Visitor Visa

VISITOR VISA (STANDAR VISITOR)

If you are planning to visit the UK for tourism, business, study for less than 6 months, and other allowed activities, in other words; as a visitor, you can find the answers to your questions in this article of ours.

Standard Visitor Visa: Q&A

  1. What is the Standard Visitor Visa?

The Standard Visitor Visa is a visa category for individuals who wish to visit the UK for short-term purposes such as tourism, business, study, or family visits. This visa allows stays of up to 6 months, and in certain cases, longer stays for specific purposes.

There are several subcategories under the Standard Visitor Visa, including:

  • Tourism, Leisure, and Family Visit Visa
  • Business Visitor Visa
  • Medical Treatment Visitor Visa
  • Study Visitor Visa
  1. What are the subcategories of the Standard Visitor Visa?

The Standard Visitor Visa covers several types of visits, each with its own permitted activities:

Tourism, Leisure, and Family Visit Visa

This subcategory is for individuals visiting the UK for:

  • Tourism or holidays.
  • Visiting friends and family.
  • Taking part in educational exchanges or short courses (up to 30 days).

Business Visitor Visa

This subcategory allows individuals to:

  • Attend meetings, conferences, or training.
  • Negotiate contracts.
  • Conduct site visits or other business-related activities.
  • Engage in certain permitted paid engagements (pre-arranged before travel and completed within 30 days).

Medical Treatment Visitor Visa

This subcategory allows visitors to:

  • Receive private medical treatment in the UK for up to 6 months.
  • Accompany someone receiving medical treatment in the UK (as a companion or carer).

Study Visitor Visa

This subcategory is for short-term study (less than 6 months) and allows visitors to:

  • Attend a course or educational programme.
  • Undertake academic visits or research if they are an academic.
  1. What are the general requirements for the Standard Visitor Visa?

To qualify for any subcategory of the Standard Visitor Visa, you must satisfy the following criteria:

  • You are visiting the UK for a permitted purpose (such as tourism, business, or study).
  • You have sufficient funds to cover the cost of your stay without working or using public funds.
  • You will leave the UK at the end of your visit.
  • You will not live in the UK for extended periods through frequent visits.
  • You meet the specific requirements of the subcategory you are applying for.
  1. What is the Tourism, Leisure, and Family Visit Visa?

The Tourism, Leisure, and Family Visit Visa is a subcategory for individuals visiting the UK for:

  • Tourism and holidays.
  • Visiting friends and family.
  • Participating in short educational exchanges (up to 30 days).
  1. Can I work with a Standard Visitor Visa?

No, holders of the Standard Visitor Visa cannot work in the UK or claim public funds. However, you may participate in certain permitted paid engagements, provided these are pre-arranged before your travel and completed within 30 days.

  1. How long is the Standard Visitor Visa valid for?

The Standard Visitor Visa is typically valid for 6 months. However, you can apply for longer-term visas (2, 5, or 10 years), but each visit must not exceed 6 months.

In special cases, such as private medical treatment or academic study, you may apply for an extension beyond the initial 6 months.

  1. What are the financial requirements for a Standard Visitor Visa?

You must demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to cover your travel, accommodation, and living costs during your stay. You may need to provide bank statements or proof of income to show you can support yourself without working or accessing public funds in the UK.

  1. How much bank balance/ money is required for UK tourist visa?

There is no certain amount you need to possess and show for this visa. You only need to prove with sufficient evidence that you are able to afford your, and your dependants’ if you have, visit, accommodation and return.

In your visa application, you must provide your bank statements for the last six months that clearly demonstrate your monthly income and expenses. You must also prove the legitimate source of your funding.

  1. Can I extend my stay on a Standard Visitor Visa?

Extensions are only permitted in limited circumstances, such as:

  • If you are receiving private medical treatment.
  • If you are an academic needing to stay longer for research.
  • If you are a graduate retaking the Professional and Linguistic Assessment Board (PLAB) or doing a clinical attachment.
  1. Can I switch from a Standard Visitor Visa to another visa?

No, you cannot switch to another visa category while on a Standard Visitor Visa. You must leave the UK and apply for a different visa from outside the UK.

  1. How much does a Standard Visitor Visa cost?

The application fee for a Standard Visitor Visa depends on the length of stay:

  • £115 for a visa valid for up to 6 months.
  • £400 for a 2-year visa.
  • £771 for a 5-year visa.
  • £963 for a 10-year visa.
  1. What are the specific rules for a Business Visitor Visa?

Under the Business Visitor Visa subcategory, you can:

  • Attend conferences, meetings, or training sessions.
  • Negotiate and sign deals or contracts.
  • Conduct site visits and inspections.
  • Participate in pre-arranged permitted paid engagements.

You cannot work for a UK business, establish a business, or take on long-term employment under this visa.

  1. What activities are permitted under the Medical Treatment Visitor Visa?

Under the Medical Treatment Visitor Visa, you can:

  • Receive private medical treatment at a UK medical institution.
  • Stay for up to 6 months, or longer if approved by the Home Office.
  • Accompany a person receiving treatment as their carer or companion.

14.Can I marry on visitor visa in UK?

No, you are not allowed to marry or enter a civil partnership while in the UK on a standard visitor visa.

  1. What is the Study Visitor Visa?

The Study Visitor Visa allows you to:

  • Undertake a short course of study (less than 6 months).
  • Attend an educational exchange or academic visit.

It is ideal for students or academics who need to attend specific programmes or conduct research in the UK.

  1. How can Kaya Legal help with the UK Visitor Visa process?

At Kaya Legal, we provide expert guidance to individuals and families applying for a Standard Visitor Visa in any of its subcategories. Our immigration lawyers can help with:

  • Assessing your eligibility and advising on the most appropriate visa type for your visit.
  • Preparing and submitting your visa application with the necessary supporting documents, such as bank statements and travel plans.
  • Ensuring compliance with the specific requirements of your chosen visa subcategory, such as tourism, business, or medical treatment.
  • Assisting with any complications that may arise during the visa application process, including providing support if you face refusals or need to reapply.

Our team is dedicated to providing clear and reliable advice, making the visa application process as smooth and stress-free as possible.