Visitor Visa UK
The standard visitor visa UK is recommended if you are planning to visit and stay in the UK for a short period of time. With the Visitor visa UK you are permitted to travel in the UK for leisure and business or any other purpose for a time period of six months.
The standard visit visa UK, grants your permission if you are coming to the UK with the intent of travel, tourism, short term business, vacation, medical treatment and so on as it acts as a short term business visa, tourist visa for UK holidays, an academic visa and much more.
You can contact Rubens Immigration if you need advice and support regarding your visitor visa.
Page Contents
- UK Visitor Visa Overview
- Documentation Required For Your Application
- Tourist Visa Application Process
- Staying in the UK for More than Six Months
- Visitor Visa UK Application Fees
- Immigration Status Covered By A Visitor Visa
- Rubens Immigration Visitor Visa Services
- Frequently Asked Questions
- How Can I Get Help From Rubens Immigration
What is the UK Standard Visitor Visa and Who is it for ?
The UK Standard Visitor Visa is available for the following criteria:
- Leisure – The UK visas for international travellers can be quite confusing, but for six months time period for any leisure purposes, the standard visiting visa to UK territories will work. The purpose of coming to the UK for sightseeing, family visit, general travel functions as a UK general visitor visa and UK tourist visa so they all fall under the standard visa. If you are a non-EEA visitor looking for such holiday visits, the standard visitor visa is highly recommended.
- Business – The general visitor visa UK will allow you to travel to the UK to conduct various business activities such as conferences, events or business appointments as per your requirement for a time period of six months.
- Other reasons – For purposes such as private medical treatment the standard visitor visa will allow you to travel to the UK.
You will need to undergo the online application form process on the gov.uk website, if you are not a citizen of an EEA country or Switzerland to get a standard visa. The eligibility requirements for the UK visa can be rather confusing, although there are exceptions. If you are completely oblivious regarding the visitor visa for the UK you could check the Home Office website or even contact us.
What Documentation Do I Need to Prove My Eligibility for the Visitor Visa ?
It is an essential requirement for you to provide evidence of the general requirements for eligibility to the Home Office under UK visit visa requirements and application. If you are a non-EEA national, you need to prove the following:
- You do not intend to stay in the UK for longer than six months and so will leave at the end of your time period.
- Evidence that demonstrates the activities you plan to perform during your stay in the UK, like business, leisure or other activities.
- You can pay your travelling expenses including flights.
- You can afford the accommodation expenses while you stay in the UK for yourself and any other dependents without accessing public funds.
Knowledge of the requirements may not be sufficient as there should be a clear understanding of how to gather and submit relevant supporting evidence. The Home Office regularly refuses such visa application if there is even the slightest mistake or inefficiency found. The immigration rules are strict and the requirements are confusing as well. Here at Rubens Immigration we will help you in understanding all these requirements and the process for a successful application also guides you while you undergo the process.
The details about your current and previous passport numbers or an alternative valid travel identification is required for your visa’s approval. It should be noted that all the documents given for application submission should be authentic, certified and in English or Welsh. The extra documents that needs to be provided are:
- Travel documents that show details about the date on which you plan to travel.
- Visitor Visa UK law requires a lot of information to be provided which includes an immigration record and history of international travel.
- Evidence that shows you have enough funds such as bank statements and an estimate for the cost of visit.
- Your overseas address and contact details.
- If you are travelling to the UK for an overseas employer then their details should be provided.
The amount of supporting evidence to prove your eligibility and support your case is not definite and is limitless. This might be overwhelming for many applicants. To make this process convenient and easy you can get help from our immigration lawyers. We are qualified and experienced professionals who will be helping you to the fullest.
How Long Should I Expect the Visa Processing Time to Take ?
While planning for a trip, whether it be for business or tourism, it is important to have a well planned time frame that you can work from. Similarly, when you are travelling to the UK for particular reasons you need to make sure that your plans are not going to be held up as you wait for the visa to be permitted and authorised.
You can submit your visa application to the Home Office between 3 months and 48 hours before you plan to travel. Outside the EEA and Switzerland, the visa processing time usually takes up to three weeks. The application processing period can be tracked and you can view the UK visa processing status as it changes, which is a huge relief. Though UK processing times are generally quick, it is best to keep up with your progress.
You might need to have your visa approved as soon as possible, whether you have applied from a local visa centre or embassy, or applying via the online forms. The Home Office’s priority services: the Priority Service or the Super Priority Service, could be used if you have an urgent appointment in the UK that you cannot miss and must attend to as soon as possible. With these services, within five working days and 24 hours respectively, your application will be processed.
Additional cost are involved when using these services but the decision will be at least be delivered quickly. But this service is not provided in all countries, though if required, matters could be checked at a local visa application initially.
If you have a tight schedule and are in need to visit the UK as soon as possible, Rubens Immigration is here to assist you and your requirements.
Can I Stay in the UK for Longer than Six Months ?
The UK Visitors Visa is a short term visa as per its definition, having a time period of six months. You are not allowed to bypass this restriction by the immigration rule by using the visitor visa or frequent or successive visits. Though during the time of your visa’s validity you are free to enter and leave the UK at will.
At an extra cost, visitors from the United States, China, Pakistan, India and other non-EEA countries can apply for a long-term visit visa for UK travel, which can be held for a duration of two years, five years or ten years.
Although it should be noted that these visas will still restrict you to a maximum single visit of six months or less. But, you are able to enter and leave the UK several times within the assigned time period. It is suggested to take the long term visitor visa UK if you are expected to have multiple trips to the UK for a certain period.
The Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) permits a longer-term stay for the non-EEA academic visitors and the individuals receiving private medical treatment in the UK. Under this, the applicant has to submit biometric information, such as a photo, personal details, fingerprints, immigration status and more. This permits the applicant to stay in the UK for more than six months, and the process is known as biometric enrolment. It has the requirement to prove that the applicant possesses enough financial support for the stay.
How Much Does A Visitor Visa UK Cost ?
The standard UK visitor visa costs are the same of £95. However, the visa fees vary for non-EEA countries. If you are planning a longer stay of more than 6 months, then different costs are involved:
- 2-Year Visa – £361
- 5-Year Visa – £655
- 10 -Year Visa – £822
The gov.uk website helps you check the correct visa fees for your journey before applying. The applicants are suggested to use this tool for better cost understanding.
Get in touch with our expert immigration lawyers to learn how to apply for a Visitor Visa.
The Standard Visitor Visa Category Covers A Wide Range of Other Visas
Family Visit Visa
For travelling to the UK, a non-EEA national who is under the age of 18 is required to apply for the child visitor visa. This is another visa that falls under the standard visa category that needs to be thorough for children below 18 years of age. This visa permits you to travel to the UK to visit family or friends, as a part of an exchange programme, or for education for a period of six months.
It is essential to convince that the child has the essential suitable accommodation and care while they stay in the UK despite the application being made by the parent or the child themselves. Having enough funds for travelling, accommodation could be included. The recognition of a parent or guardian, responsible for the child’s care in their home country is also required.
Child Visitor Visa
For travelling to the UK, a non-EEA national who is under the age of 18 is required to apply for the child visitor visa. This is another visa that falls under the standard visa category that needs to be thorough for children below 18 years of age. This visa permits you to travel to the UK to visit family or friends, as a part of an exchange programme, or for education for a period of six months.
It is essential to convince that the child has the essential suitable accommodation and care while they stay in the UK despite the application being made by the parent or the child themselves. Having enough funds for travelling, accommodation could be included. The recognition of a parent or guardian, responsible for the child’s care in their home country is also required.
Business visitor Visa
There exists several business visas such as the investor visa, the tier 2 work visa, the tier 1 entrepreneur visa and so on. We should not confuse the business visitor visa with these. It is crucial to understand the differences between these visas as if you apply for the wrong one would result in you failing to fulfill the very purpose that you came to the UK for. This is quite common as many are found applying for the wrong visa. This restricts them from doing what they want to when in the UK.
For example, you can attend conferences and training, participate in sporting events, sign deals and contracts, complete academic works, and carry out inspections under a business visitor visa. Although, you are restricted from working in salary and access public funds in the UK. Nevertheless, whether you are working for an employer or are self-employed, you are eligible for the business visitor visa.
Student Visitor Visa
Also known as short term study visa, it is suggested for you to apply for the student visitor visa, if you hope to study on a short term basis, being a visiting UK visa national. This visa permits the applicant to study in the UK for a maximum of six months.
Though the 4 tier student visa seems to be similar, you should not get confused. The 4 tier student visa is for the foreign nationals to study in the UK for a longer period which is measured on a points – based system.
Thus, the student visa is not appropriate for those who plan to travel and study at a UK institution for an undergraduate degree or apply for a long term course. If you plan on pursuing a short term qualification, that might be of maximum six months then this is the visa that you should apply for.
Visitor In Transit Visa
It is recommended for you to visit the Home Office website to check your visa requirements, if you are travelling to the UK as a part of a ‘stopover flight’. For the travellers the visitor visa works a little differently.
You might be in need of a visitor transit visa if you will be stopping off in the UK while waiting for your next flight in transit.
You are required to prove to the immigration authorities that you have the right to stay in the UK for upto 48 hours as you are waiting for your next flight and so have the intention to leave soon as well. Travel documents and evidence of your journey plans are required by the UK immigration laws for this visa.
Also known as ‘transiting land-side’, this type of travel falls under the UK transit visa category of the standard visitor visa. For you to pass through immigration control before leaving the UK within 48 hours, you will require this visa.
A wide range of factors are taken into consideration by the UK immigration for the transit visas. Your UK visa requirements vary depending on your nationality, the nature of your stay and your airline.
Get in touch with our expert immigration lawyers to learn how to apply for a Visitor Visa.
Our UK Visitor Visa Services
Advice Package
Do you need assistance in determining how to proceed with your visa application? The UK has strict immigration controls, and determining which visa is right for you and how to apply can be a difficult task. Our trained and knowledgeable immigration lawyers at Rubens Immigration will provide you with the knowledgeable facts and legal advice you need to make a rational decision. We’ll assist you in making a wise visa decision and gaining a greater understanding of your immigration status.
You’ll be invited to a one-on-one Advice Session if you choose our advice package. This can be done over the internet, via Skype, or in person at one of our immigration law offices across the country. Our immigration lawyers are professionally trained and OISC-regulated, so you can trust that when you choose Rubens Immigration, you’ll be in good hands. Your appointed immigration lawyer will carefully listen to all facets of your case during your Advice Session. They’ll interrogate you before they have a complete picture of your immigration situation. They will then be able to provide you with the assistance you need.
Our immigration lawyers will assist you in understanding the different visa categories and will be able to guide you through the next steps in your visa application. You may be required to submit supporting documentation such as travel documents, birth certificates, work contracts, and even bank statements in order for your UK visitor visa application to be approved. It’s common for applications to ask you to demonstrate your willingness and ability to follow UK immigration laws. Our solicitors will advise you on which additional documentation will help improve the chances of your application being approved.
An untimed Advice Session will be offered to discuss all of your visa requirements. Do you want to speak about your case in depth and receive detailed instructions on how to proceed? Our advice package is there to provide such service:
- Discuss your situation with an experienced specialist who will look into the various options for meeting your visa requirements.
- Determine which visa categories apply to you, your eligibility criteria, and the requirements you must meet in order to submit an effective visitor visa application.
- Get detailed guidance on the types of supplementary documentation and other supporting documents you’ll need to increase the chances of your application being approved.
- Learn what kind of timeline you should expect in the future.
- Take advantage of assistance that extends beyond the session. Your immigration lawyer will be available to answer any follow-up questions for a week after your appointment. We’re here to help you, which is why we provide this service at no additional charge.
Application Package
It’s rarely as simple as filling out a short online application form or visiting a local visa application center to get a visa approved. Applying to the UK Home Office is a time-consuming and difficult procedure. You would not want to spend a lot of time putting together an application just to be rejected – particularly if it could have been prevented with a little more effort. That is why, when attempting to travel to the UK from a non-EEA country, so many people are compelled to seek professional advice and assistance.
If you want to take some of the stress out of the lengthy process of applying for a UK visitor visa, we have a package that is specifically designed to meet your needs. We will assist you in completing and strengthening your application by ensuring that you have all of the necessary supporting documentation and evidence. It is all too common for foreign nationals traveling to the UK for tourism or business to miss anything and be denied entry.
You can receive extensive assistance in completing your visitor visa application if you select our application package. A dedicated caseworker will be assigned to you, who will provide legal guidance and support during the process.
You’ll get a detailed consultation as well as additional advice on visa application fees, eligibility conditions, proof collection, and other topics. After that, your caseworker will help you prepare and submit your application. They’ll be there for you in the process, observing and updating you as things progress.
Our professional immigration solicitors will assist you in:
Before applying for a visa, evaluate your particular situation and eligibility. The regular visitor visa has a lot of different categories, and you would not want to waste your time applying for one that is not applicable for your situation.
Make a strategy for submitting a satisfactory application. No one is better equipped to correctly classify anything you’ll need to apply for your visa than our immigration solicitors, who are highly trained and accomplished professionals.
Assist you in putting together a detailed collection of supporting documentation and facts to demonstrate your purpose and eligibility. The vast majority of visa applications that are denied are due to a lack of evidence. We’ll do whatever we can to make your case as strong as possible.
A Letter of Representation to the Home Office will help you with your application. A detailed letter highlighting your qualifications and strengthening your submission, will be written by your dedicated caseworker.
Fill out all of the paperwork. It can be difficult to put together a visa application. Fortunately, your committed caseworker has dealt with similar situations in the past. They know exactly what needs to be accomplished and will assist you in completing and submitting all of the necessary paperwork.
Fast Track Package
For a variety of purposes, you may be applying for a UK visitor visa. You may be visiting the UK for a family wedding, a graduation ceremony, an important business meeting, a private medical appointment, or anything else you would not at all cost want to miss. The truth is that visa applications can take a long time to prepare and apply, only to have to wait even longer for a decision once the visa has been processed. We recognise the problem that you do not have that much free time, which is why Rubens Immigration is here to help.
That is why our immigration solicitors are present to assist you in submitting and receiving approval for your application as soon as possible. If you can’t wait for a long time for your visa when you have a deadline or an important scheduled appointment in the UK, you’re probably eager to get things done as soon as possible. That’s why we created our premium fast track application package service under which we’ll work diligently to ensure that urgent applications are processed so you can focus on other things. We’ll work with you to reach your deadline.
You may rest assured for your visa application will be at the top of our immigration lawyers’ priority list if you use our fast track application package. When people use the service, we have a great track record of reviewing and moving through applications – even in as little as 24 hours. While visa processing times can be lengthy, we will ensure that you receive prompt and efficient service. Any general visitor visa UK applications will be processed in as few as five working days.
We’ll work hard to get things going for you as quickly as possible if you select our fast track package. You will be contacted by one of our experienced immigration solicitors as soon as possible to schedule an untimed one-on-one consultation. We’ll also assist with:
- As quickly as possible, put together your submission. Before submitting your application, we’ll make sure it’s as comprehensive and complete as possible. All of your supporting documentation will be thoroughly reviewed and collected in a timely manner.
- Schedule a Same-Day Premium Service appointment with the Home Office. We’ll go above and beyond to get your application submitted and reviewed with our fast track package. You can expect a visa decision in less working days than normal, when you book a Same-Day Premium slot with the Home Office.
- Assist you in finishing your visa submission. We’re not going to sacrifice consistency just to get things done fast. The truth is that no matter how quickly you prepare and apply your UK visitor visa application, it will not be accepted. The last thing you need is for your visa to be rejected if you’re applying for a UK visitor visa when you need to fly to the UK from a non-EEA country for something critical and time-sensitive. We’ll make certain that your application is of the highest standards.
- To help your argument and improve your application’s chances of success, write a Letter of Representation. Our immigration solicitors are accomplished professionals with a depth of information. They know how to write a supporting letter to the Home Office that emphasises the merits of urgent applications.
Appeal Package
Rejections for UK general visitor visas are extremely common, as frustrating as they may be. The Home Office will often refuse travel to the UK for poor applications that lack the necessary supporting documentation and proofs. A lot of documentation is required for UK visitor visa applications, and it’s easy to make a mistake and leave crucial details blank or wrong. If you plan on visiting the UK for business, pleasure, or some other purpose, Rubens Immigration team will assist you in appealing a visa denial.
It’s important to move quickly if you want to petition a rejected visitor visa application. When the Home Office gives you your refusal letter, it will state whether you are eligible to appeal and tell you how long you have to file your appeal. If you decide to appeal and want to give yourself the best chance of success, you’ll need to operate within this timeline and be able to comprehensively amend your application to meet the required requirements. Our immigration solicitors, fortunately, have a lot of experience working with appeals.
To appeal your visa application, when you select the Immigration Advice Service, our committed specialists will use their years of experience, expertise, and information to determine what could have been the cause of your visa rejection. Then they’ll get to work on settling any disputes, strengthening your case, and assisting you with your appeal. Our appeal package entitles you to the assistance of our immigration law specialists in the UK. There’s a chance you’ll have to go to a trial or tribunal – we understand how daunting and frustrating this can be, which is why our lawyers will offer to defend you and your case if it becomes important.
The receipt of a visa rejection letter from the Home Office does not necessarily mean that your plans to visit the UK are over. Visa appeals are popular, and our immigration lawyers have a strong track record of successfully overturning visa decisions; they’ll provide you with comprehensive guidance during the process. With our appeal package, we will assist you in:
- Examine and evaluate your visit to the UK visa denial. Most visa applications for short-term stays in the UK are rejected due to a lack of supporting documentation or paperwork errors. Our immigration solicitors will examine the reasons for your denial and determine whether you have grounds to appeal.
- Assist and strengthen the case. It’s important that you have all potential supporting evidence ready and accessible when filing an appeal. By assisting you in putting together a supporting portfolio, we will help you improve your odds of winning your appeal.
- Fill out your appeal form fully. When filing a visa denial appeal, you must be certain that you do not make any reckless errors. Rubens Immigration solicitors have a lot of experience with appeals and can assist you in gathering all of the information you’ll need to file your appeal.
- Liaise with the Home Office. It’s important to stay on top of visa appeals because they must be completed within a certain amount of time. From the start of your appeal to the finish, we’ll communicate with the Home Office. There will be no stone unturned, and no chances will be overlooked.
- Whenever possible, represent you in person. Visa appeals may often be successful. If you need to appear at a hearing or a tribunal in connection with your appeal, our experienced immigration lawyers will be there to represent you. We recognise that these activities can be overwhelming, which is why we’re pleased to shoulder the responsibility for you.
