What is a Standard Visitor Visa?

The Standard Visitor visa has replaced several previously distinct visas, including the 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. This visa allows individuals to engage in permissible business activities in the UK, as well as activities related to an overseas job role, for a period of up to six months. If your business necessitates frequent visits to the UK over an extended period, you can apply for a visa valid for two, five, or ten years. However, each visit is limited to a maximum duration of six months. Academics arriving in the UK for a sabbatical or exchange arrangement may apply for either a 6-month or 12-month visa, provided they meet the necessary requirements.

Permissible Activities on a Standard Visitor Visa UK

• Travel: Holiday, vacation, visiting family or friends.
• Volunteering: With a registered charity for up to 30 days.
• Transit: Passing through the UK to another country.
• Business Activities: Attending conferences, meetings, trainings, seminars, or interviews; negotiating deals and contracts; participating in trade fairs (without sales); site visits; supervising delivery of goods/services; installing, dismantling, repairing, or advising on equipment.
• Funding: Seeking investments to establish or take over a UK business.
• Training/Knowledge Sharing: Internally for UK employees of your overseas company; delivering non-commercial talks; performing as an artist, entertainer, or musician for specific events.
• Work-Related Training: Unavailable in home country (e.g., merchant navy training).
• Study: English language or short courses at accredited institutions.
• Research/Elective Studies: In fields such as medicine, veterinary medicine, nursing, dentistry.
• Exams/Placements: Entrance exams, retaking exams, Ph.D. vivas, placements like PLAB test, OSCE, BTT, QLTS.
• Exchanges: Academic, medical, or dental exchanges.
• Sabbatical Research: Conducting research during a sabbatical.
• Clinical Practice: Teaching or engaging in clinical practice, unpaid clinical attachments, observer posts.
• Medical Treatment: Receiving private medical treatment.
• Organ Donation: Donating an organ to a family member or close friend.

Prohibited Activities on a Standard Visitor Visa UK

• Working (paid or unpaid) for a UK company or as self-employed.
• Claiming benefits.
• Residing in the UK for extended periods through frequent visits.
• Marrying or registering a civil partnership (for marriage-related activities, apply for a Marriage Visitor Visa).

Requirements for Obtaining a Standard Visitor Visa UK

• Purpose: Clear intent for visiting (business, family, or leisure).
• Duration: Intent to leave the UK within the authorized six-month period.
• Financial Capability: Proof of funds to support yourself and dependents without public funds.
• Return/Onward Journey: Adequate funds for return or onward journey.
• Business Visits: Compliance with permitted business activities.
• Residency: No intention to establish residence in the UK through regular visits.

Application Process for a Standard Visitor Visa UK

• Submission: Primarily online (paper form for North Korea applicants).
• Biometric Data: Collected at a local Visa Application Centre.
• Documents Required:
  • Valid passport or travel document.
  • Bank statements proving financial capacity.
  • Evidence of visit purpose.
  • Confirmation of departure plans after the visit.

Long-Term Standard Visitor Visa UK

• Available for frequent visitors, valid for 2, 5, or 10 years, with each visit limited to six months.

Fees

• Fees vary based on visa type and duration. Check the official website for current fees.

Changes or Cancellations

• Changes or cancellations depend on the application stage.

Extensions

• Possible under compelling and compassionate circumstances.

Processing Time

• Standard processing takes up to three weeks, with expedited options available for additional fees.

Visa Requirement Check

• Depends on nationality. Consult the official list or guidance.

Family and Marriage

• Family members must apply for their own visitor visas.
• Marriage-related activities require a Marriage Visitor Visa.

Medical Insurance

• Not mandatory for Standard Visitor Visa holders.

Handling Refusals

• Refusals can be challenged through judicial review.

Disclaimer

The information above is not legal advice, and any reference to legal solutions or information regarding UK Immigration is sourced from Gov.uk (the official UK immigration website). ImmigrationHUB.co.uk does not provide legal advice or counsel. Any legal matters are dealt with directly by our partnered firms, which are registered by the governing societies in their area of operations.