The tourist visitor visa UK is ideal for individuals who want to visit the UK for casual business meetings, leisure, or visiting family and friends. The UK Visit Visa processing times (which are usually 3 weeks) make it suitable as individuals don’t have to wait for long. With the e-visa in full action by the UK immigration department, you may feel torn apart between the two choices.
UK e-visas
The development of a digital immigration system for the UK is what the UK Visas and Immigration has aimed at. This, in effect, means exchanging physical immigration documents for an online record of one’s immigration status. An eVisa is such an online record.
Documents replaced will be:
- biometric residence cards (BRC)
- passport endorsements like the indefinite leave to enter (ILR) wet ink stamp
- biometric residence permit (BRP)
- vignette stickers in British passports such as visa vignettes or entry clearance.
What is an e-Visa?
An e-Visa is simply an online record of one’s immigration status including the conditions under which one is permitted entry or stay in the United Kingdom. To access e-Visa, an account needs to be created at UKVI.Updating one’s physical document to an eVisa has nothing to do with changing the status of one’s immigration or the conditions of permission to stay in or enter the UK.
Travel to the UK with an e-Visa, along with your existing passport, must be linked to the UKVI account. You will also be provided with a share code that will work as proof of your immigration status before you travel to the UK. This proof may be asked for by your carrier and the share code is usually valid for 3 months.
Some of the advantages of e-Visas are the following:
- They cannot be lost, tampered with, or stolen like a physical document making them secure
- You will not have to physically collect or wait for a physical document after your application receives a decision – you might still be required to provide your biometric information physically.
- This will prove status in the fastest and easiest manner at the UK border, and help you successfully share that status with third parties like landlords and employers.
How will I go about using my UKVI account?
Once you access your UKVI account, you may read online e-Visa details such as permission, expiration period, and conditions to remain legally in the UK. Inform the UKVI if an error is seen on your e-Visa and include anything, including your name and immigration status.
You can update your details on your UKVI account, such as your contact details. Your e-Visa will be associated with your passport in your UKVI account. For easy identification at the UK border, keep your passport or ID card details up to date in your UKVI account and inform us about changes. Make sure all your information is correct well ahead of travel. Otherwise, carriers may deny boarding. Also, you will still have to take your existing passport.
The UK has launched a campaign encouraging all non-nationals still using a physical immigration document to convert to the eVisa model. This includes residents and students who have biometric residence permits (BRP), wet ink stamps, passport visa vignette stickers affirming “indefinite leave to enter/remain,” or BRC (biometric residence cards). The Home Office intends to phase out these paper or physical documents and shift towards fully digital immigration. Using this system, individuals will be able to view their immigration status online through the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).
How to shift to UK e-Visa
Step 1: Create your UKVI Account
If you do not have an existing UKVI account, go to the UKVI website and create a new account. You will need this to complete identity verification:
- A smartphone for conducting identity verification.
- A mobile phone number and valid email address.
A valid passport with your BRP number, your BRP card, or visa application number (GWF or UAN).
Step 2: Confirm Your Details
Utilize the “UK Immigration ID Check” application on your device to confirm your identity. This process will associate your e-Visa to the UKVI Account. Upon verification, you will receive an email confirming your access to the online e-Visa platform.
Step 3: Access your new e-Visa
Log into your newly created UKVI account to view as well as manage your e-Visa. You can use this account to seamlessly share your current immigration status with landlords, educational institutions, or employers as needed. If you are not staying in the UK for more than six months, you do not need to switch to an e-visa.
What is the UK Standard Visa?
The UK Standard Visitor Visa is a short-term visa for people who wish to travel to the United Kingdom for a variety of temporary purposes. The visa usually grants a maximum validity period of six months and can occasionally be extended for certain purposes, such as medical treatment or research in academia. The Standard Visitor Visa has combined several previous visa categories into a single umbrella, thus rendering it pretty versatile for matching most types of visitors.
Who Needs a Standard Visitor Visa?
Certain nationals are able to visit the UK without a visa for up to six months, including those who are otherwise eligible under the new ETA scheme launched by the UK or ‘non-visa nationals’. Individuals who do not fall into the above categories are the so-called ‘visa nationals’, and so, they will need to apply for a UK Standard Visitor Visa if they want to visit the UK, even for a short period. This includes family visitors, business travelers, tourists, and individuals participating in short-term permitted educational courses or seeking medical treatment.
You must state the motive for visiting as it relates to the actions permissible under the Standard Visitor Visa. This includes holidays, visiting friends or family, business visits, medical treatment, attending short-term educational courses, or attending events. Applicants have to demonstrate that they are genuine tourists, which means they will leave the UK at the end of their visit and will not live here for extended periods as a result of frequent or successive visits or make the UK their primary home. Additionally, they must prove they have the financial means to support themselves and any dependent family members during their visit, as well as the ability to pay for their onward journey or own return.
Conclusion
The UK standard visa is usually preferred for short-term visitors, however, you can apply for an e-visa as well. Hiring immigration lawyers in London is essential as they will help you navigate the process successfully.
