UK Visa – Expert Application Advice

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Benefits of Choosing IAS’ Immigration Lawyers

At IAS, we understand that every case and client is unique, so we provide bespoke assessment and support to each client. With us, you get a dedicated immigration lawyer who is dedicated to ensuring your application is successful. Enjoy the following benefits with IAS:

Compassionate support from an experienced immigration lawyer dedicated to your success

Support in gathering supporting documents and completing a high-quality application.

A personalised Letter of Representation to help compile a compelling case for approval

Continued support from your lawyer in the event of any complications.

Services we Provide

Do I need a Visa to enter the UK?

Whether you need a visa to enter the UK depends on your nationality, the reason for your visit and how long you plan to stay.

Some travellers must apply for a UK visa before travelling, while others can visit without a visa but may need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). Some travellers may not need either a visa or an ETA.

Each visa category has different eligibility criteria and in some circumstances, applicants are required to have a UK-based sponsor.

To support your case and demonstrate that you qualify for your desired visa, you must also include an adequate portfolio of documents.

To learn more about your options to enter the country and how to send your UK visa application, get in touch with our team of professional immigration lawyers on +44 (0)333 414 9244.

UK Visa Types

The UK offers a wide range of visas for people who want to visit, work, study, join family members, start a business or settle in the country. The correct visa depends on your nationality, the purpose and length of your stay, your personal circumstances and, in some cases, your qualifications, sponsorship or relationship with someone in the UK. Depending on your nationality and circumstances, you may need a visa, an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for a short visit.

UK Visa Category	Main Visa Routes	Purpose
Visit Visas	Standard Visitor, Marriage Visitor, Transit Visitor	For tourism, visiting family or friends, permitted business activities, short study, marriage/civil partnership and transit through the UK.
Work Visas	Skilled Worker, Health and Care Worker	For people coming to the UK to take eligible employment, usually with an approved UK employer or sponsor.
Business & Entrepreneurship Visas	Innovator Founder, UK Expansion Worker, Global Business Mobility routes	For entrepreneurs and overseas businesses establishing, expanding or transferring employees to UK operations.
Temporary Work Visas	Seasonal Worker, Creative Worker, Charity Worker, Religious Worker, Government Authorised Exchange, International Agreement	For people undertaking specific types of temporary work or structured work-related activities in the UK.
Family Visas	Partner/Spouse, Fiancé(e), Parent, Child, Adult Dependent Relative	For eligible family members who want to join or remain with qualifying relatives in the UK for more than six months.
Study Visas	Student, Child Student, Short-term Study	For international students undertaking eligible university, college, school or English-language courses in the UK.
Graduate Visa	Graduate route	Allows eligible international graduates who have completed an eligible UK course to remain in the UK temporarily to work or look for work.
Global Business Mobility	Senior or Specialist Worker, Graduate Trainee, UK Expansion Worker, Service Supplier, Secondment Worker	For overseas businesses transferring certain employees or supplying services to the UK under specific business circumstances.
Youth Mobility Visas	Youth Mobility Scheme, India Young Professionals Scheme	Allows eligible young people from participating countries or territories to live and work in the UK for a limited period.
Global Talent	Global Talent visa	For recognised or emerging leaders in eligible fields such as science, research, arts, culture and digital technology.

Family Visas for UK

If you wish to live in the UK for more than 6 months with family members or partners who are British citizens or settled persons, you must send an application for a Family Visa.

To join your family in the UK, you can apply for one of the following Family Visas:

Spouse Visa – With a Spouse visa, you can join your partner in the UK for up to 30 months. To be eligible, you must prove that your relationship is genuine and that you meet certain financial requirements.
Fiance Visa – The fiance visa is designed for someone who intends to get married in the UK within six months from the date of your application. However, if somebody fails to meet this essential requirement, they will be required to leave the UK at the end of their permitted period of residence in the UK
Unmarried Partner Visa – The unmarried partner visa is for couples who have lived together for at least two years but are not married .

Parent of a British national or settled person – You can apply for this permit if your child is under the age of 18, you have an active role in their upbringing and are not the partner of their other parent.
Children of a British national or settled person – Only children under the age of 18 can be included in your application as dependants.
Adults coming to be cared for by a relative – To be eligible, your designated relative must be a British national or settled person. Furthermore, the applicant must require long-term personal care, which can not be obtained in their home country.
UK Ancestry Visa – If you have a British born grandparent, you may be eligible for the ancestry visa.
EEA Family Permit –This visa is for those who live outside the European Economic Area (EEA) and want to join their family in the UK within six months from the date of their application.

Business Visas for UK

The UK businesses visas are targeted towards “high-value migrants”, such as international entrepreneur or investors who wish to invest their capital or set up a business in the UK. The business visa categories are as follows:

Global Talent Visa -This is for those who work in a specific field (such as science, medicine, engineering, or the arts) and are internationally recognised as leaders in their area of expertise. The minimum points score is 75.
Innovator Founder Visa – This visa is for experienced businesspeople starting a business in the UK who have an endorsement from an approved body.

Work Visas in UK

This category of UK visas is suitable for applicants who have been offered a skilled job (such as accountancy, IT, or healthcare) by a UK-based sponsor. The employer must hold a sponsor licence and then issue a certificate of sponsorship to the employee. The Skilled Worker Visa is the main visa for skilled workers, but there are also several different categories of visas available for skilled workers.

The following are the different visa categories under the Work visa route:

Skilled Worker Visa – This visa is for international workers who have received a job offer from an employer in the UK who holds a sponsor licence. Furthermore, the applicant must meet the other eligibility requirement.
Health and Care Worker Visa – This visa is designed for eligible medical and social-care professionals who have an eligible job with an approved UK employer. It is part of the Skilled Worker system but has specific eligibility and fee arrangements.
Senior or Specialist Worker Visa – This category of UK visas is accessible only for existing employees who work abroad but need to be transferred to a UK branch of their company. This permit is available for both long-term staff and for new graduate trainees.
Sportsperson Visa – Internationally established athletes and qualified coaches can apply for this category only if their role is recognised or endorsed by their sport’s governing body.
Minister of Religion Visa – This permit is targeted at religious workers and missionaries who need to undertake employment within a faith community based in the UK.

Temporary Work Visas in UK

Temporary Work Visas are suitable for those who wish to enter the UK for a limited amount of time and do not intend to settle in the country.

Charity Worker – This permit is for workers who have an unpaid or voluntary job offer.
Creative and Sportspersons – Only highly skilled creative workers or sportspersons who have been offered a job in the UK can apply for this visa.
International Agreement – This visa is for workers who have a job offer that is covered by international law, such as diplomatic or embassy workers.
Youth Mobility Scheme Visa – This visa enables international workers aged 18 to 30 and who are nationals of one of the countries listed in the Youth Mobility Scheme, to live and work in the UK for up to 2 years.

Study Visas in UK

Student visas allow international pupils to enter the UK as a student at a school, college or university. To be eligible, applicants must hold a Confirmation of Acceptance of Studies (CAS) at a UK educational institution.

Student Visa – Students aged 18 or over who have been offered a place at a UK educational institution who hold a valid sponsorship licence, can send their visa application.
Child Student Visa – This permit is accessible for non-UK students under the age of 18. Applicants over the age of 16 may be allowed to work up to 10 hours per week.
Short-Term Study Visa – You can apply for this permit if you wish to visit the UK for a short period and you have been offered a place on a short-term course, such as a training course or an English language course. This visa only lasts between 6 to 11 months.

UK Visa Advice and Application Assistance

Our highly qualified immigration advisors can help you choose the best visa for your case, evaluate your eligibility, and assess your chances of success. Book your first Advice Session with one of our immigration specialists to receive professional guidance.

With decades of legal experience and professional expertise, our immigration lawyers are also ready to help you and your family enter the UK. Hire one of our experts to process your case, complete and submit your UK visa application form on your behalf, and liaise with the UKVI throughout.

Call us on +44 (0)333 414 9244 or make an enquiry online to find out if you qualify for your desired visa and to explore your options for applying.

Get in touch with our expert immigration lawyers to receive assistance on your UK Visa application.

Visas to Visit the UK

UK Visitor and Short-Stay Visas allow non-EEA nationals to enter the UK for a short time (up to 6 months) for leisure, medical, artistic works or limited business activities.

Visitor Visas for UK

To visit the UK for business, leisure or to get private medical treatment, you can apply for a Visitor Visa.

Standard Visitor Visa – Standard visit visa is for tourism, business and short study, Under which there are several sub-categories:
- The Business visitor visa is for activities such as attending conferences, trade fairs or work-related training
- Visit to Study allows someone to study a short course of up to 6 months with an accredited institution or for research relating to overseas study
- Academic Visitor allows someone who is a scientist, researcher or academic to come to the UK as part of a formal exchange arrangement or for research
- A Permitted Paid Engagement visa is for people who are coming to the UK to do a permitted activity and must have a written invitation from a UK-based organisation or client.
- The Private Medical Treatment visa is for those coming to the UK to receive pre-planned private medical treatment
Marriage Visitor Visa – visa is designed for people who want to come to the UK to marry, enter into a civil partnership or give notice of a marriage or civil partnership. It is generally intended for visitors who do not plan to live in the UK after the ceremony.
Visitors in transit Visa – Some travellers may need to send a relevant visa application to pass through the UK on their way to another country.

Other Short-stay Visas

You can apply for a short-stay visa if you wish to visit for tourism or business for up to 6 months.

Short-term Study Visa – You qualify for this visa if you wish to enter the UK to study a short course, or for a short period of research as part of your international degree course.
Parent of a Child Visa – This permit is available for applicants whose children attend an independent fee-paying school in the UK.
Visitor Visa for Chinese tour groups – This category is reserved for Chinese tour groups of a minimum of 5 people that are organised by an ADS licensed Chinese tour operator.

UK Visa application process

Visa application processes vary based on the type of each permit category. However, there are some common steps for the majority of visa types.

Still, the following processing procedure may be different if you submit your forms from abroad.

Complete your application form either online on Gov.uk website or by paper.
Pay your application fee and submit your documents to the UKVI
During the initial check, the Home Office may contact you if further documents or details are needed.
You will receive notice of when you can book your appointment to have your biometrics collected. You may also need to attend an interview.
The UKVI will perform an in-depth analysis of your case to check if you meet all the mandatory requirements, based on your documentation.
You will receive a letter with the UKVI’s decision
If your application is approved, you will receive eVisa.

Required documents for a UK Visa application

Your application is completed and valid only if accompanied by a portfolio of records and evidence, which will prove your eligibility. Since each visa has different requirements, you must always check the Home Office’s guidelines and document checklist.

The following are the documents that you need to attach to your application:

Your UK visa application form completed in each of its parts and with your signature
Two photographs and your valid passport, which must have at least one blank page
Proof you have adequate financial means to cover the living costs while in the UK
Your biometric information that can be collected at your nearest application centre
Proof you have paid your Visa fees
Certified translation of any document that is not written in English or Welsh

What happens after I submit my UK Visa Application?

Once your case is processed by the UKVI, you will receive a letter with the result of your application and further instruction on how to proceed. The waiting time will depend on the type of visa you applied for.

If your Visa application is successful

If the Home Office accepts your request, you will be given a relevant vignette, that is a sticker to be added to your passport. It shows the type of visa you have been granted, its validity and conditions.

In some instances, you may be asked to register your details with the UK police before being entitled to your vignette.

If you submitted your passport along with your supporting documents, it will be posted to you with the vignette already inside. Otherwise, you can collect your sticker at your visa application centre.

Collecting your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP)

If you have been granted the right to remain in the UK for more than six months, you will need to collect a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP). This must be done before your vignette expires or within ten days of your arrival in the country.

You can choose from where to collect your BRP when filing your application form.

You must report any mistake in your BRP or vignette to the UKVI as soon as possible, and no later than three months of your entry date, otherwise your visa will be invalid.

If your Visa application is refused

If your application is rejected, you will get an additional letter explaining the reason for the refusal. This paper will also enumerate your options to either file an administrative review or submit an immigration appeal.

If you have been refused a PBS (Point-Based Visa) System, you must apply for an administrative review.

Appeals are intended for Family and Partner permits, as well as decisions related to human rights and immigration protection.

Ready to start your UK visa journey? Explore your visa options and apply with confidence today.

Settle in the UK

Depending on your current circumstances, you may qualify to settle in the UK after a certain amount of time spent in the country as a lawful resident. For example, if you have lived in the UK on a skilled worker visa, you may be eligible for Indefinite Leave to Remain after five years.

With Indefinite Leave to Remain status, you may be able to acquire British Citizenship after a year or sooner depending on the visa you held before you acquired ILR.

Right of Abode

Those who hold dual nationality are entitled to include a Right of Abode stamp in their foreign passport to enter the UK freely. You can also apply if you are:

A Commonwealth national whose parents were born as British citizens
A Commonwealth woman married to a British national on or before 1^st January 1983.

However, please note that the eligibility requirements and process are complex – it’s more than meeting the above two points.

Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK (ILR)

As a general rule, you must have spent at least five years in the UK before you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain. How long you must have spent in the UK depends on the visa you hold and how long you have lived in the UK on that visa or other permits.

Once you settle in the UK, you will no longer be subjected to any immigration-related restrictions. You will be free to visit, work and study in the UK, and to travel abroad and re-enter the UK without the need to apply for a visa.

On the other hand, if you spend more than two years abroad, you will lose your permanent residence status.

Holding Indefinite Leave to Remain is a mandatory preliminary requirement before you can apply for British citizenship.

UK Citizenship and Naturalisation

You can naturalise as a British citizen after five years of lawful residence in the UK.

Once you get Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK, you may be eligible for British nationality after a further 12-month period or sooner, depending on the visa you held previously and how long you have lived in the UK. Before you send your request to naturalise as a UK national, you must also meet specific requirements, such as:

Demonstrate your adequate knowledge of the English language
Pass the Life in the UK Test to prove your commitment to British customs
Be of good character, meaning that you must not hold any severe criminal record nor having lived in the UK in breach of any immigration rule
Not have spent more than 450 days outside the UK during your qualifying period

Since British naturalisation is a complicated process that requires someone to send a strong portfolio of documents and evidence to the UKVI, it is always advisable to seek guidance from an expert immigration lawyer.

Who can certify my UK visa eligibility documents?

To be valid and accepted as part of your supporting portfolio, your documents must be certified by a professional person of good standing, meaning that he or she must be someone well-respected in the community.

The following categories are authorised to sign and thus certify your documents:

Ministers of religion
Dentists and doctors
Bank or building society officials
Solicitors
Teachers or lecturers
Chartered accountants

This person must not be:

Related to you
In a relationship with you
Living at the same address
Representing you in this specific application

UK Visa appeal

We understand the frustration that comes with a UK Visa refusal. However, a refusal does not necessarily mean that you will be unable to come to the UK.

The UK Visa appeal process means that there are routes available for individuals who wish to challenge the decision.

In the past, there were broader rights of appeal against immigration or visa decisions, but this has changed to primarily rights of administrative review of the decision.

The right to appeal a UK Visa decision is primarily limited to grounds of human rights. The complexity of immigration law means that it is strongly recommended to work with a specialist immigration solicitor if you wish to appeal a UK Visa decision.

Other reasons why an appeal may proceed to the Immigration and Asylum Chamber include:

The decision is not compatible with immigration rules
The decision breaches the Race and Religion Act, Section 19B
The decision breaches the applicant’s rights under the Community Treaties because of their relation to an EEA national family member
The decision breaches some other law, apart from an immigration law
That the decision should have been made differently compared to how the decision maker made the legal judgement
The decision would result in the applicant’s human rights under the Refugee Convention and Human Rights Act being breached if the individual was removed from the UK

How to appeal UK Visa refusals

It is important to act quickly if you are unhappy with the outcome of an immigration decision. The deadlines include 14 calendar days for individuals who apply within the UK, or 28 days if they apply outside the UK.

However, some visa refusals come with no right to appeal. In cases like this, pre-action protocol for judicial review may be your next best option. This is not right for every case – it is important that you discuss with a lawyer to understand if this option is available to you.

Due to the nature of the UK’s legal landscape when it comes to immigration law, working with an experienced legal adviser may give you a better chance of a successful outcome.

We offer immigration advice sessions as face to face appointments at all of our UK offices, or via the phone.

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Get clear, professional guidance for your immigration case.

Written by Immigration Advice Service

Ono Okeregha

Director – Immigration Advice Service

Ono Okeregha is the director of the Immigration Advice Service. He is a committed human rights and immigration lawyer. He was awarded the IoD North West SME of the year award and commended for his work in equality, diversity, and inclusion.

Legal Disclaimer

The information provided is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we make every effort to ensure accuracy, the law may change, and the information may not reflect the most current legal developments. No warranty is given regarding the accuracy or completeness of the information, and we do not accept liability in such cases. We recommend consulting with a qualified lawyer at Immigration Advice Service before making any decisions based on the content provided.

Frequently Asked Questions

Not all travellers who wish to visit the UK are required to apply for a visa. The following categories do not need to submit their application to the UKVI:

European citizens
Nationals of the European Economic Area (EEA)
Commonwealth citizens
Those who already hold settled status in the UK
Returning residents (holding Indefinite Leave to Remain)
Citizens of countries not listed on the Visa Nationals list

If you are unsure whether you need a visa to visit the UK, you can ask for the advice of one of IAS’ professional lawyers.

It is essential to apply for the most appropriate visa category to your personal circumstances. For example, if you have children, you must include them in your form.

If you fail to individuate the visa you need to apply for, or if you don’t meet the relevant requirements, your application will be refused. This will translate into a loss of money and time. If your case is refused, your application fee will not be refunded.

Submitting the wrong form can also lead to complications or delays with your case. This may compromise your current immigration status, especially if you are trying to extend your existing visa or trying to switch into another category while you are already in the UK.

UK Visa and Immigration (UKVI) has implemented an application system known as Entry Clearance (EC). Under this system, citizens who are non-UK-nationals but who wish to visit and enter the country for different purposes can apply for a visa based on their circumstances.

This process usually includes an appointment to provide biometric information (fingerprints and photos) to be taken and recorded before they visit the UK.

If one of your family members is a British citizen or settled person, you can apply for a Family Visa. Otherwise, you may be eligible to enter the UK as a dependent of a work or ancestry visa.

For immigration purposes, the following categories can be dependents of an eligible visa:

The partner (either the spouse, fiancé or civil partner)
A minor child (under 18 years old).

Successful applicants will be granted the right to remain in the UK in line with the expiry date of the PBS holder’s status.

PBS dependants are allowed to work in the UK. If they wish to study in the country, they may be required to obtain an Academic Technology Approval Scheme certificate, depending on the course.

The majority of UK Visas will expire after a specific time, that depends on your visa category. The only immigration status that do not need to be extended are ILR and British citizenship.

If it essential to understand precisely when your visa is going to expire, and when you must submit your extension application. Otherwise, you may risk to overstay your permission, and face severe consequences.

Do not forget that, once you have submitted your renewal request, you may need to wait up to 8 weeks before you get a decision from the Home Office.

If your visa is going to expire any time soon and you wish to receive professional advice on how to extend it, our immigration lawyers will be happy to help.

As a general rule, you should send your application form at most 90 days before your intended date of arrival in the UK.

The latest you can submit your forms is at most 15 working days before you wish to visit the UK.

The waiting time for receiving a verdict from the Home Office will depend on the visa category or status you are applying for.

However, you can receive a faster decision on your case if you choose the Home Office’s priority service. The cost for this service is £500, to be paid in addition to your application fee, and it allows you to receive a decision from the UKVI within 5 working days.

For a surcharge of £1000 , you can access to the Home Office’s super-priority service. This will make your final decision available by the end of the next working day (or 2 working days if the day after your UKVCAS appointment is at the weekend.

Please note that the Home Office priority and super-priority services availability is subject to the visa you applied for and the country from where you applied.

If your application is time-sensitive and you wish to speed up your application process, IAS offers a premium Fast Track service. Get in touch with our immigration specialists to find out how we can help you submit your forms within any strict deadline.