A UK Standard Visitor Visa allows eligible individuals to visit the UK temporarily for permitted purposes such as tourism, visiting family or friends, certain business activities and short-term study.

A Standard Visitor can generally stay in the UK for up to six months, subject to the relevant Immigration Rules. Different rules can apply to certain visitors, including some people visiting for private medical treatment or qualifying academic activities.

This depends on your nationality and circumstances. Some nationals need to obtain a Visitor Visa before travelling to the UK, while others may be able to visit without a visa but may need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) or meet other entry requirements. You should check the current requirements applicable to your nationality before making travel arrangements.

You generally need to demonstrate that:

You are a genuine visitor.

You intend to leave the UK at the end of your visit.

You are visiting for a permitted purpose.

You will not use frequent or successive visits to effectively live in the UK.

You have sufficient funds to cover the reasonable costs of your visit without working or accessing public funds.

There is no specified minimum bank balance that applies to every Visitor Visa applicant. You should demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to cover the reasonable costs of your visit, including accommodation, travel and living expenses. The amount required will depend on your individual circumstances, the length and nature of your visit and who will be paying for your expenses.

Yes, another person may provide financial support, accommodation or other assistance for your visit where the relevant requirements are met. The person providing support should have a genuine relationship with you and be able and willing to provide the promised support. You will still need to satisfy the requirements of the Visitor route.

Visitors cannot normally work in the UK. However, the Visitor Rules permit certain specific business activities and other permitted activities. These may include attending meetings, conferences or certain permitted business events, subject to the applicable requirements. If your intended activity involves work or providing services in the UK, you should obtain advice before travelling.

You may be able to undertake certain short-term study in the UK, including a course of up to six months, provided the relevant requirements are met. There are restrictions on the type of study permitted under the Visitor route, so you should check that your intended course or educational activity is permitted before applying.

Yes. Visiting family and friends is a permitted purpose under the Standard Visitor route. You must still satisfy the relevant requirements, including demonstrating that you are a genuine visitor and intend to leave the UK at the end of your visit.

Potentially, yes. However, you should carefully consider the reasons for your previous refusal before making a new application. MYM Solicitors can review your previous refusal, identify potential concerns and advise you on how they may affect a future application.

In limited circumstances, a visitor may be able to extend their permission while in the UK. The rules depend on the purpose of the visit and the individual’s circumstances. A Visitor Visa should not be used to remain in the UK through repeated or successive visits, and visitors should not assume that they can extend their stay simply because they wish to remain in the UK for longer.

Potentially, yes. Long-term Standard Visitor Visas may be available for 2, 5 or 10 years. However, each individual visit is normally limited to the permitted period of stay, usually up to six months. A long-term Visitor Visa does not allow you to live in the UK through frequent or successive visits. 

The appropriate options will depend on the reasons for refusal and your individual circumstances. MYM Solicitors can review the Home Office decision, explain your available options and advise you on the appropriate next steps.

Yes. Our immigration solicitors can assist with your Visitor Visa application, including assessing your circumstances, reviewing your financial and supporting evidence, preparing your application and advising you on any potential concerns.