Visitors to the UK

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.

Home Office clarifies 548 day rule in the 10 year long residence route

Posted2024-07-15 14:46

When the relevant rules changed on 11 April 2024, this caused a lot of confusion because the drafting of the rules was ambiguous but the guidance suggested that the 548 day limit no longer applied in post-April 2024 cases. The guidance has now been updated with greater clarity.

eVisa guidance: What do I need to do if I have a paper document or passport endorsement?

Posted2024-07-10 15:31
AuthorCaroline Sykes

The way that individuals prove their immigration status in the UK is changing. The Home Office is transitioning from physical documents to a digital status called an eVisa. Those with a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) expiring on 31 December 2024 will need to set up a UKVI account and apply for an eVisa before this date. Those with a paper immigration status document or endorsement in their passport will need to take additional steps.

Home Secretary required to accommodate street homeless victim of trafficking in London

Posted2024-07-10 10:49
AuthorBen Goldberg

Turpin Miller represented AB, a destitute Romanian national, in her challenge to the failure of the Secretary of State for the Home Department (‘SSHD’) to provide her with suitable accommodation to protect and assist her as a victim of trafficking. The Administrative Court made an interim relief order mandating the SSHD to accommodate AB in London and she was subsequently provided with accommodation.

Laura Coyle appointed co-chair of Housing Lawyers Practitioners Association (HLPA)

Posted2024-06-03 11:42
AuthorCaroline Sykes

We are delighted to announce that Laura Coyle, Partner and Head of Housing Team at Turpin Miller, has been appointed co-chair of the Housing Law Practitioners Association (HLPA) Executive Committee alongside Tim Baldwin of Garden Court Chambers and Dianne Cowie of Duncan Lewis.

Successful challenge to Home Office trafficking policy in Upper Tribunal

Posted2024-05-01 13:00
AuthorBen Goldberg

Turpin Miller act for VLT, a highly vulnerable Vietnamese national trafficked into the UK on three separate occasions over 15 years, who the Home Office refused permission to stay as a victim of trafficking in July 2023 on the basis of historic criminality that the Home Office accepted was the product of his past exploitation.

Changes to the 10-year ILR Long Residence rules

Posted2024-04-22 12:56
AuthorCaroline Sykes

Hidden amongst a host of other changes to the immigration rules on 11 April 2024, there have been significant changes to the 10-year route to settlement known as ‘Long Residence’.

What should I do if my BRP card is expiring after December 2024?

Posted2024-04-08 13:30
AuthorKriti Khadka

As many of you are probably aware, the UK border and immigration system is becoming digital. As of 1 January 2025, BRP cards will no longer be issued, and your immigration status record will be held digitally.

Germany to allow dual citizenship from June 2024

Posted2024-04-03 16:30
AuthorCaroline Sykes

A new German citizenship law will come into force on 26 June 2024 allowing dual citizenship. Until now, Germany has only allowed dual citizenship in exceptional circumstances.

Spouse visa minimum income increase: FAQs

Posted2024-02-20 11:07
AuthorCaroline Sykes

The Government has confirmed that the spouse/partner visa minimum income will initially increase to £29,000 on 11 April 2024 and incrementally thereafter to £38,700 ‘by early 2025’. Here we answer your Frequently Asked Questions.

Increase in fines for illegal working

Posted2024-02-07 13:38
AuthorKriti Khadka

On 7 August 2023, the Government announced that it would be increasing the fines issued to employers employing workers with no right to work. It has finally been decided that the new penalty will be effective from 13 February 2024.

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