Join Family in the UK
The UK government believes that family should stay together wherever possible, which is why they offer visas for family members of British citizens or migrants who are settled in the UK.
If you are planning to visit the UK, it is crucial to know whether you are required to apply for a Visit visa, or if you are able to enter the UK freely. Those who can enter freely are referred to as ‘Non-visa nationals’ and those who must apply for a visit visa, are ‘Visa Nationals’. The list of visa national countries can be found in Appendix Visitor: Visa national list of the UK’s Immigration Rules.
If you are a national of any country listed here, you are required to apply for entry clearance as a visitor, regardless of your reason for visiting the UK or how long your trip will be.
If your country of nationality is not listed above, you are free to enter the UK as a Standard Visitor, for up to 6 months. You can use the e-gates at any UK airport.
You must be able to demonstrate that:
These same eligibility requirements will apply to non-visa nationals seeking to be admitted to the UK on their arrival.
The Home Office limit what activities both Visa and Non-Visa nationals can do whilst they are in the UK. Generally, it is expected that you will only carry out tourist activities or visit family and friends whilst in the UK. For example, taking up employment, working for or establishing your own UK business, doing a work placement or selling good to the public are all prohibited activities under Appendix Visitor. If you are unsure about the activities you wish to carry out in the UK, speak to one of our expert solicitors who can advise you on how best approach your visit to the UK.
It is possible to carry out ‘Permitted Paid Engagements’ during your visit to the UK. This could be a paid public performance or to give a lecture at a seminar or conference. Non-Visa nationals do not have to make any sort of additional application to carry out these activities, but should bring with them a copy of their invitation to any such engagement. Visa Nationals must declare this on their Visit visa application and will be required to provide documentary evidence of this.
It may be possible to apply for a visit visa for a longer period of time, such as up to 2 years, 5 years or 10 years. However, each visit must not be longer than 6 months from the date of entry.
In addition to the above, visa nationals can also come to the UK to get married or enter into a civil partnership in the UK, or to give notice of such. You might also need a visa to pass through the UK in on your way to another country – this is known as a transit visa. The same eligibility requirements apply to these non-standard visit visas.
The expert solicitors at Latitude Law can provide expert advice on all aspects of all types of Visit visa applications. These requirements above can be very tricky to prove and often require a lot of specific evidence. We can provide tailored advice on each requirement, and guidance on the documents you will need to meet the above requirements.
Latitude Law has significant experience of preparing successful Visit visa applications.
Thanks to our extensive knowledge of immigration rules, we are able to provide pragmatic advice and meet our clients’ needs. We have connections with the Home Office and other immigration authorities so we can advise you with confidence and ensure the entire immigration procedure runs smoothly and efficiently for you.
Working with a law firm can be a big decision, which is why we ensure that our clients are at the heart of everything we do. We are a highly driven team that is dedicated to providing clear and reliable immigration advice.
As a boutique law firm specialising in UK-inbound immigration, our experts understand the complexity and uncertainty that constantly shifting visa and residence policies create for entrepreneurs looking to invest and work here. Our lawyers can provide up-to-the-minute legal advice on how any changes will impact your application.
We are pleased to be recognised as a leading law firm by the following independent bodies: The Times Best Law Firms 2024, Chambers & Partners 2024, Legal 500 2024 and Who'sWhoLegal 2024. These endorsements from the international legal directories demonstrate our integrity and success in dealing with difficult cases. We are also proud of our 5-star Google reviews from over 150 satisfied clients.
As the requirements for a Visit visa are complex, to ensure success, you should seek specialist advice from an immigration solicitor before you proceed with an application. Latitude Law’s specialist lawyers can advise you about your individual requirements and ensure that your supporting documentation is compliant with the very latest immigration rules.
Get in touch with our legal team today on 0300 131 6767 or fill out our enquiry form and we will get straight back to you. Face your future knowing you have the dedicated support of one of our expert lawyers.
The UK government believes that family should stay together wherever possible, which is why they offer visas for family members of British citizens or migrants who are settled in the UK.
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