UK Visitor Visa

UK Visitor Visa Overview

The UK Visitor Visa, also known as the Standard Visitor Visa or UK Tourist Visa, allows foreign nationals to visit the United Kingdom for tourism, business, study, or other permitted activities for up to six months. Before applying, it is recommended to check whether you require a visa on the UK Home Office website. Some nationalities may enter the UK for up to six months without a visa.

To secure a UK Visitor Visa, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements, including proving a genuine intention to leave the UK at the end of their stay and demonstrating sufficient financial resources to support their visit.

Types of UK Visitor Visas

There are several types of UK Visitor Visas tailored for different purposes, such as:

• Business Visitor Visa
• Family Visitor Visa
• Marriage Visitor Visa
• General Visitor Visa
• Permitted Paid Engagement Visa
• Chinese Tour Group Visa

Permitted Activities on a UK Visitor Visa

As a UK Visitor Visa holder, you may engage in a variety of activities, including:

• Tourism (holiday or vacation)
• Visiting family or friends
• Getting married (if you plan to live outside the UK after marriage)
• Volunteering with a registered charity (up to 30 days)
• Attending business meetings or interviews
• Participating in school exchange programs
• Studying (for courses not exceeding six months)
• Taking recreational courses (maximum 30 days)
• Completing a placement, taking an exam, or working as an academic, senior doctor, or dentist
• Receiving private medical treatment

However, there are strict limitations:

• No paid or unpaid work is allowed
• No access to public funds
• Frequent, successive visits intended for residence are not permitted
• You cannot marry or register a civil partnership without a Marriage Visitor Visa

UK Visitor Visa Requirements

To successfully apply for a UK Visitor Visa, applicants must meet the following requirements:

1. Genuine Intention to Depart: You must demonstrate a genuine intention to leave the UK at the end of your visit.
2. Sufficient Funds: You should have enough funds to support yourself during your stay.
3. Funding for Onward Travel: You must have the means to fund your journey upon leaving the UK.
4. No Intention to Reside: You should not intend to use successive visits to live in the UK.

Additional criteria may apply for those visiting for study, as an academic, or for medical purposes. Our team at Prime Legal Advisor can provide a free consultation to guide you through your UK Visitor Visa application.

Demonstrating a Genuine Intention to Leave

The Home Office evaluates your intent to visit and leave the UK based on:

• Your purpose of visit
• Immigration history
• Personal and economic ties to your home country

Supporting Funds

While there is no fixed amount required, the Home Office will assess your financial resources in relation to your planned visit’s duration and purpose.

Documents Required for a UK Visitor Visa

Required documentation depends on your purpose of visit but may include:

• Travel dates to and from the UK
• Address while in the UK
• Estimated visit expenses
• Home address and duration of residence
• Parent details and personal income information
• History of criminal or immigration offenses
• Employment details, partner information, and family connections in the UK
• Tuberculosis (TB) test certificate, if applicable

Application Process for a UK Visitor Visa

To apply for a UK Visitor Visa, follow these steps:

1. Verify if you need a visa.
2. Complete the online application.
3. Pay the application fee.
4. Book an appointment at a Visa Application Centre (VAC).
5. Attend your VAC appointment for biometrics and document submission.

Decisions on Visitor Visas are typically made within three weeks.

Visitor Visa Extensions

While the UK Visitor Visa is intended for short-term visits, extensions are possible for specific reasons, such as medical treatment or academic purposes. The current fee for extending a Visitor Visa is £1,000.

What If Your Visitor Visa Is Refused?

Visitor Visas may be refused for reasons including prior immigration violations, lack of sufficient funds, or using the visa to reside in the UK. In most cases, appeals are not permitted, but we can assist in preparing a fresh application that addresses any refusal reasons.