The Standard Visit Visa allows entry to the UK for the purposes of leisure and business. It can also be used for other reasons, such as seeking private medical treatment. The Standard Visit Visa replaced a number of older UK Visa types, including the Family Visitor Visa, General Visitor Visa, Child Visitor Visa, Business Visitor Visa, Sports Visitor Visa, Entertainer Visitor Visa, Prospective Entrepreneur Visa, Private Medical Treatment Visitor Visa, and Approved Destination Status (ADS) Visa.

The Standard Visit Visa also provides a long-term option (for up to ten years), allowing the holder to enter for six months each time over the life of the Visa.

As a London based immigration law firm, AQ Archers Solicitors regularly assist prospective visitors with all matters relating to the Standard Visit Visa. Our aim is to make the process as simple and straightforward as possible, ironing out any problems which we discover when initially reviewing your case.

Who requires a UK Standard Visit Visa?

The UK Standard Visit Visa is intended for nationals of some countries outside of the European Economic Area who wish to:

• Enter the country for the purposes of business-related activities
• study for up to 30 days (as long as it’s not the main reason for your visit)
• take part in an exchange programme or educational visit (if you’re under 18)
• convert your civil partnership into a marriage
• pass through the UK in transit (on your way to another country)

You may not require a Visa to visit the UK if you are from a limited number of countries outside of the EEA – you can check on the Home Office website if you need a Visit Visa.

The duration of your Visa will depend on the purpose of your visit. Typically, a Visit Visa will be valid for six months, but there are several exceptions:

• those seeking private medical treatment – up to 11 months
• for academics employed by an overseas institution undertaking specific permitted activities – up to 12 months
• visitors under the Approved Destination Status Agreement (ADS Agreement) – up to 30 days.
• convert your civil partnership into a marriage – up to six months
• for Permitted Paid Engagements (PPE) visit – up to one month
• transit Visa – up to 48 hours

Under the UK Home Office rules, you will not be able to undertake paid or unpaid work, live in the UK for long periods of time through frequent visits, receive public funds (i.e. benefits), marry or register a civil partnership, or give notice of marriage or civil partnership.

You will be able to apply to extend your Visit Visa if you were initially granted a stay of less than six months; the extension will allow you to take your total stay to six months only.

Am I eligible for a UK Standard Visit Visa?

In order to be eligible for a UK Standard Visit Visa, you will need to demonstrate:

• you will leave at the end of your visit
• you are able to support yourself and any dependents
• you are able to pay for your return or onward journey and any other costs relating to your visit
• you have proof of any business or other activities you want to do in the UK

In addition, if you are applying for a long-term Standard Visitor Visa, you may be asked to provide evidence that you only intend to use the Visa for the purpose of visiting – i.e. visiting family members, and that you plan to leave the UK at the end of each visit. If you cannot provide clear evidence of these two requirements, the Home Office may not grant you the full duration you have requested in your application.

Why should I engage AQ Archers to assist with my Standard Visit Visa application?

AQ Archers have considerable experience in helping visitors to the UK apply for and receive Standard Visit Visas. We have an in-depth understanding of the policies and procedures followed by the UK Home Office for Visit Visas, allowing us to quickly spot any possible areas of weakness in your application, and we will quickly advise you on the steps necessary to resolve them.

Our team are highly professional and take great care in their client’s immigration matters. You can be assured that by using our services, we will lift the burden of securing the necessary visitor immigration clearance from your shoulders, allowing you to focus on other matters.

Can AQ Archers assist with the refusal of a Standard Visit Visa?

AQ Archers have assisted many applicants who have had their Standard Visit Visa applications refused, or their long-term Visit Visa granted for a shorter duration than requested. Because our team have a forensic knowledge of the guidelines followed by Home Office case officers, we will focus in on the problem area/s, and recommend a plan of action to resolve the matter.

AQ Archers, based in London, can assist you with all aspects of obtaining ILR based on long residence for you and your family. To speak to one of our consultants, please call 020 8521 2605.