VISITOR VISA
The standard visitor visa allows you to enter the United Kingdom for a short period of time, for tourism, business or other permitted activities.
It is designed for people who are not UK or European Union (EU) citizens
and who do not have the right to enter the UK without permission.
WHAT YOU CAN DO
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Visit friends and family
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Travel as a tourist
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Volunteer for a registered charity
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Attend business meetings or interviews
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Take part in a school exchange program
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Complete a recreational course
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Sit an entrance exam
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Visit for a paid engagement or event
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Stay longer than 180 days at once
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Study a short course longer than 6 months
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Do paid or unpaid work for a UK company
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Work on a self-employed basis
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Claim public funds
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Live in the UK frequently or consecutively for long periods
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Marry or register a civil partnership
WHAT YOU CAN'T DO
REQUIREMENTS
Valid Passport
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You must have a passport which is valid for the entire length of your stay in the UK
Purpose of Travel
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You must demonstrate you are coming to the UK for the reasons specified in your application, and that you will return to your country of origin before the expiry of your visa
Finances
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You must have the necessary funds to travel to the UK and support yourself throughout your trip.
Standard visitor visa (6 months): £127
Standard visitor visa (medical reasons): £220
Standard visitor visa (academic): £220
Standard visitor visa (2 years): £475
Standard visitor visa (5 years): £848
Standard visitor visa (10 years): £1,059
Whether you apply for 6 months or 10 years, the maximum period of time you will be permitted to stay per visit is 6 months.
TERM AND FEES
PROCESSING
Current processing times for visitor visa applications are approximately 3 weeks.
Depending on your eligibility and which country you apply from, you may be able to pay for an enhanced service. The 'priority service' should provide you with a decision within 5 working days from the date of your biometrics appointment. The 'super priority service' is even faster, providing a decision within 1 working day.
Successful Application
If your application for a visitor visa is successful, you will receive a visa vignette inside your passport. This will confirm the length and conditions of your entry clearance.
Application Refused
If your application for a visitor visa is refused, you will receive a refusal letter outlining the reasons. There is no right of appeal or administrative review to challenge refusals. However, you may be able to appeal to the First-tier Tribunal (Immigration & Asylum Chamber) if your application involved human rights grounds. It is less common and only applicable to certain situations, but you may seek to challenge the refusal by judicial review. Often times, the best option is to make a fresh application with additional documents to address weak aspects of your refused application.
OUTCOME
HOW WE CAN HELP
Visitor visas can be complex, particularly if you are unfamiliar with the process or have a history of refusals. Mistakes can have a significant impact on future immigration applications to the Home Office, which means it is very important to have experts by your side who can make the process easier and give much needed confidence to make a strong application.
At Lace Law LLP, we offer comprehensive support throughout your visitor visa journey. From your initial consultation to the final decision, you will have a dedicated expert who will meticulously prepare your application, maintain regular communication, and promptly respond to any concerns along the way. We pride ourselves on this personal approach, which we feel not only provides a greater experience to you, but also increases the likelihood of a successful outcome.
Don't let the process be more stressful than it needs to be. Contact us today to have a dedicated partner by your side on your immigration journey.
