How to apply for a Standard Visitor Visa | City, University of London (2024)

How to apply for a Standard Visitor Visa | City, University of London (1)

If you are a visa national, you need to apply for a Standard visitor visa before you travel to the UK. You can apply for a visa up to three months before your date of travel.

You can find out if you are from a Visa National country by checking the Home Office website.

If you are a visa national, you need to apply for a Standard Visitor Visa before you travel to the UK. You will need to provide:

  • Formal documents to show that you have been accepted on a short course and have enough money to pay your tuition fees and living costs during your stay or are resitting an exam at City, University of London
  • An original confirmation letter from your School Office (or the Study Abroad team) which confirms your course/exam dates and tuition fees should be acceptable evidence.

Documents required (when you apply as a Visa National)

Documents required for making a Standard Visitor Visa application, (make sure your documents are translated into English):

  • Apply via the Home Office’s online application form Application fee: from £100 in local currency
  • Passport
  • A supporting letter from your course office or the Study Abroad Office. This will detail what you are coming to study and the dates of that study
  • Evidence that you have sufficient funds for your proposed visit (e.g. at least 3 months' bank statements and/or payslips).You can find further guidance on how caseworkers assess the financial requirements on gov.uk. If your parents are funding your visit, you will need to provide proof of their finances and their relationship to you. The form asks you to specify where your funds are coming from and if you are being funded by another person or an organisation (such as an employer) it requires you to explain why they are funding you
  • If possible, evidence you intend to leave the UK at the end of your stay, for example a flight booking or, if you are a Study Abroad student, a letter from your home institution to show you will be returning to a course there. If you are already working back home and are just coming over for a final resit we would recommend you get a letter from your employer confirming they are giving you time off for it and when you are expected to return
  • An ATAS certificate: students studying on certain science-based courses at Masters level and above will need an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate. You can find out more about applying for ATAS and which courses require it, on our Student Visa pages. You must obtain this before you apply for your visa. Further guidance can be found on the ATAS website
  • Please see the list of suggested supporting documents on the Home Office website
  • Find out more on the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA).

Contact details

How to apply for a Standard Visitor Visa | City, University of London (2024)

FAQs

How to apply for a Standard Visitor Visa | City, University of London? ›

There is no need to give any other information unless asked for it. I usually just say “On holiday”. Sometimes they ask what I plan to see or do and I answer truthfully, saying things like “shopping, sightseeing, beach or [whatever]”. If they want to know more they will ask.

How to answer give details of the main purpose of your visit and anything else you plan to do on your trip? ›

There is no need to give any other information unless asked for it. I usually just say “On holiday”. Sometimes they ask what I plan to see or do and I answer truthfully, saying things like “shopping, sightseeing, beach or [whatever]”. If they want to know more they will ask.

Is there an interview for UK standard visitor visa? ›

If you've applied for a visa to visit, live, work, or study in the UK, you will first have to do an interview as part of the application process. This would require you, as the applicant, to make an appointment at a UK visa Application Centre in the country you have applied in.

Is a 3 month bank statement enough for an UK visa? ›

Evidence that you have sufficient funds for your proposed visit (e.g. at least 3 months' bank statements and/or payslips).

How to fill UK visitor visa application? ›

To apply for UK visa you must go through these simple steps:
  1. Find out if you need a UK visa.
  2. Chose the right UK visa type.
  3. Complete the online application form.
  4. Collect the required documents for a UK visa application.
  5. Schedule a UK visa appointment.
  6. Attend the UK visa interview.

What is the best answer for the purpose of a visit? ›

Your purpose of travel could be anything like education, travel, a friend's marriage, etc. You will have to state the purpose of the trip without any ambiguity. You can also provide documentary evidence to support your purpose of travel.

How do you write a main purpose for a visit to the UK? ›

The Purpose of my Visit

The main purpose of my visit is to (insert a one sentence summary here) e.g to attend the pass out parade of my son who has just completed his Royal Marine Training. I am fully aware of the permitted and prohibited activities found in Immigration Rules Appendix V: visitor rules.

How long does it take to apply for a standard visitor visa UK? ›

How long it takes to get a decision. Once you've applied online, proved your identity and provided your documents, you'll usually get a decision on your visa within 3 weeks.

What if the UK standard visitor visa is refused? ›

It is possible to appeal a Visitor Visa refusal in the UK. There are three possible ways: re-applying, appealing to the First-tier Tribunal or applying for a judicial review. Each option has its advantages and disadvantages and the best course of action will depend on the circ*mstances of your case.

Is a UK visitor visa difficult to get? ›

Securing a UK visitor visa can be a challenging process, but with careful planning and preparation, it is entirely achievable.

How much bank balance is required for a UK visitor visa? ›

There is no set amount of monetary funds required for a UK Visit Visa as it depends on invidual's circ*mstances and the purpose of their visit to the UK.

How much money do I need to show in my bank account for UK visa? ›

The law does not set any minimum amount you must have in your account. Having a large bank balance does not necessarily mean that you have sufficient funds a low bank balance is conclusive of insufficient funds.

What documents are required for visitor visa in UK? ›

You must provide a valid passport or other travel document with all applications and when travelling to the UK. Your passport must have at least 1 page blank if you use it to apply for a visa. Some passport holders may need to provide alternative evidence of their identity and nationality.

How to write a cover letter for standard visitor visa UK? ›

Crafting an impressive letter involves several key components:
  1. Personal and Contact Information. ...
  2. Purpose of Your Visit. ...
  3. Background and Ties to Your Home Country. ...
  4. Financial Means. ...
  5. Accommodation and Maintenance in the UK. ...
  6. Intention to Return. ...
  7. Supporting Documentation. ...
  8. Tourism Visa.
Mar 11, 2024

Is the UK standard visitor visa multiple entry? ›

A Standard Visitor visa that is applied for from overseas before travel is a multiple-entry visa, so you can re-enter the UK as long as your visa is valid.

What should I write for the purpose of visit? ›

Purpose of Travel: Explain the reason for your visit, such as tourism, business, or studying abroad. Itinerary: Provide details of your trip, including the dates of travel, duration of stay, and the places you plan to visit.

What is the main purpose of your visit required? ›

Purpose of Visit: Clearly state why you are visiting Canada (e.g., tourism, visiting family/friends, attending a conference). Travel Plans: Provide details of your travel itinerary, including dates of arrival and departure, accommodation arrangements, and planned activities.

How do you answer what is the purpose of your visit in the USA? ›

Just answer in two-three sentences which clearly explain the reasons behind your purpose of travel, whatever it is as: “For business purposes – to negotiate a contract.” “To visit my mother, who lives in the US.” “For medical treatment.”

What are the main purpose of travel by visitors? ›

The main purpose of travel is to gain new experiences, broaden one's horizons, and explore the world around them. That is the quick and easy answer.

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