Nationals of countries that are not in the UK's visa-free list must apply for a Standard Visitor Visa before travelling to the UK. The visa permits a stay of up to six months for a range of permitted activities including tourism, visiting family or friends, attending business meetings, conferences, or short training courses, and receiving private medical treatment. It does not permit the visitor to work, access public funds, or stay beyond the permitted period.
The key requirement for a Standard Visitor Visa is satisfying the Home Office that you are a genuine visitor, that you intend to leave the UK at the end of your visit, and that you have sufficient funds to cover your stay without working. Caseworkers look at your ties to your home country, your travel history, your financial circumstances, and the credibility of your stated purpose. Applications that do not clearly demonstrate these things are often refused.
At NARA Solicitors, we can advise on the documentation needed to support a strong visitor visa application, help where a previous application has been refused, and review your application before submission. We also advise on visits for specific purposes such as attending a family event, accompanying a family member seeking medical treatment, or visiting for a business purpose that falls within the permitted activities for visitors.