Want a Long Stay in the UK? Here is a Guide on Getting the Long-Term UK Visitor Visa
If you want a leisurely holiday in the UK or have family whom you’d like to visit for a long time, you should apply for category of long-term visitor visa which includes
UK family visit visa. The long-term visitor visa allows you to stay in the UK for a period of up to 6 months. This visa has replaced many other types of visas and many visitors are going for this. So, if you too want a long stay in the UK, the following blog will enlighten you on the application and requirements for a
long-term UK visitor visa.
Different types of Long-term UK Visitor Visa
2-Year Visitor Visa
This visa is valid for a period of 2 years, and using this, you can stay in the country for a maximum period of 6 months each time, potentially allowing you to use this visa multiple times. This long-term tourist visa UK is ideal for tourists and students doing short-term courses.
5-Year Visitor Visa
This visa is valid for a period of 5 years, and using this, you can stay in the country for a maximum period of 6 months each time. People who have family in the UK or students who are pursuing higher education, or people who are doing business are the ones mainly opting for this long visa. If you have previously managed to secure a 2-year visa, securing the 5-year one will be easier. Also, don’t forget that you cannot get a job in the UK with this visa.
10-Year Visitor Visa
This visa is valid for a period of 10 years, and using this, you can stay in the country for a maximum period of 6 months each time. Only if you belong to a country that is outside the EEA (European Economic Area) can you qualify for a 10-year visitor visa. This visa is ideal for people who have family in the UK and need to visit them frequently, or have a business.
Requirements for Long-Term UK Visitor Visa
The following long-term
standard visitor visa UK requirements and conditions have to be fulfilled if you want the visa. Here are those requirements:
State Your Reasons & Motivation to Visit the UK
You have to provide strong reasons and motivations on why you’d like to visit the UK and get a long-term visa. Some reasons could be tourism, medical treatments, participation in sporting events, family visits, and business.
Sponsorship by a Third Party
If your visa is being sponsored by a third party like a company or a UK resident, you will need to fulfil all the requirements set by the Home Office like certificates, undertakings, financial statements, official invitation letters, etc.
Food, Accommodation, & Travel
One of the biggest requirements is showing that you have the finances to stay in the UK, travel about within the country, and afford food and stay wherever you go. You also have to show you have enough money to buy another return ticket if for some reason you miss your flight. You can use your slips, account statements, or official letter from your employers as proof of financial capacity.
Return Home
One of the biggest requirements of getting a visa is that you have to prove you have no intention of overstaying your welcome and you are going to go back home. A return airplane ticket is a solid document that you can use. You can also submit documents showing your residency back home, business, or job. This shows you have enough reasons to go back to your home country.
Law-abiding and Safe Traveller – You also must show that you are a good, law-abiding person who will not indulge in any illegal activity. You can also show successful stays in other countries as proof that you have never violated immigration rules anywhere. You will also have to get a medical go-ahead and certificate from your doctor before travelling to the UK.
Documents Needed for Long-Term UK Visitor Visa
The following are the general documents you will need for your long-term visa. These documents have to be attached to your visa application form, so ensure you have them all. The documents are:
- Valid passport with a validity of 6 months or more, and few blank pages where the immigration authorities will stamp.
- Return ticket within your visa validity range and a plane ticket to an onward destination if you are going to another country.
- Financial records show your financial ability to travel around in and stay in the UK.
Documents showing why you are in the UK and your travel plans throughout your time in the country. Tourists can show their official itineraries.
- Letter of invitation if you are visiting family, or documents from your employer if you are going in for official work.
- Additional documents that can work in favour of your long-term visit visa application.
Once you have these documents, you attach them with a visa application, submit them to the closest visa center, give your biometrics, pay the long-term visit visa UK fee, attend the interview, and then wait for your visa to come through.
The UK is a wonderful country that is great for tourism, education, and business. Post arrival should you decide in staying longer, you may opt for a
UK tourist visa extension. So, apply for a long-term
UK tourist visa online, and stand a chance to experience one of the best countries in the world.
