Visit Visas
This type of visa allows you to enter the UK for a short period of time, usually no more than six months. You can visit the UK as a Standard Visitor for tourism, business, study (courses up to 6 months) and other permitted activities.
There are some circumstances in which you may be able to stay longer, for example, if you are travelling to the UK for private medical treatment, you can stay for up to 11 months. In some instances, for example, where there are compelling and compassionate factors involved you can also apply to stay longer but this this would be on a discretionary basis. These types of applications would not be guaranteed and subject to you paying for the relevant visa application fees.
What you need to know
As part of the visa application process you need to demonstrate that your intentions are to return to your home country and that you are only visiting for a short period of time.
Many applications fail through lack of supporting documents to demonstrate that the Applicant will go back.
Top Tip
Try and include paperwork that links your intention to return to social ties and economic ties to your country. So this can be proof of family members and friends for social ties. For economic ties you can show you proof of your employment, your bank statements or proof of ownership of properties. This is not an exhaustive list and there are no restrictions to what you can and cannot include.
You must also prove that you can be maintained and accommodated throughout your stay and that you can pay for your onward journey.
There are also some restrictions on what you can and cannot do whilst on your visit. Taking part in activities that are not permitted will land you in trouble and may jeopardise any chances of visiting again.
Apply Early
We always recommend contacting us early so we can start advising and preparing for your application in good time. You can apply upto three months before your intended travel date.
Choose the correct type of visa
Make sure you select the correct option when making the online visit visa application. It is easy to select the wrong type and this may lead to application being refused.
Check what documents you need
IJN Law can tailor make a supporting documents checklist based on your circumstances. Tick off what you have and take your time. It’s important not to rush and give yourself the best possible chance of success. Make sure all the information is correct.
Overstaying your visa
It is important that you understand and comply with the conditions of your visa and do not overstay. If you overstay your visa by even one day, you can be banned from returning to the UK for up to ten years. This means you would not be able to gain further work or study in the future.