Applying for a Visitor Visa to the UK
A standard visitor visa is the most appropriate visa type for most general visits to the UK.
The Standard UK Visitor visa has replaced the:
Family Visitor visa
General Visitor visa
Child Visitor visa
Business Visitor visa, including visas for academics, doctors and dentists
Sports Visitor visa
Entertainer Visitor visa
Prospective Entrepreneur visa
Private Medical Treatment Visitor visa
Approved Destination Status (ADS) visa
So, you need not to determine the most appropriate visa type for your trip. A standard visitor visa covers it all including a leisure trip, family visitor visa and business visitor visa to the UK.
This standard visitor visa types are multiple entry and permit applicants to stay for up to 6 months on every visit. Visit the UK visa website to further check your eligibility.
Application timeline and requirements
The earliest applicants can start the process is three months before date of travel. Standard processing period is 15 working days from time of application. The UK visa application process does not accept walk-ins. Thus, application and appointment should be rendered online through VFS Jalandhar or Chandigarh [https://www.vfsglobal.co.uk/india/vfsglobalintroduction.html] and applicants need to wait for their invitation for a scheduled appearance at the visa application center.
Do not forget to provide an original and photocopy of the following documents:
1. Appointment letter and printed application form
2. (x2) Passport size photos
3. Previous and current passports (6 months validity within travel period)
4. Letter from Employer and 6 months Wage/Pay Slips
5. If Self-employed, letter from CA and Income Tax Returns and relevant income Tax forms
6. Business receipts/crop receipts or invoices
7. Business Account bank statement for 1 year
8. Current account bank statements for 6 months
9. Savings bank accounts to cover the entire cost of the trip
10. Letter of invitation from sponsor i.e. Sponsorship from the UK
11. Travel Insurance
12. Two valid IDs
13. Proof of payment of visa application fee
Application Process
Applicants are required to submit their documents at the UK VFS and go for a biometric scan (i.e. fingerprints and photograph). While visa applications such for the US and Schengen Europe are dreaded for the nerve-wracking interview with visa officers [UK entry clearance officers], applicants need not worry as UK’s process does not include such. Below are the steps to follow:
Step 1. Log on to the UK government website. Accomplish the application forms and pay visa fee online via credit card or bank deposit.
Step 2. Attend an appointment at the nearest visa application centre. Applicants must book an appointment prior to submission.
Step 3. Applicants must arrive 15 minutes before the scheduled time, with appointment letter and application pack, valid passport, and two valid IDs and all other documents listed above. Keep the receipt as this will be presented before you get your documents. Note that no more additional documents can be submitted once submission is done. Make sure that all requirements and supporting documents are complete.
Step 4. You will be asked for biometric information collection. Ensure that your fingertips are free from any form of decorations, cuts, abrasions or other markings.
Step 5. To collect your documents, you may choose to collect in person at the centre, or have them delivered via mail.
Notes on filling out the application form
Thoroughly check the information you wrote on the form, and make sure all details are clear and true. Remember that you can no longer go back to the form pages and edit details once you’ve already confirmed and digitally signed the form.
As there is no interview, you have to be detailed in presenting your itinerary and ensure that your financial statements are crystal clear–especially if you have a sponsor.
Notes on money matters
One of the top concerns when applying for a UK visa is how much money you actually need to have for your application to be a success. Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need six to seven figures of ‘show money’ to get approved.
There is actually no specific amount to guarantee application approval. As per an interview with an official of the British Embassy, the main consideration is how the applicant plans to work around his savings and annual income. “It’s hard to understand how one person will spend half of his annual salary on a very short trip,” one of the officers explained.
Therefore, you need to make sure that the itinerary you declared suits your financial capacity. The activities you indicated on your itinerary form should be reasonable and fitting to the amount of money in your bank account. It’s better to declare you are staying in a hostel and going to free museums than lying about booking a five-star hotel on such a limited budget.
It’s also noteworthy to mention that third party funds are acceptable. The applicant just needs to provide complete and detailed information of the sponsor’s financial statement.
Cost/Fees
A Standard Visitor visa costs £89 (around INR 8150 approximately if £1 = INR 91.58). The fee for long-term visit visa depends on its length:
2 years – £337 (around INR 30863)
5 years – £612 (around INR 56,048)
10 years – £767 (around INR 70,243)
If you need a UK visa straightaway, you can avail of the 24-Hour Super Priority Visa Service with a processing time of one day. However, you must note that this 24-Hour Super Priority
Visa Service still does not guarantee approval of your application.
For further information on UK Visitor Visa, kindly email us at info@lawyersandimmigration.com.
Lawyers and Immigration
info@lawyersandimmigration.com