The documents you should provide to support your application for transfer of visa
Do I need a visa?
This page explains the documents you should provide to support your application to have your visa transferred to from an old passport to a new one.
You should send the original documents, not a copy. In exceptional circumstances, we may accept a photocopy that is certified as an accurate copy by the body or authority that issued the original (for example a copy of a savings book certified by the bank) or by a notary. You must include a letter explaining the reasons for providing a certified copy rather than the original document.
Your documents will be returned to you by post to the address you provide on your application. If a representative makes the application on your behalf, your documents will be returned to him/her. Your documents will be returned using recorded delivery. If you want your documents returned by special delivery, you should provide a prepaid special delivery envelope.
Photographs
You should provide two recent passport-sized photographs of yourself and two of each dependant applying on the same form. All the photographs should have the name of the person in the picture written on the back.
The photographs should:
- measure 45mm high by 35mm wide;
- be in colour;
- be taken against a white background;
- be clear and of good quality;
- not be framed or backed;
- show your full face, and be without sunglasses, hat or head covering unless you wear this for religious reasons.
Passports
You should provide your current passport or other travel document and the passport or travel document of all dependants who are applying on the same form. If anyone included in the application last entered the United Kingdom with a different passport or document, you should also send these documents if you have them.
If your passport or a dependant's previous passport or other document has been stolen, you should provide a police report confirming this, together with the original of any UK Border Agency letter telling you, or your dependant, you had been given limited or indefinite leave to remain.
Police registration certificates
If you are applying to transfer a stamp confirming limited leave to remain, you should provide your police registration certificate if you were asked to register with the police when you came to the United Kingdom. If any of the dependants included on your application were asked to register with the police you should provide their police registration certificates.
Evidence of residence
If you are applying to transfer a stamp confirming indefinite leave to remain, you should provide evidence that you and any dependant included in the application have lived continuously in the United Kingdom since being given indefinite leave.
Application forms
Application for a no time limit stamp or transfer of conditions stamp
- Form NTLTOCPDF 188K opens in a new window
- Guide NTLTOCPDF 116K opens in a new window
News & updates
Terms explained
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Indefinite leave to remain
Indefinite leave to remain (often known as ILR) is permission to stay permanently (settle) in the United Kingdom, free from immigration control.
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Limited leave to remain
Permission to stay in the United Kingdom temporarily, for the length of time stated on your visa.
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Notary
A notary is also known as a notary public. A notary is a public official who is legally authorised to witness the signing of documents and perform other formal duties.
Contact
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Visa services
Visa services, Foreign and Commonwealth Office, King Charles Street, London, SW1A 2AH. If you are outside the United Kingdom you should contact you nearest British diplomatic post.