UK Visa for Green Card Holders

U.S. permanent residents may need a UK visa for green card holders to travel to the United Kingdom, depending on their nationality and the purpose of travel. If you usually require a visa to enter the UK from your country of origin, you have to apply for one. The UK government issues a range of visa types that fit every visitor based on the purpose of entry.

In this blog post, we’ll explain the UK visa process for green card holders and help you navigate it smoothly. You’ll also learn about the documents necessary for a UK visa application.

Do Green Card Holders Need a Visa for the UK?

You may have to apply for a UK visa for green card holders to travel to London from the US, even as a green card holder. U.S. citizens and permanent residents who are citizens from UK Visa-Free countries do not need to apply for a visa when traveling for tourism or business purposes. However, the exemption is capped for stays up to six months.

Green card holders whose countries aren’t on the UK Visa-Exempt list may have to apply for a visa. Your nationality and purpose of travel are key factors in determining if you will receive a UK visa.

Everyone, including US citizens, who intend to stay in the UK for more than 180 days, must apply for a visa. The visa exemptions apply for short-term stays, during which the individual should not work.

What Type of UK Visa for Green Card Holders Do You Need?

The first step towards a successful visa application for U.S. permanent residents is to decide which type of UK visa for green card holders you need for your specific purpose of entry. The UK offers several types of visas for different purposes, including the following.

UK Work Visa

UK work visas may appeal to U.S. permanent residents that receive temporary employment opportunities in the UK. The work permit allows you to engage in legal, income-yielding activities. You may need to provide proof of employment and other supporting documents when applying for the visa.

UK Business Visitor Visa

A UK Business Visitor Visa is issued to business people who wish to invest or conduct business within the UK. The applicant must possess a valid passport from their country of origin and other supporting documents before applying. A U.S. citizen doesn’t require this visa if the visit period is less than six months.

UK Student Visa

A UK student visa type is issued to international students who wish to study within the UK. The specific student visa ranges from as short as thirty-day to long-term study visas covering the entire schooling period. You may have to provide a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) letter and other documents as proof.

UK Transit Visa

The UK government issues the Transit visa to individuals passing through the UK to their primary destination. A UK Transit Visa for green card holders is necessary for permanent residents whose country of origin isn’t on the UK Visa-Free list and who need to use the UK as a transit country. The Transit visas can either be Direct Airside Transit Visa or a Visitor in Transit Visa.

UK Family Visa

The Family Visa category allows an individual to visit family members living or working in the UK and wish to join them for more than six months as their dependents. Immigration officials may request specific supporting documents before issuing the visa.

UK Tourist Visa

If you wish to travel from the US to the UK for leisure, you can obtain a UK tourist visa. The visa is typically short-term, used for six months or less.

While travel issuance isn’t necessary, the coverage can keep your out-of-pocket costs low in case of a medical emergency. Check out GoReady Travel Insurance to find a plan that suits your travel needs.

How to Apply for a UK Visa for Green Card Holders

The application process for a UK visa for green card holders involves several steps, including choosing the correct visa type, meeting the eligibility requirements, completing the application form, paying the fee, and providing the required documents. You may also need to attend a visa appointment depending on your visa type and location.

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the steps you need to take for a successful application.

1. Pick the Right Visa Type

The first step is to pick the correct UK visa for green card holders, depending on the specific purpose of your visit to the UK. You can determine what type of visa to apply for by using a simple check provided by the immigration department.

2. Fill Out Your Online Application Form

You need to fill out an online UK visa application form. Ensure that all the information provided is factual, as any disparities in the information provided can lead to a declined application. You may also need to pay the respective visa fees.

3. Book and Attend Your Biometrics Appointment

The next step involves booking an appointment for your biometric testing. The U.S. has over 130 Application Support Centers (ASCs) that you can visit to provide your biometric information(digital photograph and fingerprinting.) At the appointment, you should carry the following:

• Your passport
• A printed out of your completely-filled application form
• A copy of your biometric application receipt

After the biometric submission, you need to find out the supporting documents required at the embassy for your UK visa for green card holders.

4. Submit Visa Application to the Embassy for Approval

After gathering all the required documents, you must mail your application to the British Consulate General office in New York to get your UK visa for green card holders. The wait time may vary depending on the visa type and the need for additional supporting documents.

Documents Needed for a UK Visa for Green Card Holders

You may have to provide additional documents for your UK visa for green card holders application. Standard application documents include:

• Current passport
• Two passport photographs
• Complete application form
• Proof of Financial Means to support your UK stay (if needed)
• Proof of Accommodation (if required)
• Detailed travel itinerary (if requested)
• UK Visa invitation letter (if applicable)
• Tuberculosis test results (if required)

You can verify with the consulate the UK visa requirements for submission to the embassy.

The Benefits of Travel Insurance for US Green Card Holders

If you are a U.S. permanent resident who wishes to travel to the UK, you may need to apply for a UK visa for green card holders. You must pick the right UK visa type, complete the online application, schedule and attend your biometric appointment, and send your application to the British Consulate.

You may need to provide supporting documents to justify your trip to the UK. While travel insurance isn’t required, coverage can protect you or your family if a medical emergency occurs. Contact GoReady Travel Insurance to get a custom quote for travel to the UK.