It is that time of the year where applications for a Standard Visitor visa increase, as families, wish to reunite and spend the festive Christmas period together in the UK. The Standard Visitor visa allows Applicants to enter the UK for leisure or business purposes or any other activity as long as it within the permitted activities under Appendix V of the Immigration Rules. Â If you wish to spend Christmas in the UK with your family it is advised that you submit an application for a Standard Visitor visa soon. Processing times at this time of the year can be extended due to the large backlog of applications. It is imperative a well-prepared application is submitted to the UK Visas and Immigration department of the Home office.
What is a Standard Visitor Visa?
The Standard Visitor visa has replaced all the former categories of visiting such as the family visit visa, general visitor visa and child visitor visa. All applications must now be made under the Standard Visitor visa rules. You should consider this application if it is your intention to visit the UK for a short period for a specific reason such as spending Christmas with family. If your application for a Standard Visitor visa is granted you will be given a visa for 6 months. However, in some circumstances, it is possible to apply for a multiple entry Visitor visas which will give you a visa for either 2, 5 or 10 years. You can frequently visit the UK as long as no single visit exceeds 6 months.
What are the requirements for a Standard Visitor Visa?
This application is governed by the UK Immigration Rules. You will need to meet all the requirements of V4.2 to V10 of the visitor rules and you must be able to show that you are a genuine visitor. You must also show a clear intention to return to your home country. The Home Office will assess your credibility and intention to visit the UK. Therefore you must submit an easy to follow and transparent application explaining why you wish to visit the UK and what activities you will take part in. It is crucial for you to submit the mandatory documents and other supporting documents in support of your application.
To meet the requirements of UK Standard Visitor Visa:
- Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
- Applicants must plan to visit the UK for a maximum of 6 months and leave at the end of that period; and
- Applicants must be able to show that you have enough money to support your stay in the UK and be able to accommodate yourself.
It is imperative you submit a well-prepared application because if your application is refused it will not attract a statutory right of appeal. Our solicitors and barristers have a proven method of submitting successful UK Standard Visitor Visa applications to the UKVI and are proud of our very high success rate with UK visa applications.
What you can and cannot do on the Standard Visitor Visa
If you are granted a Standard Visitor visa you can take part in any activities listed under the visitor visa rules but it is important that the activity is directly linked with the reason for visit provided in the entry clearance application. However, you cannot participate in any paid or unpaid work or stay in the UK for more than 6 months. You cannot access public funds or any benefits and you cannot apply to marry. It should be noted that you cannot switch into another visa from within the UK.
Using Legal Representation to submit a Standard Visitor Visa application
Legal representatives, such as our specialist immigration and visa law firm, are qualified to advise you on immigration law and your immigration matter. You can instruct one of our immigration and visa legal representatives to successfully assist you with a Standard Visitor visa application. Our solicitors and Barristers will help you comply with the Home Office’s requirements and meet the Immigration Rules.
Caseworkers at the Home Office are trained to reject Standard Visitor visa applications which are improperly prepared, for example by failing to provide the correct supporting evidence. In order to ensure your Standard Visitor visa application succeeds, our solicitors and barristers will ensure all specified documents must be provided.
The UK Immigration Rules are complex and a legal representative can help ensure that your application meets the Immigration Rules.
Successfully submit a Standard Visitor Visa application
Our team of solicitors and barristers are specialist immigration lawyers who act in your best interest. We offer a client-tailored approach from the outset. From the very first meeting, we will be able to advise you in respect of your prospects of a Standard Visitor visa application before your application even reaches the Home Office UK Visa & Immigration department. We can assist you with the preparation and submission of an application and ensure that you meet all the requirements of the relevant rules.
We are based in the legal epicentre of London, just across the road from the Royal Courts of Justice in order to ensure we get the best results for our clients. We are minutes away from the Immigration and Asylum Tribunal, the Royal Courts of Justice and other central London courts.
Preparation is the key to a successful Standard Visitor visa application. Our UK immigration and visa solicitors are here to guide you through the complex immigration rules and requirements. If you wish to meet one of our lawyers, please call our Immigration Team so we can assess your case and arrange your legal consultation to discuss your immigration matter or application.
Contact our London immigration solicitors on 02030110276 or complete our contact form.