Different Types of UK Travel Visas Explained

Millions of people visit the United Kingdom every year as tourists, on business trips, to study and to visit their relatives. In order to enter the UK lawfully, one has to acquire the type of visa that matches the reason of visit. It is very important to know the various categories of travel visa to UK so that the application process becomes easy and convenient. Are you intending to have a short holiday or you want to stay longer? This guide demystifies all the major categories of visas so that you can make the right choice.

One of the questions mostly asked by travelers is, what are the numbers of visa types in UK? This varies according to the intention and duration of the stay, though, broadly speaking, UK travel visa fall into several main categories namely Standard Visitor Visas, Work Visas, Student Visas, Family Visas and the more specific ones like Transit and Short-term Study Visas. We will discuss each of them below.

How Many Visa Types Are There in the UK?

In case you need to know how many types of visa are there in UK, the list is rather long. The UK has more than 15 main categories of visas, which further have their subcategories depending on the purpose, time span, and the eligibility of the applicant. These may be categorized widely into:

• Visitor Visas
• Work Visas
• Student Visas
• Family Visas
• Transit Visas
• Investment and Business Visas
• Settlement/ Indefinite Leave to Remain Visas
• It is important to understand these differences because it is possible to face delays or even rejections when applying to the wrong visa.

Main Types of Travel Visa to UK

Here’s a closer look at the main types of travel visa to UK:

1. Standard Visitor Visa

The Standard Visitor Visa is one of the most popular types of travel visa to UK and is suitable for::

• Visiting holidays and tourism
• Going to see friends or relatives.
• Business trips(short)
• Medical treatment
• Participation in seminars or conferences
• The normal duration of this visa is 6 months though there are exceptions where it can be extended on medical or academic grounds.

2. Transit Visa

In case you are just travelling through the UK on your way to a different country you might require a Transit Visa. It has two major forms:

• Direct Airside Transit Visa (DATV) – Travelers that do not leave the airport.
• Visitor in Transit Visa- It is issued to persons who go out of the airport and come back within 48 hours.

3. Work Visas

• The UK offers a number of work visa categories:
• Skilled Worker Visa – If you have been offered a job by a UK employer.
• Health and Care Worker Visa- Targets workers in healthcare specifically.
• Global Talent Visa- Targets leaders in the fields of arts, sciences and technology.
• Temporary Worker Visas H -2 Temporary worker visas are issued to perform seasonal or temporary jobs.
• These visas are mostly sponsored by a licensed employer.

4. Student Visa

The Student Visa enables students who are 16 years and above to study full time in a UK institution. It requires:

• Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)
• evidence of financial resources
• Proficiency in the English language

5. Child Student Visa

It is targeted at children of 4-17 years old who study at the independent school in the UK.

6. Family Visa

In case you want to join a family member who is already living in the UK, the Family Visa enables:

• Partners or spouses
• Fiancé(e)s
• Children
• Dependent adults
• You may also settle in UK after a qualifying period in the country.

7. UK Ancestry Visa

You may qualify to get this visa in case one of your grandparents was born in the UK. It enables you to work, study or live in UK up to 5 years after which you may apply to be a permanent resident.

8. Business Visas and Investor Visas

• The following are suitable to the high-net-worth individuals and business people:
• Innovator Founder Visa
• Start-up Visa
• Investor Visa (no longer available to new applicants but still applies to renewals)

Which UK visa is easiest to get

Now let’s address the most frequently asked question: Which UK visa from Oman  is easiest to get?

• And the most popular question, which UK visa is easy to obtain, shall be answered now.
• Overall, Standard Visitor Visa is regarded as the easiest one to get because of a few reasons:
• It possesses an easy application procedure.
• There is no sponsorship or job offer needed.
• The turnaround is normally quicker.

The requirements are quite simple.

• Nonetheless, despite this kind of visa, a person still should prove that he/she has enough financial means, the desire to come back and has accommodation or transportation tickets.
• The Short-term Study Visa is another comparatively straightforward alternative available to the qualified student, particularly in English language programs of less than 11 months.
• Although the word easy is relative, by selecting the correct category, providing correct documentation and ensuring that you fit all the requirements, you stand a very good chance of being approved.

Additional Considerations Before Applying

• Visa Requirements
• Every type of visa has its documentation requirements including:
• Photographs and passport
• Financial proof
• Hotel and Transportation arrangements
• Sponsorship papers (where necessary)

Processing Time

Most visas take between 3-8 weeks to be processed depending on the category and volume of applications.

Costs

• Visa costs are different:
• Standard Visitor Visa (6 months): approx. 115.
• Student Visa: about 490 pounds
• Skilled Worker Visa: begins at 719 (depends on length and position).
• Note that the fee structure is subject to change so be sure to consult the official UK government web site for the latest information.

FAQs

1. How many visa types are there in the UK?

The UK has more than 15 primary visa categories depending on the purpose of visit- tourism, work, study, family reunion, business and settlement. A category can have as many subcategories as possible.

2. What is the easiest UK visa to obtain?

The Standard Visitor Visa is normally the most straightforward UK visa to acquire because it has a general purpose and fewer complicated criteria. But this is subject to approval by giving correct documentation and meeting eligibility.

3. Is it possible to work in UK on Visitor Visa?

No, Standard Visitor Visa does not permit working. In case you intend to work, you need to apply through one of the permitted work visa routes.

4. What is the processing time of UK visa?

The majority of the UK visas are determined within 3 weeks although this may vary depending on the type of visa and the workload of the local embassies.

5. What happens in case my UK visa gets refused?

In case of refusal of a visa, you will be informed of the reasons. Either you can appeal or request an administrative review or file a new application with the rectified documentation.

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