TYPES AND REQUIREMENTS FOR UK VISA

The United Kingdom or UK, apart from being Shakespeare's birthplace and a global centre of finance and culture, is also a preferred choice for Indian travellers who secure nearly one-third of all UK visas. The island nation remains a top destination for those desiring global adventures in 2025. Yet, there seems to be a lack of clarity around the UK tourist visa.

How can you obtain a UK visa from India or a UK visit visa for an Indian? What about the application for a UK visa, and what's the UK visitor visa processing time?

Let's dig deep to answer the above questions by understanding the UK visa types, their basic prerequisites, documentation requirements and the application process, including its fee details. We'll find a convenient way to track your application for a UK visa while also listing the possible reasons for UK visa rejection.

Key Takeaways?

●      5 primary types of UK visas for the Indian population.

●      Visa types are aligned with travel purposes and durations of stay.

●      Aspirants must fulfil both general and visa-type-oriented paperwork requirements.

●      The UK visa application process involves virtual arrangements and physical visits.

●      Visa rejection causes should be avoided.

●      UK visa or travel authorization costs/charges vary from INR 1161 to nearly 2 Lakh.

●      The visa application processing time may extend to up to 90 days.

 

Types of UK Visas

Depending on the purpose of the visit, United Kingdom visas can be broadly categorized into the following types and subtypes:

1] Standard Visitor or Tourist Visa:

A travel visa for visiting the UK for leisure, tourism, business purposes, medical treatments, study, and stays of up to 6 months.

Multiple Entry Tourist Visa: 

A type of 'Standard Visitor Visa' that allows you to enter the United Kingdom numerous times and stay for up to 180 days from the date of every entry.

Multiple Entry Super Express Tourist Visa: 

A multiple-entry 'Standard Visitor Visa' is specifically meant for frequent travellers who want faster processing times.

 

2] Study/Student Visa:

Coming to the UK for studies, attending universities and pursuing higher education.

Student Visa: 

A type of 'Study Visa' for those who are 16 or above, able to speak, read, write and understand the English language, and have secured a place on a course by a licensed student sponsor.

Child Student Visa: 

Another type of 'Study Visa' is for those between 4 and 17 years of age who wish to study at an independent school in the UK and have an unconditional offer of a place on a course.

Short-term Study Visa: 

A 'Study Visa' for those willing to study English in the UK and whose language course will last longer than 6 months but not more than 11 months.

 

3] Work Visa:

Visiting the UK as a sponsored, permanent or temporary employee.

Skilled Worker Visa: 

A type of work visa that allows individuals to come to and stay in the UK for eligible jobs with approved employers.

Health & Care Worker Visa: 

It enables medical professionals to come to and stay in the UK for eligible jobs with the NHS, an NHS supplier or in adult social care.

India Young Professionals Scheme Visa: 

A work visa that permits 18 to 30-year-old Indians to live/work in the UK for a period of up to 2 years.

 

4] Family Visa:

It lets you live with a family member in the UK for more than 6 months and includes partner, spouse, dependent, and family member visas, plus permits.

 

5] Transit Visa:

It allows you to pass through the UK on your way to another country and is not necessary for those holding standard/marriage visitor visas and an electronic travel authorization (ETA).

Visitor in Transit Visa: 

A transit visa for those going through UK border control and leaving the UK within 48 hours.

Direct Airside Transit Visa: 

It is intended for those not going through UK border control and those who will be changing flights in the UK on their way to another country.

 

UK Visa Application Document Requirements

The UK visa from India application involves two separate sets of documents, general and visa-specific. A general list comprises the following:

●      A Valid Passport.

●      Passport-sized Photos.

●      Flight Schedule & Tickets.

●      Hotel Reservation Details.

●      Last 6 Months Bank Statements.

●      Past 3 Years' Income Tax Returns.

●       Any Necessary Medical Test Reports.

●      A Duly Signed Application Form.

●      Appointment Confirmation Printout.

Based on the type of your visa, the additional supporting documents may include an employment/acceptance letter, a letter of sponsorship, a letter from the university, proof of hostel accommodation, a marriage certificate and onward flight details, among other requirements.

 

How to Apply for a UK Visa from India?

Before initiating the first step, you must select the particular kind of UK visa to be applied for and thoroughly review all the eligibility criteria.

Step 1: Complete the Online Application Form & Submit Relevant Documents.

Step 2: Pay the Online Visa Application Fees.

Step 3: Book an In-person Appointment at a VAC (Visa Application Centre).

Step 4: Provide Your Biometrics (Photograph & Fingerprints).

Step 5: Attend the Face-to-face Interview if Needed & Wait for the Decision.

 

UK Visa Processing Time & Fees

Type of Visa	Approx. Application Cost/Charges
Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)	INR 1,161
Standard Visitor Visa	INR 14,741
Transit Visa	INR 4,527—8,125
Study/Student Visa	INR 24,850—60,849
Family Visa	INR 2,25,046 -3,96,307
Work Visa	Up to INR 2,03,321

                                                                         

Visa processing duration, including UK visitor visa processing time, relies on multiple variables, from the type of visa applied for, to the country from which it is applied and the season or time of year an application is filed. Most applications are processed within 21-90 days, with some expedited in 3-5 days at extra cost.

                                                                                     

How to Track a UK Visa Application?

Applicants can log in to the www.gov.uk and www.visa.vfsglobal.com websites and use their unique 9-digit visa reference, also known as the 'Global Web Form number' or GWF, along with their passport and other personal details to track their individual visa status.

 

Common Reasons for UK Visa Rejection

Your application for a UK visa could be rejected due to the following reasons - inaccurate or incomplete information and documentation, inability to meet predefined eligibility criteria, unclear purpose of travel, inadequate funds to cover the cost of staying in the United Kingdom, doubtful immigration history and your criminal record.

Irrespective of your perceived eventual goals, securing a UK visa from India is the only legal approach for entering and remaining in the United Kingdom. One must not downplay the importance of comprehensive and timely preparation to avoid instances of UK visa denial.

While keeping an eye on the process intricacies can improve your travel chances; it does not save you from unexpected financial losses while travelling abroad. And that's where carefully crafted travel insurance comes in handy!

Reach out to QuickInsure, the premier insurance comparison portal, analyze all available travel policies, review their features, benefits and pricing structures, and pick the right cover for your travel needs.

 

FAQs:

1] How Early Can I Apply for a UK Visa?

Depending on the type of UK visa you choose, you may apply as early as 3-6 months before the scheduled event (i.e., your travel date or the commencement date of an educational course).

2] What is the Validity Period of a UK Tourist Visa?

UK tourist or standard visitor visas are valid for durations ranging from 6 months to 10 years.

3] Is There an Interview for the UK Visa?

Yes, however, you may or may not be asked to appear for a 10-15-minute interview.

4] Can I Convert My UK Tourist Visa to a Work Visa?

No, you are not allowed to switch from a UK standard visitor or tourist visa to a UK work visa while being in the United Kingdom.

5] How Can I Track My UK Visa Application Status?

You may check the updated status online by simply visiting any one of the two official portals (www.gov.uk and www.visa.vfsglobal.com) and entering your GWF(Global Web Form number) number with passport details.

 

Note: The above information is purely indicative in nature and subject to change without any prior notice from the UK or Indian government authorities. One must refer to the official UK government portal to learn the most up-to-date developments before taking action.