The United Kingdom is a country full of culture and beauty, with scenic cities like Cardiff, London, Edinburgh, and Belfast awaiting visitors.
Those seeking to stay for more than a few weeks will need to seek out the correct visa to ensure that they don’t run into any legal trouble. Today, we’ll provide details about how to select the right visa for your needs, register your stay, and understand your rights when applying for a visa.
Understanding UK Visas
Those visiting the UK from the United States as tourists don’t need a visa as long as they stay for less than six months and do not intend to work there. However, if you want to stay for a longer time or you want to work to support yourself while there, it’s important to select the right type of visa for your needs.
Types of UK Visas
There are several types of visas available, and the kind you apply for depends on why you’re in the country; for example, the partner of a British citizen may be eligible for a Spouse Visa. The different categories of visas you can choose from include the following.
- Visitor – If you intend to stay in the country no longer than six months from the date of your arrival and you are a United States citizen, you do not need to file for a visa. However, if you are from outside the British Commonwealth, European Economic Area, United States, or Switzerland, you need a visa to visit. This also applies to those who want to stay for longer than six months.
- Business – The UK has several different business-related visas, including for temporary workers, skilled workers, businesspeople, athletes, ministers, entrepreneurs, and investors. Each one offers different benefits and has unique metrics. For example, entrepreneurs who invest a set amount above £50,000 in a British business can apply for an Innovator Visa.
- Family – Partners, children, and other relatives of UK residents or settled persons can utilize a variety of family visas to remain in the country. This includes individuals who need care from a British citizen or who intend to rely on health services while present in the country.
- Settlement – Indefinite Leave of Remain allows you to stay in the country and utilize the UK’s many services without becoming a resident. There are also options for documented refugees fleeing civil unrest in their own countries.
- Study – The UK is a popular study-abroad destination thanks to its many world-class institutions. Study visas allow a student to enroll in a UK educational institution. Sometimes, this type of visa will also allow you to work while you stay in the country.
- Transit – Citizens of certain countries may require a transit visa if they have a layover in Britain or intend to pass through the country on their way to their final destination.
Eligibility Criteria
When applying for a UK visa, selecting the right type is important, as eligibility requirements may differ slightly between the different types. In general, you will need this, depending on which type of visa you would like.
- Visitor Visa – You must prove that you intend to leave the UK after a set amount of time, you can support yourself, and that you are not using successive visas to obtain residency.
- Business – For a business visa, UK immigration services expect to see that a UK company has invited you into the country and is over 18 years old. You must demonstrate that you can support yourself while in the country, including paying for travel abroad at the end of your visit.
- Family – The foremost eligibility requirement for the family visa is that you have a family member in the UK who commits to caring for you during your stay, whether a partner or parent. Those applying as adult dependents must prove they have some other relative who is a British citizen or long-term resident. Partners must also demonstrate at least some English proficiency. For adult dependents visiting the country to utilize the National Health Service, it must be proven that they have a condition that cannot be managed or treated in their home country.
- Settlement – Indefinite Leave to Remain, also known as a settlement visa, requires proof that you have lived in the country on a valid passport for a certain amount of time, which varies depending on what type of visa you held before. While waiting for your visa approval, you cannot leave the country.
- Study – To get a student visa, you must prove that you are enrolled in a course at a British university. A licensed student sponsor must provide confirmation of Acceptance of Studies, typically the school you’ve applied to. Additionally, you must have the funds to sustain yourself while in the country, including paying for any courses. Those intending to visit as minors must prove that their parents consent to their study. You will need to prove that you have basic English proficiency.
- Transit – For a transit visa, you must show that you only intend to stay in the country for 48 hours or less from the date of arrival and that you took a reasonable path to arrive at your intended destination.
Application Process
The visa process for US citizens is quite simple; much of it can be done online. Here are the basic steps.
- Check Visa Types – To start, identify what kind of visa you need from the list of options. UK.gov has a page that allows you to assess whether you need a visa and what type best fits your situation. It will also tell you what documents you need for your application. You should apply well in advance, at least three months before the date of your arrival.
- Gather Your Documents – While all visas require slightly different documents, all will require a passport, which should have at least one page blank. You will also need your intended date of departure, proof of funds to sustain you during your stay, the address where you will be staying, your birth certificate, and proof of employment if you will be working there.
- Begin Application – Most visa applications can be completed online, and you will upload scans or PDFs of all supporting documentation. You will log in and create an account, and your process will be saved throughout. The application asks you what your intended purpose for your stay is and how long you will be staying.
- Pay Visa Fees – You will then pay for your visa and receive a reference number starting with GWF. You will need this should you have any issues, so keep it in a safe place.
- Schedule an Appointment at Visa Application Center – When you get a visa, you must register biometric data with the UK government. After you complete your form and pay your bill, you’ll be directed to an external servicer to select your appointment time and location.
- Upload Supporting Documents – You will now upload all the necessary supporting documents to the secure website. The application will tell you what documents you’ll need. If you don’t have a scanner, you can bring them to your visa appointment.
- Attend Your ASC Appointment – You should arrive at least 15 minutes early with all your documents. During your appointment, the processor will use a digital scanner to take your fingerprints and then a digital photograph of you.
- Mail Application – Once you’ve completed your appointment, you must mail all your supporting documents, appointment confirmation letter, current passport, and a return shipping page to the New York office.
- Check on the Progress of Your Application – You can use your reference number, provided when you paid your fees, to track the progress of your application.
- Receive Your Confirmation and Pick Up Documents – You’ll receive a formal letter informing whether you were approved or rejected. You can then collect your documents, including your visa sticker, from the same Visa Application Center you used for your initial appointment.
UK Visa Application Requirements
Applying for a UK visa requires proof that you will stay in the country for a certain amount of time unless you seek a settlement visa. You will also need to demonstrate that you have the financial funds to care for yourself and, in some cases, have English proficiency. Here’s what you’ll need to ensure a smooth and stress-free process.
Documentation
Once you checkout after applying for a visa, you’ll be prompted to upload your supporting documentation, which will typically include the following:
- Passport, with a blank page for your stamps
- Two passport-sized photographs
- Bank statements or pay slips to prove you have the necessary funds
- Travel itinerary
- Proof of accommodation
- Tuberculosis test results, if necessary
There are also some additional documents necessary for certain types of visas:
- If you have a relative sponsor, proof of relationship.
- For a business sponsor, proof of invitation by an institution or organization.
- If you’re studying in the UK, your Confirmation of Acceptance of Studies (CAS).
- If visiting for medical treatment by the National Health Service, a letter from a physician or medical professional confirming your need for services.
Depending on your purpose of visit, you may need additional documents; these will be explained to you when you apply.
Financial Requirements
There’s no specific income requirement for those on a visitor visa, but you will need to provide bank statements demonstrating disposable income. Generally, you should expect to show you have at least £100 to £150 per day to live on.
Usually, the immigration committee wants to see that you have at least twice as much as your expected trip will cost in your bank account. Students must demonstrate that they have at least £1,334 per month for 9 months if they are studying in London or £1,023 per month for up to 9 months outside of London.
If you are staying with an eligible partner or family member, the household income must be at least £29,000 per year from all sources. You’ll also need to explain your income type, whether that is as an employee or a self-employed person.
Remember that these amounts are subject to change depending on various factors, including the current cost of living and inflation. Always double-check before submitting your documents.
English Language Requirements
Some visas require English proficiency up to a B1 on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) scale, which includes work, student, and partner visas. You can demonstrate proficiency in a few ways:
- A Secure English Language Test (SELT) from a provider
- A GSCE starting before age 18
- Scottish National Qualification Level 4 or 5 from before age 18
- Scottish Higher or Advanced Higher in English from before age 18
- A degree-level qualification taught in English equivalent to at least a UK Bachelor’s degree
Health and Character Requirements
Suppose you are visiting from a nation with endemic tuberculosis and have yet to be vaccinated. In that case, you must provide a certificate proving that you do not have tuberculosis signed by an approved healthcare provider.
Many choose to go to a specific government-approved doctor ahead of time to ensure that they haven’t missed any essential elements.
Ensure you meet the good character requirement, which applies to everyone above 10. These rules include prohibitions against serious crimes that may pose a risk to UK citizens, immigration-related offenses, and financial fraud.
Specific UK Visa Categories
The UK has an extensive list of visa types that cover several different circumstances, and you must select the right type for your intended purpose.
Visit Visas
Specific options that are encompassed in this type of visa include:
- Tourist Visa – Individuals from particular countries who want to stay for at least six months. This can be used for vacations, meeting with friends and family, obtaining medical care, or getting married at a destination wedding. US citizens don’t need a visa for less than six months.
- Paid Permitted Engagement Visa – Short-term visa for those in the UK for conferences, signing paperwork, or attending meetings.
- Business Visitor Visa: This visa is Useful for businesspeople who are visiting to consult for a company or assist with startups.
Work Visas
There are many different visa types for workers, including entrepreneurs investing in the UK. This includes:
- Skilled Worker Visa – for those with an advanced degree and job offer.
- Temporary Worker Visa – for less than 1 year.
- Youth Mobility Visa – a 2-year visa for those aged 18-30.
- Sportsperson Visa – a long-term visa for elite coaches and athletes.
- Minister of Religion Visa – for those who want to work as a missionary, religious worker, or minister of religion.
- Intra-Country Transfer Visa – for those transferring to a company’s UK branch.
- Innovator Visa –for those who invest at least £50,000 in a UK business.
- Investor Visa – for those who invest at least £2 million in a UK business.
- Startup Visa – for those with a sponsor who intend to open a business.
Study Visas
Types of study visas include:
- Adult Student Visas – for adults intending to take a course at a UK institution.
- Two-Year Post-Study Visa – for international students who did undergraduate or graduate studies in the UK.
- Student Visitor Visa – for those completing a semester or year abroad.
- Child Student Visa – for students from 4-17 taking classes in the UK.
Family Visas
Family visas are based on what type of relationship you have with the UK citizen or resident, and they include:
- Spouse or Fiance Visa – for married or engaged partners of UK residents.
- Unmarried Partner Visa – for long-term partners of UK residents.
- Dependent Visa – for minor dependents of UK residents.
- Adult Dependent Visa – for disabled or elderly individuals requiring care from a UK resident.
Other Visa Categories
Settlement visas are for those intending to stay in the UK for an indeterminate amount of time, and they typically require you to have had a previous visa. There are also visas for refugees or persons seeking asylum.
A transit visa allows you to stay in the UK for up to 48 hours if you pass through on your way elsewhere.
UK Visa Application Fees and Processing Times
Everyone needs to pay a specific fee for a visa, though you may be able to get a waiver depending on where you are from and what purpose your visa has, such as an asylum visa. Additionally, you should expect to wait for processing.
Visa Fees
Fees are based on the length of stay and purpose. The typical expenses are:
- Visitor up to 6 months – $153
- Visitor up to 2 years – $573
- Visitor up to 5 years – $1023
- Short-Term Study Visa – $265
- Student Visa – $650
- Family Visa – $2451
- Adult Dependent Visa – $4314
- Investor Visa – $2501
- Skilled Worker Visa – $951
- Specialist Worker Visa – $1885
Processing Times
For most visas, the standard processing time is 3 weeks. Family visas generally take 24 weeks.
You can pay for expedited service, including for family visas. Priority service means you will get your decision in 5 days or 30 days for family visas. Super priority service allows you to receive a decision by the end of the next working day.
Common Reasons for UK Visa Refusals
Sometimes, you’ll find that your visit was denied due to inadequate documentation. However, there are other reasons you may be rejected. These are the most common reasons that you may have to file an appeal.
Insufficient Documentation
You must provide all the information required from your application; otherwise, you must apply again with the correct details. The online application service will let you know what’s needed.
Financial Issues
The UK’s immigration service is a bit murky about how much you need to sustain yourself, especially for long-term visitors. You might be denied if you’re low on funds or don’t provide enough documentation.
Deception or Misrepresentation
You must be honest and provide accurate information about your past, even if you’re concerned that it may lead to a denial. Any evidence of deception will lead to an immediate denial.
Previous Immigration History
Having issues with immigration in the past, such as overstaying your visa in another country, can lead the UK to worry that you’ll do it again. Evidence of repeated stays in an attempt to gain residence will also lead to a denial.
Appealing a UK Visa Refusal
If your visa is denied, you’ll receive a decision letter explaining whether you have grounds to appeal. You have 28 days to appeal after the decision is made.
To appeal, you or your solicitor will apply online and provide the necessary documentation; you can also ask for a hearing. You will need the Home Office reference number included in your decision letter to do so. At the appeal, you’ll either have your decision overturned and be able to apply again, or it will be upheld, and you cannot reapply.
The Bottom Line
The UK is a beautiful place to visit, study, work, or even immigrate to permanently. However, you must follow all requirements to stay in the country legally, as failing to secure the appropriate visa can lead to serious legal repercussions.
British visas are available for various purposes, and the one you choose depends on the length of your stay and the purpose of your travels. By working with an immigration adviser or attorney, you can ensure you have a legal, safe, and pleasant stay in this gorgeous land.