considered highly prestigious. Apart from education- jobs, business, and tourism are some other reasons people visit this beautiful destination. Many of these visitors eventually decide to settle there. The current Bangladeshi population in the UK is estimated to be around 6,00,00, according to the census published in 2022, and the popularity of the country among Bangladeshis keeps growing. Bangladeshi nationals require prior visa approval to visit the UK regardless of the purpose of the visit. Suppose your purpose is tourism, visiting family members, attending business meetings or conferences, visiting as an academic or for paid engagement, or medical reasons. In that case, you need to apply for a standard visitor visa. It’s the most straightforward and least complicated visa to apply for.
What Are The Requirements For A UK Visa From Bangladesh?
Now that you know the visa category, let’s dive into the specific requirements. We will discuss UK visa requirements for Bangladeshi nationals, the application process, the documents, and a list of recommended agencies.
Financial Stability: It’s essential to be financially stable so that you can support yourself during the travel.
Extensive Travel History: Having an extensive travel history with prior international trips demonstrates your compliance with immigration rules in other countries and increases the likelihood of visa approval.
Established Career: Being successful in a career in the country of residence shows your professional ties and assures UKVI of your intent to return.
Consistent Bank Balance: A well-maintained bank balance is crucial, as UKVI checks your bank statement for monthly income and expenditure patterns. Making a last-minute deposit and applying for the visa with an inflated balance might lead to visa refusal. More than 70% of the United Kingdom standard visitor visas are refused due to poorly maintained bank balances.Strong Family Ties: Having family members living in the country of residence and not accompanying you to the UK helps ensure your timely return.
List Of Required Documents For The UK Visit Visa
You need to gather a set of documents to apply for the visa. While the list of documents varies case by case, the following is the list of standard documents you will generally need:
- A passport with at least 6 months of validity beyond your planned travel
- Scanned copies of all passport pages with prior visas and immigration stamps
- A written travel itinerary with a day-to-day plan
- A cover letter explaining the details about your intention, personal situation, and financial explanation.
- Personal Bank statements (For the past 6 months)
- Income tax documents (For the past 3 years, if available, you need to submit income tax certificates and a certified income tax assessment file to see if the income on your bank statements and tax documents match.)
- Professional documents such as employment certificates or business registration papers for business owners.
- Asset valuation documents if you have fixed assets in Bangladesh.
- Marriage certificate, children’s birth certificates, and documents of your parents that demonstrate your vital family ties.
- Any other financial documents that will prove your solvency.
Additional Documents If You Have A Host In The UK
- Invitation letter from your host.
- Proof of relationship with the invitee.
- Invitee’s Bank Statements (if they promise to provide you with financial support)
- Host’s proof of residence (if they plan to accommodate you)
- Your host’s ID card/passport and a copy of a utility bill.
If You Are Visiting For Business Purposes:
- Invitation letter from a UK-registered company.
- Forward a letter from your employer explaining the reasons for your travel if you are employed. If you are a business owner, you can explain the reason for your trip on your letterhead.
- Business card.
- Company bank statements (if the company provides financial support)
If You Are Self-Employed:
- Trade License.
- Certificate of Incorporation (For Limited company)
- Other Business Documents, e.g., BIN
- Business Bank Statements for the last 6 months.
- Business Tax documents.
- Documents that prove your business is active and have sufficient financial activities.
If You Are Employed:
- Appointment Letter/Employment Certificate.
- No Objection Certificate (NOC)/ Leave Approval Letter
- Office ID Card/Business Card.
- Payslips (Last 6 months)
Travel History Requirements For the UK Standard Visitor Visa
Travel history refers to the number of countries you have visited in the past, and having a sufficient travel history helps secure visa approval for developed countries. It plays a vital role in visa applications as it illustrates a clearer picture of your travel background and intentions. Moreover, it shows whether you have a record of immigration rule violations, a history of overstaying, and your patterns of travel to other countries. The United Kingdom is a developed country, and when applying for a UK visitor visa, an extensive travel history will leave a positive impression. We have observed many visas being rejected due to insufficient travel history, so we suggest candidates have at least 5-7 prior international travel before the application.
How Much Money Do You Need in Your Bank Account?
Another common reason for visa refusal in the UK is insufficient funds. If your bank balance is sufficient, it indicates that you can cover your expenses in the UK, such as accommodation, food, transportation, and recreational activities. Moreover, an adequate bank balance demonstrates solid financial ties to your home country.
The question most people ask is, how much is considered sufficient funds? The amount depends on multiple factors, including how many days you will travel, where you will stay, the mode of transportation, activities you will take part in, and how many family members are accompanying you.
Though there is no definitive figure from UKVI, it is recommended to have at least 2-3x of your required expenses as bank balance. So, for a single applicant, we recommend a bank balance of 6-9 Lakhs BDT; however, the more, the better. The recommended amount will increase based on your travel plans and accompanying family members.
Monthly Income Requirements
Monthly income is a critical factor in getting the UK visa approval. Your documented monthly income should be at least 50% of your total planned expenditure in the UK. However, the more money you make, the better. For example, if you budget 2000 GBP for your travel to the UK, you should make at least 1000 GBP per month.
The income is only part of it, though; you need to save plenty of amount from your income per month as well. Entry clearance officers (ECOs) focus more on your disposable income (savings per month) than the total income. The disposable income should be at least 35% of your planned travel expenses.
… but wait!
This is not everything, there is more! You need to explain the source of income as well. You need to prove how you earn your money—is it legal or not? Explaining how you got money is necessary if you are applying to the United Kingdom. The documents you will provide need to clarify your income and expenses; if not, your visa might be refused.
Employment and Professional Situation
Being employed or self-employed is a positive aspect when you apply to the UK. To the visa officer, a successful professional life will create a good impression.
It can increase your chances of getting visa approval. Immigration authorities will view it as a solid financial and professional tie in your homeland. A business owner or a job holder will be less likely to leave his work and overstay in the UK.
How Can A Visa/Immigration Agency Help You?
Hiring an agency for visa application might be a good option if you are applying for the first time or if you want to avoid going through all the hassle of visa application.
Is it mandatory?
Not really. It’s optional, yet it is helpful.
Do you want to get an unnecessary refusal, or do you want to get the visa application done with someone who understands the requirements and law and has extensive experience? Visa application can be a tiresome process for some, so it’s better if professionals can do it. They will not make any mistakes that can jeopardize your visa.
How Can Visa Processing Center Help You?
Visa Processing Center aims to provide service with a maximum success rate. Our specialized team for the UK will do all the complex work for you. From providing document support to financial clarification to creating your perfect travel itinerary, we can assist you through this. Since everyone has a different situation, we can tailor our service according to their needs. Our expert knowledge and skills will be valuable if you have little idea about a UK visa.
Contact us today, and let us help you. Our senior consultant will assess your eligibility, and after that, we can start your visa process. Meanwhile, you can relax and plan your dream trip.
Frequently Asked Questions- FAQ
What Is The Address of the British High Commission in Bangladesh?
The address is United Nations Rd. Baridhara, PO Box: 6079, Dhaka 1212, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
What is the UK visa fee?
For 6 months of validity, the visa fee is 16537 BDT.
Can a student apply for a UK visit visa?
Yes, they can apply, but chances are low that students will get a visit visa.
How much can an agency charge for a UK visitor visa?
They can charge around 25,000 to 40,000 BDT.