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How to Get a UK Visitors Visa
October 21, 2009 | Leave a Comment
Applying for a UK visitor’s visa for a foreign friend to go to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland can be very stressful. I am also certain that it is more difficult for people from some countries than for others. This is because the staff are concerned about the applicant’s ability to support him/herself. This is government policy and you must not hold it against the embassy staff – they are only doing their job! It is well worth remembering this when talking to the embassy staff about a UK visitor’s visa.
You should take note here that a UK visitor’s visa is usable for six months and not only that but the recipient can enter and leave the UK as often as he/she wants within those six months. However, in practice, for the first UK visitor’s visa at least, restrictions may be imposed. For example, if you state that you want to go for six weeks, a note may be pinned into the passport advising customs of the 6 week restriction. You must also ‘promise’ not to try to stay longer than that!
The stipulations of the visa also forbid you from claiming social benefits such as social security and national health. Very often, applicants are refused on their first try, because they do not present a strong enough reason for wanting to go to the UK. If the reason is to visit a friend, then the onus is on the applicant to prove a continuing, long-lasting relationship. This should have continued for at least 6 months and you should devote your attention to proving it
We should look more deeply into this latter matter. Most people from poorer countries wanting to visit the UK will need a sponsor. This can be a (prospective) employer or a friend. Be careful of exaggerating how long you have known each other as there are stamps in the friend’s passport to prove entry dates! However, you will need lots more evidence than that. A letter from a friend, boss or employer will help. Bank statements, restaurant menus, phone cards and photos will go a long way too. The onus is on you to prove your relationship.
Now is the time to get the ‘Visa Application Form’ or VAF from the embassy or its website. Their websites are very helpful and will inform you what you should enclose with the application for a UK visitor’s visa. However, a bare minimum would be: passport(s), VAF, fee, photos, sponsor’s letter and supporting proof and ‘evidence of a log-lasting, continuous relationship’ ie of at least six months standing.
Therefore, it is necessary to realize that the sponsor plays a critical role if you want to make your first application for a UK visitor’s visa a successful one. He/she must be prepared to cover your financial requirements during your stay in the United Kingdom and he/she must prove it with a letter and bank statements.
From this you can see that the sponsor plays the most important of roles in successfully applying for a UK visitor’s visa, for he/she will have to prove that he/she can support you. To do this your sponsor will need a letter from his/her employer and a copy of bank statements to prove sufficient funds and a letter from the mortgage provider or council to show that you will have somewhere to stay. Marital status does not enter into the equation, but sometimes apparently weird reasons are given for refusal of a UK visitor’s visa.
“the applicant for a UK visitor’s visa has never left the country before ” this is easier for some to remedy than others by hopping over the nearest border.
“Mr. / Mrs. / Miss Applicant for a UK visitor’s visa has not proven strong enough social or economic ties to his/her country of origin” – they are saying they don’t trust you to go home after your visit. In this case, try to prove these ties with a letter from your employer, a letter from your bank, a letter from a ‘trusted person’ like a doctor, lawyer and proof of ownership of any real estate.
Approach the application for a UK visitor’s visa with caution; do not rush. It is better to get it right first time. Think about why you want to go to Great Britain; determine a ‘good reason’ and remember it – you will probably be asked. Be a solicitor for a day and support everything you say with irrefutable, written evidence.
Retell your ’story’ to a friend until you are comfortable with it, because you don’t want to appear hesitant, but on the other hand don’t learn a story parrot-fashion. You will be alone at the interview and, although you will be required to answer some questions in English, the proceedings can be in English or your own language. UK visitor’s visas are usually ready to be collected the following day, but not normally on a Friday.
Warning: get a longer permit to stay than you need, because the UK visitor’s visa is valid from the day it is issued, but you probably don’t have a flight booked yet. You can be delayed getting there and coming back too. The rest of the 180-day multiple entry UK visitor’s visa may have to be cancelled on your return to help deter you from returning on that visa. If you have to do this, don’t return on a Friday because the embassy is closed on the weekend.
Please do not be tempted to lie! The embassy staff are trained to weed out liars and they are good at their job. It will cost you your UK visitor’s visa if you are caught out. If you don’t know an answer, just say so.
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