UK Visa for Peruvian Citizens: All Types Available for 2023

As of 9th November 2022 citizens of Colombia, Peru, and Guyana are no longer required to obtain a UK Visitor Visa to enter the United Kingdom.

Are you a Peruvian citizen planning to visit the United Kingdom in 2023? Since November 2022, citizens of Peru are visa-free to visit the UK for tourism purposes, so you no longer need a UK Visitor Visa to enter the country. However, you may still need a visa to study or work in the country.

This article will provide an easy-to-understand overview of the various UK visa options for Peruvian citizens in 2023. We'll cover everything you need to know about the requirements, application process, and fees for each visa type. Plus, we'll share tips and advice to help you have a smooth and successful visa application process. So, let's get started!

UK visa types available for Peruvian citizens

Peruvians traveling to the UK no longer need to worry about the UK Visitor Visa application. However, the British authorities still require a visa if you enter the country to work or study. Learn all about the UK visa types for Peruvian citizens and all the information you need for a successful visa application.

Types of work visa available in the United Kingdom for Peruvian Citizens

There are several types of work visas available for Peruvian citizens. You must pass a points-based assessment on each tier's conditions, entitlements, and entry requirements. Getting sufficient points based on age, qualifications, language, earnings, and funds is essential to gain entry clearance or remain in the United Kingdom.

• Tier one: This visa is for highly skilled workers, entrepreneurs, investors, and graduate students outside the European Union (EU) and EEA. You don't need a job offer to apply, but you must pass a points-based assessment based on age, qualifications, language, earnings, and funds.

• Tier two: Skilled workers, professional sportspeople, and clergy members outside the EEA can apply for a visa within tier two if they have a job offer and can fill gaps within the country's labor force. Again, passing the points-based assessment is necessary.

• Tier three: This visa used to be for low-skilled workers providing temporary labor, but the government has since removed it.

• Tier four: Students over age 16 from outside the EEA should apply for a tier four visa if they want to study at a school, college, or university in the country.

• Tier five: This category has six sub-tiers of temporary workers related to creative and sporting positions, charity, religious workers, and young persons participating in working holidays in the UK.

Remember, passing the points-based assessment is crucial no matter which tier you apply for. Ensure you check each visa type's specific requirements and qualifications before applying.

UK Work Visa: Requirements for Peruvian citizens

The required documents may change depending on which work visa you’ll apply for and your specific circumstances. Here are the general Work Visa requirements for Peruvian citizens.

• An application form

• A valid passport or another document that shows your identity and nationality

• Two identical color photographs – The photo should have been taken within the past six months. Use our digital passport photo service if you need a new or recent one

• Your certificate of sponsorship reference number – Your employer will give you this

• The name of your employer and their sponsor license number - This will be on your certificate of sponsorship

• Proof of your knowledge of English

• Proof of financial means to cover your costs of UK living

• Proof of accommodation

• Detailed travel itinerary

• Tuberculosis test results

• Biometric information

• Proof of UK visa fees payment

• Certified translations of any document that’s not in English or Welsh

What is the UK Work Visa validity for Peruvian citizens?

Your UK work visa can last for up to 5 years before you need to extend it. Remember, when it expires, you must apply for a visa extension or update your visa if you change your job or employer.

How to apply for a UK Work Visa in Peru

You must apply for a UK Work Visa three months before you begin working for the company in the United Kingdom. Remember, the Points-Based System (PBS) has requirements and evaluations for each tier, and some categories may have additional requirements. We advise you to check your visa's specifics before starting the process.

You must follow these steps to apply for a UK work visa:

• Step 1: Go to the UK government website and complete the visa application form with personal information, details about your employment, and information about your criminal record.

• Step 2: You must pay the visa fees and healthcare surcharge to apply for a UK Work Visa. The fee will vary depending on the type of visa you are applying for.

• Step 3: Once you have completed the online application and paid the fee, you must book an appointment at the visa application center in Peru.

• Step 4: Attend your appointment at the visa application center in Peru and bring your passport, supporting documents, and a printed copy of your application form. You’ll also provide your biometric information.

• Step 5: Wait for a decision on your visa application. The processing time can vary depending on the type of visa you are applying for.

• Step 6: If your visa application is successful, you will be notified, and your passport will be returned to you with your visa.

The UK has announced plans to fully digitize its immigration process and permissions by 2025. So, the process will be more straightforward in the future!

What are the costs and fees of the UK Work Visa for Peruvian citizens?

The visa application fee varies depending on your visa type. The standard fee for a UK Work Visa ranges from £625 to £1,423, depending on your circumstances. Remember, you must also pay the healthcare surcharge, usually £624 per year.

UK Work Visa processing time in Peru

When applying for a work visa outside the UK, the processing time is usually around 3 weeks. However, as a Peruvian citizen, if you're already inside the UK, you must wait for a longer processing time of around 8 weeks.

It's essential to keep these processing times in mind when planning your move to the UK and to ensure that you apply for your work visa with plenty of time to spare before you start work.

UK Student Visa for Peruvian citizens

The UK has outstanding universities, and studying there will be an enriching experience! Before starting the process, be aware there are three UK Student Visa types:

• Visitor Route: If you're studying at an accredited institution for less than six months, you must apply for this visa.

• Short-term Student Route: This short-term student visa allows you to study English language courses between six and 11 months.

• Child Student Route: If you're between four and 17 years old and want to study at a school in the UK, you can apply for a child student visa.

Check out the UK government website for further information on each student visa type.

How long is the UK Student Visa valid?

When it comes to how long you can stay in the UK for your studies, it all depends on the visa type you're taking and your previous study history in the country. Here's what you need to know:

• Degree level courses: If you're 18 or over and studying at a degree level, you can typically stay in the UK for up to 5 years.

• Courses below degree level: If your course is below degree level, you can generally stay in the UK for up to 2 years.

If the UK granted you a long-term visa validity, you’ll probably get a multiple-entry visa, so you can leave the country and re-enter during your studies.

UK Student Visa: What are the required documents for Peruvian citizens

The Student Visa requirements may differ depending on your situation and visa type. Generally, these are the items you must present to the immigration officer at the visa appointment:

• A current passport or other valid travel documentation

• A Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from your course provider

• Proof of sufficient funds to support yourself and pay for your course

• A valid ATAS certificate if your course and nationality require it

• Healthcare surcharge

• Tuberculosis test results

• A written consent for your application from your financial sponsor if you’ve received sponsorship for your course fees and living costs in the last 12 months

• If you’re under 18, written consent from both parents or legal guardians (or one parent if they have sole responsibility) is part of the visa requirements. This document must include the following:

• Your visa application

• Your living and care arrangements in the UK

• Your travel to the UK

You’ll also need to provide a copy of your birth certificate (or another government-issued document) showing your parents' names.

Applying for the UK Student Visa in Peru

Here are the steps to get your UK Student Visa in Peru:

• Step 1: Apply to your chosen university and receive an unconditional offer.

• Step 2: Once you've accepted your unconditional offer, your university will provide you with a Certificate of Acceptance of Studies (CAS).

• Step 3: With your CAS in hand, you can begin the visa application process. You can apply up to six months before your course starts and must pay an application fee and Immigration Health Surcharge.

• Step 4: Schedule a visa appointment to drop off your documents.

• Step 5: Wait for your visa approval and prepare to study in the UK!

UK Student Visa fees and costs for Peruvian citizens

You must pay the UK Student Visa fees during your application process. You can pay the fees online on the UK government website using a credit or debit card.

• It costs £363 to apply for a Student visa from outside the UK

• It costs £490 to extend or switch to a Student visa from inside the UK

The healthcare surcharge is another visa cost and requirement. You’re charged £470 per year as a student.

UK Student Visa: Processing time for Peruvian citizens

The UK Student Visa process takes around 3 weeks. The earliest you can apply for this visa is 6 months before you start your course.

Is it possible to work in the UK with a Student Visa?

Many international students in the UK take on part-time jobs or internships while they study. Usually, courses allow students to work up to 20 hours per week during term time. However, before you start job hunting, check your visa and biometric residence permit to ensure your eligibility to work. Also, review your university's guidelines to see any restrictions on the type of work or number of hours you can do.

What is the UK Visitor Visa?

Peruvians no longer need a UK Visitor Visa. Still, if you have another nationality, this tourist visa may be required to travel to the United Kingdom for tourism, business, medical treatment, studies, or to visit family and friends.

The UK Visitor Visa is valid 180 days after being issued and allows you to stay up to 180 days in the country. Check out what you can and cannot do with this visa:

UK Visitor Visa allowed activities:

• Visit the UK for tourism.

• Visit your family members or friends residing in the UK.

• Make stopovers at the airport.

• Sign contracts, attend fairs and business meetings, and do other business activities.

• Volunteer for up to 30 days for a registered charity.

• Take part in a school exchange program.

• Do a recreational course of up to 30 days, for example, a dance course.

• Participate in congresses as a listener or speaker (without charging fees).

• Receive medical treatments and attend consultations with a British doctor.

Activities you can NOT do with the UK Visitor Visa:

• You can’t work.

• You can’t take long courses or study for long periods.

• You can’t reside permanently in the country.

• You can’t live in the UK through frequent or successive visits.

• You can’t claim public funds.

• You can’t marry or register a civil partnership.

• You can’t get a driver's license.

Do you want to know if this visa is available for your nationality? Use our Visa Checker Tool.

Where can I learn more?

You can learn more about each UK visa type on the UK government website. If you have further questions about applying for UK visas or any other travel document, contact our outstanding customer support team via chat online or by email at [email protected]. They’re always available to assist you if you need help with documents for your trip!