The UK’s Immigration Rules for visitors are specified under Appendix V, which covers various visitor categories, including Standard Visitors, Marriage/Civil Partnership Visitors, and Transit Visitors. Each category outlines eligibility criteria, permitted activities, and restrictions.

Types of Visitor Visas

Under the UK's Immigration Rules, there are four main categories of Visitor Visa:

1. Standard Visitor Visa
   • Purpose: To visit the UK for tourism, business meetings, short courses, or to receive medical treatment, attend events, or visit friends and family.
   • Duration: Typically granted for up to 6 months.
   • Permitted Activities:
     • Visit friends and family or go on a holiday.
     • Attend business meetings or conferences.
     • Study for up to 30 days (as long as study isn’t the main purpose of your visit).
     • Participate in incidental volunteering for up to 30 days.
     • Pass through the UK as a transit point to another country.
2. Marriage and Civil Partnership Visitor Visa
   • Purpose: To visit the UK to get married, form a civil partnership, or give notice of your intention to marry or form a partnership.
   • Duration: Typically 6 months.
3. Transit Visa
   • Purpose: To pass through the UK en route to another destination country.
   • Duration: This is typically a short-term visa (usually for 48 hours or less).

General Eligibility Requirements

Regardless of the specific type of Visitor Visa, you must meet these general requirements:

• Intent to Leave the UK: You must demonstrate that you will leave the UK at the end of your visit and will not live in the UK long-term through frequent visits.
• Financial Sufficiency: You must show that you can financially support yourself (and any dependents) during your visit without working or accessing public funds.
• Return or Onward Journey: You must have enough funds to pay for your return journey or onward travel from the UK.
• Proof of Purpose: You need to provide proof of the activities you intend to undertake in the UK, and ensure that no prohibited activities are planned during your stay.

If a third party is covering your travel and accommodation costs, you must prove a genuine professional or personal relationship exists and that the third party is not in breach of UK immigration laws.

Visa Duration and Extensions

• Standard Visitor Visa: You can typically stay in the UK for up to 6 months. However, if you are seeking private medical treatment, you may be granted a visa for up to 11 months, or if you're an academic visiting for research, you may be granted up to 12 months.
• Long-Term Visitor Visa: If you need to visit the UK regularly, you can apply for a long-term visitor visa that lasts 2, 5, or 10 years. Each visit can be for up to 6 months.
• Extensions: You may apply for an extension within the UK if your initial visa duration is short, but the total stay (initial grant + extension) cannot exceed the maximum allowed under your visa category.

Business Visitor Rules

If you plan to visit the UK for business-related activities, you will generally apply for a Standard Visitor Visa. This allows you to:

• Attend meetings, conferences, seminars, or interviews.
• Give short talks or speeches (provided they are not commercial events and do not generate profit).
• Negotiate and sign deals and contracts.
• Attend trade fairs (for promotional work only, not selling).
• Carry out site visits, inspections, or gather information for your overseas employment.
• Participate in sports events or as an entertainer, artist, or musician.
• Accompany students or undertake academic research.

Note: If you are seeking paid work, you may need to apply for a Permitted Paid Engagement (PPE) Visa. This visa allows short-term, paid engagements (e.g., guest lectures, legal advocacy, or performance arts) but requires an invitation from a UK-based entity.

Prohibited Activities Under the Visitor Visa

• Work: You cannot work under a Visitor Visa except for activities explicitly allowed (e.g., business meetings, site inspections, short-term unpaid work).
• Public Funds: You are not allowed to access public funds during your stay.
• Frequent Visits: You cannot stay in the UK long-term or use the visitor route as a way to live in the UK permanently.

Visitor Visa Application Process

1. Complete the Online Application: Start your application via the UK government’s visa application portal.
2. Document Submission: Submit necessary documents, including:
   • Passport or valid travel identification.
   • Proof of financial means (e.g., bank statements).
   • Itinerary of your travel, including flight bookings and accommodation details.
   • Evidence of the purpose of your visit (e.g., invitation letter from family, business partner, etc.).
3. Biometrics: Attend a biometric appointment (fingerprints and photo).
4. Visa Decision: After submitting your application, the typical processing time for a Visitor Visa is around 3 weeks, although it may vary.

What Happens if You Breach the Rules?

If you breach any of the conditions of your Visitor Visa, such as working without permission or overstaying your visa, you could face serious consequences, including:

• Deportation or removal from the UK.
• A ban from re-entering the UK for a specified period.
• Refusal of future UK visa applications.

Why Choose Immigration Advice Consultants?

At Immigration Advice Consultants, we offer comprehensive services to guide you through the complexities of the UK Visitor Visa application process:

• Expert Advice: We provide tailored advice based on your specific visit purpose and ensure you meet all the eligibility requirements.
• Document Preparation: Our team assists you in gathering and preparing all the necessary documentation for your visa application.
• Visa Support: From initial application to biometric appointment, we help at every stage to ensure your application is successful.

We understand the importance of your visit, whether for leisure, business, or to reunite with family, and will ensure your visa application is handled with the utmost care and professionalism.