Visitor Visa Solicitors

Our team has over 30 years of experience in advising and preparing applications for individuals to enter the UK as visitors.

Our expert team of visitor visa solicitors can provide advice and assistance with UK visitor visa applications, including assessing your eligibility, advising you on the legal requirements and necessary supporting evidence to be submitted in support of the application.

We will explain in your application the relevant ties you have in your country of origin to persuade the home office that the requirements are satisfied to secure a successful outcome.

Our specialist visitor visa solicitors in London and Croydon have a strong reputation in assisting clients to apply for UK visitor visas. We offer competitive pricing and a bespoke immigration service to all our clients.

Contact our visitor visa solicitors in London and Croydon

For more information and to arrange a consultation with one of our visitor visa solicitors, contact your local branch in London or Croydon.

Our expertise with UK visitor visas

Visitor visa eligibility

The UK visitor visa, also known as a standard visitor visa or UK tourist visa, allows foreign nationals to visit the UK as a tourist, for business, for study, for medical reasons and for other permitted activities for a short period of up to six months.

Applicants are required to show:

• That they will leave the UK at the end of their visit.
• That they can adequately support themselves during their visit.
• That they have funds in place to pay for the return journey.
• That they will not live in the UK or make the UK their main home.

The success of a visitor visa application is dependent on the strength of the documentary evidence the applicant submits to demonstrate that the requirements are met. Such applications require thorough preparation.

Visitor visa refusal

If your entry clearance application for a visitor visa in the UK is refused, there is no right of appeal.

However, we may assist in challenging the refusal of your visitor visa entry clearance application by way of Pre Action Protocol. If the decision to refuse the visitor visa application is maintained by the Home Office, we may then assist in applying for Judicial Review.

FAQs

What are the current requirements for a UK visitor visa in 2025?

To apply for a UK visitor visa in 2025, you will need a valid passport or travel document that covers the full length of your stay.

You must be able to show that you intend to leave the UK at the end of your visit, can support yourself (and any dependants), and can afford your return or onward journey.

Visitors must not use the visa for frequent or extended stays. Additional requirements may apply if you are visiting for study, medical treatment, exams, or professional engagements.

How do I apply for a UK standard visitor visa from outside the UK?

To apply for a UK standard visitor visa from outside the UK, you must submit an online application before you travel and attend an appointment at a visa application centre. You can apply up to three months before your intended arrival.

Each applicant, including family members, must complete a separate application and pay the visa fee.

They will also need to attend their own appointment, unless you are applying on behalf of someone who cannot apply themselves, such as a child.

You will need to meet the eligibility requirements and ensure your visit is for permitted activities, such as tourism or business.

What documents do I need to provide for a UK visitor visa application?

When applying for a UK visitor visa, you will need a valid passport or travel document for the full length of your stay, with at least one blank page.

Your online application must include details such as your travel dates, accommodation, estimated trip costs, current address, how long you have lived there, your income (if applicable), and any past criminal or immigration offences.

You may also be asked for information about your travel history, employer, partner, or UK-based contacts.

Additional documents are required for visits involving study, medical treatment, or paid engagements. Any documents not in English or Welsh must be officially translated.

How much does a UK visitor visa cost, and are there different fees for longer durations?

The cost of a UK visitor visa is currently £127 for a stay of up to six months. If you need a longer-term visa that allows multiple visits, the fees increase to £475 for a two-year visa, £848 for five years, and £1059 for 10 years.

However, even with a long-term visa, each individual stay must not exceed six months.

Visitors coming for medical treatment can apply for an 11-month visa at £220, while academic visitors can apply for a 12-month visa, also at £220. All fees must be paid at the time of application and are non-refundable.

How long can I typically stay in the UK on a visitor visa?

Most visitors can stay in the UK for up to six months on a standard visitor visa. This applies whether you’re coming for tourism, business, or to see family and friends.

In some cases, you may be able to apply to stay longer, for example, if you are receiving medical treatment.

It is important to remember that the visitor visa does not permit extended or frequent stays, that suggest you are living in the UK.

What is the usual processing time for a UK visitor visa application?

The usual processing time for a UK visitor visa is around three weeks from the date you attend your appointment at the visa application centre.

However, this timeframe can vary depending on where you are applying from, the time of year, and the details of your application. Some applications may take longer if additional checks are needed.

It is a good idea to apply well in advance of your intended travel date, up to three months ahead is recommended, to allow enough time for processing and to avoid any last-minute issues that could delay your plans.

Can I extend my UK visitor visa if I am already in the UK?

In most cases, you cannot extend a UK visitor visa while you are in the UK. Visitors are generally allowed to stay for a maximum of six months, and you are expected to leave before your visa expires.

If you wish to return, you will usually need to apply for a new visa from outside the UK.

Extensions are only granted in very limited circumstances, for example, if your original visa was issued for less than six months.

It is important to plan your stay carefully and ensure you leave the UK on time to avoid affecting future visa applications.

What are the most common reasons for a UK visitor visa refusal, and how can I avoid them?

A UK visitor visa can be refused for several reasons, most commonly if you fail to prove that you are a genuine visitor.

UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) must be satisfied that you intend to leave the UK at the end of your visit, can support yourself financially, and will not undertake prohibited activities.

Applications are often refused due to unclear travel plans, lack of evidence of ties to your home country, or incomplete or inconsistent documents.

Previous immigration breaches or criminal convictions can also lead to refusal. To avoid this, our specialist visitor visa solicitors can help you provide clear information and strong supporting documents that show your intentions.

Can I work or study in the UK on a standard visitor visa?

You cannot work in the UK on a visitor visa, as this route does not permit employment or paid work of any kind. However, you can take part in certain permitted business activities, such as attending meetings or conferences.

You can also study in the UK, but only if your course lasts no longer than six months and meets specific eligibility requirements.

The visitor visa is designed for short stays, including tourism, family visits, short-term study, and select business engagements.

If you plan to work or study for longer, you will need to apply for a different type of visa.

Do I need to use a solicitor to apply for a UK visitor visa?

You do not need to instruct a solicitor to apply for a UK visitor visa, the application can be completed online.

However, immigration rules can be complex, and applications are often refused due to mistakes, missing documents, or unclear information.

A solicitor with expertise in UK immigration law can help ensure your application is complete, accurate, and clearly presents your case.

This can be especially helpful if your circumstances are complex or if you have had a visa refusal in the past. While not required, legal support can improve your chances of success.

Get expert advice from visitor visa solicitors in London and Croydon

We are specialist visitor visa solicitors in London and Croydon with a strong reputation in assisting clients to apply for UK visitor visas. We offer competitive pricing and offer a bespoke immigration service to all our clients.

For further information and a free telephone consultation, call our London or Croydon offices today on 0208 681 5128 and speak to one of our senior lawyers.