✅ Step 1: Accept Job Offer
Your employer will send you a job offer via Borderless.
You will also receive an email notification.
Log into the platform to review the offer.
Click Accept.
After accepting:
Review and electronically sign the document.
Return to the app and click Accept again to confirm.
Once completed, you can start your visa application.
🚀 Step 2: Start Your Visa Application
Click Start Visa Application in the platform. You will answer two short questions. These determine whether:
You can complete your ID check using the UKVI app, or
You need to attend a physical biometric appointment.
📋 Step 3: Complete Required Sections
You will see a checklist of required sections.
Click Start next to each section.
Enter your details.
Complete all mandatory fields.
You can save and return at any time.
✅ Step 4: Track Your Progress
When a section is complete:
The status changes from Start to Edit
A checkmark appears
You can click Edit anytime to update information before submission.ke changes if needed.
📤 Uploading Documents with OCR Technology
Some sections allow document upload using OCR (Optical Character Recognition).
If available, click Start Document Upload.
The system will:
Tell you which document to upload
Extract information automatically
Populate the form for you
Processing usually takes under 1 minute.
If your upload fails:
Try a clearer photo
Ensure the document is fully visible
Use a different file if needed
Once an acceptable document is uploaded, Borderless will extract the information and automatically populate the form.
The process usually takes under one minute.
📲 Uploading from Your Phone
If using a desktop:
Scan the QR code, or
Send yourself the secure link
This allows you to upload directly from your phone.
This creates a secure connection between your phone and the form, allowing you to upload photos directly.
👨👩👧 Adding Dependents
You can add dependents (partner or children) in the Family Information section.
When selected:
Additional fields appear automatically.
Each dependent will appear separately in your application.
You must complete each dependent’s details individually.
OCR upload is also available for dependent passports.
🕒 When do I need to apply for my dependents’ visa?
If their current visa is still valid:
You do not need to renew it immediately.
If you want all visas to expire on the same date:
You may choose to apply together.
❗ Please note: If your Certificate of Sponsorship was issued on or after 11 March 2024 under the Health and Care Worker route, dependents cannot be added due to Home Office rules. See more information here.
✅ Step 5: Confirm Your Application Details
Once all sections are complete:
Click Confirm on each section.
Review all information carefully.
Click Continue once all sections are confirmed.
This ensures your application is ready for review.
💳 Step 6: Payment
After confirmation, your application moves to Payment.
You will receive an email prompting you to pay.
Processing options:
Standard – 6–8 weeks for Home Office decision (free)
Priority – 5 working days for Home Office decision (£738.80)
Priority includes:
Home Office priority fee
Borderless fast-track handling
If you have questions about visa fees, please refer to the Visa Fees Calculator and this support article for guidance on visa payments.
🔄 Changes Requested
If Borderless requests changes:
Open the application.
Click Edit on the relevant section.
Make updates.
Click Continue to resubmit for our immigration team to review again.
🆔 Step 7 - ID Checks
If ID checks are required, you’ll see this status in the app:
You will first need to add Borderless as a helper to your UKVI account. A member of our team will be in touch with you to assist you with adding Borderless as a helper.
You will receive an email with instructions and guidance in the app on how to complete your ID check and set up Borderless as a helper on your UKVI account.
After completing the ID checks, return to the app and click Confirm ID Check Completed to proceed.
❗Potential Physical Biometric Appointment
If online ID verification is not possible:
A biometric appointment will be required.
Appointments may be at least 3 weeks away.
Some centres may charge up to £150 per person.
Where possible, using the UKVI app is recommended to avoid delays and additional costs.
📤 Step 8 - Visa Submission and Decision
You can track your application status in the Visas section. Click Details to view:
Application status
Uploaded documents
Updates
When your visa is granted, you will receive:
An email notification
An update in the app
💬 Need help or an update? - Open the Support tab at the bottom right of your screen to contact our team directly.