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How to start a UK visa or British passport application with Move Up

This guide explains the practical stages of working with Move Up. The exact process depends on whether you need a UK visa, British citizenship or passport support, UK recruitment or another relocation service. Government systems and evidence requirements also vary by route.

Step 1: identify the outcome you need

Start with the purpose rather than the name of a product. Tell us whether you want to visit, work, study, join family, return to the UK, establish British citizenship, apply for a passport, recruit an employee or plan a wider relocation.

If you are uncertain, complete the free Move Up assessment. Include the passport you hold, intended activity, timing, relevant family history or relationship facts, employment details and any previous refusals.

Step 2: move to the correct specialist team

The first review should establish whether Move Up has enough information to offer a service and which team should handle it. It is not a government decision or a guarantee of an outcome.

Step 3: confirm the service scope and costs

Before paid work begins, request a written scope. It should explain what the team will do, what you remain responsible for, the professional fee and which government or third-party costs are separate. These may include application charges, the immigration health surcharge, biometrics, tests, translations, couriers or document procurement where applicable.

Ask questions before accepting the scope. A clear agreement protects both the client and the team from assumptions later in the process.

Step 4: complete the questionnaire and document checklist

Where appointed, Move Up provides instructions appropriate to the agreed service. Complete questionnaires accurately and disclose facts that may affect the matter, including previous refusals, overstays, criminal matters, name changes, earlier nationalities, relationships or family history.

Gather the evidence against the route-specific checklist. Useful document groups can include:

  • current and previous passports;
  • birth, marriage, divorce, adoption and change-of-name records;
  • financial, accommodation and employment evidence;
  • qualifications, sponsorship or study documents;
  • previous applications, decisions and correspondence;
  • translations and certified records where required.

Do not alter, recreate or omit a document to make the facts appear different. If something is missing or inconsistent, flag it so the team can advise on the next step.

Step 5: review and prepare the submission

The appointed team reviews the information and evidence within the agreed scope. Questions or gaps should be resolved before submission. Depending on the service, preparation may include completing or checking an online form, organising supporting evidence, drafting explanations and confirming the submission sequence.

You should have the opportunity to check that personal information and material facts are correct before an application is submitted in your name.

Step 6: submit, pay and complete identity checks

The government submission process depends on the route. It may involve an online application, payment, an identity-checking app, a biometric appointment or a visa application centre. Follow the instructions generated for your application rather than relying on an old process described in a previous article.

Use the official GOV.UK visa application guidance and the instructions issued after submission.

Step 7: wait for the decision and respond to requests

Processing times vary and can change. UKVI or HM Passport Office may request additional information, verification or an interview. Send any request to your appointed team promptly and keep copies of all correspondence.

Check current UK visa processing times. Do not treat a published timeframe as a guarantee or book non-refundable travel before the required permission or passport is issued.

Step 8: check the decision and next actions

When a decision or document arrives, check names, dates, passport details and the conditions shown. Visa holders may need to access an eVisa through a UKVI account and ensure the passport used for travel is linked correctly. Citizenship and passport clients should retain the evidence and decision records used in the process.

If a decision is refused or contains an error, do not repeat the same submission automatically. Preserve the notice and ask what review, appeal, correction or new-application options may apply.

What has changed from the old application process?

Many UK immigration services now use digital forms, identity checks and eVisas. Documents are not universally printed, couriered to Pretoria or returned through the same process that applied years ago. The current instructions generated for the individual application are the authoritative process.

For digital status, see the official GOV.UK eVisa guide.

Ready to begin?

Start the free assessment or contact Move Up. If you already know the specialist service required, go directly to UK Visas, British Claims or UK Jobs.

Last reviewed: 22 July 2026. Government forms, fees and identity-checking processes can change.