UK Standard Visitor Visas: Increasingly hard to obtain

In theory, UK Standard Visitor Visas should be straight forward to obtain. They offer short-term visits for travellers who want to visit the UK. However, in practice we frequently come across clients who tried to apply for Visitor Visas by themselves and were refused for a variety of reasons. This is because the process can become complicated and complex, which means careful preparation of the applications and relevant evidence is needed.

Visitor visas are something we regularly secure for our clients. Below, we have provided two examples.

Client One

The first client (a Brazilian National) had previously tried entering the UK in 2024 as a visitor and was refused entry at the border and even put into detention. We submitted a Judicial Review on her behalf which was successful, and costs were granted in our favour.

The client wanted to re-visit the UK in early 2025. We advised her to apply for a visitor visa because she was very shaken up by her first visit and time in detention. By applying for a visitor visa in advance, she was able to have valid entry clearance before even getting on the plane, and therefore felt reassured at the border. The application we made for her visa was accepted and she was able to enter the UK without any issues.

Client Two

The second client tried to enter the UK as a visitor on Christmas Day in 2024 and was refused entry at the border. He came to visit his girlfriend, but he had strong ties to his country of origin including employment and family connections (including his elderly father and four children). He also had a return ticket but he was still refused entry because the Home Office did not believe he was a genuine visitor. Unfortunately, he was put in detention and removal directions were set.

When we were instructed we prepared a pre-action protocol letter which got removal directions cancelled. We then filed a judicial review and got the client released from detention. The Home Office reviewed our submissions and decided to reconsider their refusal before the matter went to court. We are currently waiting for the outcome which could take up to three months. While his case was ongoing, the client was able to stay with his girlfriend and have the UK trip that he wanted.

Our client and his girlfriend were very happy. She wrote the following on our Review Solicitors page: “Excellent, use agane [again]. I advise everyone to contact this company.”

Razan AlMusawi dealt with these visitor visa applications, under Sashi Pararajasingam’s supervision.

Our extensive experience in visitor visas for clients means we are well placed to help you. Please give us a call today if this is something you need assistance with, or find out more here.