4.5 Approval & Travel
Congratulations! If you have reached this stage, it means the Home Office has approved your application. Here is what to expect next: āļø
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Your Decision Letter: You will receive an email or a letter confirming your approval. Keep this safeāit is your official proof of the decision.
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Accessing Your Status: Most applicants now receive a digital immigration status, known as an eVisa. Your decision letter will explain how to create or log in to your UKVI account to view your status.
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Your Entry Vignette: If your visa type is not an eVisa (meaning you had to hand in your passport or pay for the keep my passport option when you applied), your passport will be returned with a sticker (vignette) inside. This allows you to travel to the UK.
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Important: This vignette is usually only valid for a short window (often 30 or 90 days). You must enter the UK within this period.
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Your BRP (Biometric Residence Permit): If you are issued a physical permit, you will usually need to collect it from a designated Post Office shortly after arriving in the UK.
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First Steps: Once you land, try to get settled quickly! Registering with a local GP and opening a bank account are great first steps. These also help you start building a āpaper trailā of evidence for your future visa extension.