If you have friends or family members planning to visit you in the UK, they will need to apply for a standard visitor visa before they travel.
Visitor visa applicants are required to complete an online form and submit supporting documentation to evidence their eligibility to come to the UK as a tourist. In addition, it is generally advisable for visitor visa applicants to also submit a visa sponsorship letter in support of their application.
The applicant will need to submit documents evidencing their eligibility for a UK visitor visa.
Visitor visa applicants are required to complete an online form and submit supporting documentation to evidence their eligibility to come to the UK as a tourist. In addition, it is generally advisable for visitor visa applicants to also submit a visa sponsorship letter in support of their application.
The applicant will need to submit documents evidencing their eligibility for a UK visitor visa.
UK Visitor Visa Eligibility
- Ability to maintain themselves during their stay. This will include proof of accommodation and funds for the duration of their visit. For example, hotel booking confirmation and evidence of savings.
- Intention to leave the UK before their leave expires. For example, return or onward travel tickets or evidence to show sufficient funds to cover the cost of the return (or onward) flight, proof of employment, property ownership and car ownership in their home country, evidence of caring responsibilities at home. Evidence of studies if the applicant is a student, with confirmation of the date the student is expected to return.
- Reasons for the trip. The documentation should allay any concerns that the visitor may seek to stay on longer than the visa period.
- Applicants are advised to remember that applications are more likely to be refused on the grounds of a lack of evidence, making it important to focus on building up supporting documentation to evidence their intention of returning to their home country.
- A visa sponsorship letter. It should be written by a UK citizen or a UK lawful permanent resident. The individual should also have a relationship with the visa applicant, such as being a relative, friend or partner. It should include the individual’s personal details, as well as the reason for the applicant coming to the UK and travel plan details.
Note also that if the application is refused, there is no right of appeal for a visit visa. While it is possible to make a new visitor visa application after a refusal, applicants should ensure they address the reasons for refusal, as detailed in the notification letter, in their new application.
Visitor Visa Validity Period
If you wish to enter the UK for the purpose of a Tourism, Leisure or Family Visit you may apply for a Visit Visa that is valid for either 6 months, 2 years, 5 years or 10 years.
You may enter and leave the UK multiple times during the validity period of your Visit Visa, unless your Visit Visa is endorsed for a single or dual entry. Each visit to the UK must not exceed 6 months.
You may enter and leave the UK multiple times during the validity period of your Visit Visa, unless your Visit Visa is endorsed for a single or dual entry. Each visit to the UK must not exceed 6 months.
Visitor Visa Right to Work
Visitors are not permitted to work in the UK or, with few exceptions, receive payment from a UK source for any activities undertaken in the UK.
This means Visitors cannot take employment, establish or run a business as a self-employed person, work for an organisation or business in the UK, undertake a work placement or internship in the UK or otherwise provide or sell goods or services in the UK.
Visitors are also permitted to come to the UK to seek employment and attend job interviews. However, if successful in obtaining employment, you will be expected to leave the UK and seek the appropriate entry clearance prior to commencing work.
This means Visitors cannot take employment, establish or run a business as a self-employed person, work for an organisation or business in the UK, undertake a work placement or internship in the UK or otherwise provide or sell goods or services in the UK.
Visitors are also permitted to come to the UK to seek employment and attend job interviews. However, if successful in obtaining employment, you will be expected to leave the UK and seek the appropriate entry clearance prior to commencing work.
Need assistance?
J & S Law Firm are experienced UK immigration specialists offering guidance and support to individuals in relation to their UK immigration status and making Home Office applications. We can advise on the eligibility criteria you will need to evidence and the process you will need to follow for your application. With over decades of experience, we always provide rock-solid support to our clients and help them achieve their goal efficiently and smoothly.
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