Applying for permission to stay as a contract seaman on a fishing vessel

This page explains how you can apply to us for permission to work on a fishing vessel operating in UK territorial waters, if you are employed as a contract seaman on such a vessel.

We have currently re opened the temporary concession for a limited number of contract seamen on fishing vessels. For information about the eligibility requirements under this concession, see the eligibility page. You cannot apply under the concession if you do not meet all of these requirements.

If you meet the requirements, you should apply using the correct application form which can download from the right hand side of this page. You must complete the application form in block capitals using a black pen. Please enter all of the dates as dd-mm-yyyy (for example, 24-04-2000).

You must apply no later than 31 October 2012.

If you are in the UK

If you are already in the UK, you should apply using application form FLR(F). You can download this application form from the right hand side of this page.

You should send your completed application form by post to:

UK Border Agency
Public enquiry office
Festival Court 1
200 Brand Street
Glasgow
G51 1DH

The fee for your application is £550, and is non-refundable.

Section 4 of the application form describes the documents that you must send with your completed form. You should send the original documents, not copies. In exceptional circumstances, we may accept a photocopy that is certified as an accurate copy by the body or authority that issued the original, or by a notary. You must include a letter explaining why you are providing a certified copy instead of the original document.

You must also send two identical photographs with your application form, fee and documents. Our photograph guidance, which you can download from the right side of this page, explains our requirements for your photographs.

If you are outside the UK

If you are overseas, you should apply using application form VAF2. You can download this application form from our visa services website.

You will need to pay a fee when you make your application, and we will not refund your fee if we refuse your application or you withdraw it.

The application form describes the documents and photographs that you must send with your completed form.

If you are abroad, prior entry clearance issued by a UK embassy or high commission is mandatory. Holders of ILO Convention 108 or 185 seafarer identity documents may not rely on the provisions of these conventions in these specific circumstances - they must obtain prior UK entry clearance. If they do not do this, they will not be allowed to enter the UK when they reach their port of arrival.