All you need to know about UK visa from India - Latest Visa Guide 2022

UK visa from India – 2022 Guide

Here is our comprehensive guide to UK visa from India &
useful tips who are planning to travel to UK in coming
months. Please contact Travel Shop team India to assist
you with proper paper work and consultation.

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01. Eligibility

Indian nationals who plan on travelling to the UK for short duration trips like a vacation or visiting family and friends need to apply for a UK tourist visa in advance. In the UK it is referred to as a Standard Visitor visa. If you fail to have a visa while arriving in the UK, you will be rejected entry. The eligibility of securing a Standard Visitor Visa depends on where you are currently employed, the business you run, your travel history and your reason for the visit. These are the specific eligibility criteria as per the UK immigration.

  • Have proof of business or other activities (that are allowed according to the visitor rules )you plan to do in the UK.
  • Financially able to fund your return journey or have secured funding from someone else.
  • Financially able to or have funding from someone else to support yourself and your dependents during the trip.
  • You will exit the UK after your visit period is over.
  • You will not make the UK your main home or reside in the UK for long periods with frequent or back-to-back visits.

      • If you are applying for no more than 6 months of study, you have to provide proof for either of the following:

      • At least 16 years of age and are accepted by a UK higher education institution to participate in research relevant to your course of study back home.
      • Accepted for a course offered by a recognized UK institution with a duration not longer than 6 months (state-funded schools or academies are not included)

          • You might require an ATAS (Academic Technology Approval Scheme) certificate if you want to study or research specific subjects at the postgraduate level or higher. If you require one, you have to get your ATAScertificate before beginning your research or study

If you’re applying as an academic

You are allowed to stay in the UK for up to 12 months. You must prove the following if you are applying as an academic:

  • Not filling a permanent teaching position
  • Visiting to carry out research or a formal exchange
  • Highly qualified in your field of study (for example you are a PhD holder)
  • Currently employed in your field of study at an academic facility abroad.
  • You will not make the UK your main home or reside in the UK for long periods with frequent or back-to-back visits.

      • Please remember that you might need an ATAS certificate for research of certain subjects at the postgraduate level and above.
      If you have to get an ATAS certificate you have to do it before you start your research.

If you’re applying to visit for private medical treatment

You have to produce proof of the following:

  • Have made appointments for treatment or consultation
  • Have sufficient funds to pay for your treatment
  • Have a medical ailment that requires treatment or consultation in the UK
  • Will exit the UK after visa expiry or upon completion of treatment
  • Will not endanger the health of the public if you have a contagious sickness like leprosy

      • Please remember that you might need an ATAS certificate for research of certain subjects at the postgraduate level and above. If you have to get an ATAS certificate you have to do it before you start your research.

If you’re applying as an organ donor

You can only visit the UK if you are donating organs to:

  • Someone who is closely related to you (your partner or a friend)
  • A genetically related family member (your parent or a sibling)

      • You also have to show proof that the person to who you are donating your organs is legally allowed to reside in the UK.

If you’re applying for a long-term Standard Visitor visa

You have to show proof that your entering the UK only for a visit and plan to leave after your visa expires. Your visa might get a shorter stay duration than what you requested if you do not produce adequate proof. You also will not be refunded the application fee if your application is rejected or you are given a shorter stay duration.

02. Visa Refusal & reasons

UK immigration frequently rejects applications submitted by Indian applicants due to different reasons that are at the discretion of UK immigration. Travel Shop Global visa consultants will guide you and offer advice regarding the correct procedures and documents to prevent any chance of rejection. Most travellers who fear being rejected are curious about the reasons that the application gets rejected for Indians.

Travel Shop’s UK consultants have compiled a list of the most common causes of rejection:

  • If visiting for a holiday, the immigration will consider your travel history. If you haven’t travelled anywhere they have
  • nothing to confirm that you will exit the UK on time.
  • If the applicant had received a deportation order.
  • If the applicant doesn’t have enough bank balance to visit the UK
  • If the applicant is charged with a crime that sentences a jail term of 4 years or more.
  • The applicant has overstayed during a previous trip or submitted fake documents.
  • The applicant doesn’t hold a valid travel document or passport.
  • The applicant hasn’t stated complete truth with regards to any of the visa application procedures
  • Purposely not submitting any criminal record, if any
  • The applicant doesn’t agree to visa regulation procedures lie submitting a medical report, agreeing to a biometric scan, etc.

The UK Immigration Office can choose to reject an applicant’s visa if it finds there is no reason for the applicant to visit the UK based on the information submitted in the visa application form, make sure your purpose of your visit and the documents you submit exactly match the UK immigration guidelines

Deception- submitting fraudulent or false documentation.

03. Documents Required

  • Original passport with validity of 6 months and a minimum 3 blank pages + all old passports if any.
  • UK visa application form
  • Appointment Confirmation & Fee receipt
  • Two recent passport-size colour photographs
  • Personal Covering letter (For Employed – Plain paper/ For Self-Employed – Company Letterhead)
  • Personal ITR for last 3 years
  • Personal Bank Statement for the last six months

Other supporting documents :

  • FD Receipts from banks
  • Public shares/debentures certificate
  • An asset evaluation report from a CA
  • Fixed Deposits
  • Property Investments & Other Investments

Other supporting documents :

● If the applicant is self-employed:

  • Business Registration License / GST / MOA / Partnership deed
  • Company’s updated bank statement of last 6 months
  • Company’s IT returns for last 3 years

● If the applicant is employed in a firm:

  • Business Registration License / GST / MOA / Partnership deed
  • Company’s updated bank statement of last 6 months
  • Company’s IT returns for last 3 years

● If the applicant is employed in a firm:

  • Leave sanctioned certificate with company seal and signature
  • Last 3 months salary slip

● If the applicant is a student:

  • Leave sanction letter, school ID card and NOC from school mentioning the dates of the trip

● If the applicant is retired:

  • Proof of retirement like pension book, statement etc

● If the applicant is under 18:

  • Birth Certificate
  • No Objection Certificate from the parents / non-accompanying parent on Rs 100/- stamp paper
  • ID proof of parent

● If visiting a friend or relative & being sponsored:

  • Invitation letter legalized from the town hal
  • Inviter’s ID proof like Passport, Resident Permit
  • Financial proof such as bank statement

● For Business Visa:

  • Invitation letter from the host Company includes the purpose of the trip, business details etc. Covering letter from Indian company on company letterhead

● Note:

  • Cover letter and hotel reservation proof will be provided by Travel Shop if required by the applicant.
  • Travel Insurance will be provided by Travel Shop if the applicant requires it.
  • Permitted stay period and validity may differ according to the embassy discretion.

04. UK Visa Interview

Many panic and are clueless when it comes to facing an interview. There is no interview for the UK tourist visa. All you have to do is prepare all the supporting documents, secure an appointment with the nearest VFS office and submit the documents. You will then be asked to face a biometric scan in the VFS. After your visa has been approved, collect your passport from VFS Global.

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05. Rates - London visa Prices from India

Rate Processing Time Stay Period Validity Entry Type
Rs.14000/- Minimum 15 working days 6 Months 6 Months Single/ Multiple
Rs.43300/- 15-20 working days 6 Months 2 Years Multiple
Rs 75300/- 15-20 working days 6 Months 5 Years Multiple
Rs 93200/- 15-20 working days 6 Months 10 Years Multiple

06. Process

This is the procedure Indian nationals from Indian cities will have to follow to get a UK tourist visa:

1Identify the visa type you belong to
2Collect the required supporting documents
3Fill up the online application form
4Secure an appointment at VFS Global and make the payment for the application fee
5Submit the other requirements and face the biometric scan on the day of the appointment
6Collect your passport from VFS Global on the same day
Identify your Visa Type

Before going ahead with the application procedure you have to identify the visa type you need to enter the UK. We will guide you through the process of choosing the most suitable visa for you. If you are going on a vacation or visiting family, you can apply for a Standard Visitor Visa. Thoroughly read and understand all the conditions before proceeding with your application.

Prepare the required documents

We will assist you in preparing all the supporting documents for your visa application. All the documents you need to submit to VFS Global have to be originals along with one set of photocopies

Book an appointment at VFS Global and Pay the application fee

The Travel Shop team will secure an appointment with VFS Global and will explain to you the location of VFS and the documents that need to be taken along with you

Submission of requirements and biometrics on appointment day

The Travel Shop team will secure an appointment with VFS Global and will explain to you the location of VFS and the documents that need to be taken along with you.

Important points to keep in mind for your appointment day:

  • Arrive at the VFS global centre on your allocated date at least 15 minutes earlier than your scheduled time
  • After entering the premises you will be given a locker to store your belongings, including your mobile. Only take your documents with you.
  • Have one set of photocopies along with the original documents to submit during your appointment at VFS global.
  • Bring cash so that you can pay for the optional SMS updates regarding your application status.
  • Complete the biometric scans(fingerprint and photo)
  • Make sure to dress appropriately ( smart or formal is appreciated)
  • Wait and collect your passport from VFS globa

The visa is usually processed within 5 to 15 working days but if you want the visa to be processed quickly, you can choose the Priority Visa service which processes the visa within 3 to 5 working days. If you subscribed for the visa messaging service, you will receive a message when your passport is ready

07. What you can & can’t do in the UK

Can do

You are permitted to do certain things in the UK as long as you meet the eligibility criteria for the list of things you wish to do.

If you’re visiting for tourism or leisure

You are allowed to:

  • Participate in a school exchange program
  • Volunteer for not more than 30 days with a government-recognized charity
  • Participate in recreational courses (dance, yoga, etc) not exceeding 30 days
  • Spend time with family and friends
  • Enjoy a holiday

If you’re visiting on business

  • You can attend meetings, conferences, trade fairs or negotiate any deal
  • You can conduct business-related activities with UK employees of your company, for example, project guidance, training, etc.
  • Make sure to read the Visitor Rules for a complete list of business activities that are allowed for Standard Visitors
  • If you are being hired by a UK company to visit as an expert in your field, you have to apply for a Permitted Paid Engagement Visa.

If you’re visiting for tourism or leisure

You are allowed to participate in courses not exceeding 6 months with a registered organization, including any English Language courses. You can also:

  • Participate in an elective course or additional placement if you are studying dentistry, medicine, science or veterinary medicine.
  • Conduct brief research that is suitable for the course you are studying abroad.

If you want to study more in the UK you will need to apply for either of the following:

  • Short-term study visa (for English Language courses as long as 11 months)
  • Study Visa (f your course is conducted by a licensed organization)

If you’re visiting as an academic

If you avail from an overseas academic institution, you are allowed to:

  • Conduct your own research while taking a sabbatical
  • Participate n any exchange arrangements with the UK branches

If you’re a senior doctor or dentist you can also:

  • Participate in research
  • Teach temporarily (permanent teaching posts aren’t permitted)
  • Involve n temporary clinical procedures (permanent posts aren’t allowed)

If you’re visiting for medical reasons

You are allowed to visit the UK seeking private medical treatment at a hospital or other medical institution. You can also
donate an organ to a family member or friend or undertake tests to see if you are a donor match.

If you’re passing through the UK to another country

If your sole reason for visiting the UK is a layover, you can apply for a Transit Visa. However, standard visitors can go via the UK to another country

Can't do

Many are under the impression that they can go to the UK with a visit visa, stay illegally and secure employment. Doing either or both can land you in some big trouble. This is a list of things you can’t do in the UK:

  • Live in the UK for lengthy durations by making consequent visits.
  • Participate in paid or unpaid employment for a self-employed individual or UK company
  • Claim public benefits
  • Participate in a course that extends for a duration of more than 6 months
  • Register a civil partnership, marry or give notice of ether. For this, you will need a Marriage Visitor visa.

For more details of the cans and cant’s with a Standard Visa, read the guidance section.

08. Extend your stay

You are allowed to extend your stay as long as you don’t collectively stay for more than 6 months in the UK as a visitor. For instance, if you have been n the UK as a visitor for 3 months, you can extend for an extra 3 months.

If you want to extend your stay for longer than 6 months

You can only extend your stay for more than 6 months if you are:

  • An academic that meets the eligibility criteria
  • A patient seeking medical treatment
  • A graduate participating in a clinical attachment or redoing the PLAB (Professional and Linguistic Assessment Board) test
  • If you didn’t require a visa for the initial 6 months of your stay, you have to apply for permission to extend your stay and settle the fee.

If you want to extend your stay for longer than 6 months

You can only extend your stay for more than 6 months if you are:

  • An academic that meets the eligibility criteria
  • A patient seeking medical treatment
  • A graduate participating in a clinical attachment or redoing the PLAB (Professional and Linguistic Assessment Board) test
  • If you didn’t require a visa for the initial 6 months of your stay, you have to apply for permission to extend your stay and settle the fee.

If you’re an academic

If you want to extend your stay as an academic visiting the UK, you must prove you:

  • are not being employed in a permanent teaching position
  • are visiting for research purposes or for a formal exchange
  • are well qualified and hold a PhD or more in your field of study.
  • Were employed in your field of study at an educational organization abroad before you visited the UK

You are permitted to stay for a duration of 12 months in total

09. If you're under 18

You are allowed to extend your stay as long as you don’t collectively stay for more than 6 months in the UK as a visitor. For instance, if you have been n the UK as a visitor for 3 months, you can extend for an extra 3 months.

You may visit the UK from India if you’re under 18 and:

  • Have made necessary arrangements for your travel and accommodation in the UK
  • Have proof of no objection from your parent or guardian regarding your travel (f travelling alone)
  • Can afford to pay for your return journey
  • Have sufficient money to support yourself without seeking employment or getting help from public funds or
  • have family or friends who can support you.

Travelling alone

If you are above 18 years of age you can travel to the UK alone you will need to have the following from your parent or guardia

  • Have made necessary arrangements for your travel and accommodation in the UK
  • Have proof of no objection from your parent or guardian regarding your travel (f travelling alone)
  • Can afford to pay for your return journey
  • Have sufficient money to support yourself without seeking employment or getting help from public funds or
  • have family or friends who can support you.

Travelling with an adult

If travelling with an adult (an individual above 18 years of age), you will need to list their details in your visa application form. If the individual is not your parent, specific details have to be provided in the application form. A maximum of 2 adults can be listed in the form. The adult can also apply for a visa along with you, but by submitting a separate application form. Their names will be mentioned on your visa. If you have entered the UK without the individual mentioned in your application, you will need to provide proof that your parent/guardian has no objection against your travel or accommodation.

When travelling to the UK with an adult (someone over the age of 18), you’ll need to identify them in your visa application. If the person you’re travelling with is not your parent, you’ll need to provide specific information about them in your application. You can identify up to 2 adults in your visa application. Their names will appear on your visa. The adult can apply for a visa at the same time, but you must each complete separate applications. If you arrive in the UK without the person named in your visa, you’ll need to show that your parent or guardian consents to your travel and accommodation arrangements.

10. Covid updates

Everyone travelling to the UK must

  • Undergo a minimum of one COVID-19 test after entering the UK
  • Submit contact details by filling the online passenger locator form
  • Provide negative COVD-19 test certificate that was taken not earlier than 3 days before departure to the UK
  • Adhere to all testing and quarantine regulations n England, Northern Ireland, Scotland or Wales

COVID-19 testing and quarantine in England

All that you need to do depends on your travel history for the 10 days before arriving in the UK. The list below mentions what you have to do depending on where you have been:

  • Red List: Book a hotel quarantine package that includes 2 COVID 19 tests
  • Amber List: Self-quarantine at the place of stay and book 2 COVD 19 tests to take after arrival
  • Green List: Book a COVID 19 test to take after arriving.

11. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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