You can visit the UK on a Standard Visitor Visa for business purposes, study courses for up to six months, and as a tourist. Most permitted activities on this visa allow visitors to stay for six months.
Standard Visitor Visas allow a range of activities, and these include:-
You will need a passport or other identity document, which should not expire whilst you are in the UK. You must be able to support yourself during your stay or have someone do this for you, for example, if you are coming to study and live with a family member. You will also have to be able to pay for your return journey or have funding from someone else for this cost.
Additional eligibility requirements depend on whether you are coming to the UK to study, take exams, or visit in an academic capacity.
Depending upon the reason for your travel, you may also need to provide other information, which might include your employment details, the name and address of someone who is paying for your trip, and the names, addresses, and passport numbers of any family members you have in the UK.
If you are travelling to study, for medical reasons, or as an academic, you will have to provide additional documents.
The UK has a complicated immigration system, and what you need to accompany your application for a Standard Visitor Visa will depend upon the reason for your visit. The application process can be perplexing, especially if you don’t speak good English.
Using an immigration expert will make the whole process easier and more straightforward plus, you can avoid common pitfalls, such as providing the wrong documents, which will only delay your application.
WH Solicitors are professional immigration experts with many years of experience advising people who want to come to the UK and handling visa applications on their behalf. Our team of advisers is friendly and approachable and will explain everything in simple terms and without jargon.
WH Solicitors has a team of immigration specialists qualified to handle every aspect of your application for a Standard Visitor Visa. We can also offer guidance about coming to stay in the UK and answer any questions or queries you may have, including signposting you to relevant organisations. The UK immigration system is not easy to navigate, and we aim to make the process as simple and stress-free as possible. Our fees are affordable and set out clearly before we start work, so you’ll know exactly how much it will cost.
Here’s how we can help.
We have written this article that explain the common reasons for a visit visa: Common Reasons For Refusal
The UK doesn’t have a digital nomad visa. This article will explain if remote work can be done in the UK: Remote Working In The UK
On a Standard Visitor Visa, you cannot work for a UK company or organisation, even if it is unremunerated or self-employed. Visitors cannot claim state benefits. You may not marry or register a civil partnership or give notice of a marriage or civil partnership. A Standard Visitor Visa does not allow repeat visits, so you end up living in the UK for long periods of time with frequent visa applications.
A Standard Visitor Visa costs £115 for up to six months. If you travel for medical reasons or as an academic, the fee is £200. If you visit the UK regularly, a long-term Standard Visitor Visa may be more suitable for your needs. If you are just passing through the UK to transit to another country, you can apply for a Visitor Transit Visa instead, which is £64. You can apply for a Standard Visitor Visa no earlier than three months before you intend to travel.
To apply for a Standard Visitor Visa, you must make an appointment at a Visa Application Centre to prove your identity. Depending on where you live, this could be quite a long way from home. At the appointment, you will need to verify your identity with a passport or other identity document. The official will take your fingerprints and photograph – this is called biometric information. You will also need to bring with you the documents required to prove your eligibility; the precise nature of these will depend upon the reason for your visit.
Contact WH Solicitors for expert advice about coming to the UK for work, study, or leisure. We’ll handle the application process for a Standard Visitor Visa on your behalf and provide helpful information and guidance about visiting the UK.
The contents of this webpage are provided for informational purposes only and are not intended to constitute legal advice. All information is correct as of the date of publication, and any individual or organisation should be careful to seek qualified advice from a specialist immigration lawyer before acting on any of the topics referenced by this content.
