UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) introduced its Group Applications process across all regions on 4 August 2026. The process provides an optional method for linking related Visit visa applications within UKVI’s systems.
It is intended for groups whose members will follow the same itinerary while visiting the UK, including tour groups, school groups and those travelling for meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE).
When applicants enter the required information consistently, UKVI can identify applications belonging to the same group. As a result, UKVI can coordinate their processing and contact the organiser if it needs further information.
Is the Group Applications process compulsory?
No. Participation is optional, and each applicant must still complete and submit an individual visa application.
However, agents and organisers are encouraged to follow the process where several applicants are travelling together on the same itinerary. Correctly linking the applications should support consistency in their handling.
Linking the applications does not guarantee the same decision for every group member. Therefore, UKVI assesses each application individually under the Immigration Rules, considering the applicant’s evidence and circumstances.
Which applications can be linked?
The process may be used for a group of Visit visa applicants who intend to follow the same itinerary in the UK. This may include:
- Organised tour groups
- School and educational groups
- MICE and business visitor groups
- Families or other organised parties following a shared itinerary
The important point is that the applicants are travelling as a recognisable group and have the same planned itinerary.
How to record a group correctly
Agents and organisers should follow the steps below on every application included in the group.
1. Nominate one lead applicant
The group must agree on a single lead applicant. This may be any member of the group, although it will commonly be a tour leader or lead adult.
Exactly the same person must be recorded as the lead applicant on every application. The lead applicant’s passport number will form part of the group identifier.
2. Confirm that the applicant is travelling with an organised group
On each application form, answer “Yes” to the question: “Will you be travelling to the UK as part of an organised group?”
Selecting “No” on even one application may prevent that application from being linked to the others.
3. Complete the “Company or group name” field
The “Company or group name” field must contain:
[Lead applicant passport number] [Agency or organiser name]
For example:
123456789 ABC Travel Ltd
This entry must be identical on every application in the group. Ensure that every application uses identical spelling, spacing, punctuation and capitalisation.
The safest approach is to prepare the group identifier once and copy and paste it into every application. Even a minor variation, such as an additional space or different capitalisation, may prevent UKVI’s system from recognising the applications as belonging to the same group.
4. Provide additional details on the lead applicant’s form
If the nominated lead applicant also requires a visa, their application should contain the same information described above.
In addition, the lead applicant should enter the following details in the “Extra information” section of their own application:
- The name of the agency or organiser
- The organiser’s email address or telephone number
UKVI can use these details to contact the appropriate person if it needs further information about the group.
Errors that may prevent applications from being linked
Agents and organisers should check the entire group before submission. Frequent errors include:
- Using different lead applicants within the same group
- Entering different versions of the agency or organiser’s name
- Adding or removing spaces in the group identifier
- Changing capital letters, spelling or punctuation between applications
- Answering “No” to the organised-group question
- Omitting the organiser’s contact details from the lead applicant’s “Extra information” section
A discrepancy on a single form may result in that application not being recognised as part of the group.
Recommended checks before submission
Before submitting any application, the organiser should confirm that:
- One lead applicant has been selected for the whole group
- The lead applicant’s passport number is correct
- Every applicant has answered “Yes” to the organised-group question
- The “Company or group name” entry is identical on every form
- The lead applicant has supplied the organiser’s name and contact details in the “Extra information” section
- The applicants’ supporting documents and travel arrangements are consistent with the proposed group itinerary
Keeping a master record of the agreed group identifier can help prevent mistakes, particularly where applications are prepared by more than one member of staff.
How Morgan Smith Immigration can assist
Although the Group Applications process provides a practical way to link related applications, careful preparation remains essential. Each applicant must satisfy the relevant visitor requirements and provide appropriate evidence of their personal circumstances, proposed activities, finances and intention to leave the UK at the end of their visit.
Follow Morgan Smith Immigration for updates on changes to UK immigration law, policy developments and official guidance affecting visitors, families, employers and organisations.
With more than 20 years of experience and a firm commitment to professional standards, Morgan Smith Immigration assists individuals, travel organisers and agencies with UK Visit visa applications, including applications submitted as part of an organised group. To discuss your circumstances or obtain assistance with preparing a group application, call us on 0203 959 3335 or email [email protected].
