Visitor visas in the UK allow you to travel for short term stays of up to six months and can be used for the following:

• short term business visa, 
• a tourist visa for UK holidays
• an academic visit visa
• a marriage visitor visa to get married or enter into civil partnership- need to apply for a ‘marriage visitor visa’
• private medical treatment –special rules apply
• Research work, recreational course, etc.
• Short-term courses

You can also apply for a long-term standard visit visa for 2years, 5years or 10years. However, you can stay for a maximum of 6months continuously for any given period. 

► You cannot:

• do paid or unpaid work for a UK company or as a self-employed person
• claim public funds (benefits)
• live in the UK for long periods of time through frequent or successive visits

Evidence/documents required

• An estimate for the cost of your visit as well proof of sufficient funds such as bank statements.
• Consent from parents if below 18 years of age.
• Intention to return to your country. This is usually your flight tickets but can be demonstrated through other ways.
• Sufficient money in your bank account or that of your parents if below 18.
• Proof of income such as tax returns or payslips
• Proof of accommodation such as letter from friend or hotel reservation.

If you want to study for more than 6 months

You’ll need to apply for either a:

• Short-term study visa – for English Language courses up to 11 months
• Student visa – for courses run by licensed student sponsors such as Universities.
• Child Student visa – to study at an independent school if you’re between 4 and 17 years old

Remedies after a refusal:

1. Administrative Review-you cannot submit new evidence and the application goes to the Home Office itself but another team reconsiders the application. An ‘appeal’ as opposed to a ‘Review’ can only be brought on human rights grounds.

NB: there is no review option for a standard visitor visa.

2. Fresh application- Often this is suggested as errors can be rectified. 

3. Apply for a judicial review