In this article, we will discuss the most common type of UK visa. Join us to learn about the details and requirements of the UK Standard Visitor Visa.
Definition of the UK Standard Visitor Visa
The UK Standard Visitor Visa is one of the most frequently used visas for purposes such as tourism, business, and short-term studies. This visa allows you to stay in the UK for up to 6 months and can be extended under specific circumstances, such as the need for medical treatment.
Purposes Allowed with the UK Standard Visitor Visa
With a Standard Visitor Visa, you can enter the UK for the following purposes:
- Tourism: Visiting the UK’s tourist attractions.
- Family Visits: Meeting family members.
- Volunteering: Volunteering for a registered charity.
- Transit: Passing through the UK to another destination.
- Business Activities: Attending meetings, conferences, seminars, and contractual negotiations.
- Educational Programs: Participating in short-term educational courses (up to 30 days) like dance courses.
- Short-term Studies: Continuing education or taking an exam.
- Medical Purposes: Receiving medical treatment.
Prohibited Activities with the UK Standard Visitor Visa
With a Standard Visitor Visa, you cannot:
- Work for a UK company or be self-employed.
- Claim public benefits.
- Live in the UK for long periods through frequent or successive visits.
- Get married.
Requirements for Obtaining the UK Standard Visitor Visa
To obtain a Standard Visitor Visa, you must meet the following conditions:
- Valid Passport: Your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay in the UK.
- Convince Officials: You must convince the officials that you will leave the UK at the end of your visit.
- Financial Ability: You must have the financial means to support yourself during your stay and return to your home country.
- No Long-term Stay Intent: You should not intend to stay in the UK for long periods through frequent or successive visits.
UK Standard Visitor Visa Application Process
You must apply for the Standard Visitor Visa online. The fee for this visa is £100 for six months, and you can apply up to three months before your travel. If you visit the UK regularly, you can apply for a long-term Standard Visitor Visa.
Business Purposes with the Standard Visitor Visa
With a 6-month Standard Visitor Visa, you can undertake the following business activities:
- Attending interviews, conferences, and seminars.
- Negotiating contracts.
- Attending business promotion meetings.
- Receiving training related to your business.
- Inspecting products from UK companies for your foreign company.
- Providing technical services for software and hardware installations under a contract with a UK company.
Professions Eligible for the Standard Visitor Visa
- Archaeologist
- Artist, musician
- Bodyguard
- Cameraman
- Driver
- Financial manager
- Journalist
- Lawyer
- Market research analyst
- Personal assistant
- University professor from abroad
- Religious minister
- Scientist or researcher
- Seafarer
- Sportsperson
- Tour organizer
- Translator
- Film crew members like actors, producers, directors, and technicians
- Members of artists’ and musicians’ teams
Standard Visitor Visa for Study
You can come to the UK for up to 6 months for the following purposes:
- Studying at a recognized UK institution, such as English language courses.
- Conducting short-term research related to your field.
- Attending courses in medical, veterinary, scientific, nursing, midwifery, and dental fields.
- Taking entrance exams and PhD interviews.
- Volunteering in medical, dental, and nursing fields.
- Taking OSCE and PLAB exams.
Conditions for Extended Stay in the UK
To stay longer than 6 months, you must meet the following conditions:
- Specialization in your field with a doctoral degree or higher.
- Not being permanently employed in an overseas institution.
- If you are a specialist doctor or dentist, proving you are coming to the UK for research, treatment, or teaching.
Required Documents
- Employer’s letter indicating the research dates.
- Approved research plan from the employer.
- Host’s confirmation letter in the UK for the research.
Medical Visit to the UK
You can enter the UK for up to 6 months for the following medical purposes:
- Private treatment in UK hospitals or medical centers.
- Treatment in NHS hospitals with costs covered by the government or other entities.
- Donating an organ to a family member or close friend.
Conditions for Under 18s
If you are under 18, you must:
- Have made arrangements for your travel to the UK.
- Have parental consent.
- Have the financial means to support yourself.
- Have suitable accommodation.
- Provide the name and address of the person you will be living with.
Costs of the UK Standard Visitor Visa
- Standard Visitor Visa up to 6 months: £100
- Standard Visitor Visa for medical purposes up to 11 months: £200
- Standard Academic Visitor Visa up to 12 months: £200
- Long-term Standard Visitor Visa for 2 years (each visit up to 6 months): £376
- Long-term Standard Visitor Visa for 5 years (each visit up to 6 months): £670
- Long-term Standard Visitor Visa for 10 years (each visit up to 6 months): £837
Documents and Information Required for Long-term Visa
- Dates of travel to the UK
- Accommodation details
- Estimated travel costs
- Address and duration of stay
- Parents’ details
- Annual income
- Criminal record certificate
- Details of travel in the past ten years
- Employer’s contact details and address
- Family details in the UK
- Tuberculosis test if required
Decisions on your visa are typically made within 3 weeks. For free consultation regarding this visa, contact us.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the UK Standard Visitor Visa? The UK Standard Visitor Visa allows you to enter the UK for tourism, business, or short-term study for up to 6 months.
What activities are allowed with the Standard Visitor Visa? Activities such as tourism, visiting family, attending business meetings, and participating in short-term educational courses.
Can I work in the UK with a Standard Visitor Visa? No, you cannot work for a UK company or be self-employed with a Standard Visitor Visa.
How much does the UK Standard Visitor Visa cost? The Standard Visitor Visa costs £100 for 6 months.
How can I extend my UK Standard Visitor Visa? Visa extensions are possible under specific conditions, such as the need for medical treatment, with each extension costing £1000.
What documents are required for the Standard Visitor Visa application? Documents include a valid passport, financial documents, and supporting documents related to your travel purpose.
Can I get married in the UK with a Standard Visitor Visa? No, the Standard Visitor Visa does not allow you to get married in the UK.
How long does it take to process the Standard Visitor Visa application? Visa applications are typically processed within 3 weeks.
Can I participate in short-term courses with the Standard Visitor Visa? Yes, you can participate in short-term courses up to 6 months.
Is the Standard Visitor Visa available for under 18s? Yes, under 18s can obtain the Standard Visitor Visa with parental consent and proof of financial support.
