UK IMMIGRATION NEWS

New UK business visa and special visitor visa rules published

Friday, 7 November 2008

The Home Office have published the Immigration Rules for Business and Special Visitors yesterday.

From 27 November if you wish to come to the UK for a short time to do business or to participate in sporting or creative events you will need to come as a business, sports or entertainment visitor and will be allowed to stay for up to 6 months.

If you are coming for any of the following reasons, you will be allowed to stay for up to six months, unless you are a parent of a child at school in which case you can stay up to twelve months, or a visitor in transit in which case you can stay for 48 hours.

• as a child visitor
• for private medical treatment
• for marriage
• as a parent of a child at school
• as a student visitor
• as a prospective student
• as a visitor in transit

You will need to obtain a visa prior to entering the UK only if you are a visa national.

In all cases you will need to meet the requirements for visitors relating to supporting yourself without working or relying on public funds. You must also intend to leave the UK at the end of your visit and meet the cost of your return or onward journey.

The Home Office is reviewing the arrangements for general short term visits to the UK and expect to announce some changes in 2009. The current Rules will remain effective until then.

If you are interested in UK Visas, contact Migration Expert for information and advice on which visa is best suited to you. You can also try our visa eligibility assessment to see if you are eligible to apply for a visa to the UK.