How do I apply for a visa?

There are different visas depending on where you are from and why you require a visa.

The different types of visas are subject to where you are from, why you want to visit the UK, how long you want to stay in the UK and any relevant personal circumstances or skills you possess.

Some people may not need a visa to travel to the UK. For example, if you are an Irish citizen, you do not need a visa to travel to the UK. People from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein may not need a visa to enter the UK. This is dependent on the EU Settlement Scheme.

Always check before you travel to see if you require a visa. In cases where you do need a visa to enter the UK, this will need to be approved before your arrival.

As mentioned above, there are different types of visas depending on where you are travelling from and why you are travelling. We will outline some of these below.

Standard Visa – Visit UK for up to 6 months

A Standard Visitor Visa is valid for up to 6 months for tourism, study (for up to 6 months), business or other permitted activities. Some of these ‘permitted activities’ include:

  • Visiting family or friends
  • Volunteering for a registered charity (for up to 30 days)
  • In transit (to pass through the UK into another country)
  • For medical reasons

Here are some more permitted activities and what you cannot do.

If you need to stay longer for reasons such as medical treatment, you may be able to apply to stay longer.

If you have a visitor visa, you will not be able to take a job in the UK, even if it is only for the short period that you are visiting.

Studying in the UK

If you take a short educational course that has a duration of 6 months or less, you can apply for a Standard Visitor visa, as seen above.

To study English language in the UK for any period lasting between 6 and 11 months, you should apply for a Short-term study visa. Check which visa you need to study a course other than English language for this period.

Student visas are issued for people wanting to study in the UK for longer than 11 months. To be eligible for this visa, you must be sponsored by a licensed college or university. In some cases, you may be able to get a job alongside this visa.

If you want your children to study in the UK and they are aged between 4 and 17, you may be able to apply for a Child Student visa. This allows children to study at an independent school. Those aged 16 or over can work with this visa.

Working in the UK

There are many different types of work visas. Please click here to learn more.

Generally, the visa you need depends on your skill set, existing qualifications, a job offer and sponsorship, if you want to bring your family and what you will be doing for work.

In some cases, you may also be able to start a business in the UK.

Reuniting with family in the UK

As a spouse, partner or family member of someone who has British citizenship or settlement in the UK, you can apply for a family visa. Your relatives in the UK may have to prove that they can financially support you.

If your spouse, partner, or parent (if you’re under 18) is in the UK on a visa, you may be able to join them.

Other Visas

Commonwealth citizens or returning residents may be able to receive a visa to enter the UK.

Otherwise, your specific circumstances may allow you to enter the UK with a particular visa.

Please click here to check if you need a visa and what visas you may be eligible for.

Immigration Solicitor London

Often, unfortunately, it is not straightforward to apply for a visa in the UK. However, at Jackson Longe Solicitors, we can support you with a wide range of Immigration matters. Our lawyers provide expert advice, practical assistance and representation.

Don’t hesitate to contact us on 0208 332 2069 or email info@jacksonlonge.com.

For more information about our Immigration service, please click here.