How to apply for a UK visa

Where can I get information?

UK Border Agency, the British Embassy and Consulates General in Brazil work in partnership with a commercial organisation, WorldBridge.

You can find out whether you need a visa and how to apply through WorldBridge's website.  WorldBridge also provides information through an e-mail and telephone enquiry service, the number is 55 (21) 2108 9108 and costs US$ 12. All the information provided is supplied and approved by the UK Border Agency.

Please note that the Embassy and Consulates are unable to provide visa information to personal callers. Please contact WorldBridge as described above.

Do I have to pay?

There is a charge for using the phone service, but information from the website and by email is free of charge.

Where can I get advice?

WorldBridge and its staff cannot give you advice on how to complete yourapplication, or what type of visa you should apply for.  If you needhelp with your application or advice about the UK's immigration rulesand requirements, you should seek advice from a qualified immigrationadviser. In the UK these are immigration advisers regulated by the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner or legally qualified professionals regulated by designated professional bodies. Their websites are:

• Law Society of England and Wales
• Law Society of Scotland
• Law Society of Northern Ireland
• Institute of Legal Executives

How do I submit my application?

WorldBridge manages Visa Application Centres in Brasilia, Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, where you should submit your application and your biometric fingerscans.

Who decides whether I will get a visa?

UK Border Agency staff will process and decide your visa application. World Bridge and its staff play no part in the outcome of your visa application. They cannot influence it in any way.  If any member of staff employedby World Bridge say they can influence your application, youshould tell the British Embassy immediately.

Service standards - complaints and compliments

The UK Border Agency aims to offer a fair and professional service to all our customers. We welcome feedback it helps us to see where we need to improve

If you have any comments, or are concerned about the standard of service you received, please let us know. We investigate all complaints fully and will send you a reply within 20 working days.

• If you wish to complain about the service you received from the UK Border Agency in Brazil, please address your complaint to the Entry Clearance Manager at UK Border Agency, Caixa Postal 7510, Rio de Janeiro - RJ, 20241-970, or by e-mail to visacomplaints.rio@fco.gov.uk.
• If you wish to complain about the service you received from World Bridge, you may submit it direct to their website, in person, or to the Entry Clearance Manager above.