Planning to travel to the United Kingdom? The UK provides tourists with extensive historical and cultural attractions while welcoming approximately 40 million international visitors annually. Your journey into the country becomes hassle-free through the UK Visit Visa which functions to assist your entry.
The UK Visit Visa provides the following reasons for applying:
The visa category known as Standard Visitor Visa serves those who want to enter the United Kingdom for tourism and business activities and short-term educational purposes. The visa provides 6-month stays while it allows different types of activities including holiday trips and professional gatherings and social visits to family members.
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Canadian passport holders need to obtain the Standard Visitor Visa when planning to go to the UK.
The visa application needs the following steps:
Step 1: An online application form needs to be completed first.
Step 2: Book an appointment to visit a visa application centre as part of the process.
Step 3: Present the correct documents which include financial statements and travel arrangements and proof of funds.
Step 4: Submit your application at least three months before your planned trip date.
The benefits of a UK Tourist Visa include the following advantages:
Standard Visitor Visa in the UK includes various visit visa choices for travellers. These visas enable people to stay in the UK for up to six months based on their travel purposes. The UK Visit Visa serves Canadian citizens and international passport holders who wish to enter the country for various purposes.
Canadian applicants who want to obtain a UK Visit Visa need to meet the following eligibility criteria:
Individuals from Canada who apply for a UK Visit Visa need to meet the following requirements:
The first step to obtain a UK Tourist Visa from Canada requires you to determine the right visa category.
Step 1: Submit your visa application through their online system.
Step 2: Schedule your visa application appointment at a location that is close to you.
Step 3: Submit the necessary documentation which includes your passport along with photographs and financial statements.
Step 4: During the appointment you will need to provide your fingerprints and photographs for the biometric information.
Step 5: Await your visa decision within three weeks following the submission of your online application.
The table below has a complete breakdown of the UK visit visa fees:
| Type of Visa | Visa Fee in Pounds | Maximum length of stay |
| Standard Visitor visa | £115 | 6 months |
| Standard Visitor visa for medical reasons | £200 | 11 months |
| Standard Visitor visa for academics | £200 | 12 months |
| 2 year long-term Standard Visitor visa | £400 | 6 months per visit |
| 5-year long-term Standard Visitor visa | £771 | 6 months per visit |
| 10-year long-term Standard Visitor visa | £963 | 6 months per visit |
| Transit Visa | £64 | 24-48 hours |
The table below has a complete breakdown of the UK processing time:
| UK Visit Visa | Processing time |
| Standard Visitor | 3 weeks |
| Permitted Paid Engagement | 3 weeks |
| Marriage Visitor | 3 weeks |
| Transit | 3 weeks |
Y-Axis identifies the best strategy for a successful visa application.
Y-Axis has the knowledge and experience to guide you in the visa application procedure.
The UK Visit Visa applications from Canada require three main elements:
People visiting friends or family need to provide an invitation letter. Most applicants need to book a biometrics appointment at a VFS Global visa centre. The UK government needs to see evidence that you will return to Canada and that you have no plans to work or live in the UK. You need to present all documents in English or provide official translations.
Applying to visit the UK from Canada starts with the online application process. You can follow the below steps to visit the UK from Canada:
Step 1: Complete the official application form for Standard Visitor Visa
Step 2: Pay the visa fee before booking an appointment for biometrics.
Step 3: Submit your passport along with your travel plans, financial proof and any applicable invitation letter.
Step 4: Attend your appointment to submit biometrics and documents.
Step 5: Track your application status by using the online platform or receiving optional SMS notifications.
Note: You will receive instructions to retrieve your passport with the visa sticker once your application gets approval.
Canadian citizens do not require visas for visiting the UK during short periods which last for up to 6 months and include tourism and family and business visits. Individuals travelling to the UK need to follow Standard Visitor visa regulations while those with a foreign passports while living in Canada such as Indian passport holders who have Canadian PR need to apply for a UK visa before their arrival. Use the UK visa eligibility tool which matches your nationality for proper verification.
The standard processing period for UK visitor visas from Canada lasts 15 working days which equals approximately 3 weeks after your biometric data submission. The time needed to process your application may extend during peak travel seasons and when you need to submit additional documents. You may opt for the Priority Visa service to expedite your application and reduce the processing time to 5 working days by paying an additional fee. Submit your application with enough time since processing and passport return times require 4 to 6 weeks minimum.
The current cost of a Standard Visitor Visa for Canadians to the UK is around £115 GBP that is $195 CAD, valid for six months. You can access faster visa processing through the Priority Visa service which may cost you around £500 GBP (~$850 CAD). You must submit your fees through the online system when you apply and these payments are non-refundable even if your visa gets denied.
Step 1: Choose your visa type and then complete the application form.
Step 2: Pay the visa fee online and use the VFS Global system to book your biometrics appointment.
Step 3: Gather documents including passport and financial statements as well as return tickets and accommodation details and cover letters which you will present during your appointment.
Step 4: Use the online tracking system to follow your visa application status.
Step 5: The visa process generally requires 15 working days for completion.
Canadian permanent residents who hold foreign passports must request a UK Visitor Visa before entering the country. People holding Indian passports with Canadian PR status must complete their UK visa application before going to the UK along with application and biometrics submission. You should use the UK visa checker tool to determine your eligibility based on your nationality.
The UK tourist visa or Standard Visitor visa cannot be converted into a work permit or any other long-term visa type while you are in the United Kingdom. If you plan to work in the UK you need to go back to Canada and then make a Skilled Worker Visa application. The UK immigration rules specifically prohibit visa category changes on a visit visa within the country which could lead to denial or future restrictions.
There is no official restriction on the number of times visitors may apply to the UK through visa applications. To maintain a visitor visa status you must not exceed 180 days in the UK within a 12-month time frame. Each application must be submitted for genuine tourism family visits or business trips while maintaining proper documentation. Misusing the visa may result in visa refusal or a ban from entering the country again.
The process to apply for a UK Visitor Visa takes about 15 working days once your biometric data has been submitted. The procedure needs 3 weeks to conclude and does not include weekends and public holidays. To expedite your travel you can select the Priority Visa service which reduces the processing time to 5 business days if you pay an additional fee. The processing duration of visa applications depends on their volume at the time so it is best to submit your application at least one month before your planned departure.
