Welcome to the forum
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Thanks for the advice! That's definitely something I haven't come across until right now. What makes the paper application the better choice?
The paper form is the 'normal' way to apply... there was no other option except the paper form until about a year ago.
Meanwhile, the online form is new and it has a few issues:
- it's glitchy/buggy
- it has different questions to the paper form
- we can't see the online form, so we can't help you answer the questions
If you will attend an in-person premium service appointment:
- you apply online, you have to submit the application first before you can book the appointment and pay for the visa
- if you apply using the paper form, you can book the appointment first and then fill out the application later
If you will be applying by post:
- if you apply online you have to send your documents to Sheffield within 15 days of submitting the application online (and someone a few months ago had problems with them not matching her documents to the application)
- if you apply using the paper form, you just send everything together (the paper form and the documents), to DURHAM (not Sheffield), whenever you are ready. As long as you mail it before your current visa expires, you will be fine.