Also known as the UK tourist visa, the UK Business Visitor Visa allows foreign nationals to visit the UK for a short period, which can vary between a few days up to a maximum of six months, as a tourist, business visitor, or a short-term student for other permitted activities.

Before filling out an application, check whether you require a visitor visa for the UK. This can be verified on the Home Office’s website. Depending on the nationality, one may be able to come to the UK and stay for a maximum duration of 6 months without needing to apply for a visa.

Standard Visitor Visa– Meaning and Types

A standard visitor visa permits the entry of foreign nationals subject to the UK’s immigration laws into the country for a certain period, depending on their reasons for entry. This is because, although visitor visas for the UK could include several types of visas, they come as standard with an entire travel range for the UK, which leans more broadly on subcategories of visas such as: 

Family Visit Visa 

For non-EEA nationals wanting to travel for a family visit to the UK, the standard visitor visa under the subcategory of family visitor visa category is applicable. As standard, this visa enables you to stay for up to six months to see family in the UK. When visiting the UK under this visa, you cannot claim public funds or work while you are here. You can’t bring dependents, meaning that if you plan to bring other family members with you, you will be required to make sure that each family member possesses a valid visit visa.

Besides the more general limitations imposed on any foreign nationals under UK immigration laws, family visas consist of very detailed requirements and a very complicated procedure to follow when applying.

You will be required to show that you have the necessary funds needed to support yourself throughout your stay and also show that you intend to return home completely after the stay, which shall not exceed the maximum of six months. 

Child Visitor Visa

Any non-EEA citizen who is under the age of 18 must first apply for a child visitor visa to travel to the UK. This visa is part of the standard visitor visa, and it applies to persons below 18 years who are planning to travel to the UK. Whether visiting family or friends, participating in an exchange program, or going to school, the child visitor visa carries an allowance for a child to stay in the UK on travel for six months. The application for child visas has to be detailed.

Whether the parent or the child is applying to immigrate, it will need to be proven that the under-18 qualify for proper housing and care throughout their stay. Applicants may include showing genuine travel plans and sufficient funds. It must also be authenticated that the minor has a recognized parent or guardian responsible for his or her taking care and maintenance in their home country.

Student visitor visa

If you are visiting the UK wanting to study on a short-term basis, you may require a student visiting visa. The student visitor visa permits overseas nationals to study in the UK for six months. 

If an international student has plans to study in the UK for not more than six months to acquire a short-term qualification, then this is the visa that has to be applied for.

Visitor In Transit Visa

If you are traveling on a stopover flight to the UK, we suggest you check your visa requirement on the UK Home Office website. Visitor visas for travelers in transit would work a little differently.

If you are halting in the UK and then departing to another country, most probably by sea or air, it means that a visitor-in-transit visa would be needed.

The business visitor visa is also a subcategory of the standard visitor visa, which we will discuss in detail below. 

Business Visitor Visa 

It is a visa for business visits to the UK temporarily. The Business Visit Visa forms part of the Standard Visitor visas. You may want to check what activities are permitted before visiting the UK for business as a visitor. 

Eligibility for a UK Business Visitor Visa is established by showing that the individual intends to leave after visiting and has no intention to remain for very long periods or make repeated visits to the UK. Your previous immigration history would be reviewed by the Home Office along with family and economic ties.

Come to the UK for a maximum period of 6 months to participate in such business activities as:

• Attending meetings, conferences, seminars, and interviews
• negotiating deals
• Signing contracts
• Attending trade fairs for purposes of promoting business (not selling items)
• Work-related training for an overseas employee that is not available in the employee’s home country
• A one-off or a very short series of talks if it is not for a profit or commercial event (you can get paid for only speaking on certain engagements or events that are specified in the UK rules as the ‘permitted paid engagement’)
• Conduct site inspections
• Oversee the delivery of goods and services supplied by a UK company to your overseas organization.
• Share knowledge or give training about internal projects with UK employees of the company you work for overseas.
• Repair, advise, install, dismantle, or service, equipment, hardware, and computer software if your overseas company has a contract with a UK organization

However, you cannot use the UK business visitor visa for leisure, academics, or family visit purposes. It is solely used for short business-related visits to the UK.

Conclusion 

The business visitor visa is a subcategory of the UK standard visitor visa and allows individuals to attend events, meetings, or conferences in the UK. Both types of visas are meant for a short duration, and applicants will have to demonstrate a genuine intention to leave the country after the visit. Hiring a travel visa UK immigration solicitor can help you secure your visa.