Visitor visa to the UK
In order to come to the UK for a short period of time, you can apply for a standard visitor visa (sometimes called a "tourist visa"). It allows foreign nationals to come to the UK to carry out a wide range of permitted activities, but for a limited period of time. With this type of visa, you can stay legally in the country for six months.
Reasons for obtaining a visitor visa
This type of visa allows people to visit the UK for the following reasons
- visiting family or friends. This visa allows you to attend family celebrations or communicate with your loved ones living in the UK;
- tourism. This visa allows you to explore the country as a tourist, whether it is a holiday or a vacation. Activities that fall under this category may include sightseeing, immersing yourself in the rich culture and history of the nation, or participating in recreational activities;
- business activities. A visitor's visa allows individuals to participate in a variety of business activities in the UK. This includes attending business events, conferences and similar gatherings. In addition, the visa allows you to negotiate and conclude business contracts. And if work-related training is available in the UK, a visitor visa also allows you to attend it;
- training, internships, exams. Relevant activities include: attending an educational institution; the opportunity to take English language courses; research projects; studying elective courses in the fields of medicine and science; taking exams and modules; exams for a doctorate degree; unpaid clinical practice and participation in OSCE or PLAB testing;
- medicine. In order to obtain a visa for medical treatment, a foreign citizen must provide proof of the need for such treatment, as well as confirm the required amount of funds to cover the need for such treatment and medical expenses;
- scientific activities. A visitor visa provides an opportunity to participate in special exchange programmes with UK institutions. In such cases, it is necessary to confirm qualifications in a particular field and the fact of working in the same field in an academic institution abroad.
Restrictions on a visitor visa
When applying for this type of visa, you need to understand that there are certain prohibitions:
- no paid or unpaid work in a UK company or as a private entrepreneur;
- not entitled to public money or assistance;
- must not reside in the UK for a long period of time, nor enter the UK on a regular or repeated basis on such a visa;
- cannot use it to get married legally or to register a civil partnership.
Requirements for applying for a visitor visa
- you must have a passport or travel documents valid for the entire duration of your stay;
- you must have sufficient financial resources to cover the costs of your return journey;
- you must demonstrate your intention to leave the UK after your visit.
Depending on the purpose of the trip, there may be additional criteria that must be met:
- for students. Whether you are planning to participate in a training programme, undertake an internship or take exams, it is important to provide proof of course registration, an invitation to take exams or proof from the organisation supervising the internship;
- for senior doctors, dentists and scientists. Proof of their professional status and the purpose of the visit is required;
- medicine. When entering the UK due to health problems, you need to have a health certificate and a treatment agreement.
Documents required for a visitor visa:
- passport or identity documents. This document must remain valid for the duration of the visit, and you must also have a blank page for a visa sticker;
- online application. It must contain the following information: dates of travel; accommodation and estimated costs for the period; names and dates of birth of parents and information on criminal, immigration or civil offences (if any).
Other documents may be required depending on the purpose of the trip:
- extract of travel history for the last 10 years;
- contact information of the employer;
- name, passport number and date of birth of the partner or relative to whom the trip is made;
- information about the person sponsoring the trip (if any);
- certificate of tuberculosis test (if required);
- documents confirming that you are travelling for academic, educational or medical purposes.
Deadline for applying for a visitor visa
The application must be submitted no earlier than three months before the planned visit. It usually takes up to 3 weeks to make a decision on whether to issue a visa to visit the UK. However, people who need their application to be processed urgently can apply for a priority processing service. In this case, the decision will be known within 5 working days, which is much faster than the standard processing time, but this service must be ordered in advance.
A number of difficulties may arise in the process of applying for a visitor visa that require professional legal assistance. Specialists working on the legal marketplace "Consultant" can ensure that all necessary documents and forms are filled in correctly, which will reduce the risk of rejection of the application due to incorrect or insufficient information. They will also help you understand the complex aspects of legal requirements and procedures, especially if you are faced with immigration issues.
