Standard Visitor visa
For people visiting the UK for tourism, to see family, for business meetings or short-term study.
The Standard Visitor visa is a UK visitor & short stay visa. This guide covers who it's for, the key eligibility criteria, the indicative 2025 cost (~£127 (6 months); long-term ~£475-£1,059) and processing time (~3 weeks), the route to permanent residence, common pitfalls and FAQs.
Who the Standard Visitor visa is for
For people visiting the UK for tourism, to see family, for business meetings or short-term study.
Does not lead to settlement; visitors must leave at the end of their permitted stay.
Standard Visitor visa - eligibility criteria
- Will leave the UK at the end of the visit
- Can support yourself and any dependants without public funds
- Can pay for the return or onward journey
- Genuine intention to visit for a permitted activity
- No intention to live in the UK through frequent visits
Standard Visitor visa cost & processing time (2025)
The indicative government fee for the Standard Visitor visa (United Kingdom) is ~£127 (6 months); long-term ~£475-£1,059, with an indicative processing time of ~3 weeks. Figures are for 2025 and may change - confirm at GOV.UK.
| Type | Short stay |
|---|---|
| Where you apply | Online from outside the UK |
| Length of stay | Up to 6 months (long-term options up to 10 years) |
| Work rights | No work permitted (limited business activities only) |
| Study rights | Short courses up to 6 months |
| Government fee | ~£127 (6 months); long-term ~£475-£1,059 |
| Processing time | ~3 weeks |
| Route to PR | Does not lead to settlement; visitors must leave at the end of their permitted stay. |
Pathway & next steps
Does not lead to settlement; visitors must leave at the end of their permitted stay.
Many applicants also compare Marriage Visitor · Marriage Visitor visa, Student · Student visa, YMS · Youth Mobility Scheme visa. Run a free VisaChief check to see which UK route best fits your profile, then prepare an application reviewed by a registered migration agency in our partner network.
Common Standard Visitor visa pitfalls we fix
Standard Visitor visa - frequently asked questions
How much does the Standard Visitor visa cost?
The Standard Visitor visa government fee is ~£127 (6 months); long-term ~£475-£1,059. Figures are indicative for 2025; always confirm current fees at GOV.UK before applying.
How long does the Standard Visitor visa take to process?
Indicative processing time is ~3 weeks. Actual timeframes vary with caseload, completeness and your circumstances.
Does the Standard Visitor visa lead to permanent residence?
Does not lead to settlement; visitors must leave at the end of their permitted stay.
Can I work on the Standard Visitor visa?
Work rights: No work permitted (limited business activities only).
Who can apply for the Standard Visitor visa?
For people visiting the UK for tourism, to see family, for business meetings or short-term study.
Sources & official references
This guide is compiled from official United Kingdom government sources and is updated periodically. Eligibility, fees and processing times change - always confirm the current rules with the issuing authority before you apply:
- GOV.UK - official United Kingdom immigration authority