UK Standard Visitor Visa: Process

There is nothing more daunting than needing to apply for a UK Visitor Visa and not being able to figure out where to start. So we’ve created a guide to help you navigate the application process

Most people planning to travel to the UK need to apply for a UK Tourist Visa, which is also known as the UK Standard Visitor Visa, or a Business Visitor Visa. However, this can be quite a time-consuming task as the application process is quite extensive.

iVisa understands how frustrating it can be and have simplified the entire process for you. Here is everything you need to know about applying for a Standard UK Visitor Visa.

What is the UK Standard Visitor Visa?

The UK Standard Visitor Visa is a short stay Multiple entry. There are multiple reasons to visit the UK and as a result there are multiple different types of standard visitor visas. This includes visas for tourism, business, short studies and other permitted activities.

What you can and cannot do with a standard visitor visa

There are some visa rules that apply to the Standard Visitor Visa. With a standard visitor visa, you may participate in the following activities during your visit to the UK:

• Tourism, holiday or vacation

• Visit family or friends

• Volunteer for up to 30 days with a registered charity

• Transit through the UK on your way to or from another country

• Short business activities such as attending a meeting or interview

• Take part in a school exchange programme

• Recreational courses that will be less than or up to 30 days long such as a dance course

• Study, do a placement or take an exam

• Practice as an academic, senior doctor or dentist

• Have a medical procedure done or get private medical treatment

Although the Standard Visitor Visa allows many activities, you will not be able to:

• Do paid or unpaid work for a UK company or as a self-employed person

• Claim public funds (benefits)

• Live in the UK for long periods of time by entering the UK regularly or successively

• Marry or register a civil partnership, or give notice of marriage or civil partnership as you’ll need to apply for a Marriage Visitor visa

• Study for a long period of time as you’ll need to apply for a student visitor visa

Eligibility for a standard visitor visa for the UK

The need for a visitor visa depends on your nationality. You will either need to apply for a Standard Visitor visa before you travel to the UK or enter the UK for up to 6 months without needing a visa. Use our visa checker tool to check if you need to apply for a visitor visa.

In order to be considered eligible for any UK visitor visas, you need:

• A passport or travel document valid for the entirety of your stay in the UK.

• Proof you will leave the UK at the end of your visit

• Proof of financial stability to support yourself and your dependants during your trip

If you are visiting the UK for the following reasons you may need to meet other eligibility criteria:

• To study, do a placement or take an exam

• Visiting as an academic, senior doctor or dentist

• For medical reasons

Even if you do not need a visa, you must meet the standard visitor eligibility requirements to enter the country and you may be questioned by UK immigration officials about your eligibility and intended activities in the country.

Those who have been refused entry to the UK previously or have a criminal record are advised to apply for a Standard Visitor visa even if their nationality does not require one.

The rules to enter the UK may be different if you’re traveling from Ireland, Jersey, Guernsey or the Isle of Man. If this is the case, check with your local visa application centre to verify the requirements you need to meet.

How long is a UK Visitor Visa valid?

The United Kingdom issues visitor visas for up to 180 days in total. However, the embassy may issue visas for shorter and longer periods of time.

Standard Visitor Visa UK application process

We understand how difficult navigating the UK visa application process can be. To help we have simplified the process. But before we get to the process itself, let’s look at the supporting documents you will need to submit.

UK Visitor Visa applications requirements

When applying for your Standard Visitor Visa application you will be required to submit the following supporting documents:

• Old travel documentation

• Proof of residence

• Proof of employment

• Proof of educational enrollment

• Business registration documents

• Proof of intended business activities

• Birth Certificate

• A copy of your parent(s) or legal guardian's details page of their passport

• The name and date of birth of the person you will be staying with

• Address of where you will be staying

• Relationship details to the person who is hosting you

• If someone is sponsoring your visit, you will need to provide proof of their financial stability

How to apply for a standard visitor visa

When applying for a standard visitor visa with iVisa, you will need to complete a secure, simple online form with just three easy steps:

1. Fill out the application and confirm that all the details are correct.

2. Receive support from your iVisa Expert from start to end.

3. Submit the required documents according to the instructions we give you.

4. Attend the mandatory visa interview.

5. Receive your new visa

Before your interview, we will send you a “Document Checklist” with the list of documents you should bring to the interview. After your interview, the UK immigration authorities will hold your passport to stamp your visa.

Once your application is successfully submitted, our team will take it from there and process the application on your behalf. Just sit back and wait until you receive your new UK Tourist Visa.

Cost and processing time of the standard visitor visa

The iVisa application for the UK standard visitor visa has only one processing option currently:

• Standard processing takes 30 days and costs USD $433.99

Thus we advise applying well in advance. The cost of the visa includes a USD $306.99 government visa fee.

If you require any further information please do not hesitate to contact our 24 hour customer service team and use our visa checker tool to verify if you require this visa type. If you’re ready to apply, use our application form.