Who can apply for a UK Visitor visa?

Standard Visitor visas allow individuals to visit the UK for a fixed 6-month period upon their entry to the UK.

Circumstances depending, certain visit visa nationals may be permitted to remain in the UK for longer than 6 months due to specific reasons, such as on going medical treatment.

The Visit visa allows individuals to visit the UK for tourism, business, study (courses up to 6 months) and various other permitted activities.

Individuals must check whether they need a Visitor visa, as this will depend on their nationality. If one is an EEA national, they may not require a visa, however, one must still be able to demonstrate that they meet the Standard Visitor eligibility requirements.

Potential visit visa applicants must also determine whether they meet the eligibility requirements. To evidence one’s eligibility for a UK visitor visa, it’s important to provide supporting evidence as part of the application. Applicants must be able to demonstrate that they:

• intend to leave the UK at the end of their visit and do not plan to remain in the UK for longer than a six-month period from the date of entry to the UK;
• have evidence of any activities they intend to perform while in the UK, including tourism activities or specific permitted activities;
• have access to sufficient funds in order to support their stay in the UK, including their flight bookings.

Whilst one is in the UK as a visitor, they are permitted to study, take an exam or take part in a school exchange programme. One may also volunteer for up to 30 days with a registered charity, as well as take a recreational course of up to 30 days.

Additionally, one is able to partake in certain business activities. However, visitors are not permitted to undertake paid or unpaid work for a UK company, or as a self-employed person, therefore it is crucial to check whether the intended work  is permitted whilst in the UK as a Visitor.

This visa does not allow individuals to claim public funds or live in the UK for long periods of time through frequent or successive visits. It is important to ensure one has sufficient funds to support themselves throughout their stay in the UK. Individuals on this visa are not permitted to get married in the UK or register a civil partnership. If one intends to come to the UK to get married, they must apply for a marriage visitor visa.

Visitor visas must be applied for and obtained prior to travelling to the UK, and an application may be made up to 3 months in advance of ones’ intended travel to the UK.

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The information in this blog is for general information purposes only and does not purport to be comprehensive or to provide legal advice. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the information and law is current as of the date of publication it should be stressed that, due to the passage of time, this does not necessarily reflect the present legal position. Gherson accepts no responsibility for loss which may arise from accessing or reliance on information contained in this blog. For formal advice on the current law please do not hesitate to contact Gherson. Legal advice is only provided pursuant to a written agreement, identified as such, and signed by the client and by or on behalf of Gherson.

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