Visitor visas

What an application usually needs to show

The purpose of the visit, how it is funded and by whom, the applicant's circumstances at home, and the plan to return. Where a UK-based family member is supporting the trip, their position needs documenting as carefully as the applicant's.

How we help

A solicitor reviews the intended application, advises on the evidence required, and reviews the submission before it is made. Where a visit visa has been refused, we review the refusal notice and advise on how a fresh application should be approached.

Who this page is for

• Visitors coming to the UK for tourism, family visits, business meetings or a specific event
• UK-based family members supporting or funding a relative's visit
• Applicants who have been refused a visitor visa before
• Applicants whose circumstances are harder to document, for example irregular income or recent changes at home
• Visitors asking whether an extension is possible once they are in the UK

How the process works

• A solicitor establishes the purpose of the visit and the applicant's circumstances at home
• Written advice on what the application needs to show and what evidence will support it
• An evidence plan covering funding, ties abroad and the plan to return
• Review of the documents and of any supporting letter from a UK host
• The application and covering submissions are prepared and approved by a solicitor

Evidence and documents

A visitor application usually needs to document the purpose and length of the visit, how it is funded and by whom, the applicant's employment, study or family commitments at home, and accommodation while in the UK. Where a UK-based relative is funding or hosting the trip, their position needs documenting as carefully as the applicant's, including their own finances and immigration status where relevant.

Common refusal and risk areas

• Funds that appear shortly before the application with no explanation of their source
• A stated purpose that does not match the supporting documents or the length of stay
• Little evidence of employment, study, property or family commitments at home
• Previous immigration history, including earlier refusals, not addressed openly
• Frequent or long visits that begin to look like living in the UK rather than visiting

Where a visit visa has been refused, we review the refusal notice and advise on how a fresh application should be approached and what would need to change.

Fees

We agree fees in writing before substantive work begins, and we confirm what is included in the scope of work. How we charge, and the Home Office fees that are payable in addition to our professional fees, are explained on our fees page.

If you would like the position on your own facts reviewed, make an enquiry and we will confirm the next step in writing. An enquiry is a request for a consultation; it is not advice, and it does not create a solicitor-client relationship.