Long Term Visa For Uk
If you want to move to UK permanently, you are probably looking for a long-term visa. There are several types of visas available for different purposes, but what can you do with each one?
Let me just say one thing as a beginning: you probably will not like this article. You see, it is packed with information you need to know and that can be crucial for your visa application. I say do not like it because people hate long and boring articles. You however have the chance to improve your chances of obtaining UK Visa, so read on.
Long Term Visa For Uk
Many visa extensions are now being granted for long periods of twelve months, even if the person is not eligible to apply under one of the other traditional routes (e.g. family route through a spouse or civil partner, or employer sponsorship). It has been confirmed by the UKBA that there is no statutory limit on the length of time a family route application can be initially refused and subsequently re-applied for.
Long-term Standard Visitor visas
You can choose to apply for a long-term Standard Visitor visa if you visit the UK regularly. This visa lasts 2, 5 or 10 years. You can stay for a maximum of 6 months on each visit.
If you’re under 18 years old when you apply, your long-term Standard Visitor visa will only be valid for up to 6 months after you turn 18. You cannot get a refund on the fee.
You may be given a shorter visa than requested if UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) believe you cannot meet the eligibility requirements for the duration of the visa you applied for.
You will not get a refund of the application fee if you get a shorter visa or if your application is refused.
Your visa may be cancelled if your travel history shows you are repeatedly living in the UK for extended periods.
Documents and information you’ll need to apply
You must have a passport or travel document that is valid for the whole of your stay in the UK. There must be a blank page in your passport for your Standard Visitor visa.
You’ll need to provide the following information in your online application:
- the dates you’re planning to travel to the UK
- where you’ll be staying during your visit
- how much you think your trip will cost
- your current home address and how long you’ve lived there
- your parents’ names and dates of birth (if known)
- how much you earn in a year (if you have an income)
- details of any criminal, civil or immigration offences you may have committed
Depending on your circumstances, you might also need to provide:
- details of your travel history for the past 10 years
- your employer’s address and telephone number
- your partner’s name, date of birth and passport number
- the name and address of anyone paying for your trip
- the name, address and passport number of any family members you have in the UK
- a certificate proving that you’ve had a tuberculosis (TB) test if you’re visiting for more than 6 months
You need to provide additional documents if you’re visiting the UK:
You must provide certified translations of any documents that are not in English or Welsh.
Proving your identity and providing your documents
As part of your online application, you need to book an appointment at a visa application centre. Allow time to attend your appointment, as the visa application centre could be in another country.
At your appointment, you’ll need to:
- prove your identity with your passport or travel document
- have your fingerprints and photograph (known as ‘biometric information’) taken
- provide the required documents that show you’re eligible for a Standard Visitor visa
The visa application centre may keep your passport and documents while processing your application.
How long it takes to get a decision
Once you’ve applied online, proved your identity and provided your documents, you’ll usually get a decision on your visa within 3 weeks.
You can check to see if you can get your visa decision faster – this depends on what country you’re in.
