If you wish to come to UK for leisure or a temporary purpose, you may need to apply for a Standard Visitor Visa.
You can check if you need a Standard Visitor Visa on the official Home Office website:
Visa Requirements When Planning to Visit the UK
In order to obtain a Standard Visitor Visa for leisure purposes, you will need to meet the following requirements:
- You need to prove that you will leave the UK at the end of your visit.
- You need to be able to financially support yourself and any of your dependents during your stay in the UK.
- You need to show that you can pay for your journey and any necessary costs.
If you need to visit the UK regularly, you have the option to apply for a long-term Standard Visitor visa which lasts 2,5 or 10 years.
Frequently Asked Questions:
When can I apply for a Standard Visitor Visa?
The earliest you can apply for a Standard Visitor Visa is 3 months prior to your intended travel date to the UK.
Can I work on a Visitor Visa in the UK?
You cannot work on a Visitor Visa in the UK unless the work falls under the permitted activities contained in Appendices 3,4 and 5 of the Immigration Rules. You can check whether a type of work falls under the permitted activities on the Home Office official website.
As QC Immigration client, we can advise you on whether a type of work is permitted under the Standard Visitor Visa. If it is not permitted, we can help you obtain the right visa.
How long will it take to receive a decision on your application?
You will normally receive a decision within 3 weeks. You can check the visa guide processing times for the country you are applying from on the official website of the Home Office.
How long can I stay in the UK under a Standard Visitor Visa?
Under a Standard Visitor Visa, you can stay in the UK for up to 6 months. You might be able to stay longer if you are coming to the UK for private medical treatment (11 months) or you are an academic on sabbatical and coming to the UK for research (you, your spouse or civil partner may be able to stay for up to 12 months).
How much does a Standard Visitor Visa cost?
The current Home Office fee for a Standard Visitor Visa is £100.
The current Home Office fees for a long-term Standard Visitor Visa are £376 for 2 years, £670 for 5 years and £837 for 10 years.
The fees are subject to change, please check the Home Office website for the latest fees
Can I extend my Standard Visitor Visa?
You may extend your Standard Visitor Visa as long as the total time you spend in the UK is less than 6 months.
If you would like to learn more about how we can help you with a Visit Visa application, please contact QC Immigration today.