Standard Visitor Visa UK

If you're planning to visit the United Kingdom for a short period (up to six months), you'll need a UK Standard Visitor visa. This visa is for tourists, business travellers, or those looking to visit friends and family.

This comprehensive guide to the UK Standard Visitor visa explains how to apply for a UK Visitor visa, requirements, documents, processing time, and fees.

To apply for a UK Standard Visitor visa, you must meet certain eligibility criteria. The primary purpose of this visa is to ensure that individuals coming to the UK as visitors have genuine intentions and will comply with the visa conditions.

Getting a UK Visitor Visa might seem hard, but we're here to help. Our team at Moeen & Co. Solicitors has guided many successfully. We aim to simplify the application process for you.

Looking to visit the UK? To get help with your Standard Visitor visa application, contact Moeen & Co. Solicitors at 0203 959 7755 or fill in the enquiry form.

Table of Contents

1. What is a UK Standard Visitor visa?
2. Key points about the UK Visitor visa
3. UK Standard Visitor visa requirements
4. How much bank balance is required for a UK Standard Visitor visa?
5. Documents required for a UK Standard Visitor visa
6. If you have a sponsor
7. How to apply for a UK Standard Visitor visa?
8. How much is the UK Standard Visitor visa fee?
9. How long does it take for a UK Standard Visitor visa to be processed?
10. How can our immigration solicitors help with your UK visa applications?
11. How much does an immigration solicitor charge for a UK visa application?
12. FAQs: Standard Visitor visa UK
13. Contact immigration solicitors in London

What is a UK Standard Visitor visa?

The UK Standard Visitor visa allows you to visit the UK as a Standard Visitor for tourism, business, study (courses up to 6 months) and to see friends & family.

Usually, visitors can stay in the UK for a maximum of 6 months. However, the duration of stay can vary depending on the purpose of the visit and individual circumstances.

Key points about the UK Visitor visa

Purposes

A UK Visitor visa is designed for various purposes, including tourism, visiting family and friends, business meetings, attending conferences, receiving private medical treatment, and participating in academic courses that are less than six months in duration.

Duration

Visitor visas are usually issued for short durations, typically ranging from 6 months to 10 years, depending on the specific circumstances and the applicant's history of compliance with visa conditions. The actual duration will be determined by the Home Office.

Conditions

While in the UK on a Visitor visa, individuals are expected to adhere to certain conditions, such as not working or studying for extended periods and maintaining appropriate financial support during their stay.

Biometric Information

Applicants may be required to provide biometric information, including fingerprints and photographs, as part of the application process.

Visa Application

To apply for a UK Visitor visa, applicants must complete the appropriate application form, provide supporting documents to demonstrate their purpose for visiting and pay the required visa fee. They may also need to attend a visa application centre to submit biometric information.

Financial Requirements

Applicants are generally required to demonstrate that they have sufficient funds to cover their stay in the UK without relying on public funds.

Sponsorship

If someone in the UK is sponsoring your visit, they may need to provide a sponsorship letter and financial evidence.

Refusal and Appeals

If your Visitor visa application is refused, you have the right to appeal the decision in some cases. However, it's essential to carefully review the refusal letter and follow the appeal process as specified.

UK Standard Visitor visa requirements

To be eligible to apply for a UK Visitor visa, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements.

You must prove that:

• You are a genuine visitor.
• You intend to leave the UK at the end of your visit.
• You have suitable accommodation arrangements in the UK.
• you can financially support your visit to the UK.

How much bank balance is required for a UK Standard Visitor visa?

For a UK Standard Visitor visa, there is no fixed amount of money that you need to show in your bank balance. Instead, the UK Home Office requires that you have enough funds to support yourself during your stay without needing to work or access public funds.

You should have enough money:

• to pay the UK Standard Visitor visa application fee.
• to cover your accommodation.
• to cover your living expenses, including food, transport, and other daily costs.
• to cover the cost of your return travel or onward travel after your visit.

When you apply, you will need to provide bank statements or other financial documents as evidence. You should have money in your bank account for a reasonable period (typically at least 28 days).

Documents required for a UK Standard Visitor visa

When applying for a UK Standard Visitor visa, having all the necessary documents in order is important. Missing or incomplete paperwork can result in delays or even a rejected application.

You will need to provide the following documents:

• A valid passport or travel document.
• Evidence of accommodation arrangements.
• Proof that you have adequate funds to cover the costs of your trip.
• Your travel history.
• Your travel itinerary. The dates you’re planning to travel to the UK.
• Evidence of your ties to your home country (e.g., employment, property ownership).
• Provide a return flight ticket to show your intention to return after your visit.

If you have a sponsor

If someone else (your sponsor) is providing your travel, maintenance or accommodation you should provide evidence showing:

• what support is being provided and whether it extends to any dependent family.
• how this support is being provided.
• the person supporting you has enough funds to support themselves and their dependents adequately.
• the relationship between you and the sponsor, for example, if they’re your family member or employer.
• the person supporting you is legally in the UK (if applicable), for example, if they have a British passport or residence document.

How to apply for a UK Standard Visitor visa?

Planning a trip to the UK? You must apply online for a Standard Visitor visa before you travel to the UK and attend an appointment at a visa application centre.

Follow this step-by-step guide to applying for your UK Standard Visitor visa:

• Start by gathering all the necessary documents and information.
• Fill out the online UK Standard Visitor visa application form with accurate and up-to-date information. Include your travel plans, what you'll do, and how long you'll stay.
• Upload the needed supporting documents. They should be clear and meet the requirements.
• Pay the application fee with a valid credit or debit card.
• Check your application thoroughly before submitting it. Make sure all your information is correct to avoid problems.
• Submit your application. You'll get a confirmation email with a reference number.
• Book an appointment at a visa application centre to provide your biometrics (fingerprints and a photo).
• Take all necessary documents and your confirmation email to the visa appointment.
• Wait for a decision on your Standard Visitor visa application. The processing time is typically within 3 weeks. If your visa is approved, you'll get your passport back with the visa stickered inside.

Our expert team at Moeen & Co. Solicitors can help you with the UK tourist visa application. Call us today at 0203 959 7755 or fill in online enquiry form to arrange an appointment.

How much is the UK Standard Visitor visa fee?

It costs £115 to apply for a six-month UK Standard Visitor visa. The fee you pay for a UK Standard Visitor visa depends on how long you plan to stay.

You can apply for a Standard Visitor visa for short-term visits, or if you visit the UK regularly you can choose to apply for a long-term Standard Visitor visa instead.

Current Application Fees

Additional Charges

There could be more costs apart from the Visitor visa fees. These extras come with special services or situations. For example, you might face extra costs for:

• Priority service for faster processing.
• Attending a biometric appointment for your fingerprints and photo. A fee could apply for this.
• A health surcharge if you're staying in the UK for over 6 months.

Remember to include these extra charges in your budget for the UK Standard Visitor Visa application.

How long does it take for a UK Standard Visitor visa to be processed?

UK Standard Visitor visa applications are currently taking an average of 3 weeks to process. However, some applications may take longer to process, especially if they require additional administrative processing or if the applicant has a complex case.

FAQs: Standard Visitor visa UK