Standard Visitor Visa: Tourism, Business, Study, or Medical

The Standard Visitor Visa allows individuals to visit the UK for short-term purposes, including tourism, business, study, or private medical treatment. This visa is designed for those who do not intend to live in the UK long-term and is ideal for temporary visits.

This visa does not lead to settlement in the UK and is strictly for short-term stays.

Eligibility

To qualify for a Standard Visitor Visa, you must:

• Prove you will leave the UK at the end of your visit.
• Demonstrate that you can financially support yourself and any dependents during your stay.
• Show proof of the purpose of your visit, such as:
  • Tourism: Visiting family, friends, or sightseeing.
  • Business: Attending meetings, conferences, or job interviews.
  • Study: Enrolling in a short course (up to 6 months).
  • Medical: Receiving private medical treatment.
• Have sufficient funds to cover your travel to and from the UK.
• Intend to engage only in activities permitted under the visa type.

Duration of Stay

The Standard Visitor Visa typically allows you to stay in the UK for:

• Up to 6 months for most purposes.
• Up to 11 months for private medical treatment.
• Up to 12 months if accompanying an academic on sabbatical research.

Application Process

Timeline

You can apply for a Standard Visitor Visa up to 3 months before your intended travel date. As part of your application, you will need to:

• Prove your identity.
• Provide supporting documents, such as:
  • Travel itinerary.
  • Proof of funds.
  • Evidence of ties to your home country (e.g., employment, property ownership).
• Attend a biometric appointment if required.

Decision Timeframe

• 3 weeks if applying from outside the UK.

Rights and Restrictions

What You Can Do:

• Visit family and friends or enjoy tourism.
• Attend business-related activities, such as conferences or meetings.
• Enroll in a short course of study.
• Receive private medical treatment.

What You Cannot Do:

• Work or engage in paid or unpaid employment.
• Live in the UK for extended periods through frequent visits.
• Apply for most benefits (public funds).
• Marry or register a civil partnership unless you apply for a Marriage Visitor Visa.

Get in touch with us now at Squadlead to make your Standard Visitor Visa application process seamless and stress-free!