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  1. What is a Standard Visitor visa? 
  2. When can I apply for a UK Standard Visitor visa?
  3. What are the eligibility requirements for this visa?
  4. What are the visa fees for a UK Standard Visitor visa?
  5. What are some application tips for a UK Standard Visitor visa?
  6. What documents are required for a UK Standard Visitor visa?
  7. What are long-term Standard Visitor visas?
  8. What happens if I apply for a long-term Standard Visitor visa while under 18 years old?
  9. Can I be given a shorter visa duration than I requested?
  10. What happens if I receive a shorter visa than requested or if my application is refused?
  11. Can my visa be cancelled if I repeatedly stay in the UK for extended periods?
  12. What documents and information are required to apply for a UK Standard Visitor visa?
  13. What additional information might I need to provide based on my circumstances?
  14. Are there specific additional requirements for certain types of visits to the UK?
  15. What is required at the visa application center appointment for a UK Standard Visitor visa?
  16. How do I prove my eligibility for a Standard Visitor visa at the appointment?
  17. How long does it typically take to receive a decision on a UK Standard Visitor visa application?
  18. Is it possible to expedite the visa decision process?
  19. How will I be notified of the decision on my visa application?
  20. What business activities can I undertake during a visit to the UK on a Standard Visitor visa?
  21. What should I do before visiting the UK for business purposes?
  22. What additional activities can I do in the UK as a Standard Visitor if I'm employed overseas in certain roles?
  23. What activities can I undertake during a visit to the UK for study purposes on a Standard Visitor visa?
  24. What should I do before visiting the UK for study purposes?
  25. Are there any additional requirements for studying certain subjects at postgraduate level or above?
  26. What activities can scientists, researchers, and academics undertake during a visit to the UK on a Standard Visitor visa?
  27. What is required if I want to visit the UK for up to 6 months as a scientist, researcher, or academic?
  28. What are the options for academic visits lasting longer than 6 months?

What is a Standard Visitor visa? 

Standard Visitor visa allows you to visit the UK for up to 6 months for various purposes, such as tourism, visiting family and friends, or attending business meetings. You must apply for this visa before you travel and have a confirmed place of stay

When can I apply for a UK Standard Visitor visa?

You can apply for a UK Standard Visitor visa as early as 3 months before your intended travel date.

What are the eligibility requirements for this visa?

To be eligible for a UK Standard Visitor visa, you must meet certain criteria and plan to engage in permitted activities during your stay.

What are the visa fees for a UK Standard Visitor visa?

The Home Office fees have change frequently. To make sure you have the latest fees Click here to see the updated fees.

What are some application tips for a UK Standard Visitor visa?

Here are some tips for applying for a UK Standard Visitor visa:

  • Each family member must have their own application and pay the fee.
  • Consider applying for a long-term visa if you visit the UK regularly.
  • If you’re under 18 when you apply, your long-term visa will be valid for up to 6 months after you turn 18.

What documents are required for a UK Standard Visitor visa?

You will need the following documents for a UK Standard Visitor visa:

  • Valid passport or travel document for the entire stay in the UK.
  • Ensure there’s a blank page in your passport for the visa.
  • Evidence of Financial Ties to your Country
  • Evidence of Social Ties
  • Evidence of Family Ties
  • Evidence of Employment ties
  • Upon starting the application process you will recieve a tailored list of documents depending on your case.

What are long-term Standard Visitor visas?

Long-term Standard Visitor visas allow individuals who visit the UK regularly to stay for extended periods. These visas are available for durations of 2, 5, or 10 years, with each visit limited to a maximum of 6 months.

What happens if I apply for a long-term Standard Visitor visa while under 18 years old?

If you apply for a long-term Standard Visitor visa while under 18 years old, the visa will only be valid for up to 6 months after you turn 18. There is no refund on the fee in this case.

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Can I be given a shorter visa duration than I requested?

Yes, UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) may issue a shorter visa duration if they believe you cannot meet the eligibility requirements for the duration of the visa you applied for.

What happens if I receive a shorter visa than requested or if my application is refused?

If you receive a shorter visa than requested or if your application is refused, you will not receive a refund of the application fee

Can my visa be cancelled if I repeatedly stay in the UK for extended periods?

Yes, your visa may be cancelled if your travel history shows that you are repeatedly living in the UK for extended periods, indicating a pattern of misuse of the visa

What documents and information are required to apply for a UK Standard Visitor visa?

To apply for a UK Standard Visitor visa, you must have a valid passport or travel document for the entire duration of your stay in the UK, with a blank page for the visa. You’ll need to provide the following information in your online application:

  • Dates of planned travel to the UK
  • Accommodation details during your visit
  • Estimated trip expenses
  • Current home address and duration of residence
  • Parents’ names and dates of birth (if known)
  • Annual income (if applicable)
  • Details of any criminal, civil, or immigration offenses committed

What additional information might I need to provide based on my circumstances?

Depending on your situation, you may also need to provide:

  • Travel history for the past 10 years
  • Employer’s address and telephone number
  • Partner’s name, date of birth, and passport number
  • Information about the person funding your trip
  • Details of family members residing in the UK
  • Certificate for a tuberculosis (TB) test if visiting for more than 6 months

Are there specific additional requirements for certain types of visits to the UK?

Yes, additional documents are required for specific visit purposes:

  • For study purposes
  • For academic visits
  • For certain paid engagements or events (known as ‘permitted paid engagements’)
  • For medical reasons

What is required at the visa application center appointment for a UK Standard Visitor visa?

At your appointment, you’ll need to:

  • Prove your identity by presenting your passport or travel document.
  • Have your fingerprints and photograph taken, which is known as ‘biometric information’ collection.
  • Provide the necessary documents to demonstrate your eligibility for a Standard Visitor visa.

How do I prove my eligibility for a Standard Visitor visa at the appointment?

You prove your eligibility by providing the required documents, which typically include:

  • Supporting documents related to your visit purpose, such as accommodation details,
  • financial evidence,
  • travel itinerary,
  • and any additional documents specific to your visit purpose (e.g., for study, academic visit, permitted paid engagement, or medical reasons)

How long does it typically take to receive a decision on a UK Standard Visitor visa application?

You will usually receive a decision on your visa application within 3 weeks after applying online, proving your identity, and submitting your documents.

Is it possible to expedite the visa decision process?

Yes, you can check if you’re eligible for faster processing of your visa by contacting our team on 0203 959 3335

Are you having difficulties with your UK Visitor visa application?

Applying for a UK Visitor Visa can be daunting. If you have any questions or require assistance with your visa application, our team of lawyers will be pleased to provide you with further advice.

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How will I be notified of the decision on my visa application?

You will receive the decision on your application via email or a letter. This communication will outline the next steps you need to take based on the decision.

What business activities can I undertake during a visit to the UK on a Standard Visitor visa?

You can engage in various business activities during your visit to the UK, including:

  • Attending interviews, meetings, conferences, and seminars
  • Negotiating and signing deals and contracts
  • Attending trade fairs to promote your business (without selling things)
  • Participating in work-related training if unavailable in your home country
  • Giving talks or presentations, provided they are not for profit or commercial events
  • Conducting site visits, inspections, and overseeing deliveries of goods and services
  • Delivering training or sharing knowledge on internal projects with UK employees
  • Installing, dismantling, repairing, or advising on equipment, software, and hardware for overseas companies with contracts in the UK.

What should I do before visiting the UK for business purposes?

Before visiting the UK for business, you should:

  • Ensure you meet the basic eligibility requirements for a Standard Visitor visa.
  • Check if you need a visa to visit the UK based on your nationality and the duration of your stay.

What additional activities can I do in the UK as a Standard Visitor if I’m employed overseas in certain roles?

If you’re employed overseas in specific roles, you can engage in additional activities in the UK as a Standard Visitor. These roles include: Archaeologist, Artist, entertainer, or musician, Bodyguard, Camera operator, Driver, Internal auditor, Journalist or correspondent
Lawyer or expert witness, Market researcher or analyst, Personal assistant, Pilot or cabin crew member under a ‘Wet Lease Agreement’ approved by the Civil Aviation Authority, Professor from an overseas academic institution, Religious worker, Scientist or researcher, Seafarer
Sports person or sports official, Tour group courier, Translator or interpreter, Member of a film crew (actors, producers, directors, technicians), Member of the production team supporting an artist, entertainer, or musician, Member of technical staff supporting an artist, entertainer, musician, or sports person.

What activities can I undertake during a visit to the UK for study purposes on a Standard Visitor visa?

You can engage in the following activities during a visit to the UK for study purposes on a Standard Visitor visa:

  • Study at an accredited institution, including English language courses.
  • Conduct short research relevant to your overseas course.
  • Participate in an ‘elective’ (optional additional placement) if you’re studying medicine, veterinary medicine and science, nursing, midwifery, or dentistry.
  • Sit an entrance exam, retake an exam or course module, or attend a PhD oral exam (viva).
  • Undertake an unpaid clinical attachment if you’re a graduate from a medical, dental, or nursing school. Take the Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) test or the Professional and Linguistic Assessment Board (PLAB) test.

What should I do before visiting the UK for study purposes?

Before visiting the UK for study purposes, you should:

  • Ensure you meet the basic eligibility requirements for a Standard Visitor visa and any additional eligibility requirements specific to your study activity.
  • Prepare any required documents to prove your eligibility.
  • Check if you need a visa to visit the UK based on your nationality and the duration of your stay. Apply for a Standard Visitor visa online if required.

Are there any additional requirements for studying certain subjects at postgraduate level or above?

Yes, for studying or researching certain subjects at postgraduate level or above, you may need to obtain an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate before starting your course or research in the UK.

What activities can scientists, researchers, and academics undertake during a visit to the UK on a Standard Visitor visa?

Scientists, researchers, and academics visiting the UK on a Standard Visitor visa can engage in the following activities:

  • Participating in formal exchange arrangements with UK counterparts.
  • Conducting research, either as part of their job or independently. For senior doctors or dentists:
  • Participating in research.
  • Teaching (non-permanent teaching post).
  • Undertaking clinical practice (non-permanent position).

What is required if I want to visit the UK for up to 6 months as a scientist, researcher, or academic?

If you wish to visit the UK for up to 6 months, you should:

  • Ensure you meet the basic eligibility requirements for a Standard Visitor visa.
  • Check if you need a visa to visit the UK based on your nationality.
  • Apply for a Standard Visitor visa online if necessary.

What are the options for academic visits lasting longer than 6 months?

Academic visit visa lasts between 6 to 12 depending on the length of academic activity required. If for instances you leave was granted for 8 months and your circumstances have changes, you may be eligible to apply for an extension

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