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Before you arrive

This page explains what you need to do before you visit one of our public enquiry offices. Make sure you follow this guidance, because your application may not be considered if you do not.

Before you book an appointment, you should make sure your application is one that can be considered at a public enquiry office. See What services are available?, and also check the details for the particular office you wish to attend.

The process at the public enquiry office normally takes up to 90 minutes but may take longer, so if you are coming by car, you should make appropriate arrangements for parking. After the closing time for each office (1500 or 1600, depending on the office) you will not be able to leave the building and come back. See What will happen on the day? for more information about how long you are likely to have to spend at the office.

Book an appointment

Public enquiry offices consider applications by appointment only. To book an appointment you should phone the immigration enquiry bureau.

Appointments are limited, so if your visa expires soon and there are no appointments available, you should send your application by post as quickly as possible.

If you arrive without an appointment, you will not be seen.

Before you make your appointment you should check that you:

  • know which application form you need to complete and make sure you can download it and complete it before your appointment date (if you have any questions about the application form, make sure you have it with you when you phone to make the appointment);
  • complete the application form fully before your appointment date; and
  • know what documents you need to provide to support your application and are sure you will be able to obtain them all before your appointment date.

When can I make my application?

We will consider any valid application to extend your visa, regardless of when you make it.

If you are applying for permanent residence, you will normally need to have been living in the United Kingdom for a specified length of time before you qualify. More information about the qualifying periods is available in the relevant sections of this website. You should not apply for permanent residence more than 28 days before the end of your qualifying period.

If your temporary permission to stay in the United Kingdom is due to expire before the end of your qualifying period for permanent residence, you will need to extend your visa before you apply for permanent residence.

The application form

When you attend your appointment, you must have the correct application form with you, fully completed and with all the required documents. If you do not, your application may not be processed that day.

You can download the application form, and guidance on completing it, from the relevant sections of this website.

Life in the UK test

If you wish to apply for permanent residence at one of our public enquiry offices, please make sure you allow at least two weeks between taking the Life in the UK test and attending the public enquiry office. If you do not, your application may not be processed on the day of your appointment.

If your current visa expires less than one week after you take the test, you should post your application form to the address given on the form.

See also

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