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Guidance: Uploading evidence as part of your visa application

Uk Visas Immigration

August 25
11:13 2022

When you make an application to come to or stay in the UK, youll usually be asked to provide evidence such as documents or photos. How you provide this evidence depends on how you make your application.

Who can use the self-upload service

If you use the UK Immigration: ID Check app to scan your identity document, youll use the self-upload service when you apply.

You cannot use this service if you have your fingerprints and photograph taken at a visa application centre (VAC) or UK Visa and Citizenship Services (UKVCAS) service point.

What to upload

You can check what documents youll need before you apply. This information is usually on the visa guide of the visa youre applying for. Theres also a document checklist on the application form.

Youll be asked to upload specific evidence based on the answers you provide earlier in your application. For example, a copy of your passport or birth certificate.

You may have to upload the same evidence more than once.

Prepare your documents

You can either scan your document or take a photo of it. The full document must be visible on the scan or photo.

Take a photo of your document

You can take a photo using either a smartphone camera or digital camera.

When you take your photo make sure:

  • the area youre in is well lit
  • the document is in focus on your camera screen
  • the flash is off on your camera if youre taking a photo of a reflective document for example, a laminated passport page

You must save the photo as one of the following file types:

  • PNG
  • JPG
  • JPEG

Most smartphones and digital cameras automatically save photos as one of these file types.

Give your photo file a descriptive name. For example, bank statement 2019.

If you took a photo using your smartphone and youre completing the application form on the same phone, you should be able to upload your photo directly from your phone to the application form.

If you took a photo using your smartphone but are using another device to complete your application, youll need to transfer your photo to the device youre applying on. For example, if youre applying on a laptop, youll need to send the photo from your phone to your laptop. You can usually do this by:

  • emailing the photo to yourself and opening on your other device
  • using a cable to connect your phone with your other device
  • sending the image via Bluetooth

If you took a photo using a digital camera, youll need to transfer your photo from the camera to the device youre applying on. You can usually do this by:

  • taking the memory card (sometimes known as an SD card) out of the camera and inserting it into a desktop computer or laptop
  • using a cable to connect your camera with your other device

Scan your document

Follow the manufacturers instructions on your scanner to scan your document.

When you create your scan make sure:

  • the document is flat against the surface of the scanner
  • nothing is covering the information on the document

You must save the scan as one of the following file types:

  • PDF
  • PNG
  • JPG
  • JPEG

Most scanners automatically save scans as one of these file types.

Give your file a descriptive name. For example, bank statement 2019.

If your scanner is connected to the device youre completing your application form on, you should be able to upload your file directly from your device to the application form.

If youre applying on a different device to the one your scanner is connected to, youll need to transfer your file to the device youre applying on.

Upload your documents

You need to upload your documents once you reach the evidence section of the application form. Click upload evidence next to the evidence you want to upload and then choose file to select the file you need.

If your upload is successful, youll see it under the Files added heading on the application form. You can then add more files if you need to. Repeat these steps for each type of evidence youre asked to upload.

Check your evidence and make any changes needed before you submit it. You cannot upload any other evidence after you submit.

If you need further help

You may be able to get help through Assisted Digital if youre unable to upload your documents if you:

  • do not feel confident using a computer or mobile device
  • do not have internet access
  • do not have access to a device like a laptop or smartphone

You must be in the UK to use this service.

Contact Assisted Digital for further advice.

Published 10 February 2022
Last updated 25 August 2022 +show all updates
  1. Updated 'Upload your documents' instructions.

  2. First published.

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