Standard Visitor Visa
This visa route can be used to visit the UK for a short period (up to 6 months) for the following reasons:
- To study a short course in the UK.
- Distance-learning students - the only instance in which a visitor may study on a course that will not be completed within their 6-month stay is where they are studying via distance learning.
- To complete a period of research or complete a study-abroad programme as part of an overseas course.
- To sit an entrance exam, re-sit an exam or to repeat a module.
- To undertake oral (viva) examination for part of a PhD qualification.
- Holiday and tourism e.g. to meet family and friends.
- For business-related activities, e.g. to attend a seminar, conference, or to take part in sports-related events.
- To receive private medical treatment.
Distance learning students
The only instance in which a visitor may study on a course that will not be completed within their 6-month stay is where they are studying via distance learning. For example a distance learning PhD student who is studying the majority of their course from outside the UK but they may be required to visit the University for short periods for short periods of time e.g. induction weeks, face-to-face intensive learning, one-to-one progression meetings or to sit assessments.
You cannot use this visa route for a long period or for frequent or repeat visits to study a longer course.
Restrictions on the Standard Visitor visa
You cannot use this visa route for the following reasons:
- To study a course that lasts longer than 6 months (with the exception of a distance learning course).
- To study English in the UK – you must use the Short-term study visa route instead.
- To undertake paid or unpaid work for a UK business/company, or as a self-employed individual.
- To be employed as a sponsored researcher.
- To study a course that includes a work placement or work experience.
- To live in the UK for long periods through frequent visits.
- Claim benefits or public funds.
- To marry or register a civil partnership or give notice of marriage or civil partnership.
Documents you will need
Letter from the International Office:
After receiving your request for a visa letter, we will contact your school or supervisors/tutors to seek approval and confirm your intended visit dates. The official letter will be emailed to you. Please email immigration@hud.ac.uk with any queries that you may have.
ATAS Clearance:
Students who are studying a course that requires ATAS clearance will be required to provide a valid ATAS clearance certificate if they are coming into the UK to study on a Standard Visitor visa.
Financial documentation:
Unlike the Student visa, you are not required to show a fixed amount to cover maintenance or living cost in the UK. However, the Home Office does specify that you should have access to sufficient resources to maintain and accommodate yourself adequately for the entire of your planned visit to the UK. You should be able to show evidence of funds to cover your period of stay in the UK and your journey to and from the UK.
Be prepared to submit bank statements or payslips for the last 6 months. A large sum deposited in your account will incur further checks to establish the origin and source of funds. The Home Office will also take into account your ongoing financial commitments in your country of residence e.g. mortgage payments and any dependant family members whom you support financially. Your income and/or savings, minus your financial commitments, must be sufficient to cover the costs of your intended visit to the UK.
How to apply
In most cases, you can apply online. If you are applying with family, each family member must make their own application. Please check the visa processing times on the Gov.UK website.
Visa nationals:
Nationals of some countries may not need to apply for a visa before traveling to the UK. Check if you need to apply for a UK visa.
Electronic Visa Waiver (EVW):
Nationals of Kuwait, Oman, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) can apply for an Electronic Visa Waiver (EVW) prior to travelling to the UK.
The EVW will allow you to enter the UK as a Standard Visitor, for a period of 6 months, for study, holiday, business or medical treatment.
You can apply online between 3 months and 48 hours before you travel to the UK.
You must keep a printout copy of your EVW as well as your boarding pass or flight ticket/itinerary as proof of when you entered the UK.
Using E-gates:
Nationals of Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea and the United States do not normally need to meet an immigration officer at a UK border or airport, and they are able to enter the UK through E-gates. The E-gates will automatically grant you permission to stay in the UK for up to 6 months.
Using the E-gates means that you will not receive a stamp in your passport, so it is important that you either see a Border Force officer before you leave to receive a stamp in your passport, or retain evidence of when you entered the UK e.g. your boarding pass and flight ticket or itinerary.
Related links
Home Office – Standard Visitor visa
Related links