UNITED KINGDOM VISA

The visitor visa is the most popular single route for individuals coming to the UK for tourism, visiting family as well as business visits.  In line with the recent review of the UK immigration system by the government, new rules have been implemented from 27 November 2008 to reform specific categories of the “visitor” visa.  The idea behind this reform is to ensure that visitors are clear on the activities they are allowed to do whilst in the UK on a visitor visa and do not breach conditions of their stay for the duration of their time in the UK.

Reasons why you may wish to visit the UK 
There are numerous reasons why an individual may wish to come to the UK for a short period. In addition to visiting family, sightseeing or visiting on business, people may wish to visit the UK to get married, arrange plans for studying in the UK, undertake a short course, attend important events, visit the UK as a representative of a company or conduct research or sit a test in the UK.

General requirements for coming to the UK as a visitor 
Individuals intending to visit the UK must be able to demonstrate that they wish to visit the UK for no more than six months and that they will be leaving the UK at the end of the visit. In addition, individuals must be able to show that they have sufficient funds to maintain and accommodate themselves (and any dependents) without assistance from UK public funds.

The exceptions to this general rule are for academic visitors and parents of children at school in the UK who are entitled to stay in the UK for a maximum period of 12 months.

Categories of the “Visitor Visa”

It is important that if you intend to visit the UK that you apply for the correct category of visitor visa before entering the country as you are required to comply with the conditions of your visa. Any breach of visa conditions during your stay in the UK may result in adverse consequences, and it is therefore recommended that you ensure that your intentions for coming to the UK are adequately reflected in the type of visitor visa you apply for.

The different categories of “Visitor Visa” are as follows:

General Visitors

Visiting Family 
Visiting Friends 
Tourism 
Business Visitors

Academic Visitors 
Advisers, consultants, trainers, trouble shooters who are employed abroad by the same company which has a branch in the UK 
Individuals undertaking specific, one-off training in techniques and UK work practices 
Sports Visitors

Entertainer Visitors

Special Visitors

Visitors for private medical treatment in the UK 
Visitors intending to marry in the UK 
Parents of a child at school in the UK 
Visitors under the UK/China Approved Destination Status (ADS) Agreement

Each category of visitor visa will be explained individually below.

General Visitors

If you wish to visit the UK to see family, friends, or simply visit for tourism and sightseeing purposes, you will need to apply as a general visitor.

Business Visitors

If you wish to visit the UK on business, e.g. attend interviews or conferences, conduct site visits, arrange deals or sign contracts or deliver international goods and/or passengers from abroad, you will need to apply as a business visitor.

Other categories of individuals who must also apply as a business visitor are:

Academic visitors

Doctors taking the PLAB test 
Doctors on clinical attachments 
Dentists on observation 
Visiting professors accompanying students on study abroad programs 
Film crews on location shoots (as long as they are paid or employed overseas) 
Representatives of overseas news media (as long as they are paid or employed overseas) 
Secondees (a person who is transferred temporarily to alternative employment) from overseas companies 
Religious workers (as long as they are based overseas and do not wish to take a position in the UK) 
Interpreters and translators accompanying business visitors (as long as they are employed by an overseas company) 
Advisers, consultants, trainers, trouble shooters who are employed abroad by the same company which has a branch in the UK
Individuals undertaking specific, one-off training in techniques and UK work practices 

It is advised that you seek legal advice if you are uncertain whether your purpose for coming to the UK is covered by a “business visitor” category.

Sports Visitors

If you are a professional or amateur sportsperson and you wish to visit the UK to participate in a sporting event (or series of events), a tournament, or you are a member of the team or support staff of a sportsperson attending a sports event in the UK, you will need to apply as a Sports Visitor.

It is advised that you seek legal advice if you are uncertain whether your purpose for coming to the UK or proposed activity is covered by the “sports visitor” category.