The UK visitor visa, commonly known as the Standard Visitor Visa, is a six-month short-stay visa that allows its bearer to stay in the UK. The embassy, on the other hand, has the authority to provide visas for a shorter amount of time.
Standard Visitor Visa for the United Kingdom
Business Visitor Visa, Family Visitor Visa, Child Visitor Visa, Student Visitor Visa (up to 6 months), Sports Visitor Visa, Entertainer Visitor Visa, Prospective Entrepreneur Visa, and Private Medical Treatment Visitor Visa have all been superseded by the Standard Visitor Visa.
This visa allows you to undertake approved business activities in the United Kingdom as well as conduct activities in the United Kingdom as part of an abroad job function for up to six months.
If your job needs you to visit the UK on a regular basis for a longer period of time, you can apply for a two-, five-, or ten-year visa. You can only stay for a total of six months on each visit.
Academics who are travelling to the UK on a sabbatical or exchange can apply for either 6 or 12 months, depending on their needs. A senior doctor or dentist can also come to participate in research, educate, or perform clinical medicine (as long as the role is not permanent).
This visa is for persons who want to visit the United Kingdom for the following reasons:
- to pay a visit to relatives
- Medical attention is required.
- For the sake of my job.
Permitted Activities
As a Standard Visitor, you have the following options:
- for tourism, such as visiting family or friends
- to volunteer for up to 30 days with a registered charity
- to pass through the UK to another country (in transit)
- for certain business activities, such as attending a meeting or interview
- to participate in a school exchange programme
- to do a recreational course of up to 30 days, such as a dance course
- to study, do a placement, or take an exam as an academic, senior doctor, or dentist for a period of up to 30 days
You are unable to:
- receive public funds while doing paid or unpaid labour for a UK corporation or as a self-employed person (benefits)
- visit the UK on a regular or repeated basis over a long period of time
- Youll need to apply for a Marriage Visitor visa if you marry or register a civil partnership, or if you give notice of marriage or civil partnership.
Do You Need A Standard Visitor Visa?
Before visiting the UK, you must apply for a Standard Visitor visa.
Depending on your nationality you may be permitted to visit the UK without a visa for up to 6 months
Before you apply, check to see if you require a visa.
Even if you do not require a visa to visit the UK, you must still meet the Standard Visitor eligibility requirements. At the UK border, you may be asked questions about your eligibility and the activities you want to conduct.
Requirements for Standard Visitor Visa
You must be able to demonstrate the following:
- Youll be able to support yourself and your dependents during your vacation because youll be leaving the UK at the end of your visit (or have funding from someone else to support you)
- You can pay for your return or onward travel (or have funding from someone else to pay for the journey)
- You wont stay in the UK for long periods of time or make it your primary residence if you visit frequently or consecutively.
Easy 4 Step Process
As a Standard Visitor, you are allowed to visit the UK for tourism, business, research (up to 6 months), and other specified activities.
In most cases, you can stay in the UK for up to six months. In specific instances, such as receiving medical treatment, you may be allowed to ask for a longer stay.
What you should do
• Check to see if what you want to do in the UK as a Standard Visitor is permitted.
• Make sure you meet the eligibility criteria.
• Check to see if you need a visa to visit the United Kingdom.
• If you require a Standard Visitor visa, you can apply for one online.