Where can I get information?

The UK Border Agency's Visa Services works in partnership with a commercial organisation called VFS Global Ltd. You can find out whether you need a visa and how to apply through the VFS website or UKVisa website.

Customers can make general  enquiries about the visa application process  by telephoning the VFS visa information helpline on: 080 40084008 between 0800-1600hrs. Calls are charged at local or STD rates depending on location (indicative call rates should be no more than Rs 10/- for a maximum of 5 minutes). You may also email enquiries to VFS. Please refer to the VFS website for details.

Please note that it is not possible to attend the Visa Departments at the British High Commission and Deputy High Commissions except by appointment.  These are usually given for the purpose of visa interviews only.

Do I have to pay?

Website and email information is free of charge. Charges for using the telephone service are indicated above.

Where can I get advice?

VFS and its staff cannot give you advice on how to complete your application, or what type of visa you should apply for.   If you need help with your application or advice about the UK's immigration rules and requirements, you should seek advice from a qualified immigration adviser. In the UK these are immigration advisers regulated by the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC) or legally qualified professionals regulated by designated professional bodies. Their websites are:

• Law Society of England and Wales
• Law Society of Scotland
• Law Society of Northern Ireland
• Institute of Legal Executives

How do I submit my application?

You should submit your application and your biometric data at one of the 12 Visa Application Centres (VACs)  in India managed by VFS. The VACs are located in Delhi, Jalandhar, Chandigarh, Mumbai North, Mumbai South, Pune, Ahmedabad, Chennai, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Cochin and Kolkata.

Who decides whether I will get a visa?

Your visa application will be decided by visa officers who work for the UK's Visa Services. Immigration agents cannot influence the decision to issue a visa. VFS and its staff do not play any part in, nor can they influence, nor do they know the outcome of your application.

Service standards - complaints and compliments

The UK Border Agency's Visa Services aim to offer a fair and professional service to all our customers.  We welcome feedback which helps us to focus on where we need to improve.

If you have any comments, or are concerned about the standard of service you received, please let us know. We investigate all complaints fully and will send you a reply within 20 working days.

If you wish to complain about the service you received from the UK's Visa Services in India, please address your complaint to the Operations Manager and send your e-mail to the following depending on your area of application:

• Northern India, Eastern India and Nepal: visqry.newdelhi@fco.gov.uk
• Southern India, Sri Lanka: chennai.visenquiry@fco.gov.uk
• Western India: bombay.visaenquiries@fco.gov.uk

Alternativley, you may submit your complaint in writing to one of the following addresses:

• UK Border Agency Chennai, British Deputy High Commission, 20 Anderson Road, Chennai 600 006
• UK Border Agency New Delhi, British High Commission, Shantipath, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi 110 021
• UK Border Agency Mumbai, British Deputy High Commission, Naman Chambers, C32 G Block, Bandra Kurla Complex, Bandra East Mumbai 51

If you wish to complain about the service you received from VFS please refer to the VFS website for information on how to submit your complaint.

Find out more about applying for a student visa.