In order to visit the United Kingdom, you may need to apply for a UK Standard Visitor visa. This post will outline the process for applying for this visa, as well as what’s required for your application to be successful.
Please note that the information contained in this blog post is based on current UK visa immigration rules and may be subject to change. Make sure you consult with an immigration professional such as My Legal Services if you have any questions about whether or not you need a Standard Visitor visa to visit the UK.
Related: Guide to Immigrating to the UK
What is a UK Standard Visitor Visa?
A UK Standard Visitor Visa route is normally applied by those who would like to go to the UK for Tourism, Business, and other activities as allowed for this type of visa.
Here are some other activities that are allowed under this visa type:
- Visit a family member for the holidays or vacation
- Have a recreational course or short course of study for just 6 months
- Do voluntary work for up to a month with a registered charity
- To pass through the UK border on route to another country
- To undergo a private medical treatment or for treatment at a National Health Service (NHS) hospital
- Attend business activities like interviews or meetings
- As academic visitors or senior medical practitioners
On the other hand, a person approved for a standard visit visa cannot do the following:
- Engage in paid or unpaid work for a company based in the UK
- Claim public funds or benefits
- Stay in the UK for long periods of time through regular or successive visits
- Get married or enter into a civil partnership as this should be under the marriage visitor visa application
A non-visa national included in the list from the gov.uk website does not need a UK visa to enter the country.
How to Apply for a UK Standard Visitor Visa?
Eligibility Requirements:
The following information lists down the eligibility requirements for a standard visitor visa application:
- Intention to leave at the end of your visit through concrete travel plans
- Have sufficient funds to support you and your dependants
- Have enough money to travel
- No intention of living in the UK through frequent visits as a long-term standard visitor visa is the requirement for regular visitors
There are additional requirements for those who are going to the UK for medical reasons, students, and academic or medical professionals.
Related: How to Get Your UK Visa Approved
Documentary Requirements:
The relevant documents that must be prepared are the following:
- A valid passport or travel document
- Financial documents like bank statements to prove adequate funds for the whole of your stay
- Purpose of visit with an itinerary
- Medical certificate for a tuberculosis test, as applicable
- Translated documents should not be in the Welsh or English language; original documents are still required aside from the certified translations
Application Process:
The standard visitor visa application is done online from your home country unless you are from North Korea. Should you require more time to complete your application due to other specific requirements applicable to your case, you can save your form and go back to it at a later time.
It’s important to note that each family member who will join you will also need to apply online individually. They would also be paying for the required fees towards their separate application. In the same way, they will also be required to attend their appointment at a local visa application centre.
Additionally, in case a family member cannot apply for themselves, you can apply on their behalf. Just make sure to provide detailed information like your email address if you’d like to receive your link for the online application form. This is especially important if you decide to start the application, then complete it at a later time.
During the application process, you would need to book an appointment. During the application process, you will need to present your current passport or travel document, biometric information, and the other documentary requirements. The current application fee for a standard visitor visa is £100. Still, you might need to prepare for additional fees, especially if the main reason for you visiting the UK is for medical or academic reasons.
Should you have complied with all the requirements, you can expect to receive a decision within 3 to 6 weeks. Depending on your country of residence, you may expedite receiving a decision. Moreover, you can check out the home office website for further information.
Afterward, an email or letter will be sent to you containing your immigration application decision.
Other Reminders:
When traveling to the UK or anywhere, it’s important to have adequate travel insurance. Also, it’s a good idea to purchase medical insurance that will cover your medical costs while abroad.
You might also need to check for adequate housing/accommodation. Your finances will also be scrutinized, so it would be best to prepare all financial information, including proof of your sources of funds.
Additionally, it would be wise to ask for the assistance of immigration experts such as My Legal Services so you can avoid getting denied during your application.
If you plan to stay in the UK for a longer period, you might need to consider the different types of visas available. For instance, you can apply for a student visa which would usually allow you to stay for about 2 years or depending on your degree level. The skilled worker visa would normally allow you to stay for up to 3 years which can be extended as long as you can continuously meet the eligibility requirements.
Related: Apply For UK Visitor Visa Application & Requirements
Conclusion:
Applying for any type of visa may seem very intimidating, especially because of the requirements needed to be approved.
If you would like to apply for a UK Standard Visitor Visa, please get in touch with My Legal Services for further details and assistance with applying.
Our team of experts will be more than happy to assist you with the application process and answer any questions you may have. Simply contact us here to learn more about the UK standard visitor visa process and to start your application today.
We look forward to helping you make your trip to the United Kingdom a reality!