We can guide you on how to apply for UK tourist visa for immigrants without stressing out. Just so you know – the only thing you need to do is to read carefully through this page.
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As an immigrant, do not be deceived, you can visit the UK as a Standard Visitor for tourism and other permitted activities if you want to. However, there are things you have to do and requirements you must meet before this is possible.
The good news is that we can guide you and show you how to stay in the UK for up to 6 months as a tourist and an immigrant.
With our guide, you will be able to apply for a UK tourist visa for immigrants and stay for a long if you want to. Are you ready to learn how possible this is?
How to Apply for UK Tourist Visa for Immigrants
When applying for the UK tourist visa as an immigrant you will either apply for a Standard Visitor visa before you travel to the UK or be able to visit the UK for up to 6 months without needing a visa. However, this is dependent on your nationality.
To apply for the UK tourist visa for immigrants, there are things you must know and do:
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- As an immigrant, you need to check if what you plan to do in the UK is allowed.
- Also, you need to meet the eligibility criteria.
- Ensure you need to apply for a visa to visit the UK.
- If you need a Standard Visitor’s visa, ensure you apply on time online.
Do you know that as an immigrant with a Standard Visitor visa; you can visit the UK:
- For tourism.
- Partake in a school exchange programme.
- For a recreational course. You can enjoy up to 30 days.
- For study or for business activities.
- To do a placement or take an exam.
- For research as an academic, senior doctor or dentist.
- To spend time with family or friends.
- As a volunteer for up to 30 days. However this must be with a registered charity.
- As a pass through to another country (‘in transit’).
- For medical purposes, reasons or treatment.
However, you cannot:
- Work (paid or unpaid) for a UK company or as a self-employed person, unless you are doing a permitted paid engagement or event.
- Live in the country for a long period of time through frequent or successive visits.
- Marry or register a civil partnership, or give notice of marriage or civil partnership. You’ll need to apply for a Marriage Visitor visa.
- Claim public funds (benefits).
Eligibility Criteria to Apply for UK Tourist Visa for Immigrants
To apply for the UK tourist visa as an immigrant, you must:
- Have a passport or travel document to enter the UK. It should be valid for the whole of your stay.
- You must be able to show that you will leave the UK at the end of your visit.
- You must be able to show that you are able to support yourself and your dependents during your trip (or show you have funding from someone else to support you).
- You must be able to show that you are able to pay for your return or onward journey (or have funding from someone else to pay for the journey).
- You must be able to show that you will not live in the UK for extended periods through frequent or successive visits, or make the UK your main home.
However, you may need to meet extra eligibility criteria if you are visiting the UK:
- To study.
- Do a placement.
- Take an exam
- As an academic.
- As a senior doctor.
- As a dentist.
- For a permitted paid engagement
- For medical reasons.
What You Need to Do Before Applying for the UK Tourist Visa as an Immigrant
Before you apply for the UK visa as an immigrant, you need to check if you need a visa to visit the UK. But if you do not need a visa, you still need to meet the Standard Visitor eligibility criteria to visit the UK.
You may be asked questions at the UK border about your eligibility and the activities you plan to do. As such, if the UK embassy has previously denied you entry to the UK or you have a criminal record, you may want to reconsider your decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the Cost of a Standard Visitor visa
You must apply for a Standard Visitor visa online before you travel to the UK. The Standard Visitor visa application fee is around £115 and this runs for up to 6 months. Please be informed that the earliest you can apply is 3 months before you travel.
The good news about this is that if you are someone who visits the UK regularly, then there is a chance you can choose to apply for a long-term Standard Visitor visa instead.
2. How Long Does a UK Visitor Visa Take to Process?
It takes between three months and 48 hours before you plan to travel. Applications more than three months before your arrival won’t be accepted. But then applications are typically processed within three weeks and you will be able to check your visa status after you submit it.
It is important to state that the processing time can take closer to three weeks and occasionally more, particularly for those outside the EEA and Switzerland.
3. What Can I Do If I Have an Emergency?
If you have an emergency or you are traveling for an urgent appointment you do not want to miss, you can choose one of the Home Office’s priority services: the Priority Service and the Super Priority Service. The cost are stated below:
- Priority Service – Processing fee for within 5 working days is £500
- Super Priority Service – Processing fee in a single working day is £1000
Can I Stay in The UK For Longer than Six Months?
Visitors from many countries can apply for a long-term visit visa for UK travel. However, this is available at an extra cost. It means you will pay more than the regular fee.
How Much Does A Visitor Visa UK Cost?
It depends on some factors. Visitor Visa fees can vary for UK travelers from non-EEA countries. However, the standard UK visitor visa fees are the same – £115. But if you are planning on staying for longer than six months, it might be that you are applying for a long-term standard visa, in which case there are different costs involved. The costs are listed below based on the duration of your stay:
- 2-Year Visa – £432.
- 5-Year Visa – £771.
- 10-Year Visa – £963.
With the above information, you now should know how to apply for UK visa for immigrants easily.
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