UK Visit Visa
Understanding the UK Standard Visitor Visa
UK visit visa, also known as the UK Standard Visitor Visa, allows people to travel to the United Kingdom for various purposes, including tourism, visiting family and friends, professional reasons, and medical treatments.
Activities Permitted with a Standard Visitor Visa
With a Standard Visitor Visa, you can engage in the following activities in the UK:
- Meet your family and friends
- Attend a conference or a meeting
- Attend an interview
- Enjoy a holiday in an excellent spot
- Plan your vacation
- Volunteer for up to 30 days with a registered charity
- Take part in school exchange programs
- Study in an accredited UK institution (for up to six months), do a placement, or appear for an exam
- Enroll in a recreational course (such as a dance course) for up to 30 days
- Seek medical treatment
- Academics from overseas institutions can participate in formal exchange arrangements or conduct their own research during a sabbatical
- Dentists or senior doctors can engage in research, teach, or undertake clinical practice (as long as it’s not on a permanent basis)
Application Process for the UK Standard Visitor Visa
If you need a Standard Visitor Visa, you must apply online before traveling to the UK and attend an appointment at a visa application center. The earliest you can apply is three months before your travel date. It is essential to meet the eligibility requirements.
Visa Processing Time and Fast Track Services
It will not take more than 15 days to process the visa, provided all supporting documents are submitted correctly. Fast track services are available, where your visa application will be processed in just 24 hours, but this expedited service incurs an additional fee.
Duration of the UK Standard Visitor Visa
The UK provides short-term visas with up to six months’ validity, and long-term visas with validity periods of two years, five years, and ten years.
Required Documents for the UK Visit Visa
To support your UK Visit Visa application, the following documents are needed:
- The online form of UK Tourist Visa Application Form VAF1A
- Fee receipts
- Valid passport
- Proof of funds to support your stay in the UK
- Your last ten years of travel history
- Two recent photographs as per UK government guidelines
- Biometric information
- Letter of invitation
- Your language skills certificate
- Medical certificates stating that you are fit to travel to the UK
By following these guidelines and ensuring all necessary documentation is in order, the process of obtaining a UK Standard Visitor Visa can be straightforward and efficient. For more detailed information, consult with our UK visa consultants