Visitor Visa

What is a Standard Visitor visa

The Standard Visitor Visa has replaced a number of different types of visitor visa and amalgamated them into one. It enables its holders to come to the UK for a short period of time for a number of reasons which covers a wide range of activities that you can do whilst in the UK.

You can visit the UK as a Standard Visitor:

• for tourism, for example on a holiday or vacation
• to see your family or friends
• to volunteer for up to 30 days with a registered charity
• to pass through the UK to another country (‘in transit’)
• for certain business activities, for example attending a meeting or interview
• to take part in a school exchange programme
• to do a recreational course of up to 30 days, for example a dance course
• to study, do a placement or take an exam
• as an academic, senior doctor or dentist
• for medical reasons

You cannot:

• do paid or unpaid work for a UK company or as a self-employed person
• claim public funds (benefits)
• live in the UK for long periods of time through frequent or successive visits
• marry or register a civil partnership, or give notice of marriage or civil partnership - you’ll need to apply for a Marriage Visitor visa

Depending on your nationality and the purpose of your visit, you may be able enter the UK as a visitor without holding a pre-approved visitor visa. If you are a 'Visa National', then you must apply for a Visitor Visa before you can travel.

You may want to first check if you need a visa to visit the UK.

General requirements

You must have a passport or travel document to enter the UK. It should be valid for the whole of your stay.

You must be able to show that:

• you have the genuine intention to visit the UK and you are genuinely seeking entry as a visitor
• you will not undertake any of the prohibited activities
• you’ll leave the UK at the end of your visit
• you’re able to support yourself and your dependants during your trip (or have funding from someone else to support you)
• you’re able to pay for your return or onward journey (or have funding from someone else to pay for the journey)
• you’ll not live in the UK for extended periods through frequent or successive visits, or make the UK your main home
  

You may need to meet additional eligibility requirements if you are visiting the UK to study or take an exam, as an academic / doctor / dentist, or for medical reasons.

The exact requirements you will need to satisfy will vary depending on your circumstances. You may want to speak to an immigration specialist for expert advice.

How long can you stay in the UK

If successful, you will normally be able to stay in the UK for up to 6 months on your visit.

There are some circumstances in which you may be able to stay longer, for instance, visitors for medical treatment may stay for up to 11 months, visitors for academic research purposes may stay for up to 12 months. Check the validity and expiry date on your visa stamp.

It is also possible to apply for a long-term visitor visa if you need to visit the UK regularly. This visa lasts 2, 5 or 10 years, and you will be able to stay for a maximum of 6 months on each visit.

Processing time and application fees 

The applications will be usually decided within 3 weeks after you have made your online application and provided all your documents including biometrics.

In some visa application centres, priority services may be available subject to availability and additional fees. For applications using priority service, UKVI would aim to make a decision in 5 working days.

The current application fees are:

• £100 for a 6-month visa
• £200 for a 11-month or 12-month visa (medical reasons, or academics)
• £376 for a 2-year visa
• £670 for a 5-year visa
• £837 for a 10-year visa

How we can help

Our knowledgeable and experienced immigration team can:

• Assess your case and advise whether you are eligible to apply
• Provide you with a tailored & comprehensive document list
• Review all your documents and advise on necessary amendments
• Suggest on how to improve your application
• Complete your application forms in accordance with the UKVI requirements
• Assist you to complete the application submission process
• Provide our representation letter to support your application with necessary legal arguments
• Liaise with UKVI on your behalf

Depending on your need and budget, we have different levels of services that you may choose from. Check out Our Services to see which one is for you. 

Want to discuss your case with an immigration specialist? Contact Us now.