If you’re planning to visit the UK for leisure, business, medical treatment, or to see family and friends, the Standard Visitor Visa allows you to stay for up to six months. The applicationprocess can be challenging, as the Home Office frequently refuses visitor visa applications, often due to insufficient supporting evidence. That is where we come in—we take the stress out of the process by carefully preparing your application, ensuring it meets all requirements, and addressing any potential concerns from the outset. Whether you need a short-term visa or a long-term one for frequent visits, we will guide you every step of the way. If your application has been refused before, we can help strengthen your case and improve your chances of success. With our expertise in UK immigration law, be confident that your application is in safe hands.
Standard Visitor Visa
The Standard Visitor Visa is designed for individuals who wish to visit the UK for up to six months for leisure, business, private medical treatment, or to visit family and friends. This visa has replaced multiple previous categories, including the Family Visitor Visa, Business Visitor Visa,
and Private Medical Treatment Visitor Visa.
Why Apply for a Standard Visitor Visa?
Certain nationalities require a visa to enter the UK for short-term visits. The Standard Visitor Visa is commonly used by:
- Business professionals attending conferences, meetings, or training courses.
- Athletes and sportspeople.
- Musicians, actors, and entertainers performing in the UK.
- Academics, researchers, and students.
- Doctors and dentists participating in clinical attachments.
- Entrepreneurs seeking funding for a UK business venture.
While in the UK on a Standard Visitor Visa, you cannot work, get married, or register a civil partnership.
Eligibility Requirements
UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) officials closely examine applications to prevent misuse of the visitor route. To be eligible, you must provide evidence that:
- You will leave the UK at the end of your visit (e.g., return flight/train ticket).
- You have sufficient funds to support yourself and any dependents during your stay.
- You can afford a return journey if you have not booked one in advance.
Additional requirements may apply based on the purpose of your visit.
Length of Stay & Long-Term Visitor Visas
Most visitors can stay in the UK for up to six months. However:
- Individuals seeking private medical treatment may be allowed up to 11 months.
- Academics on sabbatical may be granted up to 12 months.
- If you plan to visit the UK regularly, you may apply for a long-term Standard Visitor Visa, valid for two, five, or ten years, allowing multiple visits of up to six months each.
How We Can Help
Applying for a Standard Visitor Visa can be challenging, as refusals are common. Our experienced immigration solicitors will carefully manage your application, ensuring all required documents and evidence are in place. We provide expert guidance, increasing your chances of success, and can also assist if your previous application has been refused.
Let us take the stress out of your visa application – contact our team today for expert legal support.