UK Standard Visitor Visa for Indian citizens: Complete application guide

Exploring the United Kingdom, steeped in history and culture, is a dream that beckons countless Indian citizens. To embark on this remarkable journey, Indian citizens must first apply for a United Kingdom Standard Visitor Visa.

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From understanding the eligibility criteria to navigating the application process, this article assists Indian travelers with the necessary knowledge to streamline their visa application journey. Let’s get started!

Do Indian citizens need the UK Standard Visa?

Yes, Indian travelers need a UK Visitor Visa (also called a tourist visa) to enter the country.

The UK Visa holder can visit the United Kingdom for tourism, business, medical treatment, short studies, stopovers, volunteering, or visiting family and friends.

Applicants from India who are under 18 years old must also apply for a UK Standard Visitor Visa. You can add your family members to your visa application by clicking “Add another person” during the application process on our platform.

Types of UK visas available for Indian citizens

Several types of visas are available for Indian citizens wanting to travel to the United Kingdom. Here are some of the most common ones to help you apply for the UK Visa that suits you best:

Standard Visitor Visa: This visa allows Indian citizens to visit the UK for tourism, business meetings, or to see friends and family. It is typically granted for a short duration, usually up to six months.
Student Visa: This visa is for Indian students who wish to pursue higher education in the UK. It’s applicable for courses longer than six months and requires a confirmed admission from a recognized UK educational institution.
Work Visa: This visa is for skilled Indian professionals with a job offer from a UK employer. It is typically granted for a specific job and requires sponsorship from the employer.
Temporary Worker Visa: This visa category includes various subcategories, such as the Government Authorized Exchange Visa, Creative and Sporting Visa, Charity Worker Visa, and more. These visas suit Indian citizens coming to the UK for short-term work opportunities.
Investor Visa: This visa is for Indian citizens who wish to invest a substantial amount in the UK. It requires a minimum investment threshold and offers residency rights in the UK.
Spouse Visa: This visa is for Indian citizens married to a UK citizen or a person with settled status in the UK. It allows them to join their spouse in the UK and eventually apply for settlement.

Note that immigration policies and visa categories can change over time. If you need a UK work visa, student visa, spousal visa, or other long-term UK visas, please find more information on the UK government website.

How to apply online for a UK Visa for Indian citizens

There are a few ways to apply:

Government process: Go to the official government website and follow the steps. The process includes answering questions, paying the visa fee, making an appointment, and dropping off documents.
Via iVisa: It's also possible to get our guidance for this application. This means a shorter application form and an expert review, and we'll make an appointment at the earliest available date on your behalf!

To apply for the United Kingdom Standard Visitor Visa with us, follow the below steps:

Step 1: Fill out your basic details on our website or handy app. Double-check all information carefully.
Step 2: Pay the iVisa processing fee online on our secure platform.

After the payment, you’ll receive a step-by-step guide on how to complete the rest of the application, which documents to gather, and how to prepare for your appointment.

Step 3: Upload the required documents and attend the mandatory visa interview at the UK Visa Application Center near you.

After your interview, the UK immigration authorities will make a decision. When approved, the visa will be placed in your passport.

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Costs and processing time of the UK Standard Visitor Visa

The UK Visa fees and processing time consist of two parts:

iVisa processing: The online process of the UK Visit Visa through us takes up to 30 days for a processing fee of USD $209.99.
Government processing: The government UK Visa fee is **USD $127.00, excluding the iVisa processing fee. The processing time depends on the workload and your circumstances. We recommend applying at least two months in advance.

Where can I learn more?

If you have more questions about the UK Standard Visitor Visa application as an Indian citizen or any other travel document, contact our customer support team online or WhatsApp*.