Documents you should send to support your application
This page explains what documents you need to send us to support your application to extend your stay or stay permanently in the United Kingdom using application form HPDL. For details of who should use application form HPDL, see completing application form HPDL.
You should send the original documents, not a copy. In exceptional circumstances, we may accept a photocopy that is certified as an accurate copy by the body or authority that issued the original or by a notary. You must include a letter explaining the reasons for providing a certified copy rather than the original document.
If you cannot send us a document or photograph at the moment, please explain the reason and tell us when you will be able to send it to us.
They will be returned to the address you gave us on your form. If an immigration adviser helped you to complete the form, we will return the documents to him/her. Your documents will be returned to you by post, using recorded delivery. If you want your documents to be returned by special delivery, you should provide a prepaid special delivery envelope.
Photographs
You should send us four recent passport-size photographs of yourself and of each of your dependants applying on the same form. The photographs for each person must be provided in one strip, not cut into single photographs. On the back of each strip of photographs, you should print the name of that person, and his/her date of birth and the reference number given by the Home Office, UK Border Agency or port of entry to the United Kingdom.
All the photographs should:
- measure 45mm by 35mm;
- be in colour;
- be taken against a white background;
- be clear and of good quality;
- not be framed or backed; and
- show your full face, without sunglasses, hat or head covering unless you wear this for religious reasons.
Passport
You must send us your current national passport or travel document, if you have one. If we give you permission to stay longer in the United Kingdom, we will stamp this in your passport or travel document. You must also send the passport or travel document of each dependant who is applying on the same form.
Evidence of immigration status
To confirm your immigration status, you should send us one of the following documents for yourself and for each dependant who is applying on the same form:
- current national passport;
- travel document;
- Home Office or UK Border Agency status letter (this will have an official document number on it - ICD.0716, GEN 19, ICD.0358, or RON 58); or
- immigration status document (this will have an official document number on it - ACD.2155 or ACD.2158.
See also
News & updates
Terms explained
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Dependant
Someone who depends on you financially, such as a husband, wife, partner, or child.
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Notary
A notary is also known as a notary public. A notary is a public official who is legally authorised to witness the signing of documents and perform other formal duties.
Contact
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Visa services
Visa services, Foreign and Commonwealth Office, King Charles Street, London, SW1A 2AH. If you are outside the United Kingdom you should contact you nearest British diplomatic post.