What is a UK Visitor Visa?
Whether you are looking to explore the UK’s iconic landmarks, engage in business activities, or spend quality time with loved ones, the Standard Visitor Visa is your gateway to experiencing the best of what the UK has to offer for up to six months.
At Axis Solicitors, we can assist you in preparing a robust application, helping you navigate the process with ease and increasing your chances of success.
When to Apply for a UK Visitor Visa?
If you like to visit the UK and want to stay for 6-months for various purposeful activities, you should apply for a UK Visitors Visa. This immigration route allows you to see your family, friends, conduct business activities, tourism & leisure, academic (short-term vocational courses) and even private medical treatments, etc.
You will need to demonstrate a genuine purpose for your visit, provide evidence of sufficient funds for your stay and return journey, plus confirm your intention to depart the UK at the end of your visit.
Contact us at any time for a convenient and a free initial assessment about applying for a Standard Visitor Visa. Our qualified and SRA endorsed Axis Solicitors are always here to provide immediate legal advice and support you to have higher chances of getting a UK standard Visitor Visa.
What Documents are Required for a Visitor Visa in the UK?
Before you submit your application, make sure you tick all the boxes for eligibility and submit the required documentation. Key documents you’ll need to to prove eligibility include:
- Core Documents: Valid passport, visa form, passport-sized photos, and travel itinerary.
- Employment & Study Letters: Employer or university letters confirming leave and status.
- Proof of Funds & Travel Plans: Bank statements and return ticket bookings help demonstrate financial readiness and intent to leave.
- Purpose & Accommodation Evidence: Documents must align with your visit’s purpose and confirm where you’ll stay.
- Character & Travel History: A clean record and prior visa compliance strengthen your application.
- Financial & Accommodation Proof: You must show you can support yourself financially and have a place to stay during your visit.
- Ties & Intent to Return: Strong home country ties (job, family, property) and proof of return plans are essential.
- Additional Evidence: Invitation letters, medical documents (if applicable), and certified translations if needed.
👉 Learn more in UK Standard Visit Visa Rules 2025
Requirements for UK Standard Visitor Visa
To be eligible for a UK Standard Visitor Visa, you must satisfy specific criteria that demonstrate your genuine intent and ability to visit the UK temporarily.
These requirements include:
- Genuine Purpose of Visit: You must prove that you are visiting the UK for a legitimate reason, such as tourism, business, or visiting family, and that your visit will be temporary.
- Financial Stability: You must show that you have sufficient funds to support yourself and any dependents during your stay in the UK, covering all expenses without needing public assistance.
- Accommodation Arrangements: You must have appropriate accommodation secured for the entire duration of your stay in the UK, whether it’s a hotel booking or staying with family or friends.
- Ties to Your Home Country: You need to demonstrate strong connections to your home country, such as employment, property, or family ties, that compel you to return after your visit.
- Intent to Leave the UK: You must provide evidence that you will leave the UK at the end of your visit, adhering to the visa’s conditions.
- Travel Arrangements: You must be able to pay for your return or onward journey, showing that you have planned your trip responsibly.
- Good Character Requirement: You must not have a criminal record or pose any threat to the UK’s security. A background check will be part of the visa assessment process.
Meeting these requirements is essential to ensure a successful visa application. At Axis Solicitors, we can assist you in preparing a comprehensive application that addresses all these criteria, enhancing your chances of approval.
How Expert Immigration Solicitors Can Help?
At Axis Solicitors, we offer comprehensive support to ensure your visa application is processed as smoothly and quickly as possible.
Our fast-track service includes:
- Reviewing your application documents to ensure they meet Home Office requirements.
- Drafting a professional cover letter to strengthen your application.
- Liaising directly with the Home Office to monitor the progress of your application.
- Assistance with booking a slot within a day or two, if required.
With our expertise, you can have peace of mind knowing that your UK Visitor Visa application is in capable hands. Our expert immigration solicitors offer quick and convenient remote legal services, ensuring your application is submitted promptly and has the best chance of success. Contact us today to find out how we can assist you in securing your UK visa quickly and efficiently.
How Much does a Visitor Visa Cost in the UK?
The charges for applying for a UK Standard Visitor Visa and other visitor visas are as follows below.
Visitor Visa Application Fees
| No | Visa Type | Fee (£) |
|---|---|---|
| 01 | Standard Visitor Visa | £115 |
| 02 | Standard Visitor Visa for Medical Reasons | £200 |
| 03 | Standard Visitor Visa for Academics | £200 |
| 04 | Long-term Visitor Visa (2 years) | £432 |
| 05 | Long-term Visitor Visa (5 years) | £771 |
| 06 | Long-term Visitor Visa (10 years) | £963 |
| 07 | Priority Visa Service | Additional £500 |
| 08 | Super Priority Visa Service | Additional £1000 |
These fees apply whether you are visiting the UK for tourism, business, or other short-term activities. It’s advisable to gather all necessary information about visa costs well in advance of your application, especially if you are planning to visit the UK for specific events like holidays, family gatherings, or other important occasions.
How Long Can You Stay on a Visitor Visa in the UK?
| No | Visa Type | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 01 | Standard Visitor Visa | Up to 6 months |
| 02 | Standard Visitor Visa for Medical Reasons | Up to 11 months |
| 03 | Standard Visitor Visa for Academics | Up to 12 months |
| 04 | Long-term Visitor Visa (2 years) | Up to 2 years |
| 05 | Long-term Visitor Visa (5 years) | Up to 5 years |
| 06 | Long-term Visitor Visa (10 years) | Up to 10 years |
| 07 | Priority Visa Service | 5 working days |
| 08 | Super Priority Visa Service | Next working day |
For further guidance or support with your application, Axis Solicitors is available to assist you in navigating the process and increasing your chances of success.
How to Get Long-Term Visit Visas for the UK?
If you plan to visit the UK regularly, you may be considering options that allow longer-term travel flexibility. Long-term visit visas are designed for frequent visitors from non-EEA countries who need multiple entries over several years.
- Long-term UK visit visas allow 2, 5, or 10 years for the USA, China, India, and Pakistan.
- Each visit is still limited to a maximum stay of six months.
- You can enter and leave the UK multiple times during the visa’s validity.
- Non-EEA academic visitors and private medical patients may apply for a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP).
A BRP requires biometric enrolment and proof of sufficient financial means, but does not allow stays over six months.
For tailored advice on frequent or extended UK visits, book a free initial assessment to explore the best option for your circumstances.
What Happens If a UK Tourist Visa is Rejected?
Understanding a Visa Refusal
A refusal can be upsetting, but it does not mean the end of the road.
Several legal and practical options may still be available to you.\
The right choice depends on the refusal reasons and your circumstances.
Option 1: Re-apply
Submit a fresh application addressing the refusal reasons clearly.
Correct errors and include stronger or additional evidence.
Faster than legal challenges but requires paying the fee again.
Option 2: Appeal on Human Rights Grounds
Available where the refusal may breach your human rights.
Can be less costly and quicker than a judicial review.
The decision rests with a judge based on the evidence presented.
Option 3: Judicial Review
Challenges whether the decision was lawful and procedurally fair.
Effective where errors were made by the decision-maker.
Can be expensive, lengthy, and does not allow new evidence.
Choosing the Right Path Forward
Each option has distinct benefits, risks, and limitations.
Making the wrong choice can cost time, money, and opportunities.
Expert immigration advice helps you select the strongest route.
Can You Extend a UK Visitor Visa Beyond 6 Months?
General Rule and Exceptions
- Standard Visitor Visas usually allow a maximum stay of six months.
- Limited exemptions permit longer stays in specific circumstances.
- Eligibility depends on meeting strict requirements and conditions.
Medical Treatment Extensions
- Ongoing medical treatment may allow a further six-month extension.
- Total stay can be up to 11 months in qualifying cases.
- Proof of paid and affordable treatment is required.
Academic Visitor Extensions
- Academics undertaking research, teaching, or formal exchanges may qualify.
- Extensions can allow a stay of up to 12 months.
- Applicants must meet academic criteria and visa compliance rules.
PLAB Test and Clinical Attachments
- Medical graduates retaking the PLAB test may extend their stay.
- Unpaid clinical attachments are also eligible for extensions.
- Total stay can be extended to up to 18 months.
Applying for an Extension
- Applications must be submitted before the current visa expires.
- An extension fee of £1,000 applies, plus biometric enrolment.
- Professional legal support can improve the chances of approval.
