How To Contact the UK Home Office?

If you need to contact the Home Office about your visa application, tracking BRP status, or getting more information about your immigration case, there are different ways to do so. 

Figuring out how to contact UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) can be a bit tricky, but having the right contact details will make the process smoother.

In this blog, we will provide contact information for the Home Office, including Home Office email addresses, phone numbers, associated fees, and tips for contacting them.

UK Home Office Contact Details

To contact the Home Office for enquiries related to visas, immigration status, or other related matters, you have various options based on your location and the specific details of your query. Below are the available Home Office contact methods. 

UK Home Office Email Address (General Enquiries)

For general enquiries, you can email Home Office via enquiries@homeoffice.gov.uk

Home Office Immigration Contact Number (General Enquiries)

You can contact the UK Home Office from inside the UK by calling +44 (0) 300 790 6268, or if you’re outside the UK, call +44 (0) 20 30800010.

You can easily contact the customer service team at the Home Office UK through email, phone, or social media.

You can contact UK Immigration with your query using one of the below methods.

Call them: The Home Office provides direct phone lines for various enquiries. These numbers are typically dedicated to specific visa categories and immigration queries. It’s advisable to prepare any relevant information or reference numbers before calling to ensure your query is handled efficiently.

Email Home Office: Emailing is another effective way to contact UKVI. Specific email addresses are available depending on the nature of your enquiry. Ensure that your email is clear and concise, including all necessary details to facilitate a quick response.

Send a letter via post: For matters that require sending documents or more formal communication, postal addresses are available. When sending important documents, it’s recommended to use tracked or recorded delivery services.

Use Home Office Online Portal: Many common queries can be addressed through the Home Office’s online portals. These platforms often provide faster responses and direct links to application tracking and other services.

For urgent inquiries, phoning is the most direct method, while emails are suitable for detailed, non-urgent queries requiring attachments or formal requests. Postal mail should be used for legal documents or when a physical record of the communication is necessary.

Contacting Home Office If You’re Inside the UK

UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI), which handles applications for individuals wishing to visit, work, study, or settle in the UK, is a key division within the Home Office. This agency evolved from the UK Border Agency (UKBA), which was disbanded in 2013.

Each contact method serves different purposes, and the choice depends on the urgency and nature of your inquiry. Always verify that you are using the latest and correct contact details as provided on the official Home Office or government websites to avoid delays in communication and processing.

To get in touch with the Home Office inside the UK for various queries, here are the updated contact details and operating hours:

General Enquiries

• Phone: +44 (0) 300 790 6268
• Alternate Phone (if you cannot call 0300 numbers): +44 (0) 203 875 4669
• Hours: Monday to Thursday, 09:00 – 16:45; Friday, 09:00 – 16:30

EU Citizen/Settlement Application Queries

• Phone: +44 (0) 300 123 7379
• Hours: Monday to Friday, 08:00 – 20:00; Saturday and Sunday, 09:30 – 16:30

Asylum Queries

• Phone: +44 (0) 80 8801 0503
• Hours: Monday to Friday, 08:30 – 17:00
• Email: ASCorrespondence@migranthelpuk.org

Sponsor and Educator Queries

• Phone: +44 (0) 300 123 4699
• Hours: Monday to Thursday, 11:00 – 15:00
• Educator Email: educatorshelpdesk@homeoffice.gov.uk

Employer Queries

• Email: businesshelpdesk@homeoffice.gov.uk

Home Office Coronavirus Helpline

• Phone: +44 (0) 800 678 1767
• Hours: Monday to Friday, 09:00 – 17:00
• Email: CIH@homeoffice.gov.uk

If you are outside the UK and need to contact the Home Office for queries related to UK visas and immigration, here are the relevant contact details and operational hours:

Contacting the Home Office from Outside the UK

• General Enquiries Phone Number: +44 (0) 20 3080 0010
• Alternative Phone (if you are unable to dial UK 03000 numbers): +44 (0) 203 875 4669
• Opening Hours: Monday to Friday, 08:00 – 20:00; Saturday and Sunday, 09:30 – 16:30 (UK local time)
• For specific services such as asylum inquiries or settlement applications, operating hours vary. For asylum-related queries, contact between 08:30 – 17:00 from Monday to Friday. For EU citizen or settlement application queries, reach out from 08:00 – 20:00 on weekdays and 09:30 – 16:30 on weekends.

Reasons to Contact

You can use these contact numbers for assistance with various issues, including:

• Applying for a visa to visit the UK.
• Receiving updates on the progress of your application
• Resolving technical issues with your application
• Correcting mistakes made in your application
• Troubleshooting issues accessing your account
• Addressing problems related to making payments to UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI)

These phone numbers provide direct access to the Home Office’s support team, ensuring that you receive the necessary assistance for your visa and immigration-related queries promptly.

Contacting the Home Office involves certain charges depending on your location and the method used. For calls within the UK, charges range from £0.10 to £0.65 per minute depending on the number dialed and your service provider. Emails from outside the UK incur a fee of £2.74 per query.

If you need to contact UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) from outside the UK, there are specific procedures and costs involved, especially when using email or seeking support in a language other than English.

Emailing UKVI from Outside the UK

To send an enquiry via email:

1. Cost: There is a fee of £2.74, payable by credit or debit card. This fee covers your initial email as well as any follow-up emails related to the same enquiry.
2. Response Time: You can expect a response within five working days.
3. Decision Influence: Please note that the staff handling your emails are not involved in the decision-making process of your application.

For contacting UKVI online, you should use the official online portal to submit your query securely.

Contacting UKVI in Other Languages

If you need assistance in a language other than English, you can call the following number at the specified times:

• Phone Number: +44 (0) 300 790 6268

For assistance in languages other than English, the Home Office offers support in Arabic, Cantonese, French, Hindi, Mandarin, Russian, and Spanish at designated times. Check the specific hours for each language on the official Home Office contact page.

Operating Hours by Language:

• Arabic: 05:00 – 13:00, Sunday to Thursday (UK local time)
• Cantonese: 01:00 – 09:00, Monday to Friday (UK local time)
• French: 09:00 – 17:00, Monday to Friday (UK local time)
• Hindi: 04:00 – 12:00, Monday to Friday (UK local time)
• Mandarin: 01:00 – 09:00, Monday to Friday (UK local time)
• Russian: 06:00 – 14:00, Monday to Friday (UK local time)
• Spanish: 13:00 – 01:00, Monday to Friday (UK local time)

Using these services ensures that you can communicate effectively with UKVI in your preferred language, helping to clarify any questions or issues related to your visa application process.

To get assistance with online application issues from the Home Office within the UK, follow these steps to contact the online support team:

How to Contact the UK Home Office Help Line

Email Address: ApplyOnlineE-Support@homeoffice.gov.uk

When to Contact:

If you encounter any of the following issues with your online application:

• Problems with the application process
• Need to update the details you submitted in your online application
• Issues entering your sponsor licence number online
• Technical support for error messages encountered during the application process
• Difficulties accessing your UKVI account

How to Write Your Email:

• Subject and Introduction: Clearly state the purpose of your email. Include your full name and a brief description of your immigration query or application issue.
• Detailed Description: Provide a comprehensive explanation of the problem you are facing. The more details you give, the easier it will be for the support team to understand and resolve your issue.
• Screenshots: If applicable, attach screenshots of the error or issue. This visual aid can be crucial in diagnosing the problem more quickly.

Response Time:

• The Home Office online support team aims to respond to inquiries within one working day, ensuring prompt assistance with your application needs.

By following these guidelines, you can effectively communicate your issues to the Home Office and receive timely support, helping to smooth out any complications with your online visa or immigration services.

The UK Home Office is active on various social media platforms, which can be a useful resource for accessing information and updates. However, for specific inquiries, particularly those involving personal details or sensitive information, it’s advisable to use more secure and official communication channels.

Home Office Social Media Accounts:

• Facebook: Home Office Facebook page
• Twitter: Home Office Twitter account
• Instagram: Home Office Instagram account
• YouTube: Home Office YouTube channel
• LinkedIn: Home Office LinkedIn page
• Media Blog: Home Office Media Blog

Please note that these social media accounts may not be monitored for direct communication purposes. For specific inquiries and services, it is recommended that you utilise direct contact methods such as phone, email, or official online portals.

In addition to traditional contact methods, the Home Office can also be reached via their official social media platforms for non-sensitive inquiries. However, for detailed and private concerns, using the direct contact methods provided is advisable.

Home Office Main Contact Address:

The main office of the UK Home Office is located at:

• 2 Marsham Street, London, SW1P 4DF, United Kingdom

Service and Support Centres (SSCs):

For individuals with visa or immigration applications, there are several Service and Support Centres across Britain:

• Belfast: Her Majesty’s Passport Office, Law Society House, 90-106 Victoria Street, Belfast, BT1 3GN.
• Cardiff: General Buildings, 1st Floor, 31-33 Newport Road, Cardiff, Wales, CF24 0AB.
• Croydon: Lunar House, 40 Wellesley Road, Croydon, CR9 2BY.
• Glasgow: Festival Court 1, 200 Brand Street, Govan, Glasgow, G51 1DH.
• Liverpool: The Capital Building, 6 Union Street, Liverpool, L3 9PP.
• Peterborough: Her Majesty’s Passport Office, Aragon Court, Northminster Road, Peterborough, PE1 1QC.
• Sheffield: Vulcan House, Riverside Entrance, 6 Millsands, Sheffield, S3 8NU.
• Solihull: Dominion Court, 41 Station Road, Solihull, Birmingham, B91 3RT.

These locations are specifically equipped to handle various inquiries related to visas and immigration, offering personal assistance and support for your application needs. For any issues or inquiries related to visas or immigration, it’s best to contact or visit one of these centres directly for guidance and support.

Contacting the Home Office involves certain costs depending on your location (inside or outside the UK) and the method used (phone or email). Here are the specific charges associated with each method:

How Much Does it Cost to Contact the Home Office From Outside the UK

• International Contact Centre – Email Service (per query): £2.74
• International Contact Centre – Telephone Helpline (per minute): £0.69

Cost of Contacting the Home Office From Inside the UK

• Phone numbers beginning with 030:
  • Landlines (per minute): Up to £0.10
  • Mobile phones (per minute): £0.30 – £0.40
• Phone numbers beginning with 02:
  • Landlines (per minute): £0.16
  • Mobile phones (per minute): £0.30 – £0.65
• Phone numbers beginning with 0800/ 0808: Freephone service (no cost)
• Email Service in the UK: No charge

These fees are intended to cover the operational costs of handling queries and providing assistance via various channels. It’s important to note the charges for phone calls can vary based on your phone service provider, and it’s advisable to check with your provider for the exact rates that will apply to your calls. For those outside the UK, considering the per-minute and per-query costs can help manage the expenses associated with obtaining necessary information or assistance from the Home Office.

Home Office Contact Details If Your BRP Hasn’t Arrived

For those needing to handle issues or queries related to a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) in the UK, the process varies slightly depending on whether you applied from within the UK or from abroad. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to contact the relevant services:

If You Applied Outside the UK

• BRP Collection: After arriving in the UK, you are required to collect your BRP within ten days from a designated post office. This timeline may be adjusted due to circumstances such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
• General Enquiries: For questions about collecting your BRP at a post office, you can visit the post office’s general enquiries page for customer service contact options.

If You Applied Inside the UK

• BRP Delivery: Your BRP will be delivered by a courier service.
• Contacting Courier: If your BRP has not arrived within ten days of receiving your decision letter, or if you need to track or rearrange the delivery, you can contact the courier directly at:
  • Phone: +44 (0) 345 608 0630

When to Contact the Home Office Directly

• Issues with Couriers: If you have already contacted the couriers and they were unable to assist, or if you cannot track your delivery with a consignment number.
• BRP Service Page: Use the BRP service page on the Home Office website to address issues when couriers cannot resolve your queries.

This structured approach ensures that your BRP-related queries are directed to the appropriate service, whether it’s the courier responsible for delivering the permit or the Home Office for unresolved issues.

For individuals applying for British citizenship, it’s essential to understand the contact points for various aspects of your application process. Here’s a guide to help you navigate through your citizenship application:

Contact for British Citizenship Applications

• Email Address for Enquiries: For naturalisation, registration, and citizenship applications, you can contact the Home Office at NationalityEnquiries@homeoffice.gov.uk.

Application Processing Time

• Decision Wait Time: After submitting your application for British citizenship to UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI), the typical wait time for a decision ranges from three to four months.

Biometric Information and Supporting Documents

• UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS): When submitting your citizenship application, you will likely need to submit biometric information and supporting documents. This should be done through the UKVCAS website.
  
  • Schedule a time to register your biometric data.
  • Submit your supporting documents for verification.
  • Purchase additional visa application services as needed.

Contacting UKVCAS

• For Help with UKVCAS Services: If you need assistance with booking appointments, uploading documents, requesting access codes, or general information about services provided by UKVCAS, you can contact them directly.
• UKVCAS Telephone Helpline: +44 (0) 844 8920 232
• Opening Hours: Monday to Friday, 09:00 – 17:30
• Cost: £0.04 per minute, plus any additional charges from your phone provider.

Important Notes

• Do Not Contact UKVCAS for Application Status: It’s important not to contact UKVCAS regarding the status of your citizenship application; they only handle procedural aspects such as biometric enrollment and document verification.
• General Inquiries: For general questions about your application status, use the general contact numbers provided by UKVI for inside or outside the UK.

This structured information should help guide you through the process of applying for British citizenship, handling your biometric and document submission, and understanding whom to contact for different types of inquiries.

If you need to apply for a travel document from the Home Office in the UK, particularly under circumstances where you have leave to remain for less than six months, it’s important to follow the designated application process. Currently, there is no direct phone number available for travel document inquiries. Here’s how you can apply and contact the Home Office regarding your travel document:

Steps to Apply for a Travel Document:

1. Complete the Online Application Form: Begin your application by filling out the necessary form online.
2. Send Supporting Documents by Post: After completing the online form, you will receive a checklist of documents that you need to provide. Send these documents to the postal address provided during the application process.

Contacting the Home Office for Urgent Travel Needs:

• Email Address for Urgent Inquiries: If your travel needs are urgent, particularly for compassionate reasons such as illness, a death in the family, or urgent medical reasons, you can contact the Home Office directly via email.
• Email: traveldocumentenquiries@homeoffice.gov.uk
• Email Subject Line: It is recommended to use ‘New Application Enquiry – Urgent Compassionate Care’ followed by your name in the subject line to ensure your query is recognised and addressed promptly.

This method ensures that your application is handled efficiently, and the email contact provides a direct line for addressing urgent needs related to your travel circumstances. Always make sure to provide detailed information and any relevant documents to support the urgency of your request when contacting the Home Office.

FAQs