Frequently Asked Questions

Where and how to apply

All enquiries about - and applications for - UK visas and UK Residence Permits are handled by the UK Visa Application Centre at:

Suite 19-06
19th Floor
Wisma MCA
163 Jalan Ampang
50450 Kuala Lumpur.

Why has the British High Commission made this change?

VFS is committed to providing excellent visa support services for the British High Commission in Malaysia. We are a specialist organization with world-wide operations servicing diplomatic missions in a range of locations. See our international website at www.vfsglobal.com for more details about us.

Since June 2004 we have served and supported the visa operations of the British High Commission in Malaysia. All electronic links to UK Visas information have been approved by the British High Commission. All information has the prior approval of the British High Commission.

These improved services have been developed in direct response to increased demand and feedback from Visa Applicants. We make applying for a UK visa easier and more convenient - with four times longer opening hours and enabling customers to track the progress of their application online or by telephone. We also have UK Visa Application Centres in India, Singapore, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, China, Ghana, Qatar, Indonesia, Nigeria , Russia and Thailand. Feedback from Visa Applicants there has been very positive.

Where is the UK Visa Application Centre?

Full contact details are shown above. The nearest Putra LRT stations are Ampang Park and KLCC. Both are only a short walk away from the UK Visa Application Centre. The Application Centre is also only a short walk from the British Council at Wisma Selangor Dredging. Click here for Location Map.

What are the opening hours?

The UK Visa Application Centre is open from Monday to Friday, excluding High Commission holidays. Applicants can make applications between 8.00am and 3.00pm and collect passports between 10.00am and 3.00pm.

What exactly is the role of the UK Visa Application Centre?

Our trained staff:

• Provide guidance and advice when necessary.
  
• Accept applications for all categories of visa.
  
• Forward applications to the British High Commission.
  
• Notify applicants of interview dates and times.
  
• Return the passport to the customer at the end of the process.

What advantages does this bring for the customer?

The UK Visa Application Centre offers:

• A personal over-the-counter service to visa customers.
  
• Comfortable seating arrangements that can accommodate a large number of customers.
  
• Four times longer public opening hours for application and collection.
  
• Customers will be able to make applications between 8.00am and 3.00pm (excluding the 12.30pm - 1.30pm lunch break) and collect passports between 4.30pm and 5.30pm.
  
• A fast telephone enquiry service from 8.00am to 12.30pm,01.30pm to 03.00pm,04.00 to 5.30 pm.Monday to Friday.
  
• A facility for customers to track the progress of their application online or by telephone.
  
• Good parking facilities at Wisma MCA and opposite the building.
  
• Close proximity to Putra LRT train stations (Ampang Park and KLCC) and close proximity to bus routes.
  
• All the necessary services available on-site, including banking and photocopying; and close proximity to food outlets.
  
• The forwarding of applications to and from the High Commission by special courier, thereby guaranteeing secure transmission of passports and other personal documents.
  
• There is a photo copying machine available at the Application Centre which the applicants may use at a nominal cost.

We accept applications for UK Residence Permits, and certain categories of UK visa. The British High Commission no longer accepts any applications submitted direct to them.

What type of applications should be made at the UK Visa Application Centre?

The Centre accepts applications for UK Residence Permits, and certain categories of UK visa. The British High Commission no longer accept any applications submitted direct to them.

How do I pay?

Please refer to Visa Fees menu.

What documents do I need to supply to make an application?

Details of documents required for the various categories of visa, and UK Residence Permit, are listed on the UK Visa Application Centre website.

Do I need a medical?

Due to the standard of health care here in Malaysia we do not insist on a formal medical check before an entry clearance is issued. However, Paragraph 36 of the UK Immigration Rules states that on arrival in the UK any person who intends to remain for more than 6 months should normally be referred to the Port Medical Inspector for a medical examination (queues can be long ). Additionally, an ECO has discretion to refer any other person for an examination if necessary.

If you intend to stay more than 6 months you may therefore wish to have a medical check-up shortly before you travel and carry the examination results and a chest X-ray with you.

Doesn't this new arrangement mean that applications will take longer to process?

No, it will help make the application process more efficient and quicker, as the British High Commission's visa staff will be able to focus on assessing the applications rather than providing advice and other logistical services. This has been our experience following the introduction of this system in other countries.

How long will it take to process my application?

This decision will still be made by British High Commission. Only those applicants will be called for interview that the British High Commission really needs to see in order to make a decision on their application. You will be informed within five working days if you require an interview.

Will I need an interview?

This decision will still be made by British High Commission. Only those applicants will be called for interview that the British High Commission really needs to see in order to make a decision on their application. You will be informed within five working days if you require an interview.

All interviews are held at the British High Commission, 185 Jalan Ampang, Kuala Lumpur, on first come first served basis. You will be interviewed by an Entry Clearance Officer.
The British High Commission carries out interviews in English and also offers interpreters for Bahasa Malaysia and Cantonese.

If you do not speak one of these languages you will need to arrange for an independent professionally qualified interpreter, for example an interpreter authorised by the Malaysian Courts, to accompany you to the interview. Please note that unqualified friends or members of your family cannot be accepted as interpreters. Your interpreter will be required to provide documentary evidence to the interviewing officer of their qualifications.

How will I know when my visa is ready for collection?

You will be able to track the progress of your application on our website using either your passport number or unique reference number. You can also call the UK Visa Application Centre on (03) 2164 9323 to check when your visa is ready for collection.

Can I still apply at the British High Commission?

No, The British High Commission no longer accepts visa applications submitted directly to them.

Will my documents be safe?

Yes. Documents are transported by van in a locked pouch by an experienced courier. Their whereabouts are tracked at each stage of the application process.

What if I am refused a UK visa?

If your application is refused the entry clearance officer will give you a written notice clearly explaining the decision, and they will also tell you if you have the right of appeal. For more information read the UK Visas appeals guidance.

If I appeal against a decision, where do I deposit my appeal?

You should deposit your appeal either to the British High Commission or directly to the Asylum and Immigration Tribunal (AIT) in the UK.

What do I do if I am not happy with the service I receive from the UK Visa Application Centre?

Please refer to our complaints procedure page.

How can I find out more?

For general visa information, please visit the UK visas website or telephone them at (03) 2164 9323.