We are rolling out a simpler visa application experience. You now see a personalised document checklist at the start, answer a few short questions so you are only asked for documents that apply to you, upload everything in one place with instant checks, and then complete a shorter form that only asks for details we could not read from your documents. This is rolling out gradually, so some of the steps below may look slightly different. For an overview, see A simpler way to complete your visa application. The steps below still explain the overall process from accepting your offer through to the Home Office decision.

After accepting, review and electronically sign the document, then return to the app and click Accept again to confirm. Once completed, you can 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.

You will see the documents you need for your application. Upload them in one place, and each one is checked as soon as it lands, usually within seconds. If a document is not right, you will be told why and what to provide instead. After your documents are uploaded, you complete a short form covering only the details we could not read from them. Anything we can read is filled in for you and labelled with the document it came from, and you can edit it. You can save and return at any time, though we recommend completing the upload and form in one sitting where possible.

Documents are read using OCR (Optical Character Recognition), so much of your form is filled in for you automatically. If an upload fails, try a clearer photo, ensure the document is fully visible, and use a different file if needed. If a document cannot be checked (for example it is password-protected or corrupted), you can still proceed and enter the details by hand; our team will see the flagged document.

If using a desktop, scan the QR code or send yourself the secure link to upload directly from your phone. This creates a secure connection between your phone and the form, allowing you to upload photos directly.

You can add dependants (partner or children) during your application. When selected, the relevant documents and fields are added for each dependant, and you complete each dependant's details individually. Where possible, details already provided are reused, and document upload is available for dependant passports.

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, dependants cannot be added due to Home Office rules. See more information here.

Once all sections are complete, review all information carefully and confirm. This ensures your application is ready for review.

After confirmation, your application moves to Payment. You will receive an email prompting you to pay.

Processing options:

If you have questions about visa fees, please refer to the Visa Fees Calculator and this support article for guidance on visa payments.

If Borderless requests changes, open the application, click Edit on the relevant section, make your updates, and click Continue to resubmit for our immigration team to review again.

If ID checks are required, you will 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 to assist. You will receive an email with instructions and guidance in the app on how to complete your ID check. After completing the ID checks, return to the app and click Confirm ID Check Completed to proceed.

If online ID verification is not possible, a biometric appointment will be required. Appointments may be at least 3 weeks away, and some centres may charge up to £150 per person. Where possible, using the UKVI app is recommended to avoid delays and additional costs.

You can track your application status in the Visas section. Click Details to view your application status, uploaded documents, and updates. When your visa is granted, you will receive an email notification and 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.