The latest visa route to have its post-Brexit amendments released is the UK visit visa. As the Brexit transition period draws to an end, there has been updated information as to what EU and EEA national visitors to the UK can expect from 1 January 2021. It is important that all visitors to the UK are aware of all the requirements as many visit visa applications are refused (without the right of appeal) and many are also turned away at the border. Our visa and immigration solicitors in London specialise in successful UK visit visa applications and are happy to arrange a consultation in order to assess the prospects of success for any potential application to visit the UK.
What are the new rules for EEA and Swiss national visitors to the UK from 1 January 2021?
EEA and Swiss citizens will continue to be able to travel to the UK for holidays or short trips without needing a visit visa. They will be able to cross the UK border using a valid EEA or Swiss passport.
They can continue to use their EEA or Swiss national ID cards to enter the UK until at least 31 December 2025 if they have any of the following:
- settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme;
- a frontier worker permit;
- are an S2 Healthcare Visitor; or
- are a Swiss Service Provider.
If none of the above apply then EEA and Swiss nationals are not able to use their national ID cards to enter the UK from 1 October 2021. There will be no changes to the ways that Irish nationals enter and live in the UK.
What are the rules for non-EEA family members?
An Article 10 Residence Card (which is more commonly referred to as an EEA Family Permit or EU Settlement Scheme Family Permit under domestic legislation) is currently required for non-EEA family members of EU or EEA nationals wishing to visit the UK with their EU or EEA national family member. This will remain the case until next year when the Home Office will release updated guidance in respect to these Applicants.
How much money do I need to show for UK tourist visa?
There is no fixed minimum income requirement for UK visit visa applications. Instead, visit visa Applicants must demonstrate that they have enough funds to cover the cost of their return ticket as well as to be able to maintain and support themselves (or be supported by a third party; i.e. the family member they are visiting) in the UK without recourse to public funds. Submitting the correct documentary evidence is crucial to successful visit visa applications.
Can I marry in UK on visitor visa?
It is possible to get married in the UK on a visit visa, however the Applicant must clearly state this intention within their application. If granted a marriage visit visa, the Applicant must get married in the UK and then leave the UK at the end of the visit period. Many non-EEA nationals who enter the UK on a visit visa may face further questions at the border and it is important that they give truthful answers about their intention to visit, which also match up to the information in their application.
How long can a visitor stay in the UK?
On a standard visitor visa, Applicants can stay in the UK for up to 6 months before they need to leave. If they wish to return to the UK for a further visit or to remain long-term in the UK they will need to reapply under the applicable visa route. If an Applicant has a multiple entry visit visa then they still can only remain in the UK for up to 6 months at any one time (except for private medical treatment in which this could be for 11 months dependent on the Home Office grant of leave) however they can return to the UK as many times as they wish throughout the 2, 5 or 10 year period without having to reapply for a further visit visa.
Using our Immigration Solicitors in London to apply for a UK Visit Visa
Legal representatives, such as our specialist immigration and visa law firm, are qualified to advise you on immigration law and your immigration status. It is possible to instruct an immigration and visa legal representative to submit an application to visit the UK.
Caseworkers at the Home Office are trained to reject applications which are improperly prepared, for example by failing to provide the correct supporting evidence. In order to ensure your application succeeds, all necessary documents must be provided.
This can be a significant administrative task and you will need to submit the correct documentary evidence. The UK Immigration Rules are complex and a legal representative can help ensure that your application meets the Immigration Rules.
Successfully apply for a UK Visit Visa with our Immigration Solicitors in London
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 immigration status and the merit of your Visit Visa application before your matter even reaches the Home Office UK Visa & Immigration department. We can assist you with the preparation of your application to visit the UK 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 successful immigration applications. 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. Contact our London immigration solicitors on 02030110276 or complete our contact form.