The UK Immigration System

Introduction to the UK system

How to apply

Do I need to use a representative?

Home Office fees

UK Immigration Routes

Tier 1

Tier 2

Settlement

Visit Visas

UK Immigration Resources

Latest UK immigration news

Online information and forum advice

Sheffield Public Enquiry Office

Sheffield travel and accommodation

An Overview of UK Visit Visas

Nationals of many countries can come to the UK for up to 6 months without first obtaining Entry Clearance. All other nationals must apply for Entry Clearance before travelling to the UK. The list of countries who must apply for Entry Clearance in this way can be found here.

Visit visas fall outside the Points Based System (PBS). This means that the Visit application may depend upon subjective criteria, such as judgement of the applicant's intentions in visiting the UK.

General Visitors

• Can visit the UK for a maximum of 6 months
• No employment allowed
• Complete form VAF1A, available at UK Visas
• The fee payable to UK Visas is £70, payable in local currency
• Documents Needed:

1. Proof of intention to return to home country e.g./ proof of employment or property in home country
2. Proof of finances sufficient for the trip (bank statements)
3. Proof of accommodation within the UK (this can be hotel accommodation)

Family Visitors

• Can visit the UK for a maximum of 6 months
• No employment allowed
• Complete form VAF1B, available at UK Visas
• The fee payable to UK Visas is £70, payable in local currency
• Documents Needed:

1. Proof of intention to return to home country e.g./ proof of employment or property in home country
2. Proof of finances sufficient for the trip (bank statements, payslips etc - can be from family member)
3. Proof of accommodation within the UK (letter from family member along with proof that accommodation is large enough for visitor)
4. Invitation letter from family member in UK plus copy of their passport if UK national (or proof of UK immigration status if non-UK national)

There are other categories of Visit Visas with which White Rose Visas can also assist, including Business Visitor, Sports Visitor, and visitor for Private Medical Treatment.