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How to Get a UK Visitors Visa

Getting a UK visitor’s visa to the UK is a frightening task. It is probably more difficult from some countries than others. So some peoples will have a harder time than others. However, this is not official government policy. You must not take this personally – it is a reflection of British public opinion. Please remember this when you are liaising about obtaining a UK visitor’s visa with the embassy staff, who are only following government guidelines.

You should take note here that a UK visitor’s visa is usable for six months and not only that but the recipient can enter and leave the UK as often as he/she wants within those six months. However, in practice, for the first UK visitor’s visa at least, restrictions may be imposed. For example, if you state that you want to go for six weeks, a note may be pinned into the passport advising customs of the 6 week restriction. You must also ‘promise’ not to try to stay longer than that!

The visa also expressly forbids the applicant access to any ’social benefits’ such as social security, health care or pension rights. Be aware that many/most applicants are refused their first attempt, because their submission is ‘half-hearted’. If the stated reason is, say, to visit a friend or lover, the you really need to prove an on-going, long-term relationship of at least six months.

I will concentrate on providing evidence of a continuing relationship. Most applicants from poorer countries will need a sponsor. This is usually an employer or a lover. Obviously, immigration stamps in a passport can prove how long it is possible that a couple could have known each other, but you will need more evidence than that. A letter from a friend, employer or relative stating when you met can help. However, you should keep all correspondence, telephone bills, bank statements (recordings of ATM transactions), restaurant receipts, theatre tickets, train and bus tickets, even menus and photos. In fact, anything that can help establish that you are having the relationship that you claim you are having and that you have had it for at least six months.

You could then obtain the application form (VAF) either by writing to or visiting the nearest British Embassy or Consulate or downloading it from the Internet. Most embassy sites provide excellent advice on what is required or recommended to put in the envelope with your UK visitor’s visa application form, but it will include: two colour, passport-size photos; the application fee (about 50) in local currency; the applicant’s passport; proof of the applicant’s address; proof of a continuing relationship of at least six months; the sponsor’s letter; proof of the sponsor’s means of support; proof of the sponsor’s accommodation and possibly, the sponsor’s passport to prove entry stamps.

Therefore, it is necessary to realize that the sponsor plays a critical role if you want to make your first application for a UK visitor’s visa a successful one. He/she must be prepared to cover your financial requirements during your stay in the United Kingdom and he/she must prove it with a letter and bank statements.

The sponsor, therefore, has to show a letter from his/her boss proving that he/she has a steady income and/or a bank passbook or statements proving sufficient funds to be able to cover his/her guarantee of taking care of your welfare while in Britain. But not only that, if you have said that you will stay in his/her house, you must provide a letter from the mortgage provider, the council or something similar. Proof of marriage or divorce does not appear relevant although the applicant may be asked. Sometimes seemingly strange reasons are cited for a refusal for a UK visitor’s visa:

“the person applying for a UK visitor’s visa has never left the country before”: this is usually quite easy to remedy if you live near a border.

“the applicant for a UK visitor’s visa has not displayed a strong enough economic or social bond to his/her country” meaning that they do not trust him/her to return to his/her native country. A letter from a relative, proof of children and a letter from the applicant’s employer can help, although proof of children is not considered a compelling social reason to return! Proof of property ownership is useful.

Approach the application for a UK visitor’s visa with caution; do not rush. It is better to get it right first time. Think about why you want to go to Great Britain; determine a ‘good reason’ and remember it – you will probably be asked. Be a solicitor for a day and support everything you say with irrefutable, written evidence.

Retell your ’story’ to a friend until you are comfortable with it, because you don’t want to appear hesitant, but on the other hand don’t learn a story parrot-fashion. You will be alone at the interview and, although you will be required to answer some questions in English, the proceedings can be in English or your own language. UK visitor’s visas are usually ready to be collected the following day, but not normally on a Friday.

Warning: get a longer permit to stay than you need, because the UK visitor’s visa is valid from the day it is issued, but you probably don’t have a flight booked yet. You can be delayed getting there and coming back too. The rest of the 180-day multiple entry UK visitor’s visa may have to be cancelled on your return to help deter you from returning on that visa. If you have to do this, don’t return on a Friday because the embassy is closed on the weekend.

Please do not be tempted to lie! The embassy staff are trained to weed out liars and they are good at their job. It will cost you your UK visitor’s visa if you are caught out. If you don’t know an answer, just say so.

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