The Graduate route visa duration is being reduced from two years to 18 months from 1 January 2027. The Graduate route, previously known as the Post Study Work (“PSW”) visa, enables international students to live and work in the UK without sponsorship after completing their studies.
Many people who want to visit the UK need to apply in advance for a visit visa. These applications are often more complicated than applicants expect, with the Home Office taking a strict approach. Our team has extensive experience in handling complex visit visa applications - including for applicants with multiple previous refusals.
We can help you prepare a visit visa application and advise you on your rights and responsibilities once you are in the UK, whether you are travelling to visit family and friends, for medical treatment, for business, as an academic visitor or to get married.
Where once it was sufficient to simply put in a ‘sponsorship declaration’ and a few bank statements, it is now important to submit a thorough application to demonstrate that you are a genuine visitor to the UK, how you will support yourself during your stay and that you will return to your country of residence after the visit.
Key considerations
- What is the purpose of the visit?
- How will you support yourself during the visit? Evidence of income, savings, sources of financial support and expected expenditure
- Where will you stay during the visit?
- How will you demonstrate an intention to return home after the visit?
- Previous travel history - a history of compliance during previous international travel can strengthen an application's credibility
Common pitfalls to avoid
- Underestimating the importance of financial evidence
- Failure to disclose family in the UK
- Incomplete or inconsistent information in application forms and evidence
- Not complying with visa conditions
- Not addressing previous reasons for refusal, if applicable
How we can help
Navigating the complexities of a visit visa application can be stressful but with the right guidance, you can significantly increase your chances of success. If you have any questions or need expert assistance with your application, we are here to help. Our team is ready to provide tailored advice and ensure your application is comprehensive and addresses the requirements.
We also regularly advise businesses on the best way to move international employees. We can advise on whether the visitor route is suitable and alternatives, provide clear advice on what employees can and cannot do during their time in the UK and ensure entry is as smooth as possible.
If you are a non-visa national who does not need to obtain a visit visa in advance of travelling but who has had difficulty entering the UK, we can assess the risks and provide clear advice. We can also assist with the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme for non-visa nationals.
If you have been refused a visit visa, we can advise on what may have gone wrong and submitting a new application. Although the right of appeal was abolished in 2013, it may be possible to challenge refusals through judicial review.
Contact us today to get started.
