Step 2: Start your visa application and confirm your identity

Check if you can use the ID Check app 

You start your visa application online first. It will then ask if you have an EU, EEA, or Swiss passport and direct you to the UKVI ID Check app. If you are an EU, EEA, or Swiss national and have a valid passport with a biometric chip, you can use the free UK Immigration: ID Check app to confirm your identity and upload your visa documents. 

You will answer questions at the start of your visa application, and it will confirm whether you can use the UKVI ID check app. 

If you can, you will be asked to download the app, scan your biometric passport chip and upload: 

• a photo of your passport
• a photo of yourself  

Once you have confirmed your identity, you can complete the rest of the application either on that device or any smartphone, tablet, laptop or computer.

After completion, you do not need to keep the UKVI app downloaded on your phone. 

You can check our (non-EU) visa form guide for an overview of the visa questions:   https://ior.ad/aCEV

If you cannot use the ID Check app 

If you cannot use the UK Immigration: ID Check app, you can follow the process for non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals and attend an appointment at a visa application centre in person.

You have your passport scanned and your identity confirmed in person. 

Follow the steps to apply for a visa if you cannot use the app 

Attend an interview, if you are invited

Depending on your nationality, UKVI may invite you to an interview as part of your student visa process. The UKVI credibility interview checks if you are a genuine student.  

Read our credibility interview guidance 

Next step 

Step 3: Complete and pay for your visa application