The UK Visitor visa allows individuals from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland to enter the United Kingdom for tourism, business meetings, visiting family or friends, or participating in certain short-term courses or events. It is important to note that this visa category is not intended for long-term stays or for employment in the UK.
UK Visitor Visas are required by many foreigners wishing to enter the UK for short stays. Whether you need a visitor visa depends on your nationality, the purpose of your visit and how long you need to stay. The UK Visitor Visa category includes a number of specific visitor visas that allow people to holiday, visit family, get married or study a short course. There are various categories of UK visitors which are as follows:
For students planning to visit the UK for short-term study or as part of an exchange program, the appropriate visa category is the Standard Visitor visa. Here are some key points to know:
The Standard Visitor visa allows you to engage in short-term study in the UK for duration of up to 6 months (or up to 11 months if you will be studying an English language course). This can include attending a course, workshop, seminar, or conducting research.
The main purpose of your visit must be short-term study, but you can also engage in other activities allowed under the Standard Visitor visa, such as tourism or visiting family and friends.
You will need to provide evidence of acceptance into a recognized educational institution in the UK, details of your course or program, and proof of your ability to support yourself financially during your stay. You may also need to provide evidence of your intention to leave the UK at the end of your visit.
It’s important to note that the Standard Visitor visa does not allow you to extend your stay beyond the maximum duration permitted. If you plan to study in the UK for a longer period, you will need to apply for a Tier 4 (General) student visa.
If you are under the age of 18 and plan to study in the UK asa Tier 4 (Child) student, you will need to apply for a Tier 4 (Child) student visa instead of a visitor visa.
To come to the United Kingdom as a Student visitor, applicants must meet the following requirements:
A Visitor visa is purely to visit the country. This visa allows applicants to travel to the UK upto six months. Applicants do not need to have friends or family in the UK to visit the country. The UK is extremely diverse in its landscape and people and has a wealth of culture, history and scenic beauty that can be discovered and explored. All applicants in this category must prove to the UK Immigration Authorities that they can financially maintain and accommodate themselves in the UK without recourse to public funding or working. They can show however that they have assistance from family members living in the UK.
For general tourist purposes, the appropriate visa category for visiting the UK is the Standard Visitor visa. Here are some important details to know:
A. Purpose of visit: The Standard Visitor visa allows you to visit the UK for tourism purposes, such as exploring the country’s attractions, visiting friends or relatives, or taking part in certain recreational activities.
B. Duration of stay: With a Standard Visitor visa, you can stay in the UK for a maximum period of 6 months. However, the specific duration granted is at the discretion of the immigration officer and will depend on the purpose and circumstances of your visit. In some cases, a shorter visa may be granted.
C. Permitted activities: As a general tourist, you can engage in activities such as sightseeing, visiting museums or historical sites, attending cultural events or
festivals, and exploring the natural beauty of the UK. You are not allowed to work or study (except for some short-term courses), access public funds, or marry or enter into a civil partnership during your visit.
D. Financial requirements: You will need to provide evidence of your financial capability to cover your expenses during your stay in the UK, including accommodation, transportation, and daily living costs. This can be in the form of bank statements, sponsorship letters, or other relevant financial documents.
E. Additional documents: Depending on your circumstances, you may need to provide additional documents, such as a detailed itinerary of your trip, proof of accommodation bookings, and travel insurance.
F. Exit requirement: It’s important to demonstrate that you have strong ties to your home country and intend to leave the UK at the end of your visit. This can be evidenced by showing employment, property ownership, or family ties.
The UK Spouse Visa allows a non-UK citizen to join their partner who is a British citizen or settled person (holds indefinite leave to remain or permanent residence in the UK) in the United Kingdom. This visa category is designed for individuals who are in a genuine and legally recognized relationship with their UK-based spouse.
There are different criteria’s for different type of partners like Spouse, Fiancée or planned social partner and Unmarried. It is possible to apply for a specific Marriage Visitor visa which allows applicants to enter the UK to marry or enter into a Civil Partnership without seeking any further leave to remain. For example this visa would be perfect for applicants with a specific desire to get married in a romantic UK Location. Both parties to the marriage are required to leave the UK at the end of their visa.
To qualify for a Marriage Visitor visa, the following requirements must be satisfied:-
UK family members can sponsor the applicant by providing an invitation letter to confirm the relationship, purpose of the visit and also the support they will be providing in terms of financial assistance or accommodation. Applicants can travel to the UK for the specific purpose of visiting friends and family who live in the UK. Applicants in this category must prove to the UK Immigration Authorities that they can financially maintain and accommodate themselves in the UK with or without assistance from family members living in the UK but without resource to public funding or employment.
If you are planning to visit the UK with your family for tourism or to visit family and friends, you can apply for a UK Visitor visa as a family unit. Here are some important details to know:
The United Kingdom has a flourishing business culture and the UK recognizes that individual business people may want to come to the UK for short periods. This may be to negotiate the terms of a contract with businesses in the UK, carry out market research or attend conferences.
If you are planning to visit the UK for business purposes, you can apply for a UK Visitor visa under the Standard Visitor visa category. Here are some important details to know:
Supporting documents: You will need to provide supporting documents to demonstrate the purpose of your visit and your eligibility. This can include invitation letters from UK-based companies or organizations you will be dealing with, details of any business events or conferences you will be attending, and proof of your current employment or business ownership.
Duration of stay: The Standard Visitor visa allows you to stay in the UK for a maximum period of 6 months. The actual duration granted will depend on the purpose and circumstances of your visit, as determined by the immigration officer.
Permitted activities: While on a UK Visitor visa for business purposes, you are generally not allowed to work or carry out any paid employment in the UK. Additionally, you cannot access public funds or extend your stay beyond the permitted duration without obtaining the appropriate visa.
It is advisable to check the official UK government website or consult VISA VALLEY for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding the visa application process and requirements for a UK Visitor visa for business purposes.
To check which option is best suited for you, kindly send the following to evisavalley@gmail.com for appropriate advice.
*For more details please contact our Visa Valley counselors.
