Different Types of UK Visas Available for Dubai Residents

If you want to visit the UK, you are required to apply for a visa to be allowed entry into the country. It is mandatory for all visitors who intend to stay more than 90 days no matter the nationality.

 It is also a must for non EEA-nationals to obtain a visitor’s visa if they will be staying in the UK for less than 90 days.  The only nationals who can enter the UK visa free and stay in the country for up to 90 days are nationals from EEA countries.

There are different types of UK visas you can obtain depending on how long you want to stay in the UK and the reason for the visit. You can either apply for a short or long term visa. Before you are issued with a UK visa you have to submit your application. You have to fill in the application form online. The application is completed through the UK government website. 

When applying for the UK visa from Dubai, you have to convince the visa issuing authority you meet the eligibility for the type of visa you are applying for and attach supporting documents. The UK government has introduced a new points based system and when applying for a visa, there are a certain points you have to score to be deemed eligible and granted the visa you are applying for. 

In this article, we will discuss different types of UK visas you can apply as a Dubai resident. It can be a long or short term visa. Continue reading to find out more!

What Is a UK VISA? 

A UK visa refers to a stamp in your passport or document granted by the British consulate or embassy in your home country granting your permit to enter the UK. 

It is a requirement to obtain a UK visa whether you are visiting the country for a few days or long term. With the visa it shows you are entering the country legally. 

Different Types of UK Visas

There are a number of UK visas available and you can apply for them based on your reason for visiting the country and how long. Below are Different types of UK visas Available for Dubai Residents.

1. Partner Visas 

If one partner is living in the UK and wants to join him or her, this is the visa you are supposed to apply for. The partner can be a civil partner, spouse, unmarried partner, and fiancé or same-sex partner.

After you are granted this visa, you are allowed to enter and stay in the UK provided you are in a civil partnership with a British citizen partner or partner who holds UK settled status.

 It is a must if the partner is a British national, has settled in the UK or is from the EU or has pre-settled status. There is no limitation on how long you can stay in the UK using this visa. 

2. Visitor Visa 

A Visitor’s visa also known as tourist visa is a short term visa which you should apply for if you are visiting the UK for tourism, short stays or similar reasons. This visa doesn’t allow you to work in the UK. 

Among the requirements you have to meet before you are issued with this visa include proof you will leave the UK after the end of your visit and proof of enough funds to cover your expenses during your stay in the UK. If you have to make a trip to the UK occasionally, you should opt for a long-term Standard Visitor visa which lasts 2, 5 or 10 years.

3. Family Visas

If you have relatives living in the UK and you want to visit them, there are different types of UK family visas you can obtain for a reunion. You can be eligible to apply for UK visa if you meet the below criteria: 

• Your family member/spouse is a British Citizen
• Your family member/spouse has ILR of settled status
• You have an eligible relationship with an individual in the UK with refugee status or humanitarian protection

Among the type of UK family visa you can apply for is Child dependent visa. This visa allows your children to join you in the UK. The other type of UK family visa is the Adult dependent visa. It allows you adult relatives requiring care in the UK to join you.

 It is important to know if you want to join your partner in the UK, you have to apply for a partner visa. If you are married to a British citizen or settled person, you can apply for a Spouse Visa. If you are in a civil partnership with a British citizen or settled person you can apply for an Unmarried Partner Visa. If you intend to get married to a British partner or register a civil partnership you can apply for a Fiancé Visa.

4. Student Visa 

The United Kingdom is among the countries with the highest number of international students in Europe because there are many world-class educational institutions in the country. If you want to study in the UK you ought to apply for the Student visa. 

After you have been issued with the UK student visa, you are permitted to enter the UK, enroll for the studies and stay in the country up to the duration of the studies. Among the requirements which you have to meet for your UK student visa to be approved is an offer to study on a course from a registered UK educational facility.

Other requirements demonstrate your level of English luggage and you have enough money to cover your studies and other expenses while staying in the UK without requiring public fund support. 

The duration you can stay in the UK using a student visa depends on the number of years you will have to take to complete the studies. There are also short-term study visas which you can apply for and will allow you to study in the UK for less or up to 6 months. 

If you are below 18 years, you can apply for a Child student visa. You ought to be between 4-17 years to qualify for this visa and will; be allowed to study in the UK for over 6 months. 

5. Business Visas 

If you want to start a business in the UK or you are an investor, innovator or global business mobility worker, this is the visa you have to apply for to be allowed to start business in the UK.
There are different types of business visas and all differ in terms of duration they allow the holders to stay in the country. There is a type of business visa which offers an eventual opportunity to become a permanent resident.
After you are allowed to start a business in the UK, as an employer you have to give opportunity to all employees’ right to work. Also, you have to ensure the employees have the supporting documents and correct visas before you employ them.
Before you apply for the UK business visa, you have to select the appropriate type of UK business visa which suits your circumstance and personal business. Each type of business visa eligibility criteria and requirements differs. Hence, ensure you read and understand them before submitting your application. 

6. Work Visas

If you want to start working or getting employed in the UK, you have to apply for the work visa. There are different types of UK work visa and you should apply for the right one depending on your circumstances such as the kind of work you will be doing and your reason for coming to the UK.

If you have the UK visa and other supporting documents such you are qualified for the work, it is the responsibility of the employers in the UK offer you a chance to work. You should prepare these documents because without them no employer can employ you in the UK. Below are types of the UK work visas. 

• Skilled Worker Visa
• Temporary Worker Visa
• Youth Mobility Scheme Visa
• Paid Permitted Engagement Visa
• Sportsperson Visa
• Minister of Religion Visa
• Intra-Company Transfer Visa
• High Potential Individual Visa

7. UK Transit Visas

If you have to make a layover in the UK on your way to a third destination or country, you may be required to obtain a transit visa. When applying for a UK transit visa you have to:

• Be on transit to a another destination 
• Have sufficient funds 
• Show book flight ticket to your third destination 
• Prove you will be allowed to enter the country or destination you are travelling to
• Prove your reason for entry to the UK is solemnly for transit

You can apply for a long-term transit visa if you show proof you will be transit through the UK occasionally. The validity of the long term transit visa can be two, five, or 10 years and each visit is limited to 48 hours.

Based on whether you will have to pass through the immigration or not, you can either apply for a direct airside transit visa or a visitor in transit visa. You should check if it is a must to apply for the UK transit visa because there are nationals who are exempted. 

8. UK Refugee Visa

If you have been forced to flee your country and you have a valid reason, you can be issued with a UK temporarily refugee visa. There are different types of the visas differing on the time you are allowed to stay in the UK. 

FAQS

What is the most common type of UK visas? 

The common types of the UK visas are study visas, work visas, or short-term visit visas. 

What are UK visa requirements?

The UK visa requirements differ depending on the type of visa you are applying for.  You should first determine the type of visa you want to obtain and then requirements. 

How do I know if I need a UK visa?

If you are Dubai resident and not certain if you need to apply for the UK visa or not, you should seek Arooha tours visa expert guidance.