Applying for a UK visa from Punjab is trickier than applying for Schengen. The UK Home Office does not interview you; they judge you purely on your Bank Statements. If your financial paper trail isn’t perfect, you get a refusal letter stating: “I am not satisfied you are a genuine visitor.”

Here is your 2026 guide to cracking the UK visitor visa from India.

1. The Cost (2026 Update)

• Visa Fee: £127 (approx. ₹16,500 depending on exchange rates).

   

• Standard Processing Time: 15 Working Days (3 Weeks).

   

• Priority Service: Available for an extra cost (~£500) to get a decision in 5 days.

   

2. The Jalandhar VFS “Hidden” Fee

If you are applying from Jalandhar, you must know this. The VFS Center in Jalandhar (located at Aman Plaza, Lajpat Nagar) is a “User Pays” location.

• What this means: Unlike Delhi or Chandigarh, you must pay an extra service fee (approx. £76.50 or ₹8,000+) just to step inside the building.

   

• Tip: If you want to save this money, travel to the Chandigarh or New Delhi VFS centers, which do not charge this premium location fee.

3. The #1 Refusal Reason: “Funds Parking”

The UK Eco (Entry Clearance Officer) is trained to spot “fake” money.

• The Mistake: You deposit ₹5 Lakhs in cash into your account one week before applying to show a “healthy balance.”

• The Refusal: The officer will reject you for “Unclear Origin of Funds.” They suspect you borrowed the money just for the visa.

• The Fix:

  • Only show funds that have been in your account for 3-6 months.

  • If you have a recent large deposit, you MUST explain it (e.g., “Bonus from employer,” “Sale of land” with proof).

How much money do I need?

•  As of 2026, the German government requires you to prove you have at least €11,904 for your first year of studies. This is usually held in a Blocked Account (Sperrkonto), which releases €992 per month to you after you arrive.

4. “Ties to Home” (The Return Ticket)

You must prove you will leave the UK. A return flight ticket is not enough proof. You need Strong Ties to India:

• Property: Deeds (Fards) showing you own land or a house in Punjab.

• Family: Proof that you have a spouse/children/elderly parents dependent on you in India.

• Employment: A “No Objection Certificate” (NOC) from your employer stating you have leave approval and a job to return to.

5. Visiting Family? Get a Sponsorship Letter

If you are visiting your son/daughter or relative in the UK:

1. Sponsorship Letter: They must write a letter confirming they will accommodate you.

2. Council Tax Bill: Proof of their address in the UK.

3. Bank Statements: If they are paying for your trip, they must show their own UK bank statements.

External Resources (Official Links)

• GOV.UK Standard Visitor Visa: Official government application portal.

• VFS Global India: Address and fee details for the Jalandhar center.