Visit Visas
A UK visit visa is for individuals who would like to come to the UK for a short period of time and are required to obtain a visa for the UK before travelling. The type of visa an individual must apply for under this category will depend on the reasons behind the individual’s wish to visit the UK. Individuals who wish to apply for a UK visit visa may do so by applying for ‘entry clearance’ before entering the UK.
The main types of UK visit visa are:
- General Visit visa – this type of visa is for individuals who wish to come to the UK for tourist or leisure purposes.
Generally an applicant applying for this visa will need to show details of their travel plans, accommodation and evidence that they can support themselves during their stay.
- Business Visit Visa – this type of visa is for individuals who wish to come to the UK as part of their employment or business
Generally an applicant applying for this visa will need to show evidence of business dealings in the UK and an invitation from the respective UK business. Applicants should also show details of their travel plans and evidence that they can support themselves during their stay.
On these visit visas an applicant is typically permitted to stay in the UK for up to 6 months for every calendar year. If an applicant requires frequent visits to the UK over a long period of time they can request that their visit visa be valid for a number of consecutive years.
- Family Visit Visa – this type of visa is for individuals who wish to visit specified family in the UK
Generally an application applying for this visa will need to show documents from their relative supporting their application. Applicants should also show details of their travel plans and evidence that they can support themselves during their stay.
On this type of visa an applicant can stay in the UK for 6 months for every calendar year.
- Child Visit Visa – this type of visa is for individuals who are under 18 and wish to visit the UK
Generally an application applying for this visa will need to show details of their travel plans and evidence that they can support themselves during their stay and proof of their parent’s or legal guardian. Further if an applicant under this category is planning to travel without their parent or legal guardian, they will need to present their parent’s or legal guardian’s written consent for them to travel to the UK.
It is worth noting that the purpose of the visit visa is for applicants who primarily wish to visit the UK, if an individual wishes to reside in the UK for long periods of time, they should consider applying under an alternative visa route.
Should an applicant wish to apply for their family to visit the UK also, they will need to complete a separate application for each applicant.
For further information on the types of visit visas available for the UK please feel free to contact Westkin Associates.