A Complete Guide to Obtain a UK Visitor (Standard Visitor) Visa

Prepared by Legal Law Firm Immigration & Tourism (LLF) — Lahore, Pakistan

1) What is the Standard Visitor visa?

The UK Standard Visitor visa lets you visit for tourism, short business activities, family or friend visits, short study (up to 6 months), or private medical treatment. A typical stay is up to 6 months per trip. If you’ll visit often, you can apply for a long-term visitor visa (2, 5 or 10 years); each entry still allows up to 6 months.

2) Who needs a visa?

Many nationalities (including Pakistani citizens) must apply for a visa before travel. Nationals of some countries don’t need a visa but may need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). Always check your nationality’s requirements before planning your trip.

3) Purposes covered by the Standard Visitor route

• Tourism & leisure (holidays, sightseeing)
• Business visitor activities (meetings, conferences, negotiations within visitor rules)
• Family/friend visits
• Short study (courses up to 6 months)
• Private medical treatment (can allow a longer stay where eligible)

4) Current UKVI fees (as referenced by UKVI)

• Short-term (up to 6 months): £127
• Long-term (2 years): £475
• Long-term (5 years): £848
• Long-term (10 years): £1,059

Note: GBP is the reference figure; your card is charged in GBP with exchange-rate variation.

5) Processing time (outside the UK)

Standard visitor applications are typically decided in around 3 weeks after biometrics if the case is straightforward. Priority services may be available in some locations for an additional fee.

6) LLF’s step-by-step application flow

• Profile & route check (LLF): Confirm you’re applying under the correct Standard Visitor category and purpose.
• Documents & proof (LLF checklist): Prepare a tailored pack that generally includes:

• Passport (valid, with a blank page for the visa vignette)
• Finances (bank statements, income evidence consistent with declared employment/business)
• Ties to Pakistan (employment/business proofs, property/tenancy, family responsibilities)
• Travel plan (itinerary, intended dates; bookings if available)
• Purpose-specific documents (e.g., conference registration; hospital letters for medical cases)
  • Online form (LLF drafts, you approve): Accurate, consistent data matching your documents.
  • Visa fee payment (GBP) and VAC appointment booking for biometrics (fingerprints/photo).
  • File submission: Upload per VAC instructions; attend biometrics with originals as required.
  • Decision: If approved, a visa vignette (sticker) is placed in your passport.

7) LLF tips to maximise approval chances

• Consistency beats volume: Every data point in your form should mirror your documents.
• Show credible ties & finances: Demonstrate why you will return—job/business, family responsibilities, assets, and a realistic travel plan.
• Stay within visitor rules: No work and no long-term study; stick to permitted activities.
• Travel history helps (if available) but isn’t mandatory—focus on an internally consistent case.

8) If you’re refused—your options

You can re-apply with a stronger, better-evidenced file addressing the refusal reasons. LLF will analyse the ECO’s reasons, fix inconsistencies and evidential gaps, and rebuild the file and cover letter before a fresh submission.

Quick LLF Checklist (save this)

• Passport (valid; blank page)
• Bank statements & income proofs that match your declared profile
• Ties to Pakistan (employment/business letters, tax/NTN where relevant, property/tenancy, family)
• Purpose evidence (invitation, bookings, conference/medical letters)
• Online application + correct fee
• Biometrics appointment & submission
• Expect ~3 weeks for a decision (standard)

Why apply with LLF?

• Immigration-law precision: We align your file with UKVI’s visitor rules and evidence expectations.
• Financial coherence: We cross-check statements, inflows/outflows, and business proofs so your funds and travel plan make sense together.
• Refusal-proofing: We pre-empt common refusal grounds (inconsistency, weak ties, unclear purpose) and address them upfront.
• End-to-end handling: From strategy to form filling, appointments, and re-application support if needed.

Ready to proceed?

Share your intended travel dates, purpose (tourism/business/family/medical), and basic financial profile, and we’ll send you an LLF-tailored document list and timeline.