Partner or Spouse Visas
UK Tourist Visas
You can usually stay in the UK for up to 6 months. You might be able to apply to stay for longer in certain circumstances, for example, to get medical treatment.
Whilst the below information encompasses a summary of the requirements for the visitor visa route, you should ensure that you obtain detailed legal advice before making an application to ensure that you are meeting the requirements and that all relevant processes have been complied with for a successful application. See our “common reasons why applications are refused” section which details why not preparing your application can cost you money and valuable time.
At Buckingham Legal Associates we offer the highest quality, personal immigration services to individuals seeking to live and work in the United Kingdom.
Our experienced team of lawyers is well versed in UK immigration law and can help you make sense of the complex process of obtaining a visa or permanent residence.
Whether you are seeking to come to the UK for work, study, or family reasons, we can provide you with all of the expert guidance and representation that you need
to ensure a successful outcome.
What you can and cannot do (‘permitted activities’)
You can visit the UK as a Standard Visitor:
- for tourism, for example on a holiday or vacation
- to see your family or friends
- to volunteer for up to 30 days with a registered charity
- to pass through the UK to another country (‘in transit’)
- for certain business activities, for example, attending a meeting or interview
- to take part in a school exchange programme
- to do a recreational course of up to 30 days, for example, a dance course
- to study, do a placement or take an exam
- as an academic, senior doctor or dentist
- for medical reasons
You cannot:
- do paid or unpaid work for a UK company or as a self-employed person
- claim public funds (benefits)
- live in the UK for long periods through frequent or successive visits
- marry or register a civil partnership, or give notice of marriage or civil partnership — you will need to apply for a Marriage Visitor visa
Do you need a visa to visit the UK?
- have to apply for a Standard Visitor visa before you travel to the UK
- be able to visit the UK for up to 6 months without needing a visa
If you do not need a visa, you must still meet the Standard Visitor eligibility requirements to visit the UK.
You may be asked questions at the UK border about your eligibility and the activities you plan to do.
If you have previously been refused entry to the UK or have a criminal record, you may want to apply for a Standard Visitor visa (even if you do not need one).
You can contact our immigration experts to find out if you need a visit visa to come to the UK.
Standard Visitor Visa
If you are required to, you must apply for a Standard Visitor visa online before you travel to the UK. A Standard Visitor visa costs £100 for up to 6 months.
The earliest you can apply is 3 months before you travel (minus any fees for legal assistance). If you require legal assistance, there will be additional charges for this.
If you visit the UK regularly, you can choose to apply for a long-term Standard Visitor visa instead.
You can pass through the UK to another country on a Standard Visitor visa. If transiting is your only reason for coming to the UK, you can apply for a Visitor in Transit visa instead for £64 (minus any fees for legal assistance).
How Buckingham Legal Associates can help?
As experts in the field, we can assist you from start to finish in making an application for a visitor visa. We can advise you about your documents, prepare and file your application and submit written representations to present your case to the Home Office to increase the chances of getting a successful outcome of your application.
Should you wish to speak further about your application, you can contact our team at 0203 006 2742 or team@buckslegal.co.uk and book a consultation today to find out more.