Important changes to the UKBA photo guidance
Oct 24, 2009
The UK Border Agency is now enforcing a more strict implementation of the photos guidance whereby the two passport photos accompanying an application cannot be more than a month old at the time of submission.
The application might be returned as invalid or even refused if an applicant were not to comply with this requirement. As a result, an applicant might need to make an out-of -time application following the expiry of his/her leave or consider appealing the decision.
In addition, an applicant may find on resubmission impossible to meet the maintenance requirement as the payment of the UK Border Agency's fee might have brought his/her daily minimum balance below the required threshold of £800- for instance in the case of a Tier 1 General application or PSW.
The photos must also be:
• be undamaged (not torn, creased or marked)
• be free from reflection or glare on spectacles, the frames of which must not cover the eyes
- if possible, we recommend photographs without spectacles to avoid the risk of rejection because of glare or reflection
• be free from “redeye”
• be free from airbrushing or similar enhancement
• be taken of the full head, without any covering unless worn for religious or medical reasons
• be printed professionally or taken in a passport photo booth. Photos printed at home are unlikely to be of an acceptable standard
• have the person’s full name on the back of each photograph.
Therefore, we will encourage any prospective applicant to seek expert legal advice to avoid any costly disappointment.
If you have an enquiry relating to your immigration status or you ability to work in the UK, we can assist you in your application. Please contact us or book an appointment.
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