Do you want to visit the UK but don’t know how to get a visa? Rest assured, we are here to simplify things for you! A standard visitor visa to the UK is the first step in seeing the sites, visiting loved ones, or going to a major event. Don’t worry about the application process.
Rees Clayton immigration solicitors are here to guide you every step of the way.
If you are worried about your visa, call us at 02033939272 right now. Feel secure as you begin your journey to the UK.
The Standard Visitor Visa UK is a temporary visa that permits specific travellers to enter the UK for different purposes of short nature only. This visa allows people to be granted up to 6 months’ stay and hence qualifies as the best visa for temporary visits to the United Kingdom.
However, the procedures for applying for the visitor visa are not complicated, the visa application process will take a lot of time and offer enough evidence that may be needed for the grant of the visa.
People of certain countries, therefore, can come to the UK for up to six months without a visa which is called ‘non-visa nationals’ and those allowed under the new UK ETA program.
Those who do not fit into any of these categories are referred to as Visa Nationals and will therefore require a Standard Visitor Visa UK to be able to visit the UK for an intended period of stay. This includes:
Before applying for a UK Standard Visitor Visa, there are rules that need to be followed to ensure the visit will be temporary and will not be beyond the duration of the visa. Here’s a breakdown of the UK tourist visa requirements:
Purpose of Visit
You have to make it quite clear why you are coming to the UK. Common reasons include:
Length of Stay
Your visit should also not exceed six months. But if your purpose of visit is to receive private medical treatment or as a student, you may get up to 11 months.
Genuine Visitor
You need to prove that:
Health and Character
You should not be a danger to the health or safety of the public.
Depending on the circumstances you may require medical for a visa or medical report or a police clearance certificate.
Visa Conditions
While in the UK on this visa, you cannot:
Violating these rules as in the case of overstaying in the country could have repercussions such as being barred from future visits to the UK.
Before applying for the UK Standard Tourist Visa, it is essential to ensure that one has assembled all the relevant documents. Here’s a simple list to guide you:
Document Type | Details | Mandatory (Yes/No) |
Valid Passport | Must have at least one blank page | Yes |
Visa Application Form | Completed and signed | Yes |
Passport-Size Photographs | Recent, as per UK specifications | Yes |
Proof of Financial Means | Bank statements, payslips | Yes |
Travel Itinerary | Flight bookings, accommodation | Yes |
Letter of Invitation | From a UK resident (if applicable) | If applicable |
Evidence of Ties to Home | Employment letter, property papers | Yes |
Purpose of Visit Documents | Business details, medical letters | Yes |
Previous Travel History | Copies of previous visas/stamps | Recommended |
Medical Records | If visiting for treatment | If applicable |
Ensure you have the latest documents and they conform to the requirements of the UK visa. That is why it is said that if you prepare well, success is already halfway achieved!
When it comes to the Standard Visitor Visa the way you will arrange your documents will go a long way in determining whether you will be issued with the visa or not. Here are some helpful tips:
That’s all, by following these steps you are better geared up to ease the application process and achieve more success!
Applying for a UK Standard Tourist Visa involves these simple steps:
By following these steps, you can make the application process smooth and hassle-free!
Want to know whether you can get a basic visiting visa to the UK? We’ve broken down all the prices for you, including visa fees and other travel expenses:
The visa fee depends on the duration and purpose of your visit:
Visa Type | Duration | Fee (£) |
Standard Visitor Visa | Up to 6 months | £115 |
Standard Visitor Visa (Medical) | Up to 11 months | £200 |
Standard Visitor Visa (Academics) | Up to 12 months | £200 |
Long-term Visitor Visa | Up to 2 years | £432 |
Long-term Visitor Visa | Up to 5 years | £771 |
Long-term Visitor Visa | Up to 10 years | £963 |
Priority Visa Service | 5 working days | Additional £500 |
Super Priority Visa Service | Next working day | Additional £1000 |
Beyond the visa fee, consider these additional expenses for a smooth trip:
By understanding these fees and planning ahead, you can make your trip to the UK smooth and hassle-free!
The processing time for a UK Standard Visitor Visa can vary based on several factors. Here’s what you need to know:
Stay updated by checking the latest processing times on the UK Government website when applying.
Understanding the conditions and duration of stay for a UK Standard Visitor Visa is essential for managing your travel plans effectively.
Understanding why UK standard visitor visa applications may be rejected can help you avoid common pitfalls and increase your chances of approval.
It may be extremely difficult to secure a UK visitor visa if your application does not measure up to expectations. Below are the major causes of application rejection that you should avoid.
Insufficient Financial Evidence
If you fail to provide sufficient finances to cover your trip, you may face rejection. Please provide your most current pay stub, bank records, and evidence of income for the last six months.
Incomplete or Incorrect Application
Visa applications might be rejected due to missing or incorrect information. After you’ve completed the form, make sure it matches the accompanying documentation.
Doubts About Returning Home
Your visa may be rejected if there is no concrete evidence that you will return. Show proof of residence in your native country, such as a job, property, or family connection.
Missing or Invalid Documents
Rejection may occur if any of the necessary documents are not submitted or if they are invalid. Verify that all paperwork is accurate, legible, and translated as necessary.
Past Immigration Problems
Having a history of visa issues or overstaying can be detrimental to your prospects. Provide an explanation of past issues and provide evidence of the improved circumstances that exist today.
Criminal History
A refusal may occur if the applicant has a criminal record, particularly if the offence is serious. Please be forthright and provide documentation that demonstrates your rehabilitation or character references.
Lack of Travel Experience
Your motives may be called into question if you do not provide any trip records. Please provide documentation of your prior foreign travel and how you complied with visa regulations.
Fraud or False Information
Rejection will occur if you provide false papers or lie. Never withhold information that is not true and authentic.
If you are currently holding a UK Standard Visitor Visa and wish to extend your stay for specific purposes such as medical treatment, academic activities, or exceptional circumstances, it’s important to understand the process and requirements involved.
To qualify for an extension of a Standard Visitor Visa, you must meet certain criteria:
Medical Treatment Extension
When applying for an extension, you will need to provide a variety of supporting documents:
The procedure for extending a Standard Visitor Visa requires multiple steps:
It is unlawful to change to another type of visa while in the UK, for instance, from the Standard Visitor Visa to another visa category. It should be noted that the requirements for getting a Visitor Visa are quite rigorous, and persons are usually required to leave the UK upon completion of the visit or at the expiration of the visa and reapply from outside the UK. But there are special circumstances under which changing your visa while in the UK might be possible.
If you think your case falls in any of the categories listed above, you will have to apply for a visa switch before the validity of the Standard Visitor Visa expires. Here’s what you should know:
Applying for a Standard Visitor visa requires careful planning and execution. The success of your application relies on a number of factors, including the details you provide on your finances, the accuracy of your information, and the strength of your evidence of your intention to return home. You may greatly improve your chances of acceptance by paying close attention to detail and submitting your work with care.
Of course, your family members can also visit the UK but they should apply for the Visitor Visa separately for each.
No, you don’t: A Standard Visitor Visa does not allow you to marry in the United Kingdom. With regards to marriage, the only way to do it legally is when your partner obtains a Marriage Visitor Visa. Moreover, a person requires permission from the Home Office where which is obtained viaa ‘Notice of Marriage,’ which is not admissible under a Standard Visitor Visa.
If you do not use the priority or super-priority service (these options are not available in all countries), it will take up to three weeks to get the response on the granted Standard Visitor Visa UK. If priority or super-priority services are available in your country, and you are ready to pay an extra fee, you will get a response within five working days or by the next working day.
