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UK Visa

Introduction

The UK is one of the first countries that attracts many immigrants from around the world each year for purposes such as tourism, education, work, or investment. Its numerous features and advantages—such as the official language being English, having some of the best universities in the world, and offering high-quality education—along with its advanced political, social, and cultural systems, as well as its strong economy and job market, have made Britain a popular migration destination for centuries among European countries.

Iranians need a visa to travel to the UK. The UK has strict regulations and conditions for issuing visas, and success in obtaining a visa is mainly for those who are well-informed and utilize experienced advisors. At Parex, with over two decades of successful experience, we are here to help you secure a UK visa in the shortest time possible.

Currently, the UK is neither part of the European Union nor the Schengen Area and has its own independent visa. A UK visa allows travel to all countries and regions of the United Kingdom, including England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. With a UK visa, you can also travel to countries like Mexico, Panama, Jamaica, Belarus, and Peru.

Types of UK Visas

The UK offers various types of visas, each tailored to the purpose of travel, length of stay, and individual circumstances. Here, we outline five of the most important types of UK visas:

  • Family Visa: For those looking to join family members in the UK.
  • Student Visa: For individuals intending to study at UK educational institutions.
  • Work Visa: For those seeking employment in the UK.
  • Tourist Visa: For travelers visiting the UK for leisure purposes.

Additionally, there are other visa types such as transit visas, business visas, investment visas, and marriage visas. Some of these, like the business visa, fall under the category of tourist visas.

UK Family Visa

This visa is issued to foreigners whose spouse or family members are UK citizens or residents, allowing them to join their family in the UK and live there for more than six months. Eligible family members in the UK can include a spouse or partner, parents, children, or a British citizen willing to support the applicant’s living arrangements.

Requirements for the Family Visa Applicant

  • Must be at least 18 years old
  • Must provide official documentation to prove family relationships
  • Must have no criminal record in the UK or abroad
  • The inviter must have adequate and suitable accommodation for the applicant to live with them
  • The applicant must plan to live with their family after arriving in the UK

UK Student Visa

With a UK student visa, you can study at some of the best universities in the world and gain highly respected qualifications that enhance your global job prospects. While studying, you are allowed to work part-time, and upon completion of your studies, you can obtain a two-year post-study work visa to search for employment. The UK student visa is categorized into four types:

Child Student Visa

 For children aged 4 to 17 who are accepted into UK schools. A parent can also receive a dependent visa. This visa is valid until the end of the child’s course of study.

Student Visa

For individuals over 17 who have been accepted into a college or university in the UK. This visa is valid until the end of the enrolled course.

Short-term Study Visa

Designed for short-term courses, such as English language training or design courses lasting less than a year (6 to 11 months). This visa does not permit work, does not allow for dependent visas, and cannot be extended.

UK Global Talent Visa

Issued annually to 500 top talents and exceptional individuals from around the world.

UK Work Visa

The UK work visa operates on a points-based system, making the application process challenging and complex. The main requirements and documents needed to apply for a work visa include:

  • An IELTS language certificate.
  • A minimum of £4,000 in savings for three months in Iran.
  • A job offers from a UK company with a minimum annual salary of £26,000.

There are various types of UK work visas, but here we will focus on the Skilled Worker Visa.

Skilled Worker Visa

This is one of the most popular and common work visas in the UK, issued as a long-term visa for individuals with specific skills. It is divided into four categories:

  • General Work Visa: For skilled workers in various professions.
  • Intra-company Transfer Visa: For employees of companies with branches in the UK.
  • Sportsperson Visa: For professional athletes coming to the UK to compete or train.
  • Religious Worker Visa: For individuals coming to the UK to perform religious duties.

UK Tourist Visa

The UK is a popular tourist destination, attracting millions of international visitors each year. Many foreigners, including Iranians, require a visa to enter and travel within the UK. The tourist visa is intended for purposes such as sightseeing, visiting friends and family, attending business meetings, participating in seminars and conferences, or enrolling in short-term courses. Therefore, when applying for a tourist visa, it is essential to demonstrate that your trip is genuinely for tourism through your stated goals and supporting documents.

Holders of this visa are not allowed to study or work in the UK, and it cannot be converted to another visa type or to a residency status. The UK tourist visa typically has an initial validity of six months and is usually issued as a multiple-entry visa. Subsequent visas can be valid for two years. If a traveller needs to make frequent trips to the UK and provides documentation of necessary travels, they may qualify for a long-term visa valid for two, five, or even up to ten years.

It is important to note that no type of tourist visa allows for studying or working, and continuous residency in the UK is not permitted. Additionally, the visa type cannot be changed. Each visit allows for a maximum stay of six months.

Requirements for the UK Tourist Visa Applicant

  • Valid Passport: Must hold a passport that is not expired
  • No Criminal Record: Must have a clean criminal history
  • Good Physical and Mental Health: Must be in good health
  • Sufficient Funds: Must have enough money for the trip to the UK and provide bank statements to the embassy
  • Travel History: Previous travel to important countries (e.g., Schengen Area, Canada, the USA, Japan, Australia) is beneficial
  • Ties to Home Country: Must demonstrate family, professional, and property ties to Iran, indicating intent to return after the trip

Identification Documents

  • Original and Copies of Passport: The applicant's passport must be valid for at least one year, including all old passports with visas.
  • Photocopies of Visa Pages: Copies of all pages with visas or stamps.
  • Affidavit Form: To be completed if there are no old passports.
  • Completed Visa Application Form: A filled-out form for the UK visa.
  • Recent Photographs: Four colour passport-sized photos (4.5 x 3.5 cm) with a white background.
  • Birth Certificate, National ID, and Marriage Certificate: Relevant personal documents.
  • Military Service Document: For males, a completion or exemption certificate.
  • School Enrolment Certificate: If traveling with children.
  • Personal and Family Information Form: To be completed separately for each applicant.
  • Notarized Consent: For children traveling without one parent.
  • Medical Certificate: Confirming physical and mental health.

Financial Documents

  • Bank Letter: A statement showing six months of account activity in English, stamped and signed by the bank.
  • Property and Investment Documents: Proof of ownership, investment papers, stock purchases, or bank deposits.
  • For Government Employees: Employment letter, ID card, insurance list, and last three payslips.
  • For Employers: Company registration documents, changes, insurance list, last three payslips, and tax payments
  • For Doctors: Medical license, medical board card, clinic license, and latest tax and insurance statements.
  • For Engineers: Engineering license or construction permit.
  • For Business Owners and Freelancers: Operating license, business permit, trade card, insurance, and tax payment records.
  • For Retirees: Retirement order and last two pension payslips.

Invitation Letter

If you have an invitation letter, it should include the following information:

Inviter’s Details

Full name, date of birth, address and phone number in the UK, residency status (citizen, permanent or temporary resident), and job title.

Invitee’s Details

Full name, date of birth, address and phone number in Iran or country of residence, relationship to the inviter, purpose of the trip, length of stay in the UK, entry and exit dates, accommodation details in the UK, and funding source for the trip.

Documents from the Inviter

Proof of citizenship (such as a UK passport or residence card) and additional supporting documents like employment verification, bank statements, tax records, and utility bills can positively influence the visa decision.

Important Points About Documents

  • Translation: All Persian documents must be officially translated into English.
  • Paper Size: All documents should be in A4 size and should not be attached with clips, staples, or pins.
  • Certification: Official translations from a certified translation agency are acceptable for the embassy, but it is recommended to have the documents also verified by the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This increases the UK embassy's confidence in the authenticity and validity of the documents

Tourist Visa Fees for the UK per Person

For each person

The fees for a UK visa are collected by the UK embassy through credit card payments from applicants:

  • Standard 6-Month Tourist Visa: £115
  • Standard 2-Year Tourist Visa: £400
  • Standard 5-Year Tourist Visa: £770
  • Standard 10-Year Tourist Visa: £963
  • 6-Month Visa with Fast Track (5 Days): £615
  • 6-Month Visa with Fast Track (1 Day): £1,115

Steps for Directly Applying for a UK Visa

  • Choose Visa Type: Determine which type of visa you need.
  • Complete Online Visa Application: Fill out the visa application form on the embassy's website (each applicant must submit a separate form).
  • Prepare and Translate Documents: Gather and officially translate the required documents.
  • Book Embassy Appointment: Schedule an appointment at the embassy in Tehran, Turkey, Armenia, or the UAE.
  • Pay Visa Fee Online: Complete the payment for the visa fee online.
  • Submit Documents and Biometrics: Attend the appointment to submit your documents and provide biometrics in person at the embassy.
  • Pick Up Passport: After processing, collect your passport and receive the visa decision.
  • Receive Visa Decision: The visa response will typically be available within 3 to 8 weeks.

Steps for Applying for a UK Tourist Visa Through Parex Company

Important factors can increase the chances of getting a tourist visa, which we mention below.

Consultation and Contract

  • Review the applicant’s conditions and documents with Parex consultants.
  • Draft and sign a contract between Parex (or its representative) and the applicant.
  • Prepare and translate the applicant’s documents for submission to Parex.

Document Preparation by the Applicant

  • Obtain a new passport or renew the old one.
  • Complete the UK visa information forms.
  • Gather employment, property, and financial documents, and translate all necessary paperwork.

Invitation Letter and Case Completion

  • Acquire an invitation letter for the applicant.
  • Complete the applicant’s file through Parex.
  • Prepare and optimize documents like resumes and motivation letters.
  • Reserve hotel and flight accommodations and complete required forms.

Finalizing Visa Application

  • Pay the visa fee and provide biometrics.
  • Schedule a biometrics appointment.

Biometrics

  • Pay the visa fee and provide biometrics.
  • Schedule a biometrics appointment.

Receive Visa Decision

  • Await the visa response, which typically takes 3 to 8 weeks.

Increasing the Chances of Obtaining a UK Tourist Visa

Several important factors can enhance your likelihood of receiving a tourist visa. Here are a few key considerations:

  • Travel History: Having a history of international travel, particularly to countries such as those in the Schengen Area, Japan, South Korea, Brazil, the USA, and Canada, indicates that you are an experienced traveller. It suggests that you are visiting the UK for tourism rather than seeking asylum.
  • Invitation Letter: Receiving an official invitation from close relatives, a university, an employer, an international conference, or a hospital for medical treatment can significantly increase your chances of visa approval.
  • Evidence of Ties to Iran or Your Country of Residence:
    • Family Ties: Having immediate family members (parents, siblings, spouse, children) in Iran can strengthen your application.
    • Employment Ties: Demonstrating a long-term job history, income level, and job position is important.

Reasons for UK Tourist Visa Rejection and Tips for Reapplication

and tips for reapplying

  • Incomplete, Fake, or Ambiguous Documents: Submitting documents that are not complete, forged, or unclear can lead to rejection.
  • Inconsistent or Incomplete Information: Providing inconsistent details in your application can raise red flags.
  • Failure to Submit Criminal Record Certificate: Not providing a police clearance certificate when required can result in denial.
  • Previous Overstay: If you have not left the UK before your visa expiration during past trips, it can negatively impact your application.
  • Criminal Record: A long prison sentence or criminal conviction can disqualify you from obtaining a visa.
  • Insufficient Financial Evidence: Not demonstrating adequate financial means and maintaining a low bank balance can lead to rejection.
  • Lack of Adequate Travel History: Insufficient travel experience, especially to European countries, Japan, Australia, or the USA, can affect your application.
  • Inadequate Job or Ties: Not having a stable job, family ties, or property ownership in your home country can raise concerns about your intent to return.
  • Strong Family Ties in the UK: If many family members reside in the UK, it may suggest you have intentions of overstaying.
  • Security or Criminal Issues: Any security concerns or criminal problems can lead to rejection.
  • Medical Issues: Having specific health problems that could burden the UK’s healthcare system may result in denial.
  • Weak Invitation Letter: An invitation letter that lacks proper documentation or financial support from the inviter can diminish your chances.
  • Unconvincing Visit Purpose: If your stated purpose for visiting the UK is not compelling or your travel timing does not align with that purpose, it can lead to rejection.

Addressing a UK Visa Rejection

If your visa application is rejected, you cannot appeal, but you can reapply without any limits on the number of attempts. To achieve a positive outcome and avoid another rejection, you need to make significant changes to your application. Address any deficiencies that led to the previous rejection. If you cannot rectify the issues, wait until your circumstances improve and reapply with better documentation and conditions.

Useful Information and Tips

Converting Tourist Visa to Work or Study Visa

A UK tourist visa cannot be converted to a work or study visa, and you must leave the UK within a maximum of six months.

Converting Tourist Visa to Permanent Residency

A tourist visa cannot be converted to long-term residency. For permanent immigration, you must first apply through other residency methods such as study, work, or investment.

Processing Time for UK Tourist Visa

It typically takes a minimum of three weeks, but due to embassy congestion, it can extend to six to eight weeks or longer. There are also options for expedited responses in one or five days, which incur additional costs.

Fingerprinting for UK Visa in Tehran

In Tehran, you can schedule fingerprinting appointments and submit documents through VFS. The visa response from Tehran may take 30 to 40 days longer than from neighbouring countries. Appointments can be requested via phone or through the VFS website, and you will receive an email confirmation. Appointments may be scheduled two to eight weeks in advance, available as regular or expedited (for an extra fee).

Financial Requirements

Financial documents and bank statements are crucial for visa issuance. The required amount varies by visa type, but for a tourist visa, it is advisable to have an average of £20,000 to £30,000 per person.

Parex Services for the UK

  • Obtaining Various UK Residency Permits through Skilled Worker Visa
  • Securing UK Tourist Visas
  • Registering Companies or Branches in the UK
  • Getting Educational Admission from UK Universities, Schools, and Educational Institutions
  • Completing Documentation and Forms for UK Tourist Visas
  • Scheduling Embassy Appointments for Visa Applications