If you are applying for a UK visa from Saudi Arabia, you will receive a unique reference number after you submit your visa application. This is called the GWF number.
What does a GWF number mean? What does it look like? When will you receive it? Why is it important? If you have these questions, this guide has the answers.
In this blog, we explain everything you need to know about the GWF number in a UK visa application, including where to find it and how to use it during your visa process.
What Is a GWF Number?
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A GWF number (Global Web Form number) is a unique reference number given to your UK visa application. The UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) system automatically generates it as soon as you submit your online visa application.
Your GWF number is important throughout your visa process. You will need it to:
- Book your biometrics appointment.
- Contact UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) or submit a paid visa inquiry.
- Help the Home Office find your application quickly.
- Create your UKVI account and access your eVisa or digital immigration status.
- Link family visa applications. If your partner or children are applying separately to join you in the UK, they may need your GWF number to connect their application to yours.
Keep your GWF number safe after submitting your application. You may need it several times before you receive a decision on your visa.
What Does a GWF Number Look Like?
A GWF (Global Web Form) number is a unique reference number for your UK visa application. It starts with “GWF” followed by numbers, for example, GWF0123456789. The UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) system automatically creates this number when you start your online visa application.
You can find your GWF number in the following places:
- Confirmation email: Check the email you received after submitting your visa application. Your GWF number is usually in the subject line or the email body.
- Application summary or document checklist: Your completed visa application or document checklist also shows your GWF number.
- UKVI visa application portal: Sign in to your UKVI account to view your application and find your GWF number
Why Is a GWF Number Important?
Your GWF number is important because it helps you and UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) manage your visa application. You will need it for several steps during the application process.
- Track your visa application: Use your GWF number to check the status of your UK visa application.
- Identify your application: Your GWF number is unique, so UKVI can quickly find your application in its system.
- Contact UKVI: If you contact UKVI or submit a paid inquiry, you will usually need to provide your GWF number.
- Book your biometrics appointment: You may need your GWF number when booking or managing your biometrics appointment.
- Access your UKVI account and eVisa: Use your GWF number to help create your UKVI account and access your digital immigration status, where applicable.
- Link family applications: If your partner or children apply separately to join you in the UK, they may need your GWF number to connect their application to yours.
- Keep your records organized: Your GWF number makes it easier to identify your application when you receive emails or documents from UKVI.
Where Can Saudi Travellers Find Their GWF Number?
You can find your GWF number in several places during your UK visa application process.
- Visa application confirmation email: Check the confirmation email you received after submitting your online UK visa application. Your GWF number is usually in the subject line or the email body.
- UK visa application portal: Sign in to your UKVI account or the visa application portal to view your application details. Your GWF number will be displayed there.
- Biometrics appointment confirmation: Your appointment confirmation email or letter for your biometrics appointment usually includes your GWF number.
- Visa application form: Your completed UK visa application form shows your GWF number, usually near the top of the document.
- Document checklist: If you downloaded or printed your UKVI document checklist, your GWF number may also appear on it.
- Emails from UKVI: Keep an eye on any emails you receive from UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). Many of them include your GWF number for reference.
If you cannot find your GWF number, sign in to your UK visa application account first. If it is still missing, contact UKVI support for assistance or contact a trusted visa application center like The Visa Guy.
When Will You Receive a GWF Number?
You will receive your GWF number as soon as you submit your online UK visa application. The UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) system creates it automatically. You can see it on the confirmation page after submitting your application, and you will also find it in your confirmation email.
GWF Number vs UK Visa Number
| Feature | GWF Number | UK Visa Number |
| What is it? | A unique reference number for your visa application. | A unique number linked to your issued UK visa. |
| When do you receive it? | As soon as you submit your online visa application. | After your UK visa is approved and issued. |
| Who issues it? | UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). | UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). |
| What is it used for? | To identify, track, and manage your visa application. | To identify your approved visa for travel and immigration purposes. |
| Where can you find it? | In your confirmation email, UKVI account, application form, and appointment confirmation. | On your visa vignette (sticker), decision letter, or digital visa (eVisa). |
| Can you track your application with it? | Yes. | No. (You only receive it after issuance). |
| Do all applicants receive it? | Yes. Every online applicant gets one. | No. Only approved and issued visa holders get one. |
Can You Track Your UK Visa Using Only a GWF Number?
Yes, you can use your GWF number to check the status of your UK visa application. However, you will usually need to enter your GWF number along with your last name or date of birth on the Visa Application Centre (VAC) tracking portal.
The UKVI does not provide real-time updates for every stage of your application. Instead, you will only see general status updates, such as “Application Received,” “Under Consideration,” or “Decision Made.”
Conclusion
Your GWF number is an important part of your UK visa application. It helps you identify your application, book your biometrics appointment, track your application status, and contact UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) when needed. Keep this number safe until your visa process is complete.
Even a small mistake in your application or supporting documents can lead to delays or even a visa refusal. If you want to improve your chances of approval, it is best to get professional guidance before you apply.
Do you need help with your UK visa application from Saudi Arabia? Contact The Visa Guy today. Our visa experts will guide you through every step, review your documents, and help you submit a complete and accurate application.
FAQ
1. What should I do if I lose my GWF number?
If you lose your GWF number, first check your visa application confirmation email. You can also sign in to your UKVI visa application account to view your application details. If you still cannot find it, contact UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) or your Visa Application Centre (VAC) for help.
2. Does every UK visa applicant receive a GWF number?
Yes. Everyone who submits an online UK visa application receives a unique GWF number. The UKVI system creates it automatically when you submit your application.
3. Can I attend my biometrics appointment without a GWF number?
In most cases, no. You should have your GWF number because it helps identify your visa application during your biometrics appointment. Keep your appointment confirmation and application details with you.
4. Do I need my GWF number when contacting UKVI?
Yes. UKVI may ask for your GWF number when you contact them about your application. It helps them find your application quickly.
5. Is the GWF number printed on my visa?
No. Your GWF number is linked to your visa application, not your issued visa. Once your visa is approved, it will have a separate visa number.
6. Can I have more than one GWF number?
Yes. You will receive a new GWF number each time you submit a new UK visa application. Every application has its own unique GWF number.
