UK Standard Visitor Visa

Apply For UK Standard Visitor Visa With Osbourne Pinner

The UK standard visitor visa permits individuals to travel to the United Kingdom for short-term stays for up to six months. It is suitable for a couple of reasons, including travel, leisure, academic, business, or medical treatment.

Affordable Pricing

High Success Rate

Free Initial Consultation

No Hidden Charges

If a person’s business demands them to visit the country, this visa permits them to conduct certain business activities in the UK. Academics coming to the UK for an exchange program or conference can further opt for the UK standard visitor visa. Those who come to take part in research, seminar, or clinical practice are also allowed as long as it’s not a permanent position under this visa.

The rules and regulations for the UK standard visitor visa may seem vast and complex. Nonetheless, at Osbourne Pinner, one of London’s leading solicitor firms, you will find comprehensive support with your visitor visa. Keep on reading to learn more about the standard visitor visa with eligibility criteria, the application process, renewal and refusal terms, and more.

BOOK A FREE CONSULTATION

We do not offer Legal Aid

Understanding the UK Standard Visitor Visa

Visitors holding UK standard visitor visas can come to the country for up to six months in any twelve months. It permits foreign nationals subject to the immigration laws of the UK to enter for a short term for various purposes, including:

Visit for Business

The business visitor visa is not similar to other UK work and business visas such as tier 1 entrepreneur, investor visas, skilled worker visas, etc. This visa is pretty limiting, allowing you to visit the UK for a short stay to carry out specific business activities only, such as:

Attend meetings or interviews that are arranged before you visit UK or conferences and seminars.
Engage in negotiation and sign contacts as well as deals.
Attend trade fairs to expand your business by promoting your brand (you cannot sell products or services).
Employees of overseas companies receiving training in specific work practices that are necessary for their employment overseas, and the training is not available in their home country.
Deliver a one-off or short series of speeches that are not part of any profit or commercial event.
Conduct inspections or site visits.
Oversee the delivery of products and services provided by a UK company to your overseas organisation or company.
Share knowledge or provide training on internal projects to UK employees of the company you are working with overseas.
Repair, service, install, or advise, computer hardware and software if your overseas organisation has a contract with a UK organisation.

Visit to Study

A student visitor visa is for those individuals who are visiting the country to study on a short-term basis. Even so, it is important to note that the period of study must be no longer than six months.

The permitted activities under this visa route are as follows:

Study at an accredited university or institution (English language courses).
Engage in short-term research that is relevant to your course or program overseas.
Sit an entrance exam, do a PhD oral exam (viva), or retake an exam or course module.
Conduct an unpaid clinical attachment if you’re a graduate of a dental, nursing, or medical school.
Take part in an elective – an optional additional placement, if you’re studying nursing, medicine, midwifery, veterinary medicine, science, or dentistry.
Take the Professional and Linguistic Assessment Board (PLAB) test and Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE).

If you’re visiting an accredited institution, you must prove that you have been accepted into their six months course.

In the case of distance learning, your course can last longer than six months as most studies will take place outside the UK. You can, however, visit the country to do specific activities as part of the course, such as:

Visit as an Academic

Academic visitors are those individuals who are highly qualified in their niche. They are also currently working in that domain at a higher education or academic institution overseas. Academic visitors with the Standard Visitor Visa can:

If you’re a dentist or senior doctor travelling with this visa, you can also:

Visit for Medical Reasons

A visitor visa permits individuals to travel to the country to seek medical treatment provided they can give proof of their medical condition. It is further checked that they don’t have an infectious disease such as leprosy that can be a danger to public health. To put it more clearly, a person is allowed to visit the UK to:

Acquire private treatment in a hospital or healthcare facility.
Seek treatment at a hospital under NHS, providing the treatment amount is taken care of under a reciprocal healthcare arrangement by your government.
Be a donor for a close friend or family member – this includes getting assessed for being suitable to donate an organ.

Visit for Permitted Paid Engagement (PPE)

The Permitted Paid Engagements (PPE) route is for individuals invited as a specialist in their niche by a UK-based institution or organisation/client. These individuals can enter the country for a month and cannot extend their stay.

You can be invited to the UK and paid by an organisation or client as a:

With this visa, however, you cannot:

Claim for public funds (benefits).
Travel to another country through the UK.
Marry or register a civil partnership, or provide notice of marriage or civil partnership – you will have to apply for a Marriage Visitor Visa.
Live in the country for an extended time.
Undertake paid work that is irrelevant to your area of expertise or main overseas job.
Study in the country.

Other Visitor Visas

The UK Standard Visitor Visa enables individuals to take part in some other activities as well during their stay.

Tourism and Leisure:

Visiting family and friends and taking part in tourist activities while in the UK.

Volunteering:

Undertaking volunteering work ensuring that visitors:

Don’t last for more than 30 days in total, and
The volunteering is for a charity that is registered under the Charity Commission for England and Wales, the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator, or the Charity Commission for Northern Island.

Entertainment:

Professional artists or amateur, musicians or entertainers giving performances as part of a group or individual. However, if that’s the precise reason for a visit, they must apply under the Entertainment Visitor sub-category of the UK Standard Visitor Visa, where additional information will be submitted.

Sports:

Sportspersons taking part as a team or individual in a sports tournament or event must ensure that it is hosted by a relevant sporting organisation instead of the University.

Eligibility Criteria for UK Standard Visitor Visa

The individuals applying for UK standard Visitor Visa will have to provide evidence that supports general requirements for eligibility. As a non-EEA visa national, you will have to prove that:

You will leave the United Kingdom at the end of your stay.

You’re able to support yourself and your dependents during your stay (or have funding from someone else to support you).

You’re able to afford your inward or outward journey (or have funding from someone to support you).

You have evidence of activities that you intend to perform while being in the UK, including business and others.

You’ll not live in the UK for an extended time through successive or frequent visits or settle down.

Documents Required for the UK Standard Visitor Visa

To have your visa application approved, you will have to give details about your current passport numbers or an alternative valid travel identification. While documentation submitted will depend on your specific visit reason, they must be accompanied by a certified translation if they are not in English or Welsh.

Having cleared that, the information and documents you need to provide in most cases include the following:

The dates you are visiting the UK and where will you be staying during your trip.
An estimate for the cost of your trip as well as proof of funds to support your travel.
An immigration record as well as a history of travelling international.
Your current home address, and how long have you been residing.
Your parents’ names and birth dates.
How much you earn in a year (if they have income).
Details of any civil, criminal, or immigration offences you might have committed.
A certificate proving that you’ve had a TB (tuberculosis) test if you’re visiting from a country where there is a high incidence of TB.
A letter from the person or organisation they are visiting explaining their relationship or purpose of the visit.

Standard Visitor Visa Rejection and Refusal: Reasons and Solutions

UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) assesses a standard visitor visa application based on the information given on the form, supporting documents, and visa interview. This means that an applicant’s visa can be refused for different reasons, for instance, for failing to demonstrate that your activity is permitted under this route or previously being responsible for a breach of the UK immigration rules.

Some common reasons for the UK standard visitor visa refusal include the following:

When you have given in false information, either through representations or false records for application, or where essential facts were not provided.
Where you have broken UK immigration laws in previous stays, such as overstaying or breaching a situation related to your leave, and as such, your standard visitor visa application is placed in the re-entry ban time.
When you fail to submit essential documents or provide information as requested for your standard visitor visa application, this can be because you cannot provide a relevant travel document that meets the UKVI requirement of identity or nationality. Or you are unable, without any reasonable explanation, to provide biometric information, attend an interview, undertake a medical exam, or offer a report wherever needed.
For medical reasons, for instance, if you are suffering from tuberculosis.

Having said that, an applicant has the right to re-apply with a new visa application or appeal the decision based on their situation. Ways to appeal the UK standard visitor visa rejection include:

Since every immigration case is precisely different, it is recommended to work with an immigration adviser that can assist with your specific circumstances. The Osbourne Pinner team guides applications on UK standard visitor visa routes and takes care of refusal appeals.

When Can You Extend Your UK Standard Visitor Visa Application?

An individual can extend their stay in the UK with the standard visitor visa. However, there are certain conditions to meet under which a person can extend their stay. First, if you are staying in the UK for less than six months, then you can extend your visit, given you meet the eligibility requirements and pay the required amount. For instance, if you are in the country for three months, you can apply to stay for three months more.

In addition to that, if you are already in the United Kingdom, you can apply for a visa to stay a further six months if you:

You can further stay in the UK as an academic if you’re already in the country and have permission to stay for less than 12 months. Then, you can apply to visit for up to 12 months in total. Your partner and kids can also stay for the same period, given they have their separate applications and each pays a separate amount.

However, you must prove that:

You are highly qualified in your profession.
You were working in that area of expertise at an overseas institution before you arrived in the UK.
You are not in the UK for a permanent teaching position.
You are visiting for formal exchange or research.

If you are already in the country, you can further extend your stay for six month period to retake the PLAB test. But you must confirm in writing from the General Medical Council that you are retaking the test.

Success Stories at Osbourne Pinner

As one of London’s leading law firms, we provide strategic consultancy and comprehensive services that assist individuals and businesses across UK immigration requirements. We offer support and advice throughout the application process and help your case in any required reviews or appeals. Our team is proud to be specialists and experienced in immigration law, Home Office application processing, and challenging enforcement action.

At Osbourne Pinner, we are dedicated to helping our clients in need and delivering an exceptional, reliable, and wholesome experience. As stated by one of our clients Mustafa Sheriff, it’s a pleasurable experience working with Osbourne Immigration Team. He stated how we helped him with the extensive visa application process at every step and provided all essential information for the same. The entire application process, as such, became smooth and streamlined without any hiccups involved. He also emphasised that our team was always available for his need, and he even recommended us to others.

The team at Osbourne Primer houses the best immigration solicitors in London who ensure well-rounded support to clients at every step, just like in the case of Mustafa Sheriff. We believe in standing by you through thick and thin.

How Does Osbourne Pinner Help You?

If you’re looking to visit the UK for a short-term stay, then the UK standard visitor visa is more likely the route you should take. It allows individuals to travel to the country for up to six months and can be used for business, study, or even to attend a graduation ceremony of your child, among other reasons.

At Osbourne Pinner, you will secure the support you need for your standard visitor visa application. UK’s immigration control is strict and complicated, and understanding under which visitor visa you must apply can be confusing. With a team of skilled solicitors, we provide the advice and information you need to add clarity to your decision.

So, if you are travelling to the UK for travel, short-term business requirements, or medical treatment, we are here to help. Call us at +02039835080 or contact us at [email protected]. You can also reach out to us at our website at Osbourne Pinner.

FAQs

When can you apply for the UK standard visitor visa?

You must apply online for the standard visitor visa unless you are from North Korea. The earliest you can apply is three months before your plans to travel. You will have to further offer biometric information such as fingertips and take photographs at your visa application centre.

Can you bring your family to the UK with the standard visitor visa?

Yes, you can bring your family with you to the country with the standard visitor visa. However, they will have to apply separately for the visa application process.

Can you marry someone if they visit you in the UK on a standard visitor visa?

No, unless the person visiting has applied for a marriage visitor visa specifically to take nuptials with you. Furthermore, the rules have changed – any non-Britisher will now have to take permission from the Home Office to get married in the UK.

Testimonials

I asked to review my financial settlement. Within a matter of a short time, I got an appointment. My solicitor, was very professional and kind. She even offered me the chance to have a video conference if I was unable to go to the office. I felt comfortable and I was treated with respect. I felt confident in her capabilities. She was warm and put me at ease. The process was made very easy for me. Osbourne Pinner family law team was on top of my brief to them. Should I need a solicitor in the future, I will be very happy to go back. Thanks

Osbourne Pinner’s family law team worked with me tirelessly to put my mind at rest throughout the divorce process. From the outset I felt reassured. I was kept up to date throughout the process. The quality, and detail of the guidance I received was realistic and allowed a high degree of trust to develop very quickly. Without hesitation, I would recommend Osbourne Pinner.Thank you to the whole family team for your professional support during this difficult time of my life.

Very Professional and responsive I instructed Osbourne Pinner Solicitors for my UK Start Up visa. I was so pleased with the whole immigration team. Solicitor Ravi and Ardra dealt with my UK Start Up process. I was so pleased with the way they dealt with the whole process. Everything was so smooth. Both of them were so responsive throughout the whole process. Ms. Ardra updated me all the time. My Endorsement decision came in less than 3 weeks. Their in house business strategist was very supportive and helpful too. The way they provided me support during all the workshops with the business strategist and then preparing me for the endorsement body, it was like a hand holding thing for me. I am so grateful for all their support. It has been fortunate for me to find Osbourne Pinner. Thank you for all your support and help throughout the tricky process. I am so pleased to receive my successful start up visa endorsement with Osbourne Pinner. I can not wait to see the whole team after my visit to the UK with my family. I will highly recommend your services to Osbourne Pinner.

Osbourne Pinner, and in particular their family law team were recommended to me by a good friend and trustworthy source. I have found in my dealings with them that they go the extra ‘proverbial mile’ in trying to help. This is not something I have experienced before with any other of the big family law firms. I am very happy with the service and will now recommend to my family, friends and colleagues.

The team at Osbourne Pinner were absolutely fantastic and I would recommend them to anyone! Special thanks to the family team.

Osbourne Pinner in London I could have ever dealt with. From how my case was handled, the communication, replying to my calls and explaining to me in detail about the law. Special thanks to Kanchan Gooransingh ’s my personal advisor in getting my spouse visa processed very quickly and professionally.If you are looking for a professional and exceptional value for money service then, look no further. The team at Osbourne Pinner are thorough, professional and pleasant to work with. I highly recommend you give them a call, give them a try and judge for yourself. 5 Star is an understatement. All the best to all especially, Kanchan Gooransingh. Many thanks for your assistance & brilliant service.

Excellent and professional service. Very clear and precise instructions and was kept well informed. Very helpful and very good at their job. big Thanks to the Team!

My experience with Osbourne Pinnerwas absolutely pleasant from step 1. I did an application for Tier 1 Entrepreneur for myself. Solicitor Sabina was always available and very helpful with every step of the whole process. I would absolutely recommend them to anyone that is trying to apply for Tier1.

Very honest & straight forward costumer service. Very knowledgeable & refreshing approach. I highly recommend