Special Visitors

If you wish to enter the UK during transit or you wish to come to the UK for marriage, private medical treatment, to undertake a short course of study (or arrange a proposed course of study), or if you are the parent of a child at school in the UK, you will need to apply as a special visitor.

It is advised that you seek legal advice if you are uncertain whether your purpose for coming to the UK or proposed activity is covered by the “special visitors” category.

A. Requirements

1. You will need to demonstrate that you only intend to visit the UK for a short period (no more than 6 months), unless you are the parent of a child at school in the UK

2. You must demonstrate that you intend to visit the UK for the relevant category of ‘special visitor’. Each category has different requirements which are detailed individually on our website and you are required to provide evidence of your purpose for entering the UK. (It is advised that you obtain advice from us at XANTO TRADING LLP. to ensure that your proposed category is covered under ‘Special Visitors’ as outlined by the UK Border Agency and that you are able to provide the necessary documents to support your application).

3. You must intend to leave the UK after the end of your visit and demonstrate that you can meet the cost of the return or onward journey.

4. You must show that you have sufficient funds to maintain and accommodate yourself (and any dependants) without working in the UK or receiving assistance from UK public funds. Alternatively you can show that your relatives or friends or an organisation/body will be financially supporting and/or accommodating you.

B. Activities not permitted on a special visitors visa

• You must not intend to charge the public for services provided or goods received
• You must be based abroad and have no intention of setting up a base in the UK
• You must receive any salary/remuneration from overseas

C. Documents required

If you wish to apply as a special visitor, you should ensure that you have basic documentation as follows:

• Confirmation and details of the purpose you are visiting the UK.
• Evidence of why you are required to come to the UK.
• If employed: Letter from employer approving your leave for a specified period. The letter should include details of your employment, duration, your position, salary etc. and should detail when you are expected to resume work.
• If self-employed: Evidence of your business activities, accounts and financial credibility
• Evidence of ties to your home country – e.g. ownership of property, family ties/responsibilities, employment ties
• Evidence of your travel plans – ticket bookings, hotel bookings, itinerary
• Bank statements for the last 3 to 6 months
• Evidence of additional savings

D. Extension & Switching

The maximum you can stay in the UK, at any single time is six months a special visitor.

If however your visa was granted for a period less than six months, you may apply for an extension of your visa which takes you up to the maximum of six months.

You are not permitted to change into another visa category.

Please note that upon the expiry of your visa, you are required to leave the UK. If you stay beyond the expiry of your visa, you will remain illegally in the UK and you will be considered an “overstayer”. This may have an adverse impact on your immigration record and is likely to affect any future UK immigration applications.

E. Right of Appeal

Applicants can often be refused a visa to enter the UK as a special visitor and will receive a detailed letter explaining the reasons for refusal.

Only applicants who are visiting close family members are able to appeal against a refusal decision. All other applicants who are visiting the UK for other reasons are not entitled to appeal against a refusal decision.

We therefore advise that if applicants have been refused a special visitor visa, please seek legal advice on the procedure for submitting a fresh application.

F. Our Services

• We can advise on the procedure of making a ‘special visitor’ application and discuss the merits of your application.
• We can advise on the procedure involved for applying for visit visas for members of your family.
• We can advise on the evidence required for the entry clearance application.
• We can advise on the merits of an appeal – should your application be refused and attract a right of appeal.

Whatever the case, we are here to help, assist, advise and represent our clients in relation to any aspect of your immigration matter.