Planning to visit the UK for tourism, business, or to see family and friends?

The Standard Visitor Visa allows you to stay for up to six months and experience everything the UK has to offer, from iconic landmarks to vibrant cultural scenes.

Before applying for a Standard Visitor visa UK, check if you meet all the eligibility requirements. You need to show you're visiting for real, have enough money for your trip and return, and plan to leave the UK after your visit.

Need help applying for a UK Standard Visitor visa? Contact our immigration solicitors in London at 0203 417 3700 or fill in our online enquiry form.

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What is the UK Standard Visitor visa?

The UK Standard Visitor visa is a short-term visa that allows people to travel to the UK for various purposes such as tourism, business, and visiting family.

The Standard Visitor visa typically allows you to stay in the UK for up to six months. In some cases, such as for private medical treatment, you can apply for a longer stay.

If you need help with a UK tourist visa application, our team at Wembley Solicitors is ready to assist. Call us at 0203 417 3700 for expert advice and support during the application.

Types of UK visitor visa applications

Below is a list of common types of UK Visitor visas:

What activities are allowed on a Standard Visitor visa?

You can visit the UK as a Standard Visitor for various purposes including:

  • Tourism and sightseeing
  • Visiting friends and family
  • Attending business meetings and conferences
  • Participating in short-term study or training
  • Receiving private medical treatment

Requirements for UK Standard Visitor visa

To qualify for a UK Standard Visitor visa, you must meet certain requirements and demonstrate that:

  • You are a genuine visitor.
  • You can support yourself and any dependents for the duration of your trip.
  • You must have suitable accommodation arranged for your stay in the UK.
  • You must have strong ties to your home country.
  • You will leave the UK at the end of your visit.
  • You can pay for your return or onward journey.
  • You must not have a criminal record.

You must meet all other UK Standard Visitor visa requirements depending on your circumstances and the purpose of the visit.

UK Visitor visa document checklist

When you apply for Standard Visitor visa, you'll need to provide:

  1. Valid passport (with at least six months validity)
  2. Recent passport-sized photographs
  3. Completed visa application form
  4. Evidence of the purpose of the visit
  5. Accommodation details
  6. Evidence of ties to your home country
  7. Travel itinerary
  8. Proof of employment or studies
  9. Bank statements showing sufficient funds for your visit
  10. Invitation letter (if visiting your family)
  11. Letter from employer (if the applicant is employed)
  12. Letter from school (if the applicant is a student)
  13. Letter from hospital or doctor (if visiting for medical treatment)
  14. Any other relevant documents depending on the purpose of your visit

Additional documents may be required depending on your specific circumstances and the purpose of your visit. It is advisable to consult with an immigration lawyer for the most up-to-date and accurate information.

Standard Visitor visa: for short-term study

Short-term study courses are permitted; however, you cannot engage in long-term study while on a Standard Visitor visa.

For longer courses, you should apply for a UK Student visa if you meet all the eligibility requirements of a UK Student visa.

Standard Visitor visa: for business purposes

UK Standard Visitor visa or Business Visitor visa allows you to engage in a wide range of business activities, making it easier to explore and expand your business opportunities in the UK.

You can visit the UK to do various business activities such as attending interviews, meetings, conferences, seminars etc.

If you are attending a business event or conference, you should provide a letter of invitation from the organiser of the event you are attending.

Standard Visitor visa: for visiting family

UK Standard Visitor visa or Family Visitor visa allows people to visit their close family members such as Spouses, Children, Parents, and Siblings in the UK for up to six months.

You can enjoy leisure activities, spend time with loved ones, and see the sights. But remember, this visa doesn't let you work, study, or stay in the UK for a longer period.

Steps to apply for a UK Standard Visitor visa

Applying for a UK Standard Visitor visa has several key steps. These steps are crucial for a smooth application process.

Here are the main stages you must follow:

  1. Gather the Required Supporting Documents
  2. Complete the Online Application Form
  3. Submit Your Application
  4. Schedule & Attend Your Biometric Appointment
  5. Wait for the Decision

1. Gather the Required Supporting Documents

You'll need to collect specific documents to support your application. These documents prove your visit's purpose, your ties to your home country, and your financial stability.

2. Complete the Online Application Form

Begin by visiting the official UK visa application website. Fill in the online form with all the needed details. Always check your information before you submit it to prevent errors.

3. Submit Your Application

After filling out the online form and collecting all documents, submit your application. You can submit it online and pay the visa fee at this point.

4. Schedule & Attend Your Biometric Appointment

After applying, book an appointment at the nearest visa centre. At this appointment, you'll give your biometric information, like fingerprints and a digital photo. Bring your appointment confirmation and all original documents with you.

5. Wait for the Decision

After submitting your application and attending your Biometric appointment, you will need to wait for the decision. The processing time varies, so it is advisable to apply well in advance of your planned travel date.

How long does it take to process a UK Standard Visitor visa application?

UK Standard Visitor visa applications typically take about three weeks (15 working days) to process from the date you attend your biometric appointment.

However, processing times can differ depending on the country from which you are applying.

If your application requires additional information or background checks, processing may take longer.

This is an estimated timeframe and can vary depending on the complexity of the matter. All the applicants are advised to check the latest information about the UK Visitor visa application processing time on the official UK government website.

How much does the UK Standard Visitor visa application cost?

The UK Standard Visitor visa application fee is currently £115, and you can stay up to six months.

If you visit the UK regularly then you can choose to apply for a long-term Standard Visitor visa instead.

What should you do if your UK Standard Visitor visa is denied?

If your UK Standard Visitor visa application is denied, you do not normally have the right to appeal. However, you can reapply with a fresh application.

If your application is refused, you will receive a letter explaining the reasons.

You can address these issues and reapply, or you may have the option to appeal the decision or request an administrative review, depending on the circumstances.

It is important to carefully review the reasons for the denial and seek professional advice if necessary. Our immigration solicitors can help guide you through the options and assist with the appeal process if applicable.

How can Wembley Solicitors help with your UK Visitor visa application?

No matter where you live, our immigration solicitors provide legal advice and assistance with UK visa applications inside the UK and around the world.

Immigration solicitors at Wembley Solicitors will:

  • Provide detailed immigration advice.
  • Assess your circumstances and eligibility for a UK visa application.
  • Explain the entire UK visa application process.
  • Give you a completed checklist of documents according to the type of visa application and your circumstances.
  • Check all the supporting documents to ensure that they are sufficient and in the correct format.
  • Fill out the complete application form and prepare detailed representations/cover letter for the Home Office UKVI about the Immigration Rules.
  • Book an appointment for you to enrol your biometrics.
  • Upload all the supporting documents.
  • Liaise with the Home Office UKVI throughout the process until we receive the decision.
  • Keep you updated with every stage of your visa or immigration application.

Contact our immigration solicitors in Wembley, London on 020 3417 3700 or fill in the enquiry form for immediate legal advice & assistance with your UK visa application.

How to contact Wembley Solicitors

You can contact our team of specialist immigration solicitors in London by calling 0203 417 3700 or by sending an email to info@wembleysolicitors.com.

There are several ways to contact Wembley Solicitors:

Our team of immigration solicitors is based in Wembley, London about a 4-minute walk from the Wembley Central underground station which gives easy access to clients.

FAQs: UK Standard Visitor visa

You can stay up to six months with a Standard Visitor visa. If you visit the UK regularly you can choose to apply for a long-term Standard Visitor visa instead.

A long-term Standard Visitor visa lasts 2, 5 or 10 years. You can stay for a maximum of 6 months on each visit.

The Standard Visitor Visa typically allows multiple entries during its validity period, but the total duration of your stays must not exceed your visa's permitted duration.

You may apply to extend your stay in certain circumstances, such as receiving medical treatment or academic research. You must apply for an extension before your current visa expires.

Biometric information includes your fingerprints and a photograph, which are required for identity verification and security purposes during the visa application process.

Each family member, including children, must apply for their own visa. There is no provision for dependents to be included in a single Standard Visitor visa application.

We provide expert advice, practical assistance, and professional representation to guide you through the application and decision-making process, from start to finish. 

We're authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA), so you know you're in safe hands.

Contact our solicitor today to get legal advice and assistance with your UK immigration matters.

You can call us on 02034173700 or leave your details here for a callback request regarding your legal matter.

Legal Disclaimer

The information provided is for general informational purposes only and should not be taken as legal advice. While we make every effort to ensure accuracy, the law may change, and the information may not reflect the most current legal developments. No warranty is given regarding the accuracy or completeness of the information, and we do not accept liability in such cases. We recommend consulting with a qualified lawyer at Moeen & Co. Solicitors before making any decisions based on the information provided on this website.

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