If you intend to visit the United Kingdom to spend time with family, you can apply for a Family Visitor Visa, commonly known as the Standard Visitor Visa. This visa allows foreign nationals to visit family members, participate in certain business activities, or receive private medical treatment for up to six months. To ensure a smooth process, it is advisable to start your application at least three months before your planned travel date.
For frequent visitors to the UK, the long-term Standard Visitor Visa offers flexibility, enabling multiple entries with a maximum stay of six months per visit. These visas are available with validity periods of 2, 5, or 10 years. However, marriage, work, start a business or study at universities or schools is not permitted under this visa category. Individuals intending to marry in the UK will need to apply for a Marriage Visitor Visa or Fiancé Visa.
If you hold a valid visa for education, work, or entrepreneurship in the UK and wish to bring dependents (such as a spouse or children) for stays longer than six months, they may qualify for a Dependant Visa, which matches the validity of your own visa.
Eligibility Criteria for the UK Family Visitor Visa
Applicants must meet the following conditions:
- Have a genuine reason for visiting family or friends.
- Demonstrate plans to leave the UK at the end of the visit.
- Provide evidence of sufficient financial resources to cover the trip without reliance on public funds.
- Avoid engaging in prohibited activities, including employment or full-time studies.
Required Documentation
To support the application, you must submit:
- A valid passport or travel document.
- Proof of financial means to cover all expenses during the visit.
- Evidence of ties to your home country (e.g., employment, property ownership, or family commitments).
- Documents supporting the purpose of your visit (e.g., a wedding invitation or proof of family relationship).
Application Process
Applications must be submitted online through the Home Office website. The process involves:
- Completing the online application form.
- Paying the visa fee.
- Uploading all required documents.
- Attending a biometric appointment to provide fingerprints and a photograph, if necessary.
Visa Processing Timeline
Decisions are typically issued within three weeks. However, processing times may vary depending on the volume of applications and the complexity of individual cases. Expedited processing may be available for and extra £1,000-£1,250 fee to get your decision within 2 working days.
Costs for the Family Visitor Visa
- £115 for a six-month visa.
- £400 for a 2-year visa.
- £771 for a 5-year visa.
- £963 for a 10-year visa.
Extensions and Other Options
While extensions are generally not allowed, exceptions may apply in limited cases, such as medical emergencies. If you plan to stay beyond six months, alternative immigration options may be more suitable.
At Nejat Immigration Ltd, we provide tailored guidance to help applicants understand the requirements, gather essential documents, and successfully complete the visa application process.
