UK Visa Guide
Among the lovely countries in Europe, you’ll most likely find the United Kingdom at the top of the charts. Being one of the most beautiful and popular choices to visit for Indians, there are many types of UK visas for Indian nationals. Several people come to the UK for various reasons like sightseeing, studying, or even working. While the rest of the country requires a UK visa to enter the country, some of the other nations can visit without it.
Once you get your UK visa, you can book flights to the UK and delve into the charming English countryside, cruise through the canals, and explore the majestic cities. It is relatively easy to obtain a UK tourist visa from India. To get in-depth information about the different UK visas, you can visit the official government website.
Indian passport holders need to apply for a visa to enter the United Kingdom. For this, you need to go to the official website to get the UK visa. These are the steps to follow:
You may hear back regarding your UK visa processing time within three weeks. Depending on the country you're in, you might be able to access different services or receive your visa quicker. Click here to know more.
You can check your UK visa application on the official website by filling out your visa application number and travel document number.
Planning to visit the United Kingdom but do not know which visa is perfect for you? This list may help you get the information you need. Scroll below to know the different types of UK visas.
The tourist visa or visitor visa is the most common type of visa to enter the United Kingdom. With the standard visitor visa, you can enter the country for tourism, business, and study for up to 6 months.
With the standard visitor visa, you can stay in the UK for up to 6 months. You will be able to extend the UK visa application under certain circumstances, such as for medical treatment.
The UK visa processing time may take approximately three weeks. However, if there are any national holidays in between, it may take longer.
If you get a sponsor from a company in the UK, you will be able to get the UK work visa. UK work visas include the health and care worker visa and the skilled worker visa.
Your work visa is valid for up to five years. When your visa expires, you can renew it.
The UK visa processing time may take approximately three weeks. However, if there are any national holidays in between, it may take longer.
To know more about the different types of the UK work visas, click here.
Planning to study in the UK? Then you need to apply for a study visa. There are three types of UK study visa: student visa, child student visa, and study English in the UK (short-term study visa). You can apply for the UK study visa if you are 16 years of age or above. Make sure that you have been offered a course and have a receipt of payment for the course.
Your study visa is valid depending on the length of the chosen course.
The UK visa processing time may take approximately three weeks. However, if there are any national holidays in between, it may take longer.
If you have a family in the UK, you can apply for the UK family visa and live in the country for more than six months. This will allow you to live with your spouse, partner, child, parent, or even a relative who will be able to provide a long-term care for you.
Note: If you are planning to visit the UK for 6 months or less, the you can check for a standard visitor visa or marriage visitor visa instead.
The UK visa for family is valid for 2 years and 9 months. You have the option to extend the family visa.
If you are applying for a family visa outside the UK, you will receive a decision within 24 weeks. And if you apply from the UK, you will receive a decision within eight weeks of your application date. You can also use the super priority service (unless you are applying as an adult to be cared by a relative in the UK). In this case, the decision will be provided within two working days, provided you give all your biometric information.
This type of visa is ideal to help you to pass through the UK. Based on your country, you may need a UK transit visa. You can click here to find out whether you will need a visa for transit. You will not require a transit UK visa if you have an EU Settlement Scheme family permit, have a Home Office travel document (refugee or stateless person), a standard visitor visa.
If you have a long layover and need to stay in the UK for more than 48 hours, or you are a frequent flyer that requires you to stay for more than six months, then you will need to apply for a Standard Visitor visa instead of a transit visa. You can apply for the transit UK visa here.
Note: Make sure to bring your visa and documents when you travel through the UK.
What to do if I want to visit the UK?
If you want to visit the UK, you can apply for the Standard Visitor visa. This visa is valid for up to 6 months and can be for a holiday or to see family, for a business trip or for a short course.
When is the right time to apply for a UK visa?
The earliest you can apply for a visa is three months before the travel date. If you are applying for a student visa, you can apply it at least six months before the course starts.
Can I apply for the UK visa online?
Yes, you can apply for the UK visa online from the official government website.
What is the processing time for visit UK visa?
The UK visa processing time may take approximately three weeks. However, if there are any national holidays in between, it may take longer.
Can I get a faster decision on my UK visa?
Yes, you can pay extra for a faster decision on your UK visa application (refer to the website here). The time taken also depends on the type of visa you have applied for and from where you apply from.
