Union Budget 2025: What changes for Non-Resident Indians?

Union Budget 2025 updates for Non-Resident Indians with tax and policy changes

Union Budget 2025: What changes for Non-Resident Indians?

Rupali Amin

21 Aug 2025

13 min read

What is the meaning of a GWF number?

When you submit an online application for a UK visa via the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) website, a unique reference number will be assigned to you. This reference number is the GWF number and is generated at the beginning of the visa application process.

This number is essential as it helps track the status of your visa application. The GWF number is a unique identifier for the applicant and the immigration authorities throughout the visa application process. It's usually in the format "GWF0XXXXXXXXX”.

Now that we have answered what a GWF number is, let’s move on to understand its importance and usage for visa applications.

What is the importance of checking your UK visa application with GWF?

The journey of applying for a UK visa, whether for travel, work, or residence, is filled with numerous steps and documentation. One crucial component of this process is the GWF number. This unique identifier is more than just a random set of characters; it's your passport to track your application's progress and ensure everything runs smoothly.

Example: Imagine ordering a book online. To know when it'll arrive, you'd use a tracking number. Similarly, the GWF number lets you track the status of your visa application.

Where can I find my GWF number?

After submitting your application online, you will receive your GWF number. Here is a snapshot of where you can find your GWF number:

Steps to track your UK visa application with GWF number

UK visa tracking with a GWF number has now become a breeze with not 1 but 4 different ways:

By using the VFS Global website
By using the TLScontact website
By using the UKVI website
By calling UKVI

A. UK visa tracking with GWF using the VFS Global Website

Visit https://www.vfsglobal.co.uk/
Choose the location at which you've submitted your biometric earlier.
Look for the 'Track your application' section. Click on it.
Click on 'Track your visa application status online.'
Enter your reference number (GWF or VAC) and your last name.
Confirm you're not a robot and click 'Submit.'
You'll see processing or a decision made as a status for your visa application.

If you have questions, contact VFS Global customer service.

B. UK visa tracking with GWF using the TLScontact Website

Open your confirmation email from UK Visas and Immigration.
Sign into your application using the link provided.
Navigate to the TLScontact website.
Select 'Track' to see your application status.

For further assistance, reach out to TLScontact support.

C. UK visa tracking with GWF using the UKVI Website

Visit the UKVI website.
Click on 'Start', then 'General Enquiry'.
Fill out the online form specifying your application status inquiry.
Follow the prompts to enter payment details and submit.

Expect a reply within five days, except on weekends and UK holidays.

D. UK visa tracking with GWF by contacting UKVI by Telephone

You can contact the UKVI by telephone from Monday to Friday at +44 (0)300 790 6268 → Option 1.

How will I be notified of the refusal or approval of my UK visa?

A letter or email will be sent to you confirming that a decision has been made on your application. This communication will also provide instructions on the next steps. Please check your spam or junk folder if you haven't received this email.

Can I track my UK visa application without the GWF number?

While tracking your UK visa application will become very challenging without a GWF number, it is possible to monitor the status of your UK visa application through various methods. These include using your passport number and birth date, a reference number from the application form, contacting the visa application centre, or directly contacting UK Visas and Immigration.

I lost my GWF number. What should I do?

If you've misplaced your GWF number, don't worry; here are some steps to retrieve it:

Review your emails: You should have received a confirmation email from the UK Visa & Immigration office when you started your application. This email should contain your GWF number. Check your inbox and spam folders thoroughly.
Contact the Visa Application Centre: Contact them if you applied via a visa application centre. They may have kept a record of your application and could provide you with your GWF number.
Contact the Home Office: This may take some time, but you can also contact the UK Home Office. Keep your details like passport number, full name, date of birth, and application date ready to speed up the process.
Think about getting professional assistance: If you still cannot find your GWF number, you might want to hire an immigration lawyer or consultant. They usually have experience dealing with these situations and can offer help.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the GWF number plays a pivotal role in the UK visa application process, serving as a unique identifier to track the status of your application. Applicants can easily monitor their application's progress through various platforms like the VFS Global website, TLScontact website, UKVI website, or by telephone. Losing the GWF number can be unsettling, but steps like checking emails, contacting the visa application centre, or seeking professional assistance can help retrieve it. Understanding the significance of the GWF number ensures a smoother visa application experience, providing clarity and peace of mind throughout the process.

Thinking of UK > India money transfers? Think Aspora

Send money from the UK to India (GBP to INR)
Competitive exchange rates with no hidden fees
Fast, secure, and hassle-free international money transfers
24x7 dedicated customer support

What is the meaning of a GWF number?

Now that we have answered what a GWF number is, let’s move on to understand its importance and usage for visa applications.

What is the importance of checking your UK visa application with GWF?

Example: Imagine ordering a book online. To know when it'll arrive, you'd use a tracking number. Similarly, the GWF number lets you track the status of your visa application.

Where can I find my GWF number?

After submitting your application online, you will receive your GWF number. Here is a snapshot of where you can find your GWF number:

Steps to track your UK visa application with GWF number

UK visa tracking with a GWF number has now become a breeze with not 1 but 4 different ways:

By using the VFS Global website
By using the TLScontact website
By using the UKVI website
By calling UKVI

A. UK visa tracking with GWF using the VFS Global Website

Visit https://www.vfsglobal.co.uk/
Choose the location at which you've submitted your biometric earlier.
Look for the 'Track your application' section. Click on it.
Click on 'Track your visa application status online.'
Enter your reference number (GWF or VAC) and your last name.
Confirm you're not a robot and click 'Submit.'
You'll see processing or a decision made as a status for your visa application.

If you have questions, contact VFS Global customer service.

B. UK visa tracking with GWF using the TLScontact Website

Open your confirmation email from UK Visas and Immigration.
Sign into your application using the link provided.
Navigate to the TLScontact website.
Select 'Track' to see your application status.

For further assistance, reach out to TLScontact support.

C. UK visa tracking with GWF using the UKVI Website

Visit the UKVI website.
Click on 'Start', then 'General Enquiry'.
Fill out the online form specifying your application status inquiry.
Follow the prompts to enter payment details and submit.

Expect a reply within five days, except on weekends and UK holidays.

D. UK visa tracking with GWF by contacting UKVI by Telephone

You can contact the UKVI by telephone from Monday to Friday at +44 (0)300 790 6268 → Option 1.

How will I be notified of the refusal or approval of my UK visa?

Can I track my UK visa application without the GWF number?

I lost my GWF number. What should I do?

If you've misplaced your GWF number, don't worry; here are some steps to retrieve it:

Review your emails: You should have received a confirmation email from the UK Visa & Immigration office when you started your application. This email should contain your GWF number. Check your inbox and spam folders thoroughly.
Contact the Visa Application Centre: Contact them if you applied via a visa application centre. They may have kept a record of your application and could provide you with your GWF number.
Contact the Home Office: This may take some time, but you can also contact the UK Home Office. Keep your details like passport number, full name, date of birth, and application date ready to speed up the process.
Think about getting professional assistance: If you still cannot find your GWF number, you might want to hire an immigration lawyer or consultant. They usually have experience dealing with these situations and can offer help.

Conclusion

Thinking of UK > India money transfers? Think Aspora

Send money from the UK to India (GBP to INR)
Competitive exchange rates with no hidden fees
Fast, secure, and hassle-free international money transfers
24x7 dedicated customer support

FAQs related to the GWF Number and UK visa applications

What is the primary purpose of Section 54F of the Income Tax Act?

Section 54F aims to provide a tax exemption on long-term capital gains arising from the sale of assets other than residential properties if the proceeds are reinvested in a new residential property.

Who can avail the benefits of Section 54F?

Any individual or Hindu Undivided Family (HUF) selling an asset other than a residential property and investing the sale proceeds in a residential property can avail the benefits.

Are there any conditions on owning multiple properties to claim the 54F exemption?

Yes, the taxpayer shouldn't own more than one residential property at the time of the sale, excluding the new one being purchased or constructed.

How long do I have to reinvest the proceeds from the sale to claim exemption under Section 54F?

You have a window of one year before or two years after the date of sale to buy a residential property, or three years if you're constructing a new property.

Is it necessary to invest the entire sale proceeds or just the capital gain amount?

For Section 54F, the entire sale consideration must be reinvested, not just the capital gains.

What happens if I don't invest the entire sale proceeds in a new property but still want to claim the exemption?

If you invest a portion of the sale proceeds, the exemption will be proportionate. It will be calculated based on the amount invested relative to the total sale proceeds.

Can I invest in multiple properties to avail the exemption under Section 54F?

No, the exemption under Section 54F is available only if the sale proceeds are invested in one residential property.

What if I sell the new property within a short period after purchasing or constructing it?

If the new property is sold within a period of three years from its purchase or construction, the exemption claimed under Section 54F will be revoked.

What happens if I don't utilise the entire proceeds before filing the tax return?

If you don't utilise the entire proceeds before the due date of filing the tax return, the unutilized amount should be deposited in the Capital Gains Account Scheme. This amount should then be used to purchase or construct a property within the specified time frame.

Are NRIs eligible to claim an exemption under Section 54F?

Yes, Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) are also eligible to claim an exemption under Section 54F, subject to the same conditions and provisions as resident Indians.