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Family Visitor Visa UK (Rules & Eligibility)

Anne morris.

• 29 June 2019

IN THIS SECTION

The Family Visitor Visa UK is for foreign nationals looking to visit family living in the UK.

Suitable only for short-term stays, the family visitor visa is strict in what it does and does not allow holders to do during their time in the UK, and you must apply from outside the UK.

We look at the rules for the family visitor visa and the eligibility criteria you will need to prove to convince the Home Office that you are a genuine visitor.

What is the Family Visitor Visa UK?

A Family Visitor Visa UK is intended for nationals from non-European Economic Area (EEA) countries or Switzerland wanting to travel to the UK to visit friends and family.

This type of visa is also known as the Standard Visitor Visa, and can be used to visit the UK for other purposes, such as for business activities, to take part in sports or creative events, or to even undergo private medical treatment.

You can also use this visa to transit through the UK if you are visiting friends and family in another country but need to pass through the UK. However, how long you can stay and how much the visa will cost depends on whether you pass through UK border control.

Under a Family Visitor Visa, your stay will usually be limited to a period of up to six months.

To visit the UK regularly over a longer period, you can apply for a long-term Standard Visitor Visa that lasts either two, five or ten years. You can stay for a maximum of six months on each visit. For children, the long-term Standard Visitor Visas will only be valid for up to six months after they turn 18.

If you want to stay for a period that is longer than 6 months, take advice on your visa options. For example, if you are looking to visit your child who attends an independent fee-paying day school in the UK, you may be eligible to stay for up to twelve months under the Parent of a Tier 4 Child Visa.

What does the Family Visitor Visa UK not allow?

Under a Family Visitor Visa UK various activities are prohibited. In particular, you must not intend to work in the UK during your period of leave as a visitor. This includes:

• Taking employment in the UK
• Doing work for an organisation or business in the UK
• Establishing or running a business as a self-employed person
• Doing a work placement or internship
• Directly selling to the public
• Providing goods and services.

You cannot enrol on a full-time course of study, although you may be able to participate in a short course of study for up to thirty days, provided this is not the main purpose of your visit.

Further, except as permitted under the Visitor Rules and where any additional requirements have been met, you must also not intend to study in the UK, access medical treatment other than private medical treatment or to donate an organ, or to marry or form a civil partnership in the UK, or to give notice of this.

If your reason for travel is not permissible under the visitor visa, take advice on the alternative immigration routes that could be open to you such as if you want to get married here, start a business or undertake a course of study.

Who is eligible for a Family Visitor Visa UK?

To be eligible for a Family Visitor Visa UK you must satisfy the Home Office that you are a genuine visitor by showing you meet the following eligibility criteria:

• You are genuinely seeking entry for a purpose that is permitted by the visitor routes, ie; to visit friends and family
• You will leave the UK at the end of your visit
• You will not live in the UK for extended periods through frequent or successive visits, or make the UK your main home
• You will not undertake any prohibited activities as set out under the rules, for example, undertaking paid employment
• You must have sufficient funds to cover all reasonable costs in relation to your visit without working or accessing public funds. This includes the cost of the return or onward journey, as well as any costs relating to dependants that will be travelling with you.

How do I prove I have sufficient funds for a Family Visitor Visa UK?

Your visa application will need to include documentary evidence of your funds to meet the financial maintenance requirement.

When seeking to prove that you have sufficient funds to cover all reasonable costs for a Family Visitor Visa UK, you can rely on expenses, maintenance and accommodation provided by a third party.

However, you must show that any personal relationship with the third party is genuine, and that the third party is not, or will not be, in breach of UK immigration laws at the time of decision or your entry to the UK.

You must also show that the third party will be able to offer you financial support for the intended duration of your stay.

The third party may be asked to give an undertaking in writing to be responsible for your travel costs, maintenance and accommodation.

How do I apply for a Family Visitor Visa UK?

An application for a Family Visitor Visa UK must be made while you are outside the UK. You will need to submit an online application and pay a fee. You will also need to provide a valid travel document, supporting documentation and, where applicable, biometric information, ie; your fingerprints and a digital photo.

The earliest you can apply is three months before you travel, and you should get a decision within around three weeks – although you should check the guide processing times to find out how long getting a visa might take in the country in which you are making your application.

If you have a right of abode in the UK and can travel to Britain without restriction, you should ensure you have either valid UK passport or a certificate of entitlement prior to travel. You should not apply for the family visitor visa.

What is the cost of applying for a Family Visitor Visa UK?

The cost of your visa will depend on how long it’s valid for. As at July 2019, the fees can range from anything between £95 for a standard six month short-term Family Visitor Visa UK, up to £822 for a 10 year long-term visit visa.

As previously indicated, you should get a decision within about three weeks of your appointment date, although you may be able to expedite this process by paying an extra £220 for a decision within five working days, or £956 for a decision within one working day.

Again, check this with the visa centre where you are making your application.

Will a Family Visitor Visa UK guarantee entry?

The grant of a Family Visitor Visa UK will not guarantee entry into the country. It is in fact possible that you may be refused entry by border officials in the event that they are not satisfied that you fulfil all of the eligibility criteria.

It is therefore important that you carry with you any documentation to prove that the reason for your visit is genuine, and that you have sufficient funds to maintain and accommodate yourself adequately for the whole of your planned visit to the UK, either personally or via a third party.

Do you need advice applying for a family visitor visa UK?

DavidsonMorris’ team of immigration specialists are on hand to advise on the family visitor visa, including support with the application process to give you the best chance of successfully securing permission to visit your loved ones in the UK. Contact us  for advice.

Founder and Managing Director Anne Morris is a fully qualified solicitor and trusted adviser to large corporates through to SMEs, providing strategic immigration and global mobility advice to support employers with UK operations to meet their workforce needs through corporate immigration.

She is a recognised by Legal 500 and Chambers as a legal expert and delivers Board-level advice on business migration and compliance risk management as well as overseeing the firm’s development of new client propositions and delivery of cost and time efficient processing of applications.

Anne is an active public speaker, immigration commentator , and immigration policy contributor and regularly hosts training sessions for employers and HR professionals

• Anne Morris https://www.davidsonmorris.com/author/anne/ How to Re-Apply for a Visa in the UK
• Anne Morris https://www.davidsonmorris.com/author/anne/ Visa Holder Responsibilities in the UK
• Anne Morris https://www.davidsonmorris.com/author/anne/ UK Visa Extension Guide: Step-by-Step
• Anne Morris https://www.davidsonmorris.com/author/anne/ Work Rights for Migrants with UK Visas

About DavidsonMorris

As employer solutions lawyers, DavidsonMorris offers a complete and cost-effective capability to meet employers’ needs across UK immigration and employment law, HR and global mobility .

Led by Anne Morris, one of the UK’s preeminent immigration lawyers, and with rankings in The Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners , we’re a multi-disciplinary team helping organisations to meet their people objectives, while reducing legal risk and nurturing workforce relations.

Legal Disclaimer

The matters contained in this article are intended to be for general information purposes only. This article does not constitute legal advice, nor is it a complete or authoritative statement of the law, and should not be treated as such. Whilst every effort is made to ensure that the information is correct at the time of writing, no warranty, express or implied, is given as to its accuracy and no liability is accepted for any error or omission. Before acting on any of the information contained herein, expert legal advice should be sought.

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UK Family Visitor Visa Requirements and Application

By Amar Ali, Immigration Solicitor

The UK family visitor visa is the same as the standard visitor visa and enables overseas nationals to visit family members in the UK for up to 6 months. For example, if you have overseas parents, they may be able to apply for a family visitor visa allowing them to visit you in the UK. It is possible to apply for a family visitor / standard visitor visa up to 3 months before you travel to the UK.

If you plan to make several frequent visits to the UK to visit your family, consider applying for a long-term standard visitor visa. Long-term standard visitor visas are granted for either 2, 5, or 10 years. Holders can enter and stay in the UK as many times as they wish during the period of their visa, but only for up to 6 months at a time.

It is important to note that you cannot get married on a family visitor visa UK. If you intend to get married in the UK during your stay, you will need to consider a different type of visa, such as a marriage visitor visa (if you don’t intend to live in the UK once married) or a fiancé visa (if you plan to live in the UK once married).

If you hold a current UK visa, such as a work visa , study visa, or business visa and want to bring your spouse or children to the UK for longer than 6 months, they may be eligible for a dependant visa. With a dependant visa , your spouse/partner and/or children will be able to stay in the UK as long as your visa remains valid.

A final point to bear in mind is that not everyone requires a visitor visa to come to the UK. For this reason, it is advisable to check if you need a visitor visa 1 on the Home Office website before you apply.

UK family visit visa requirements

To qualify for a UK family visitor visa, you must meet the following family visitor visa UK requirements:

• Hold a valid passport which will be valid for the total duration of your stay in the UK.
• Have evidence that you genuinely intend to depart the UK at the end of your visit.
• Have sufficient funds to support yourself and your dependants during your time in the UK.
• Be able to pay for your return or onward journey.
• You must not intend to live in the UK or make the UK your main home by making frequent or successive visits.

If you do not have the necessary funds to support yourself and your dependants while in the UK or to cover the cost of your onward journey, you can ask your UK-based family member to cover your costs.

UK family visitor visa required documents

As part of the application process for a UK visa family visitor visa, the Home Office will ask you to provide certain information and documents. The UK family visitor visa documents required may include:

• Contact details of your employer
• Contact details of your family members in the UK
• Details of any criminal, civil or immigration offences
• Details of family members who are covering the costs of your trip and onward journey
• Details of your parents (i.e. name and dates of birth)
• Details of your planned travel to the UK (i.e. when you intend to arrive and leave)
• Estimate of your costs while in the UK
• Proof of sufficient funds to support yourself and your dependants (i.e. bank statements)
• TB test certificate, if required
• Travel history for the past 10 years
• Where you will stay during your visit
• Your annual income
• Your home address and duration of residence
• Your onward / return travel ticket
• Your partner’s details (i.e. name, date of birth and passport number)

Family visitor visa sponsor requirements

If you are being sponsored by another person to come to the UK, you may be asked to provide evidence of:

• the support they are providing (i.e. accommodation, support funds, and funds for your onward journey)
• how this support is being provided (i.e. bank statement showing savings or details of the accommodation being provided)
• the relationship between you and your sponsor (i.e. family member)
• your sponsor’s British passport or residence document

How to apply for a UK family visitor visa

To apply for a UK family visitor visa, you need to complete the following steps:

• Complete and submit the online application form 2
• Pay the application fee (see below)
• Book and attend an appointment at your nearest UK visa application centre (VAC) to provide your biometrics (fingerprint scan and photo)
• Upload any documents requested by the Home Office

In most cases, UK family visitor visas are processed within 3 weeks. You may be able to request a faster decision – the priority service costs £500 and provides a decision within 5 working days, and the super-priority service costs £800 and provides a decision within 1 working day.

Application fees for UK family visitor visa

Extending your uk family visitor visa.

You may be able to extend your family visitor visa if you have permission to be in the UK for less than 6 months and you want to extend your stay up to the maximum of 6 months, e.g. if you have been in the UK for 2 months, you can extend your stay for 4 more months, but for no longer than 6 months in total.

You can only extend a visitor visa if you are an academic, or you are a graduate retaking the Professional and Linguistic Assessment Board (PLAB) test or doing a clinical attachment.

It is also possible to extend your visit under medical reasons. See our guide on the UK medical visit visa for more information.

How can Reiss Edwards help?

Reiss Edwards is a specialist in family immigration based in Central London. Our team of family immigration solicitors can handle all aspects of your family visitor visa and can help you with:

• Preparing and handling all aspects of your family visitor visa UK
• Overcoming any issues with your UK family visitor visa application including a UK visa refusal
• Applying for a UK family visa
• Explaining any other UK immigration options available to you

1 GOV.UK: Check if you need a UK visa

2 GOV.UK: Application form

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UK Visa Guidance: Visitor Visa for Parents and Family

As an international medical graduate (IMG) working in the UK, one of the toughest things that we have to deal with is homesickness, distance, and our separation from friends and family back home. There are only two ways you can alleviate that- 1) Racking up your annual leaves to visit home. 2) Apply for the UK visitor visa for your family and parents. Let’s talk about the second option in detail.

Table of Contents

What type of UK visa can parents apply for?

It is commonly misunderstood that parents of an independent child (i.e. you) can apply for ‘UK Family Visa’ . No, they can not. UK family visa as a parent can only be applied for if the child is <18 years of age and has either British citizenship or has ILR or some other specific circumstance.

For parents of an independent child who doesn’t hold a permanent visa in the UK (most of us), the only way they can come to the UK is via the ‘Standard Visitor Visa’ . It is the same visa you may have applied for if you took the PLAB 2 exam .

Previously there was a separate family visitor visa which is now all absorbed in the standard visitor visa .

How to apply for a UK visitor visa for parents

The process of UK visa application is all very streamlined via the GovUK website. This is the link where you have to click  ‘apply now ‘ to start a  standard visitor visa   application . The whole process has the following steps:

Online application fill-up

Once you click  apply now  in the above link it will ask you a series of questions and finally, you will be able to submit that.

Registering with your local visa application centre (VAC)

GovUK will determine which service deals with UK visa applications in your country and will forward you their service/website once you have submitted the online application.

Submitting supporting documents and biometrics

VAC in your country will give you the option to either upload or submit the evidence and supporting documents as well as let you book an appointment to provide biometrics (fingerprints and photo).

UK visitor visa requirements for parents

Online application form fill-up.

The following information is needed to successfully complete the online application form. Remember these questions have to be answered from your parents’ point of view , not yours, even if you are filling the application form.

• Parent’s name (according to passport) and address (an address that you can provide evidence for)
• How long have you lived at this address? – In my mother’s case, it was in the years since she got married
• Passport details
• Nationality, country and date of birth
• What is your employment status? – If you say one of your parents is employed , remember you will have to show no objection certificate for travel from their employer as well as sufficient bank statement and employment certificate to prove employment.
• Do you have another income or any savings? – It is very likely your parents will have some sort of savings.
• How much money are you personally planning to spend on your visit to the UK? – For a 6 months visit it’s safe to assume that the total cost will be £4000 – £5000. Even if you are sponsoring the whole amount as they have some savings, they personally can plan to spend one-fourth or one-fifth .
• What is the total amount of money you spend each month? – For my mother, it is around 15000 BDT taking into account different bills, food, and medications.
• Will anyone be paying towards the cost of your visit? – Yes. Someone I know (for example, family or friend) – then you add your name and address and the put the rest amount three-fourth or four-fifth of the total amount.
• Your planned travel information – This is very important . The visa will very likely start from the date as you put as planning to arrive in the UK. So make it as close to the real travel date as possible.
• What is the main reason for your visit to the UK? – Tourism and then Visiting Family.
• Give details about your first parent – So you have to know the details of your grandparents. Names and dates of birth.
• Do you have any family in the UK? – Yes. Give your details here again. And if you have a Tier 2 visa like me – you have a temporary visa.
• Will you be travelling to the UK as part of an organised group? – In my mother’s case, it was no as she will travel independently.
• Staying with family – Tick box your name and provide your contact details. The date you will arrive at this address can easily correspond to the date of arrival in the UK.
• International travel history
• Breach of immigration law, war crimes, terrorist and extremist views, employment history, a question about good character etc will all hopefully be no.

That’s it. These are all the information you need to have prior to starting this online application.

What’s the duration I should apply for?

If it is the first application, I would go for a 6-month visa. Later on, you can apply for a longer duration (2, 5, or 10 years) to minimize the hassle of the visa application. Remember- your parents cannot make the UK their main home by frequent and successive visits. If they are caught, they may get banned from visiting the UK entirely.

UKVI has no strict rule that states you can only stay ‘6 months in a year’, but for any visit the maximum your parents can stay is six months at a stretch . So the safe frequency will be a few months in a year and clearly spending more time outside the UK than inside.

Required documents for visitor visa application

The list of documents that I attached for my mother’s visit visa to the UK :

• Cover letter
• Her bank statement showing her savings
• Her nationality certificate proving her address
• An invitation letter from me
• My passport copy
• My last 6 months bank statement (which serves as a proof of my address)
• If you are renting , then also add a copy of your tenancy agreement.
• An employment letter from my trust.

Cover letter for UK visitor visa for parents

It does not have to be elaborate. Keep it simple, keep it short. If your parents have any income or major transaction, make sure you explain it here in brief.

You can download a template of cover letter for parent’s UK Visa here.

Invitation letter from you

This also does not have to be lengthy. You should explain the nature of their visit, which is a short family visit and mention your visa status and accommodation arrangement currently.

Find a redacted copy of my invitation letter here .

Employment letter from your trust

If you drop a line to your HR representative that you will require an employment letter because you are sponsoring a visit visa for your parents, they will happy to do so.

Make sure you ask them to mention the following:

• The date of your job commencement
• The contract duration
• Your job title
• Your salary

The letter has to be addressed to whom it may concern and printed in a headed paper containing trust’s official seal and HR rep’s contact information.

Visa fees for parents’ visitor visa

A standard visitor visa costs £95.

The fee for a long-term Standard Visitor visa depends on its length:

• 2 years – £361
• 5 years – £655
• 10 years – £822

There are also other costs associated with the services that you can buy from your local visa application centre.

How long does it take to get a UK visitor visa for parents?

The time frame may vary from country to country, but generally, a standard visitor visa application only takes 2 weeks to give you a verdict. You should not apply more than three months before the intended travel date.

You may get a verdict on the application early if your VAC has the option of a premium visa application.

Can I bring my parents permanently in the UK?

As long as you have a temporary visa (tier 2) , you can’t think of that. Why? You are not even permanent.

After working for 5 years you can apply for a settled visa (indefinite leave to remain) and 1-2 years after that, you can apply for UK citizenship. So, after 5-6 years of service in the UK, you can think about bringing your parents permanently.

But this elderly dependent visa application has a high threshold and evidential bar to be reached. The list below is not exhaustive, but you have to prove the following:

• Any parent or grandparent who is wholly dependent financially and emotionally on the permanent UK resident
• There is constant contact with the parent and grandparent
• The applicant has no close relatives in their home country that can be relied upon for support (very difficult to prove as close relatives may be sons, daughters, brothers, sisters, grandchildren, uncles, aunts and possibly nephews, nieces or in-laws)
• The UK relative has appropriate accommodation for the applicant as well as any dependents the applicant may bring to the UK

Evidence under this category needs to be provided by the applicant to prove that their circumstances are true and, most importantly, there is either financial dependency on the sponsor or most exceptional circumstances exist.

More often than not this type of applications are done via immigration agencies in the UK to the court. So the bottom line is, there is a way to bring you elderly parents to bring permanently in the UK, but it may not be applicable or achievable by many.

Frequently Asked Questions

Zhow quickly i can apply for this visit visa for my parents and family.

I would wait to have a minimum of 6 months’ salary into your UK account before sponsoring your parents to visit the UK.

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

As mentioned already, for any visit, the maximum a visitor can stay is for 6 months. But utmost care should be taken so that the UK does not appear to be their home by frequent and successive visits.

What is the maximum stay a UK visitor visa allows?

How much bank statement is required for uk visit visa.

The key here is to prove you have regular income in your bank account which is quite easy as you are getting paid from the NHS every month. There no hard and fast amount that has to be in your account to sponsor.

A maximum of 6 months at a stretch.

Can I extend the visitor visa for my parents while they are in the UK?

The only case that applies to your parents would be if they paid for any private medical treatment and they have to stay for that.  Read more here.

Is a return ticket required for my parents to come to the UK with a visitor visa?

Yes. For any visit, having a return ticket solidifies your intention to visit only, not for breaching immigration law.

Can I sponsor a visit visa for my other family members (siblings, cousins etc)?

Yes. It will be the exact same process.

Can my parents avail of NHS services while on a visitor visa?

As they are not residents, the NHS will not be free for them, so it’s a good idea to bring overseas travel health insurance with them when they come to visit.

Related Articles

A Doctor’s Pay in the UK: NHS Salary Structure

How to open a UK bank account

Your First Home Abroad in the UK as an IMG

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Benefits of Choosing IAS For Your Visitor Visa Application

If you are planning to travel to the UK and require a visitor visa, then our immigration lawyers are on hand to provide advice and application assistance.

Whether this is your first application or you applied on your own before but were refused the visa, we can help.

No matter the reason why you plan to visit, the IAS range of expert services can help ensure your application is submitted quickly and to a high standard. Benefit from:

Tailored advice to ensure you are applying for the correct visa.

A personal immigration lawyer who can answer all queries.

Access to UK-specific knowledge of the immigration routes.

Confidence your application will be complete and comprehensive.

Services we Provide

Need help with an immigration issue? Book a one-to-one advice session with one of our legal caseworkers.

We can complete your visa application on your behalf, taking the stress and hassle out of the process.

Need to submit an application quickly? We can help you complete and send it off in as little as 24 hours.

Ensure you have the greatest chance of a successful appeal with our legal support and guidance.

If you are a non-EEA national and you want to travel to the UK to visit family, you will need a  Standard Visitor Visa  under the Family Visit Visa category. This visa is valid for up to six months.

Family Visas under the Standard Visitor Visa category have very strict requirements and are therefore difficult to obtain. You will need to prove that you have a reason to return home once your six months is up. You will also need to show you can fund your stay.

The Family Visit Visa does not allow you to work, claim public funds or bring dependents on this visa type. This means that each family member will have to make a separate Family Visit Visa application.

How can IAS help?

Our team of highly-qualified lawyers can assist you with your application for a Family Visit Visa. One of our lawyers will work with you to assess your eligibility and complete your Family Visit Visa application to the highest standard.

Your lawyer will also perform a full document check and prepare a Letter of Representation to support your application. This letter will detail your case and its merits and reference any relevant UK immigration laws in support of your application. Contact us using our online enquiry form or by calling  0333 363 8577  to arrange your first meeting with an immigration lawyer today. We have offices based in  London ,  Manchester , and  Birmingham , as well as in  many other locations  throughout the UK.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

How do i apply for a family visit visa.

The requirements to apply are the same as those for the  Standard Visitor Visa.

To be eligible, you must:

• be at least 18 years old (unless applying under the  Child Visitor Visa  category)
• have intentions to leave the UK after your visit the UK;
• be able to show evidence of your financial support once in the
• UK (this can be from your family member); and
• have enough funds to pay for your journey to the UK.

What documents are required for a UK Family Visit Visa?

As the Family Visit Visa is part of the Standard Visitor Visa route, you will need to provide evidence of your reason for travelling and where you will be staying. You will also need to show that you can afford to travel to and from the UK.

Visitor Visas also require clear evidence that you will return to your home country after your visa has expired. You will need to provide documents that show you have commitments back home that you must return to.

The Family Visit Visa will also require evidence of your family relationship before you can enter the country.

Who can make a Family Visa application as a visitor?

Family members can include:

• siblings (including half siblings and step siblings);
• grandparents; and
• grandchildren.

As of July 2012, uncles, aunts, nephews, nieces, and cousins have been excluded from the definitions of the family members allowed Entry Clearance through the Family Visitor Visa.

They can still apply for a normal Visitor Visa, however, they will not be able to appeal against a refusal.

How do I appeal if my Family Visit Visa application is refused?

You may be able to appeal a decision to refuse  Entry Clearance  if you  are visiting a close family member. An immigration officer will say which members of the family qualify for this appeal.

We recommend that you apply for Entry Clearance in your country of residence before travelling to the UK.

At IAS, our team of expert advisers can help assist and support you through each stage of your visa application process.

Our services include:

• checking your documents to ensure that they are sufficient for your application;
• preparing a Letter of Representation to accompany your application. This letter details your case and its merits as well as referencing any relevant UK immigration laws in support of your application;
• liaising with the Home Office during your application process;
• completing each part of your application form to the highest standard.

Contact us on +44 (0)333 414 9244 or make an enquiry online to speak to one of our immigration lawyers.

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Every year, thousands of individuals travel across borders to reunite with loved ones, cementing family bonds and creating memories to last a lifetime. The United Kingdom stands as a beacon for many, with its rich heritage and the promise of warm family gatherings in its picturesque settings. However, this dream is predicated on successfully navigating the labyrinth of immigration rules—a feat that begins with a thorough understanding of the UK Family Visitor Visa requirements.

The UK Family Visitor Visa is a non-negotiable gateway for those wishing to visit their family members residing in the UK. Whether it’s for a holiday, a special occasion, or simply to spend time with relatives, the visa process can often seem daunting. Missteps or oversights can delay plans, lead to denials, and ultimately keep families apart. This is why a clear grasp of the visa requirements is not just recommended—it is vital.

In this blog, we will demystify the complexities surrounding the UK family visit visa. We aim to provide a comprehensive guide that illuminates the path for a hassle-free application process. Whether you’re a seasoned traveller or preparing for your first overseas family visit, the insights shared here are tailored to help you understand the nuances of the visa process, ensuring that your upcoming journey to the UK leads to a joyful family reunion rather than a bureaucratic headache.

Understanding the UK Family Visitor Visa

Navigating the pathways of international travel requires a clear understanding of visa policies, particularly when the journey’s purpose is as heartfelt as a family reunion. The UK Family Visitor Visa serves as a linchpin for those planning to visit their relatives in Great Britain and Northern Ireland, ensuring that such visits are conducted within the legal framework set by the UK government.

What is a UK Family Visitor Visa and its purpose?

The UK Family Visitor Visa falls under the Standard Visitor Visa category and is specifically designed for individuals who wish to enter the UK to visit close family members. Unlike other visas that may pertain to work, study, or permanent settlement, this visa strictly caters to those whose primary intent is family visitation. It is a testament to the country’s acknowledgement of the importance of family connection and allows for a temporary stay to strengthen these personal bonds.

What are the Eligibility Criteria for Applicants?

To be eligible for a Family Visitors Visa in the UK , applicants must meet certain criteria that demonstrate their intention to visit the UK is genuine and that they will return to their home country following their visit. Key requirements include:

• Proof of Relationship: Applicants must provide evidence of their relationship to the family member they intend to visit in the UK.
• Financial Independence: Applicants need to show that they can support themselves during their stay without recourse to public funds or employment.
• Accommodation Plans: Evidence of where the applicant will stay during their visit, whether with family or booked accommodation, must be presented.
• Travel Intention: A clear intention to leave the UK at the end of the visit is mandatory.
• Previous Travel History: Applicants with a positive history of compliance with other countries’ immigration rules may find their application process smoother.

It’s important to note that specific circumstances, such as previous immigration history and the applicant’s country of residence, can also play a role in eligibility.

What are the duration and conditions of stay under the UK family visit visa?

The UK Family Visitor Visa typically allows a stay of up to 6 months, with longer-duration visas available under special circumstances. During their stay, visitors are expected to adhere strictly to the conditions of their visa; they must not take up employment, register for long-term courses of study, or plan to marry or enter a civil partnership. Visitors are also expected to refrain from accessing public funds, which underscores the need for financial self-sufficiency during their stay. The ability to come and go within six months is generally permitted, enabling visitors to travel to nearby countries and return to the UK, provided they adhere to the overall timeline of their visa. Potential applicants need to understand these parameters to ensure a visit that is both lawful and enjoyable. Following these guidelines not only ensures that their current visit goes smoothly but also supports the integrity of any future UK visa applications.

Essential Documents for UK Family Visitor Visa Application

The success of a UK Family Visitor Visa application hinges on the completeness and accuracy of the required documentation. Applicants must carefully compile a dossier of materials that convincingly establishes their eligibility and intent. Here is an essential roadmap to the documents required and their significance, along with practical tips for preparing your application.

Comprehensive list of required documents:

To apply for a UK Family Visitor Visa, you will typically need to submit the following documents:

• Valid Passport or Travel Document: Must have at least one blank page for the visa stamp.
• UK Visa Application Form: Fully completed and signed.
• Proof of Relationship to the UK Resident: Such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, or documented confirmation of family ties.
• Evidence of Financial Means: Bank statements, payslips, or sponsorship letters proving you can support yourself during your stay.
• Accommodation Details: Confirmation of where you will stay, whether it’s with family or a hotel booking.
• Travel Itinerary: If already planned, include details of return or onward travel. This document must indicate your plans and commitment to leave before the visa expires.
• Employment or Study Details: A letter from your employer or educational institution confirming your leave of absence and return to your job or studies.
• Previous Travel Documentation: Where applicable, details of previous visas and your travel history, as this will reflect your compliance with immigration rules and reliability as a visitor.
• Photographs: As specified in the visa application guidelines.

Familiarising the Family Visitors Visa UK Application Process

Navigating the UK Family Visitor Visa application process can seem daunting, but breaking it down into clear, actionable steps can help ensure a smoother journey. Below is a step-by-step guide to applying for your visa, including details about online procedures and what to anticipate regarding in-person appointments, as well as advice on overcoming common hurdles.

Step-by-Step Guide to the UK Family Visitor Visa Application Process

• Check Eligibility: Ensure you meet all the criteria for a UK Family Visitor Visa before beginning the application process.
• Gather Documentation: Compile all the necessary paperwork listed in Section III of this blog.
• Complete the Online Application Form: Fill out the application form (on the official UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) website.
• Pay the Visa Fee: Submit the required application fee online, which varies depending on the visa’s duration.
• Book an Appointment: Schedule an appointment at your local Visa Application Centre (VAC) for biometric information collection.
• Attend Biometric Appointment: Go to your booked appointment, bringing your passport and a printed copy of your appointment confirmation.
• Submit Supporting Documents: Send your supporting documents using either the online upload feature or by providing them at your VAC appointment, depending on local procedures.
• Wait for Decision: Processing times vary; you can track your application status online.
• Receive Your Visa: If accepted, your visa will be affixed to your passport and returned to you by mail or you may collect it from the VAC.

Online application procedures and in-person appointments

• Online Application: The UKVI website guides applicants through filling out and submitting their forms online. It’s important to answer each question accurately and completely.
• Biometric Appointment: After submitting your online application and fee, you will need to attend a biometric appointment. This involves giving fingerprints and having a photograph taken at a VAC.
• Document Submission: Some VACs offer document scanning services for a fee, allowing you to submit all supporting documents during your biometric appointment. Alternatively, you may need to mail your documents or upload them online if this service is offered.

Common challenges and how to address them during the application process

• Technical Issues with Online Forms: Save your work regularly and consider using a reliable browser. If issues persist, try at a different time or contact UKVI for assistance.
• Scheduling Appointments: Appointments can fill up quickly, especially during peak travel seasons. Book as early as possible to secure a slot that works for you.
• Documentary Evidence Complexity: Consult the comprehensive list provided earlier and seek professional help if necessary to ensure all documentation is correct and appropriately detailed.
• Long Wait Times for Processing: Apply well in advance of your planned trip, and consider paying for expedited service if time-sensitive.
• Understanding Visa Decisions: If you face a rejection, carefully review the reasons provided. You may address these points in a new application or appeal the decision if you believe there has been an error.

Remember, patience and attention to detail are your allies in the visa application process. Following these guidelines will increase your chances of a successful UK Family Visitor Visa application, bringing you one step closer to your visit with your family.

Financial Requirements and Sponsorship

When applying for a UK Family Visitor Visa, one of the most scrutinised aspects is the financial requirement. The authorities want to ensure that all visitors can support themselves during their stay without recourse to public funds and that they are likely to leave the UK at the end of their visit. Here’s what you need to know about the financial criteria, how to demonstrate financial capability and the role of sponsorship in the visitor visa application. The UK Home Office does not set a specific minimum financial requirement for visitor visas; instead, they assess whether you have enough money to cover all reasonable costs of your visit. This includes the cost of your return or onward journey, any costs relating to dependants, and the cost of planned activities such as tourism or shopping. If you intend to stay with family, the cost of your accommodation will also be considered.

To demonstrate your financial capability, you will need to provide:

• Bank Statements: Recent statements showing steady income and savings.
• Employment Details: Letter from your employer stating your position, salary, length of employment, and the period you intend to visit the UK.
• Accommodation Details: Confirmation of where you will be staying and whether you will be paying for accommodation.
• Travel Itinerary: Details about your travel plans and proof of any prepaid arrangements.
• Additional Income: Documentation of any additional sources of income or financial support.

If a family member or friend is sponsoring your visit to the UK, they will need to provide evidence of their ability to do so. Your sponsor must demonstrate that they can adequately maintain and accommodate you, without needing to rely on public funds. The evidence provided by your sponsor will be reviewed alongside your financial situation.

While the requirements may appear strict, they are in place to ensure a smooth visit without legal or financial issues. By carefully preparing and submitting the required documentation, applicants can demonstrate the financial responsibility needed for visa approval and enjoy their time with family in the UK.

Boost Your UK Family Visitor Visa Application Success with SMA Solicitors

Navigating immigration law can be complex and sometimes overwhelming. This is where SMA Solicitors steps in to offer clarity and confidence throughout your application journey. With expertise in UK immigration policies and a keen understanding of the nuances of family visit visas, we are ready to guide you through each step.

Your family reunion is just an application away, and the right guidance can make all the difference. If you’re seeking to bridge that international gap and reunite with loved ones in the UK, we urge you to take advantage of the professional advice and personalised assistance that we can provide.

Don’t let the complexity of legal procedures deter you from making those cherished family memories. Reach out to us at 020 8951 9959 and we will address your individual situation, answer your questions, and embark on a strategic approach to fulfil your visa needs.

Let us be part of your story—get in touch now and take the first step towards your family reunion in the UK.

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Inviting friends and family to come visit you in the uk.

In this chapter I’ll detail:

Standard Visitor visa

Valid reasons for visiting the uk, proper and appropriate accommodations, access to sufficient funds to support themselves, strong ties to their home country, genuine relationship with you.

Your friends and family might wish to visit you in the UK so that you can spend time together as well as see and experience the various attractions around the country. If they are not exempt (this depends on their nationality), then they will need to apply for a Standard Visitor visa.

The full requirements are available on the official UK Government page for Standard Visitor visas which also details what the visitors can and cannot do in the UK. The documents they will need to provide is extensive, as they will have to prove that (among other things) they have:

• Access to sufficient funds (either self-funded or by a third-party, such as you) to support themselves
• Strong ties to their home country where they will return to after their UK visit (i.e. they will not illegally over-stay in the UK)
• A genuine relationship with you

As a supporting document you should provide them a letter of invitation that they will include as part of their application. This is important especially if you’re helping them apply, as it establishes your relationship with them and makes clear what kind of support you will be providing them during their visit. A letter of invitation will strengthen their application, giving it a better case for approval.

I’m sharing the template I use; download the letter of invitation in support of a visitor visa application here . The template has placeholders for all the information noted above, and guidance on how to fill-out and print the document. Edit it accordingly, and send it (along with other required evidence from you) to the visitor so they can include it when they submit their application.

Visitors generally can perform tourist activities as well as business-related (not work – this is different) activities as outlined in the UK Government’s Visitor Rules . What they cannot do are:

• Do paid work
• Do unpaid work
• Live in the UK for long periods of time through frequent visits
• Get public funds
• Marry or enter into a civil partnership, or provide notice of marriage or civil partnership

A detailed guidance for visitors can be found at the official Visit Guidance by the UK Government.

You must ensure that the invitation letter clearly indicates the reasons the visitor is coming to UK, and that those reasons are valid.

If you are accommodating the visitors in your home then you’ll need to prove that:

• You legally live where you claim to live: this can be your lease agreement or your council tax bill
• Your residence is physically sufficient to house you and your guests: this can be your lease agreement showing the number of bedrooms your residence has, or a letter from your agent or landlord

If your visitors will be staying in paid accommodations then they will need to show that they can afford this on top of the other expenditures for their trip as well as their other expenditures in their home country while they are away.

Your visitors will need to show they have enough liquid funds to support themselves during their visit, and that they have had access to these funds for some time.

As the cost of living varies wildly in the UK depending on location, it is not prescribed how much these funds should be. The visitor should demonstrate that they understand what the costs are for where they are going and what they are planning to do, and that they have funds in excess of this, on top of the money set aside for regular expenditures (such as mortgage) in their home country. Additionally, they should be able to show that this money has been available in their account for some time; this duration is not prescribed but six months is a safe figure to use.

If you are paying for their visit then you’ll need to show that you can afford this on top of your own day-to-day costs of living in the UK.

The UK wants certainty that visitors will go back to their home country after their visit, and not stay in the UK illegally. Visitors thus will need to provide evidence that they have strong ties to their home country. This can be shown in a number of ways:

• The visitor has a stable job in their home country
• The visitor owns properties or businesses in their home country
• The visitor has other relatives that depend on them, living in their home country

All of these will have to be evidenced and included as part of their application. You should reiterate in your support letter that the visitor will return to their home country after they visit you in the UK.

You need to show how you are connected to the visitor. If you are friends or colleagues, you need to provide more detail (as opposed to if you were family); for instance, how you first met, or how long you have known each other.

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Applying for family visas or indefinite leave

This advice applies to England. See advice for See advice for Northern Ireland , See advice for Scotland , See advice for Wales

You or your family member will need to apply online if they want to get a family visa - or to extend it. Family visas include partner, child, parent and dependent adult visas.

You or your family member will also need to apply online if they want to get a permanent right to live in the UK for them - this is called ‘indefinite leave’.

If you haven’t already, you need to check if your family member can get the visa or indefinite leave. You can:

check if your partner and children can get visas

check if your adult family member can get an adult dependent relative visa

check if you can get a visa as the parent of a child living in the UK

check if you can extend your family visa

check if you can get indefinite leave as a family member

check if your child can get a permanent right to live in the UK

Check how much a visa costs

Your family member will need to pay a fee when they apply. They’ll have to pay it for each person applying with them - for example your partner will also have to pay for their children. There are different fees depending on whether your family member is applying from inside or outside the UK. 

You’ll also need to check if your family member has to pay an immigration health surcharge.

If you apply for a family member, you can pay the fees for them.

If your family member is applying from outside the UK

You can check how much the visa fees are on GOV.UK . You’ll need to check the fees in the ‘Route to Settlement’ visa categories:

‘Route to Settlement’ - you can find the fees for most applications

‘Route to Settlement - other dependent relative’ - you can find the fees if an adult family member who isn’t your partner is applying for a visa

‘Route to Settlement - refugee dependent relative’ - you can find the fees if you’re a refugee or have humanitarian protection and your partner or child is applying for a visa

You can also check how much the visa will cost in another currency using the tool on GOV.UK .

If your family member is applying from inside the UK

You can check how much the immigration fees are on GOV.UK . You’ll need to check the fees for the following visa categories:

‘Leave to remain - Other’ - you can find the fees if your family member is applying for their first visa or to extend their visa

‘Indefinite leave to remain - main applicants and dependants’ - you can find the fees if your family member is applying for indefinite leave

Check the amount of the immigration health surcharge

Your family member will usually have to pay to use the NHS as part of their visa application. This is known as the ‘immigration health surcharge’. They won’t have to pay the surcharge if they’re applying for indefinite leave.

Your family member will have to pay the surcharge for each person applying with them - for example your partner will also have to pay for their children. You can check how much the immigration health surcharge is on GOV.UK .

If you and your family member can’t afford the fees or immigration health surcharge

In some cases your family member can apply for a ‘fee waiver’ - this means they will not have to pay. They can’t get a fee waiver if they’re applying for indefinite leave.

If your partner is applying for a partner visa, they can only apply for a fee waiver for themselves and their children if either:

they’re applying for a visa based on exceptional circumstances or private and family life

they only have to satisfy the adequate maintenance test

To apply for a fee waiver, they have to show they don’t have enough income and savings to pay for both the fee and essential costs like food and rent - even with your help. If they have a child, they can apply for a fee waiver if paying the fee would affect the child’s welfare.

You’ll need to send documents showing your income and spending for the last 6 months, for example your:

bank statements for all your accounts

tenancy agreement

utility bills

You can apply for a fee waiver on GOV.UK .

Check if your family member needs a medical test

If your family member is moving to the UK, they might need to do a tuberculosis (TB) test before they apply. It depends on where they’ve been living.

Check if your family member needs a TB test and how to get one on GOV.UK .

Starting the application

Your family member can apply online - or you can apply for them.

If you apply for a family member, you must apply in their name. If they’re at least 16 years old, you should get them to check the application before you submit it - they will be responsible if it’s wrong.

You can print a copy of the application for your family member to check. You can also save the application and they can log in separately to check it.

What you or your family member need to do depends on whether they’re outside or inside the UK. They can:

apply from outside the UK on GOV.UK

apply from inside the UK on GOV.UK

Your family member will need to give the Home Office their email address when they apply. When they start their application, they’ll get an email from the Home Office - they’ll need to click a link in the email when they get it.

It’s important for your family member to check their emails often after they apply - the Home Office might send them important information.

If you need help applying online, check how to get help with your application on GOV.UK .

Booking an appointment

When your family member makes the application, they’ll usually need to book an appointment to have their photograph and fingerprints taken - these are called their ‘biometric information’.

If your family member is outside the UK, they’ll need to book an appointment at a visa application centre - find a visa application centre on GOV.UK .

If your family member is inside the UK, they’ll need to book an appointment on the UK Visa and Citizenship Application Service website . 

Uploading evidence

After your family member has applied, they'll need to upload scans or photos of their evidence. If you’re applying for them, you can also upload the evidence.

Your family member will be told:

how to upload their evidence

what evidence they need - they usually need to upload evidence to prove each thing they say in the application

If they don’t upload the right evidence, the Home Office will usually tell them what they need and give them one more chance to upload the right evidence before they refuse the application.

Check what evidence you need to upload on GOV.UK .

Proving your relationship

If your partner is applying, they'll need to upload evidence that you’re in a real and continuing relationship. For example, this could include documents that show that you:

have lived together

have children together

have a shared bank account or savings

have spent time together and are in frequent contact

If they need to prove another type of relationship, they can upload copies of birth certificates or adoption certificates. They'll need to include a translation if the documents aren't in English.

Proving you meet a financial requirement

Your family member will need to prove how much income and savings you have. For example, if you get benefits or a pension, they'll need to upload:

a letter from your benefits or pension provider that shows how you much you get

a bank statement from the last year for the account they’re paid into

If you’re employed, they'll need to upload payslips and bank statements for the account your wages are paid into. If you’ve been employed by the same employer for at least 6 months, your family member will need to upload documents for the last 6 months. If your employment started in the last 6 months they'll need to upload documents for the last 12 months.

If you’re self-employed, they'll need to upload the following documents showing your income for the last 2 years:

bank statements for your business bank account

audited accounts

tax returns

If you earned less money between 1 March 2020 and 31 October 2021 because of coronavirus, they should explain this in their application. The Home Office will usually ignore the income you lost - your family member might have to upload documents from before 1 March 2020.

Proving you have somewhere suitable to live

Your family member will need to upload a document that shows you have somewhere to live - for example:

a tenancy agreement

a mortgage statement

a letter from the owner - for example if you’re staying with your parents

They'll usually need to upload a report or document to prove that where they'll live is safe, suitable and large enough. They will not need this if you live in council housing or your landlord is a housing association.

You can get a report from a surveyor or an environmental health officer. Start by asking your local council if they can do a report. Find your local council on GOV.UK .

Your family member won’t usually need a report if they've already got a visa and they're applying to extend it or get indefinite leave.

If the application is rejected

Your family member can either:

appeal the decision - they’ll need to show the decision affects their ‘right to private or family life’

make a new visa application - they’ll have to pay the full application fee again

The rules are complicated. Get help from a specialist immigration adviser to check what your family member should do.

The decision letter from the Home Office should say what the time limit is for your family member to appeal. They need to appeal within 14 days if they’re in the UK or 28 days if they’re outside the UK.

If you can’t see an immigration adviser before the end of the time limit, your family member can start an appeal and then get advice. They will have to pay a fee of £80 or £120.

If your family member is outside the UK, you can find the appeal form and guidance on GOV.UK .

If your family member is inside the UK, you can find the appeal form and guidance on GOV.UK .

If the application is accepted

If your family member applied within the UK, they’ll receive:

a biometric residence permit (BRP) - this is proof of their right to stay in the UK

an email or letter asking them to set up an account for their online immigration status

Online immigration statuses are replacing BRPs. Your family member’s BRP will only be valid until October 2024. After this date, they’ll need to use their online account to prove their immigration status. Your family member can get help setting up an online status .

If your family member applied outside the UK

They’ll get entry clearance that gives them 30 days to come to the UK. If they don’t arrive in the UK within the 30-day period, they’ll need to apply for another entry permit and pay a fee.

Once your family member arrives in the UK they’ll have to collect a BRP within 10 days. They’ll have to:

set up an online account for their online immigration status

collect a biometric residence permit (BRP) within 10 days

They'll have to collect the BRP from a post office - they’ll have selected a post office as part of the application process. It’s important to collect the BRP within 10 days - they might be fined or have their visa cancelled if they don’t.

Apply for the visa or indefinite leave

What you or your family member needs to do depends on whether they’re outside or inside the UK. They can:

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Page last reviewed on 11 July 2022

A Guide To The UK Tourism, Leisure & Family Visit Visa

Contributor.

The Tourism, Leisure and Family Visit Visa is for individuals who wish to come to the UK for a short-term stay for the purpose of visiting friends and/or family or for a short holiday. The Tourism, Leisure and Family Visit Visa is a sub-category of the Standard Visitor route, which is a route for persons who wish to visit the UK for a temporary period of up to 6 months.

Tourism, Leisure and Family Visit Visa Immigration Rules

In summary, Appendix V of the Immigration Rules provides for 4 types of Visitor :

• Standard Visitor: for those seeking to undertake the activities set out in Appendix Visitor: Permitted Activities, for example tourism and visiting family , usually for up to 6 months. A Standard Visitor may apply for a visit visa of six months, two, five or 10 years validity, however each stay in the UK must not exceed the permitted length of stay endorsed on the visit visa (usually six months).
• Marriage/Civil Partnership Visitor : for those seeking to come to the UK to marry or form a civil partnership, or give notice of marriage or civil partnership.
• Permitted Paid Engagement Visitor: for experts in their field coming to the UK to undertake specific paid engagements for up to one month.
• Transit Visitor: for those who want to transit the UK on route to another country outside the Common Travel Area and who will enter the UK for up to 48 hours by crossing the UK border unless Appendix Visitor: Transit Without Visa Scheme applies.

This article will focus on those coming to the UK to visit for the purposes of tourism, leisure or to visit family.

General Requirements for a Tourism, Leisure and Family Visit Visa

The requirements for a successful Tourism, Leisure and Family Visit Visa application are generally as follows:

• You are a visa national (a non-visa national can normally seek entry as a Visitor on arrival at the UK border);
• You are genuinely seeking entry to the UK for a purpose that is permitted by the visitor routes;
• You will not undertake any prohibited activities;
• You have sufficient funds to cover all reasonable costs in relation to your visit (including travel, maintenance and accommodation costs) without working or accessing public funds;
• You will leave the UK at the end of your visit;
• You will not live in the UK for extended periods through frequent or successive visits, or make the UK your main home;
• Your application does not fall for refusal under the general grounds for refusal.

Guidance is provided to caseworkers in the Visit guidance, Version 11.0, published for Home Office staff on 06 October 2021.

Visa or Non Visa National

You will first need to consider whether you are required to apply for entry clearance in advance of travel. Immigration Rules Appendix Visitor: Visa national list contains a list of countries who must apply for entry clearance in advance unless the exceptions in VN 2.1, VN 2.2. (subject to VN 2.3) or VN 3.1 apply. Those that are Non Visa Nationals may consider applying in advance, if for example there is an adverse immigration history and you have been refused entry on a previous occasion. An application made in advance can provide security and certainty. The Tourism, Leisure and Family Visit Visa requirements have to be met by Non Visa Nationals as well, but this is assessed at the border, by an Immigration Officer.

To discuss your UK Visit Visa application or how we can assist you to meet the requirements for entry to the UK a visitor on arrival, contact our immigration barristers on 0203 617 9173 or complete our enquiry form below.

Making a Valid UK Visit Visa Application

The Validity requirements for entry clearance or permission to stay as a Visitor are set out in paragraphs V 2.1 to V 2.6 of Appendix V.

An Applicant must apply using the relevant online application form, pay the relevant fee, and provide biometrics. Any application for entry clearance must be made from outside the UK.

General Grounds of Refusal and Immigration Status Required

You will need to consider if any of the provisions in Part 9 of the Immigration Rules apply. Part 9 generally covers criminality, non conducive grounds, false representation and deception, previous breaches and other discretionary grounds. Some grounds are mandatory and others discretionary. It is important to ensure that you answer all questions on the form accurately and make full disclosure. Any false information given can lead to a refusal and a ban meaning further applications to enter the UK will be refused. We examined this in an earlier article .

If an Applicant is applying for permission to stay they must not be in breach of immigration laws or on immigration bail. If Paragraph 39E applies that period of overstaying may be disregarded (V 3.1 and V 3.2).

Genuine Visitor

You will need to demonstrate that you are a genuine visitor.

The caseworking guidance refers to an assessment of the Applicant's personal circumstances including the following:

• their previous immigration history, including visits to the UK and other countries
• the duration of previous visits and whether this was significantly longer than they originally stated on their visa application or on arrival - if this is the case, you should not automatically presume that the visitor is not genuine, but this may be a reason to question the applicant's overall intentions
• their financial circumstances as well as their family, social and economic background
• their personal and economic ties to their country of residence
• the cumulative period of time the applicant has visited the UK and their pattern of travel over the last 12-month period, and whether this amounts to 'de-facto' residence in the UK
• whether, on the balance of probabilities, the information and the reasons for the visit or for extending their stay provided by the applicant are credible and correspond to their personal, family, social and economic background

The guidance continues by setting out reasons for doubting someone is a genuine visitor, these include:

• the applicant has few or no family and economic ties to their country of residence, and has several family members in the UK - for example a person with most of their family in the UK and no job or study in their own country may be considered to have few ties to their home country
• the applicant, their sponsor (if they are visiting a friend or relative) or other immediate family member has, or has attempted to, deceive the Home Office in a previous application for entry clearance, permission to enter or stay
• there are discrepancies between the statements made by the applicant and the statements made by the sponsor, particularly on points where the sponsor could reasonably be expected to know the facts but does not
• it has not been possible to verify information provided by the applicant despite attempts to do so
• the information that has been provided or the reasons for the visit stated by the applicant are not credible
• a search of the applicant's baggage and vehicle at the border reveals items which demonstrate they intend to work or live in the UK

In order to demonstrate this requirement you will need to consider providing full details of ties to the UK, financial and personal as well as ties to your home country. Visit visas can be complex and require wide ranging evidence. Evidence can take many forms including statements and letters to support and explain documentary evidence from various sources.

Length of a Visit Visa

It is possible to apply for a long-term Visit Visa of up to 2 years, 5 years, or 10 years. You may enter and leave the UK on multiple occasions during the validity, unless your Visit Visa is endorsed with a single entry. You must ensure that each visit is not more than 6 months from the date of entry. If you do not have an ongoing reason to visit the UK you may consider applying for a 6 month visit visa.

Even if you apply for a long-term multiple entry Visit Visa you may only be granted one of short duration. The guidance reads:

You can issue a shorter duration visa if the applicant meets the Visitor rules relevant to their visit but you have concerns about issuing a long term visit visa. Entry Clearance officers must obtain the authority of the Entry Clearance Manager before issuing a visit visa of shorter duration than that applied for.

You must provide clear reasons for the decision to grant a visa for a shorter period than that applied for in a covering letter when the passport is returned.

It is important to note that no refund, whether full or partial, wll be given.

Using a Multiple Entry Visit Visa

There is no specified maximum period for which an individual can spend in the UK during a 12 month period (as long as it is for no longer than 6 months from each entry), but you will need to be careful not to make the UK your home through successive visits. This will form a consideration when you plan your trips to the UK. The guidance reads:

"There is no specified maximum period, which an individual can spend in the UK in any period, such as '6 months in 12 months' (as long as each visit does not exceed the maximum period for that visit, normally 6 months). However, if it is clear from an applicant's travel history that they are seeking to remain in the UK for extended periods or making the UK their home you should refuse their application".

The fact that an Applicant is granted a multiple entry long-term visit visa does not mean that they are guaranteed entry each time they arrive in the UK. Their circumstances may be examined at the border and you would be advised to carry evidence pertaining to any current circumstances. Whether an individual is making the UK their home through successive visits will be one matter that will be considered.

The guidance makes reference to a number of factors that will be considered:

• the purpose of the visit and intended length of stay stated
• the number of visits made over the past 12 months, including the length of stay on each occasion, the time elapsed since the last visit, and if this amounts to the individual spending more time in the UK than in their home country
• the purpose of return trips to the applicant's home country or trips out of the Common Travel Area (CTA) and if these are used only to seek re-entry to the UK
• the links they have with their home country or ordinary country of residence - consider especially any long-term commitments and where the applicant is registered for tax purposes
• evidence the UK is their main place of residence, for example: o if they have registered with a general practitioner (GP) o if they send their children to UK schools
• the history of previous applications, for example if the visitor has previously been refused under the Family Rules and subsequently wants to enter as a visitor you must assess if they are using the visitor route to avoid the rules in place for family migrants joining British or settled persons in the UK

At the border, as the guidance confirms, an Applicant may be asked for supporting evidence. This depends on the questions asked and the answers given.

Maintenance and Accommodation - What Are the Levels and Who Can Provide This?

As part of the Genuine visitor requirement (paragraph V 4.2) you will need to show you have sufficient funds (paragraph V 4.2(e)). There is no set level of funds required for an Applicant to show they will be maintained and accommodated for their planned visit to the UK.

In assessing whether there are sufficient funds, the caseworker will consider the criteria in Paragraph V 4.3. A third party may provide support, this includes family members, family, and other individuals with whom the Applicant has a genuine personal or professional relationship. You will want to consider the following factors as set out in the guidance and provide evidence of these:

• The Third party's previous history of sponsorship;
• The relationship between Applicant and Sponsor;
• Where and how they met;
• How often and by what means they communicate.

If maintenance and accommodation is to be provided by a third party, that third party must not be in the UK in breach of immigration rules at the proposed date of entry or the application. The individual will need to show they have the means to provide that support as well as anyone else usually dependent upon them in addition to the Applicant. There are many ways to evidence these requirements and you will want to ensure any concerns are addressed.

You will need to demonstrate that the funds are held in a permitted financial institution under FIN 2.1 in Appendix Finance.

When addressing your finances you will need to evidence your sources of income and savings. You will need to consider evidencing how long you can be absent from your employment or business, who will provide cover. You should consider how to address payments in and out of your account, particularly any recent payments prior to the date of application.

You may consider providing a schedule of costs to demonstrate that the funds held or the funds you rely on are sufficient for your purposes, your costs may for example be less if you are staying with family and not expected to contribute to daily living expenses such as food. There are many ways and forms to present this evidence.

In Part Two we will address further frequently asked questions in relation to the Tourism, Leisure and Family Visit Visa route.

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.

Immigration

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How to apply

Additional changes to entry, testing and quarantine requirements in response to the Omicron variant

There are temporary changes for all travellers, including Canadian citizens, regardless of their vaccination status.

Additional restrictions and requirements now apply to these countries:

• Botswana, Egypt, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, South Africa, Zimbabwe

News release

Changes to border measures

New border measures include

• rules for re-entering Canada, if leaving for 72 hours or less
• who is considered fully vaccinated
• rules for travelling within Canada

Starting January 15, 2022, there will be new rules for who can enter Canada as an unvaccinated or partially vaccinated traveller.

Learn more about the new measures

Venezuelan passport holders

You may need to complete extra steps when you fill out your application .

If the printed expiry date on your Venezuelan passport has passed

If the printed expiry date has passed and you’re applying for a visitor visa, study permit, work permit or to extend your stay as a temporary resident in Canada, follow these steps:

• Add 5 years to the printed expiry date shown on your passport and enter it in the expiry date field of the application form.
• Include a letter of explanation with your application stating: “I am a Venezuelan national with a Venezuelan passport, which has been extended for 5 years”.

Warning: If your passport is still expired after adding 5 years to the printed expiry date, your passport is considered expired. You’re not eligible to submit an application with that passport.

Prepare documents and apply

The reason you’re traveling to Canada determines the way you apply and the documents you need to submit with your visa application.

Why are you applying for a visitor visa?

• To visit as a tourist
• To visit for business
• To visit your spouse or partner who has sponsored you for permanent residence

What is your family member’s status in Canada?

• Canadian citizen
• Person registered under Canada’s Indian Act
• Canadian permanent resident
• Temporary resident in Canada
• For compassionate reasons
• To join a vessel as a marine crew member (known as a “seafarer”)
• None of the above

Do you plan to visit your children or grandchildren for more than 6 months?

You may be eligible to apply for a Super Visa

A super visa lets you visit your children or grandchildren for 5 years at a time. It’s a visa that provides multiple entries for a period up to 10 years.

Find out how to apply for a Super Visa

Step 1 Gather documents

Gather these documents to submit with your visa application and bring when you travel.

About the documents listed

• Not all documents listed below are required—some are optional.
• This is not an exhaustive list of acceptable proof to support your visa application.
• Only submit the recommended documents that prove you’re eligible for a visa.
• Even if you submit all the documents listed, there is no guarantee that we’ll approve your application.
• We may request more information from you in addition to what is listed here.

Documents we accept:

• passports (regular, official or diplomatic)  from most countries (see exceptions below)
• alien’s passport for stateless persons
• US Permit to Re-Enter (Form I-327)
• US Refugee Travel Document (Form I-571)
• other refugee travel documents for non-citizens

Documents we don’t accept:

• any passport issued by Somalia
• non-machine-readable passports issued by the Czech Republic
• temporary passports issued by the Republic of South Africa
• provisional passports issued by Venezuela

A clear, colour copy of your valid passport or travel document that you’ll use to travel to Canada

If you have a passport, you must provide a copy of

• the page that shows your birth date and country of origin
• any pages with stamps, visas or markings

If you have a travel document, it must be issued by a government and include your

• date of birth
• document number
• citizenship or residency status
• expiry date (if applicable)

Submit this document with your visa application.

Family members or third parties who apply on behalf of the applicant need to complete this form.

Submit the completed form with your visa application.

Each applicant 18 years or older must complete this form.

Submit the completed form with your visa application

Documents needed depend on whether a child under 18 years of age will travel with only 1 parent, with a relative or friend or alone.

You may need to show

• a letter that authorizes the minor child to travel to Canada
• other documents, such as adoption papers or a custody decree, depending on if the minor child travels alone or not

Consult Minor children travelling to Canada .

Submit these with your visa application.

• Show the border services officer when you arrive in Canada.

If you’ve travelled to Canada or to other countries, this can show that you’ve been able to get a visa in the past.

Proof of this includes copies of previous visas in your passport.

Include a clear copy of 1 or more of the following:

• your previous passports and/or visas (used within the last 10 years to travel outside your country)
• entry and exit stamps
• study and/or work permits that indicate your duration outside of your country
• expired or valid visas

Submit this document with your visa application

Documents that show how long you plan to stay and what you’ll do in Canada

Include copies of any of the following:

• flight details
• hotel reservations
• registration for an event

This can help us understand if you have enough money to support yourself during your stay in Canada.

Bank name and contact This allows us to contact your bank or financial institution with questions.

Proof it is your account Your name and address on the statement show that the account is yours.

Account details At least 6 months of account details, including balances, helps us understand your financial situation.

Use this form if you want to allow Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to release your personal information to someone you choose.

The person you choose will be able to get information on your case file, such as the status of your application.

Business visitor

A clear, colour copy of your valid passport or travel document that you'll use to travel to Canada

Submit this with your visa application.

A clear copy of 1 or more of the following:

• study and/or work permits that indicate your duration outside your country

Copies of any of the following:

A letter from your employer can confirm that you have a stable job and will return to it. It can also show that your employer supports your visit to Canada.

The letter should be printed on your employer’s official letterhead.

The letter should include the following:

• date, no earlier than 3 months before you apply
• confirmation that you have a job with the employer
• your full name and date of birth
• date you started the job
• brief description of your job
• current salary
• contact information of your manager
• phone number
• email address
• employer information
• company name
• state or province
• Your manager or human resources contact should print their name and sign the letter.

A letter from a business or company in Canada

It can confirm that your purpose for visiting Canada is valid.

A copy of the letter from the business or company inviting you to Canada

• The letter must be written to you from the business or company.

Consult the details to include in the letter .

Visit your spouse or partner who sponsored you for permanent residence

Proof of your relationship with the person or family member inviting you to Canada

This can include a copy of

• a marriage certificate
• Statutory Declaration of Common-Law Union (IMM5409)
• a birth certificate
• an official document naming you as a parent

Each applicant 18 years and older must complete this form.

The documents needed depend on whether a child under 18 years of age will travel with only 1 parent, with a relative or friend, or alone.

• other documents, such as adoption papers or a custody decree, depending on whether the minor child travels alone

Consult Minor children travelling to Canada

A letter written by your family member in Canada

A copy of the letter from the family member inviting you to Canada

• The letter must be written to you from your family member.
• current Salary

Complete the form that declares you and your partner are in a common-law relationship. Also provide proof that you and your common-law partner have combined your affairs and set up a household together.

What is a common-law partner?

Proof can include

• joint bank accounts or credit cards
• joint ownership of a home
• joint residential leases
• joint rental receipts
• joint utilities (electricity, gas, telephone)
• joint management of household expenses
• proof of joint purchases, especially for household items
• mail addressed to either person or both people at the same address

Faster visitor visa processing for spousal applicants

If you’re being sponsored for permanent residence (PR) by your spouse or partner, you could benefit from faster processing for a visitor visa.

You may be eligible if you

• submitted an application to be sponsored for permanent residence
• received an acknowledgement of receipt (AOR) that confirms the application is in progress

Applications that need more information, for example custody documents for a child, will take longer to process.

When your sponsor receives the AOR for your permanent residence application, you can apply for a visitor visa. If you’re eligible, your visitor visa application will automatically receive faster processing. You don’t need to request it.

You must still meet all of the requirements to be eligible for a visitor visa .

Visit family (Canadian citizen, person registered under Canada’s Indian Act, or permanent resident of Canada)

Submit with visa application

Visit children or grandchildren Super visa option

Submit this with your visa or super visa application.

For super visa applicants only

Proof that medical insurance for at least $100,000 coverage has been purchased from a Canadian insurance company.

A copy of the insurance certificate or policy you received for medical insurance coverage for 1 year with a Canadian insurance company.

Submit this with your super visa application.

Documents that show that the super visa applicant’s child or grandchild meets the low income cut-off minimum.

Submit one of the following documents:

• If the child or grandchild does not have a paper copy of their notice of assessment on file, they can view and print their tax returns as well as other personal tax information using the Canada Revenue Agency My Account online service.
• a copy of the child’s or grandchild’s most recent T4 or T1
• an original letter from the child’s or grandchild’s employer stating their job title, job description and salary
• a letter from an accountant confirming the child’s or grandchild’s annual income, if they are self-employed.
• proof of other sources of income (pension statement, investments, etc.)

A document confirming that you had an  immigration medical exam (IME)

The exam must conducted by a panel physician authorized by IRCC.

Get complete details about how to get a medical exam with a panel physician.

Submit this with your super visa application, or wait for instructions from the visa office.

Visit family (temporary resident of Canada)

A letter written by your family in Canada

Documents that show how long you plan to stay and what you’ll do once in Canada

Visit for compassionate reasons

A clear, colour copy of your valid passport or travel document that you'll use to travel to Canada.

• Show the border services officer when you arrive in Canada

A letter written to you from a person or business inviting you to Canada

A copy of the letter from the person or business inviting you to Canada

• registration for an event.

Please indicate clearly if family members will accompany you to Canada.

Submit the following documents with your visa application:

• digital copy of Seaman’s Book
• digital copy of a signed Letter of Invitation from a ship or port agent in Canada
• digital copy of an Introduction Letter from recruiter shipping agency or vessel owner
• digital copy of the employment contract

Step 2 Apply through the IRCC Portal

Step 2 apply.

To apply for a visitor visa to visit Canada on business, you need to qualify as a business visitor.

To qualify, you must show that:

• you plan to stay for less than 6 months
• you don’t plan to enter the Canadian labour market
• your main place of business and source of income and profits is outside Canada

Business visitor activities include business meetings, special events or training for a few days or weeks.

If your meeting, event or conference is registered with us, include the event code in your application. You should get this code from the organizer.

Note: If you plan to stay for more than 6 months, or if you plan to work in Canada, you may be considered a temporary worker and have to  apply for a work permit .

To apply online, you need a scanner or camera to create electronic copies of your documents, and a valid credit or debit card.

Read the instruction guide before you complete your application. As an online applicant, you can ignore steps 3 and 4 of the guide (paying the fees and submitting your application).

If you’re applying for the first time , you must pay the biometrics fee when you submit your application (unless you’re exempt). Otherwise, you may experience delays.

Apply through the IRCC Secure account

Sign in to your IRCC secure account

Apply through the IRCC Portal

Only for tourists, visiting for business, family visits, compassionate reasons

Sign in to the IRCC portal

To apply for a visitor visa to join a vessel as a marine crew member (seafarer) , you must

• be travelling to Canada to join a ship’s crew
• hold a seafarer’s identity document
• hold a valid passport or travel document
• have proof of employment on a vessel at a Canadian port

As a seafarer, you’re not eligible for a transit visa and you must apply for a visitor visa (temporary resident visa).

Note: When asked to “Tell us more about what you’ll do in Canada”, include “Join vessel” or “Seafarer”.

Register to the IRCC portal

Applying on paper for specific situations

If you need a visitor visa to travel to Canada, you must apply online for one. Only online applications will be accepted and processed. However, you can apply on paper if:

• you can’t apply online because of a disability or
• you’re travelling with an identity or travel document that was issued to a refugee, a stateless person or a non-citizen

The application package includes an instruction guide and all the forms you need to fill out.

Read the guide carefully before you complete your application . We will not refund your application fee, so make sure you need a visitor visa before you apply.

Each individual applicant must submit a completed application form. Applicants under the age of 18 must have this form signed by a parent or a guardian.

Download the application package .

Pay your application fees

In most cases, your fees will include processing fees for you and anyone you include on your application.

If you’re applying for the first time, you must pay the biometrics fee when you submit your application (unless you’re exempt). Otherwise, you may experience delays.

Third-party fees

Depending on your situation, you may need to pay third parties for

• your medical exam
• a police certificate

Our instruction guides (opens in a new tab) can help you understand which fees apply to you.

Submit your application

Families should send their individual applications in one package. The principal applicant must send this combined package to the location where their application will be processed.

Select the country/territory you’ll be applying from to find out where to submit your application. You can choose your country of nationality or the country or territory where you have been legally admitted:

• Afghanistan
• Antigua and Barbuda
• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• British Virgin Islands
• Burkina Faso
• Burma (Myanmar)
• Cayman Islands
• Central African Republic
• China (People’s Republic of)
• Comoros Island
• Côte d’Ivoire
• Czech Republic
• Democratic Republic of the Congo
• Dominican Republic
• El Salvador
• Equatorial Guinea
• Guinea-Bissau
• Hong Kong SAR
• Liechtenstein
• Marshall Islands
• Micronesia (Federated States of)
• Netherlands
• New Caledonia
• New Zealand
• North Korea
• North Macedonia (Republic of)
• Palestinian Authority (Gaza)
• Palestinian Authority (West Bank)
• Papua New Guinea
• Philippines
• Puerto Rico
• Sao Tome and Principe
• Saudi Arabia
• Sierra Leone
• Solomon Islands
• South Africa
• South Korea
• South Sudan
• St. Kitts and Nevis
• St. Vincent and the Grenadines
• Switzerland
• Timor-Leste (Timor oriental)
• Trinidad and Tobago
• Turkmenistan
• Turks and Caicos Islands
• United Arab Emirates
• United Kingdom
• United States of America
• US Virgin Islands

If you need to give biometrics (fingerprints and photograph), and you’re applying on paper, submit your application in person . VAC staff will check that it is complete and will confirm that you have paid the correct fees before you can give your biometrics.

Credit cards and prepaid cards

We accept the following credit cards and prepaid cards:

• MasterCard ®
• American Express ®
• UnionPay ® (for online applications only; debit cards not accepted)

If you use a prepaid credit card, keep it for at least 18 months after you pay to make refunds easier. Find more on prepaid cards .

We also accept all Visa Debit cards.

The card you use doesn’t have to be in your name. The cardholder’s name will appear on the receipt but it does not need to match your application.

Debit cards

• be from a Canadian bank using INTERAC ® Online
• be registered for online banking through your bank’s website

We also accept all Debit MasterCard ® and Visa ® Debit cards. If your card has the Visa Debit logo on it, alone or with the INTERAC ® Online logo, select Visa Debit as your payment method.

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Visitor Visa

Visa Waiver Program

Travel Without a Visa

Citizens of Canada and Bermuda

Tourism & Visit

A foreign national traveling to the United States for tourism needs a visitor visa (B-2 or combined B1/B2) unless qualifying for entry under the Visa Waiver Program.

Travel for pleasure or tourism may include a short visit for vacation, visiting family and friends, or for medical treatment.

Visitor Visa for Tourism  (B-2 or B1/B2 visa)

For vacation, seeing family and friends, or medical treatment.

• How to Apply
• Required Documentation

Visa Waiver Program  VWP

Most citizens of participating countries (see NOTE below)* may travel to the United States for short visits without a visa though the  Visa Waiver Program .

Travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program Requires ESTA Approval

Canadian & Bermudian Citizens

Citizens of Canada and Bermuda generally do not need nonimmigrant visas for tourism.

Traveling to the United States for another reason?

SEE ALL VISA CATEGORIES

* With respect to a "country" or "countries" participating in VWP, it should be noted that the Taiwan Relations Act of 1979, Pub. L. No. 96-8, Section 4(b)(1), provides that “[w]henever the laws of the United States refer or relate to foreign countries, nations, states, governments, or similar entities, such terms shall include and such laws shall apply with respect to Taiwan.” 22 U.S.C. § 3303(b)(1). Accordingly, all references to “country” or “countries” in the Visa Waiver Program authorizing legislation, Section 217 of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. 1187, are read to include Taiwan. This is consistent with the one-China policy of the United States, under which the United States has maintained unofficial relations with Taiwan since 1979.

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• Cast & crew
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Inside Out 2

Follows Riley, in her teenage years, encountering new emotions. Follows Riley, in her teenage years, encountering new emotions. Follows Riley, in her teenage years, encountering new emotions.

• Kelsey Mann
• Meg LeFauve
• Dave Holstein
• Amy Poehler
• Kensington Tallman
• 45 User reviews
• 106 Critic reviews
• 74 Metascore

• Embarrassment

• Coach Roberts

• All cast & crew
• Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

Get Emotional With the 'Inside Out 2' Cast

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Did you know

• Trivia The first trailer received 157 million online views within the first 24 hours, more than any other Disney animated film, surpassing Frozen II (2019) , with 116 million views.

[from trailer]

Fear : This whole trip is just a series of deader and deader and deader ends!

Anger : Ever since that alarm went off, nothing around here works!

Fear : And I have never been inside so many jars in my life.

Disgust : And the Riley we knew is gone!

Anger : And if Joy can't see that, well then she's delusional!

[Joy faces them]

Joy : Delusional?

Joy : Of course I'm delusional! Do you know how hard it is to stay positive all the time? When all you folks do is complain, complain, complain! Jiminy mother loving toaster strudel!

[Joy proceeds to kick at the controls of the memory forklift. The emotions look shocked, except for Anger, who gives an appreciative smile]

• Crazy credits After the credits, Joy opens the vault to try to find out what Riley's Deep Dark Secret is, but is disappointed with the reveal.
• Connections Featured in AniMat's Crazy Cartoon Cast: The D23 Expo 2022 Special (2022)

User reviews 45

• arvinjanasis
• Jun 12, 2024

I Know That Voice! Famous Voice Performances

• When will Inside Out 2 be released? Powered by Alexa
• June 14, 2024 (United States)
• United States
• Instagram - Disney's Announcement
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• Những Mảnh Ghép Cảm Xúc 2
• Walt Disney Feature Animation - 500 S. Buena Vista Street, Burbank, California, USA (Studio)
• Walt Disney Pictures
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• See more company credits at IMDbPro
• $200,000,000 (estimated)
• $22,300,000

Technical specs

• Runtime 1 hour 36 minutes
• Dolby Digital
• Dolby Atmos
• 12-Track Digital Sound
• D-Cinema 96kHz Dolby Surround 7.1
• D-Cinema 96kHz 7.1

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• Visas and immigration

Family in the UK

Partner, spouse, dependant and family member visas and permits

Find the right family visa

• Check if you need a UK visa
• Visit the UK for a holiday or to see family or friends
• Come to the UK to get married

Types of family visa

• Family visas: apply, extend or switch
• Apply for an EU Settlement Scheme family permit to join family in the UK
• Apply for a Ukraine Family Scheme visa

If your circumstances change

• Indefinite leave to remain if your partner dies
• Visas when you separate or divorce

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