Immigration
The Standard Visitor Visa is the most common type, allowing individuals to visit the UK for up to 6 months. Permitted activities include tourism, visiting family and friends, attending business meetings, and participating in short courses or training sessions.
Key Points:
Duration: Up to 6 months per visit.
Activities: Tourism, family visits, business meetings, short courses
Restrictions: No paid or unpaid work, no access to public funds.
Marriage Visitor Visa
This visa is designed for individuals who wish to get married or register a civil partnership in the UK. It is valid for up to 6 months and does not permit the holder to stay or settle in the UK after the marriage or civil partnership.
Eligibility Criteria:
Age: 18 or over
Purpose: Intend to marry or register a civil partnership in the UK
Duration: Stay in the UK for no more than 6 months.
Settlement: No intention to live in the UK after the marriage or civil partnership.
💼 Permitted Paid Engagement (PPE) Visa
The PPE visa allows experts in their field to come to the UK for a short period to undertake specific paid work without the need for sponsorship. This visa is valid for up to 1 month.
Common Activities:
Lectures: Giving lectures at universities or colleges.
Arts: Participating in arts, entertainment, or sporting events.
Assessments: Examining UK-based pilots or participating in selection panels.
Requirements:
Invitation: A formal invitation from a UK-based organisation.
Expertise: Proven expertise in the relevant field.
Transit Visa
For travellers passing through the UK en route to another country, a Transit Visa may be required. This visa is typically valid for 48 hours.
Types:
Direct Airside Transit Visa (DATV): For travellers not passing through UK border control.
Visitor in Transit Visa: For travellers passing through UK border control.
Note: Eligibility depends on nationality and specific travel circumstances.
Application Process
Applying for a UK Visit Visa involves several steps:
Determine the Appropriate Visa Type: Based on your purpose of visit.
Online Application: Complete the application form on the official UK government website.
Documentation: Prepare necessary documents, including passport, proof of purpose, and financial means.
Biometrics Appointment: Schedule and attend an appointment to provide fingerprints and a photograph.
Decision: Wait for the visa decision, which can take up to 3 weeks.
How HM & Co. Solicitors Can Assist
Navigating the UK visa application process can be complex. Our experienced immigration solicitors at HM & Co. are here to provide expert guidance and support throughout your application journey. We offer personalised advice, help with document preparation, and ensure that your application meets all the necessary requirements.
Your Questions, Answered
FAQs
UK Visit Visas FAQs
How long is a UK Visit Visa valid for?
A Standard UK Visit Visa typically allows you to stay in the UK for up to 6 months. While you may make multiple trips, you must not exceed 180 days in total within any 12-month period, regardless of how many visas you hold or apply for.
What are the permitted reasons for visiting the UK?
You may visit the UK for a range of legitimate purposes, including:
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Tourism and leisure
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Visiting family or friends
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Business activities, such as attending meetings or conferences
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Receiving private medical treatment
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Participating in certain permitted engagements, such as lectures, artistic performances, or academic visits
Can HM & Co. Solicitors assist with visit visa applications?
Yes. Our immigration team frequently supports individuals applying for UK Visit Visas. We offer assistance both for first-time applicants and for those who have previously had a visa refused, providing clear guidance and strengthening your application.
Can I immediately apply for another Visit Visa after spending six months in the UK?
No. While there is no formal "cooling off" period, the Home Office expects visitors to spend more time outside the UK than inside. You must not exceed 180 days’ presence in the UK in any 12-month rolling period. Applying for back-to-back visit visas may raise concerns about your true intentions.
Can I be refused entry at the UK border, even with a valid Visit Visa?
Yes. Holding a visa does not guarantee automatic entry. Upon arrival, a Border Force officer may still question you to assess whether your visit is genuine and whether you intend to comply with the terms of the visa. Inconsistent answers or suspicious travel patterns may lead to refusal of entry.
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I have been using HM & Co. Solicitors since Feb 2020 for my Non-Molestation order and Child Arrangements proceedings. Since using them I have had two amazing solicitors on my case, Felicia and Ayesha.
This has been the first time I have ever been to court and had been quite nervous, especially due to the sensitivity of the proceedings. Felicia and Ayesha have been nothing but patient, professional and understanding.
I have felt very supportive and reassured throughout the proceedings and they have made sure that I understand what is going on throughout all the hearings.
If anyone is ever needing of legal help relating to Domestic Violence or Child Arrangements, I will always recommend HM & Co. Solicitor, Felicia and Ayesha.
Thank you again for all your help and support!
Love to say a massive thank you to HM & Co.Solicitors for a job well done on my two cases, really excited with the way my case was handle by Miss Daisy was amazing with good communication with client, very supportive, professional. I will recommend them to anyone experiencing legal/family issues and need legal advice/support. Miss O Adesina.
HM & Co. Solicitors are so helpful from receptionists right to the solicitors. I've had a few applications made to the court, which includes a non molestation order, recovering my son's passport from his dad and also arranging visits and Felicia is such a professional, organised solicitor who knows her staff so well. She is a blessing and willing to help. She thinks outside the box, and finds solutions in the blink of an eye! Besides her expertise in this field, she will not hesitate to speak up and stand firm when necessary. I am very grateful for her and the company who are so supportive and helpful. Highly recommend!
HM & Co. Solicitors provided an excellent service when supporting us to purchase a flat (where we are first time buyers).
Michael, our solicitor, explained the process clearly so it was not stressful, and acted efficiently to speed up the process. He also ensured we did not exchange immediately due to uncertainty over building works, which saved us a lot of money in the long-run. His judgement calls were excellent and ensured we came out with the best deal possible. I would not hesitate to work with HM &Co Solicitors again.
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I entered the HM & Co Solicitors on Lower Road in what can only be described as a highly agitated state. I had been told a variety of information from another company and had been told I needed services from a solicitor. After explaining my situation to the gentleman I now know as Mr Hakeem Ayantayo (solicitor) he advised me that I did not need his services and to offer them to me for monetary gain would be against good public practise. He offered me friendly advice and even briefly spoke on the phone to the other company who were trying to make things difficult for me. Ultimately the situation I was in was resolved due to Mr Ayantayo and his due diligence. Mr Ayantayo could have taken advantage of my ignorance and lack of lawful knowledge but instead showed me kindness and support all while not fleecing me! Which in this day and age is a rarity! My sincere thanks to Mr Ayantayo and his lovely secretary you have restored my faith in not only the local business community but people in general.
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