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The visitor visa is the most popular single
route for individuals coming to the UK for tourism, to visit family or for business or other special purpose visits.
In line with the recent review of the UK immigration system by the government,
new rules have been implemented from 27 November 2008 to reform specific
categories of the “visitor” visa.
The idea behind this reform is to ensure that visitors clearly understand the range of activities they are allowed to
undertake whilst in the UK on a visitor visa.
Reasons why you may wish to visit the UK
There are numerous reasons why an individual may wish to come to the UK for a
short period. In addition to visiting family, sightseeing or visiting on
business, people may wish to visit the UK to get married or undertake a civil
partnership ceremony, arrange plans for studying in the UK, undertake a short
course, attend important events, visit the UK as a representative of a company
or conduct research or sit a test/exam in the UK.
General requirements for coming to the UK as a
visitor
Individuals intending to visit the UK must be able to demonstrate that they
wish to visit the UK for no more than six months and that they will be leaving
the UK at the end of the visit. In addition, individuals must be able to show
that they have sufficient finds to maintain and accommodate themselves (and any
dependants) without assistance from UK public funds.
The exceptions to this general rule are for
‘academic visitors and ‘parents of children at school in the UK” who are
entitled to stay in the UK for a maximum period of 12 months.
Categories of the “Visitor Visa”
It is important that if you intend to visit the UK that you apply for the
correct category of visitor visa before entering the country as you are
required to comply with the conditions on your visa. Any breach of visa
conditions during your stay in the UK may result in adverse consequences; and
it is therefore recommended that you ensure that your intentions for coming to
the UK are adequately reflected in the type of visitor visa you apply for.
The different categories of “Visitor Visa” are as follows:
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Business Visitors
- Academic visitors
- Advisers, consultants,
trainers, trouble shooters who are employed abroad by the same company
which has the UK branch
- Individuals undertaking
specific, one –off training in techniques and UK work practices or coming
for business meetings/negotiations
- Visitors under the UK/China Approved Destination Status (ADS) Agreement
Visitors under the UK/China Approved Destination Status (ADS) Agreement
If you are a national of the People’s Republic
of China and you simply wish to enter the UK for a short visit, you may apply
as a visitor under the UK/China Approved Destination Status (ADS) Agreement.
A. Requirements
1. You will need to demonstrate that you are a
national of the People’s Republic of China.
2. You will be required to demonstrate that you
only wish to enter the UK for a short time, not exceeding 30 days.
3. You must be able to show that you intend to
enter the UK, travel within the UK and exit the UK only as a member of a
tourist group of 5 people or more under the ADS Memorandum of Understanding.
4. You must be able to show that you have no
intention of working or studying or conducting business in the UK.
5. You must be able to show that you intend to
leave the UK after your visit and demonstrate that you can meet the cost of the
return or onward journey.
6. 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 will be financially
supporting and/or accommodating you.
B. Activities not permitted under the UK/China
Approved Destination Status (ADS) Agreement visa
- You must not take employment in
the UK
- You must not study in the UK
- 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 not receive a
salary/remuneration from the UK
C. Documents required
If you wish to apply as a visitor under the
UK/China Approved Destination Status (ADS) Agreement, you should ensure that
you have the following documentation:
- Confirmation that you are a
national of the People’s Republic of China
- Confirmation and details of the
purpose you are going to the UK for
- 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 and
any other assets
D. Extension & Switching
The maximum you can stay in the UK is 30
days under this category of visa. You can be granted leave to enter the UK
under this category subject to a condition prohibiting employment and provided
you hold an ADS Agreement visit visa.
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. This could even result in you
being banned from re-entering the UK for a certain period of time.
E. Right of Appeal
Applicants can be refused a visa to enter the UK as a special
visitor and would normally receive a
detailed letter explaining the reasons for refusal.
Only applicants who are applying to visit 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 visa as a visitor under the UK/China Approved Destination Status
(ADS) Agreement, they should seek legal advice on the procedure for submitting
a fresh application.
F. Our Services
- We can advise on the procedure
of making an application as a visitor under the ‘China Approved
Destination Status (ADS) Agreement application and discuss the merits of
your application.
- We can advise on the procedure involved
for applying for dependant 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.
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