Standard Visitor Visa Application
The UK is a popular destination for people across the world, whether for tourism, visiting friends and family, attending business meetings, or participating in cultural or academic events. For individuals who wish to enter the UK for short stays, the Standard Visitor Visa is often the key to making these trips possible.
Whether you’re planning a holiday, business trip, or visit to family and friends in the UK, our network of experienced immigration lawyers can help you with your Standard Visitor Visa application from initial consultation through to the application process and beyond.
Planning a trip to the UK? Let Lawhive simplify your Standard Visitor Visa application process.
Contact us today for a free case evaluation and quote for the services of a specialist immigration lawyer.
What is a Standard Visitor Visa?
A Standard Visitor Visa is a short-term visa that allows individuals outside the UK to visit for tourism, see family and friends, attend business meetings or conferences, undertake short courses, or even receive private or funded medical treatment.
Who is eligible for a Standard Visitor Visa?
To be eligible for a Standard Visitor Visa you must:
Demonstrate the purpose of the visit and that it aligns with the activities permitted under the visa;
Show that you intend to stay in the UK for a short period, typically up to 6 months;
Prove that you have sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay without access to public funds;
Show evidence of ties in your home country, such as employment, property, or family.
What can you do on a Standard Visit Visa in the UK?
A Standard Visitor Visa allows visitors to engage in a wide range of permitted activities during their stay including:
Tourism and leisure activities
Visiting family and friends
Volunteering (for up to 30 days with a registered charity)
Academic and cultural participation like performing at festivals, competing in sporting events or tournaments, or taking part in research and exchange programs
Receiving medical treatment
Enrolling in short courses like language courses, professional training programs or hobby-related courses
Preparing for and taking exams
Attending meetings, interviews, and conferences
What can’t you do on a Standard Visitor Visa in the UK?
On a Standard Visitor Visa in the UK, you can’t:
Take up paid or unpaid work for a UK company or be self-employed
Enrol in long-term courses or full-time education programs exceeding six months
Access public funds (benefits)
Get married or form a civil partnership
Stay for an extended period
Receive payment or compensation beyond reasonable expenses for participating in sports or entertainment activities
If you intend to do any of the above while in the UK, you must apply for a different visa. For example, if you want to enroll in a long-term course or full-time education program that exceeds six months, you must apply for a Student Visa.
For expert advice and assistance with a Standard Visitor Visa application or any other visa appication, contact us today for a free case evaluation and quote for the support of a specialist immigration lawyer.
Do I need a visa to visit the UK?
If you are a citizen of certain countries or territories, you may not need a visa to visit the UK for short stays (up to six months) for tourism, visiting family and friends, business meetings, or attending events. These countries are often called "visa-exempt" or "visa-free" countries.
Having said that, even without a visa you are still limited to the activities allowed under a Standard Visitor Visa and you must still satisfy UK Border Control upon arrival that you have a genuine reason for your visit, sufficient funds for your stay, and plans to leave the UK at the end of your visit.
How long can you stay in the UK on a Standard Visitor Visa?
A Standard Visitor Visa typically allows you to stay in the UK for up to 6 months per visit. This period is standard for most visitors coming to the UK for leisure and tourism or visiting family and friends. That being said, you can stay for a shorter time if that is sufficient for your visit.
A Long-Term Standard Visitor Visa can be issued for 2, 5, or 10 years. This allows you to make multiple visits to the UK without needing to reapply for a new visa each time you travel. However, each visit mustn’t be longer than 6 months.
If you are travelling to the UK on a Standard Visitor visa for medical reasons, the maximum length of stay is 11 months. For academics, the maximum length of stay is 12 months. However, you must apply for an extension for both.
How much does a Standard Visitor Visa cost?
A Standard Visitor visa costs £115 for up to 6 months. However, if you are coming to the UK for medical reasons or as an academic, a Standard Visitor Visa costs £200.
If you are applying for a 2-year, 5-year, or 10-year long-term Standard Visitor Visa the costs are £432, £771, and £963 respectively.
If you are only visiting the UK to pass through to another country you can apply for a Visitor in Transit Visa for £64.
How much money do you need for a Standard Visitor Visa?
For a Standard Visitor Visa, you must show that you have enough money to cover your accommodation, living expenses, and return travel.
While there is no set amount, you should be able to show that you can support yourself during your stay through bank statements or proof of income. Alternatively, if a family member or friend in the UK will be supporting you, a letter of support may be required.
When can you apply for a Standard Visitor Visa?
You can apply for a Standard Visitor Visa up to 3 months before your intended date of travel to the UK. For example, if you plan to travel on 1st June, you can start your application as early as 1st March.
While there is no official latest time to apply, you should do so at least 4-6 weeks before your planned travel date to allow enough time for visa processing and attending the visa application centre. Biometric appointments can sometimes be booked weeks in advance, especially during peak travel seasons!
Can you apply for a Standard Visitor Visa if you’re under 18?
Individuals under 18 can apply for a Standard Visitor Visa if:
They are visiting the UK for a permitted activity under the Standard Visitor Visa, such as tourism, visiting family, attending school-related activities, or participating in events.
They are visiting for a short period (up to 6 months)
They can pay for their return or onward journey
They have enough money to support themselves
They have proper arrangements for accommodation
Minors must also have written consent from their parents or legal guardians. This consent must include:
Who the child will be travelling with or if they will be travelling alone
Where the child will be staying
Who will be responsible for the child during their visit
Documents proving the relationship between the child and their parents or guardians may be required, such as birth certificates. Further, if the child is attending a school or educational program in the UK, confirmation from the educational institution may be needed.
How to apply for a Standard Visitor Visa
Before you start your application you should make sure you meet the eligibility criteria for a Standard Visitor Visa. You will also need:
A valid passport
Evidence of financial support and how much you think your trip will cost
Proof of where you’ll be staying such as hotel bookings or a letter from a family member or friend
Details of your travel itinerary
Your current home address and how long you’ve lived there
Your parents’ names and dates of birth
Details of any criminal, civil, or immigration offences
When you’re sure you have everything you need:
Go to the UK government’s visa application website
Complete the online application form
Pay the application fee
Print the application form and your payment receipt
Book an appointment at a visa application centre to provide your biometric information
Attend the appointment
You will receive an email or letter containing the decision on your application and what you need to do next.
How long does it take to get a Standard Visitor Visa?
It usually takes around 3 weeks to get a decision on a Standard Visitor Visa after following the above steps.
Can you extend a Standard Visitor Visa?
Extensions are usually granted only in exceptional circumstances. These include:
Medical treatment
If you are already in the UK for private medical treatment and need to continue receiving it beyond the initial 6 months, you can extend your stay for up to 6 additional months.
You’ll need proof from your medical practitioner that the treatment is ongoing and that you have sufficient funds to cover your extended stay and the cost of your treatment.
Academic visitors
If you are in the UK as an academic visitor, you can apply to extend your stay for 6 months if you need more time to complete your activities.
You’ll need proof from your academic institution or sponsor confirming the need for an extended stay and evidence of ongoing financial support for the extended period.
Compassionate grounds
If unexpected and serious personal circumstances arise during your stay, such as a family crisis or a medical emergency, you can apply for an extension on compassionate grounds. The extension duration will be based on the specific circumstances and needs but typically would not exceed an additional 6 months.
You should apply for an extension of your Standard Visitor Visa before your visa expires. It costs £1,000 to apply to extend your stay as a Standard Visitor.
Can I stay in the UK for 6 months and then come back?
The Standard Visitor Visa permits stays of up to six months per visit. This means you can stay in the UK continuously for up to six months at a time during each visit.
If you have a multiple-entry visa (valid for 2, 5, or 10 years), you can re-enter the UK multiple times during the validity period of your visa. However, each stay must not exceed six months. While you can make multiple visits to the UK on a multiple-entry visa, the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) may question frequent or consecutive stays. They may suspect that you are attempting to live in the UK long-term without the appropriate visa.
To avoid issues at the border or with visa renewals, it is generally advisable to spend more time outside the UK than inside. For example, after staying for six months, you might be expected to spend at least six months outside the UK before re-entering.
Further, keep records of your travel plans, accommodations, and reasons for each visit. This documentation can help explain your travel patterns if questioned by immigration officers.
What is the difference between a Tourist Visa and a Standard Visitor Visa?
In the UK, there is no difference between a Tourist Visa and a Standard Visitor Visa. If you wish to visit the UK for tourism and leisure you must apply for a Standard Visitor Visa.
Why choose Lawhive for your Standard Visitor Visa application?
Our network of immigration lawyers specialise in UK visa applications, including the Standard Visitor Visa, and provides accurate and effective advice and guidance tailored to your needs.
Your lawyer will:
Assess your eligibility for your chosen visa
Develop a tailored approach to your visa application
Assist you in preparing all necessary documents
Guide you through the online application process
Provide support and updates throughout the application process
Offer advice on next steps if you need to consider an appeal
We have successfully assisted numerous clients with their visa applications and our commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction has earned us the trust of many individuals and families.
Contact us today for a free case evaluation and quote for the services of a specialist Standard Visitor Visa lawyer.