UK Visitor Visa: Top Tips to Avoid A Refusal

Planning on making a trip to the UK this year? Whether you’re seeking a UK visitor visa for a vacation, a temporary study plan, or a business trip, you’ve come to the right place!

Regardless of your reason, it is important to submit your visa application months in advance of your travel date. This minimizes the likelihood of rejection. It also gives you enough time to meet all the visa requirements.

Applying for a visit visa application can be a stressful, time-consuming, and costly task. Not to mention, there is always a possibility that your visit visa application may be rejected. According to the Home Office data, the average rate of visit visa refusal was as high as 13 percent in the first quarter of 2017.

There are countless reasons for a visit visa denial. If you are not familiar with those reasons, there is a significant chance that you might end up cancelling your trip.

In order to increase your chances of getting a UK visitor visa, keep the following in mind:

Purpose: What is your reason for visiting the UK? Is it a business trip, or are you visiting family there? Submission of a letter of invitation from the organization or individual is required to demonstrate that the visit is genuine.

Intent to return home: Individuals seeking a visit visa must demonstrate that they will be returning back home after their trip to the UK. As a visit visa applicant, you must provide evidence of your decision to return home.

If you are a working professional, make sure you submit your work documents as evidence that you have work commitments and thus, will be returning to your home country. Additional documentation may include educational background or property you own.

Funds: If you do not have sufficient funds to cover your expenses in the UK, the visa officer can reject your application. The exact amount of funds needed is not specified by the Home Office.

However, applicants are required to submit financial documentation, which includes but is not limited to bank statements, payslips, etc., to prove that they have the funds for the trip.

If you do not have sufficient funds, you can seek financial assistance from a family member in the UK. Mention your relationship with them and attach their financial documents with your visa application.

Travel History: Last but not least, visa decision makers also take into account an applicant’s travel history. If you are wondering why, it is because your travel history gives decision makers an idea of whether you intend to return to your home country or not.

However, this does not mean that you cannot get a UK visitor visa if you have not travelled to the UK or anywhere else.

If you need further information on different types of UK visitor visas, our knowledgeable and experienced UK immigration solicitors are ready to provide you with the support and advice you need.