Family visit visa

[Guemlum]

I really should know this answer based on previous applications, but any guidance would be appreciated.

 

If my wife applies for a UK family visit visa 3 months in advance of her intended travel date of the 14/12/16, does the visa start from the date of her arrival in the UK or from the time the visa is issued, which in this case if she applied on the 14/09/16 it could be granted around the end of September?

 

Guemlum

[MaprangHolmes]

You can ask for the visa to be post dated for up to 3 months for for example you apply today you can ask for it to start in 3 months time. Do check when you get the passport back as it has been known for the request to be missed.

 

The visa will start from the date of issue unless you do ask for it too start at a latter time.

 

Hope it helps

[7by7]

UK visas always start from the issue date or the requested start date; whichever is the later.

 

As well as putting the required start date in the relevant part of the application form, I recommend putting it in your sponsor's letter as well.

 

As said above; check the start date as soon as the passport is received back; although to be fair missing such requests seem to have become rarer than previously.

 

Remember, though, that although the visa can be used to enter the UK at any time between it's start and expiry dates, it cannot be used before the start date.

 

BTW, the category of family visit visa no longer exists; it has been combined with most other categories into standard visitor visa.

 

Although, if memory serves, when asked for the reason for visit one of the options is to visit family!

[Guemlum]

Thank you both, and thanks 7by7 for mentioning the visa "name change". I wasn't aware it had?.

 

guemlum

[Guemlum]

The application form does not list a "standard visitor visa" and simply gives you the option of the following...

 

Reason for Vist - Visit

Visa type - Family

Visa Sub Type - Visit Family 6 months.

 

Guemlum

 

[sandyf]

9 hours ago, MaprangHolmes said:

You can ask for the visa to be post dated for up to 3 months for for example you apply today you can ask for it to start in 3 months time. Do check when you get the passport back as it has been known for the request to be missed.

 

The visa will start from the date of issue unless you do ask for it too start at a latter time.

 

Hope it helps

I never asked for any start date and it started the day we left Thailand, and arrived in the UK. As there is no requirement for tickets it must have been taken from the intended date of travel.

[sandyf]

28 minutes ago, Guemlum said:

The application form does not list a "standard visitor visa" and simply gives you the option of the following...

 

Reason for Vist - Visit

Visa type - Family

Visa Sub Type - Visit Family 6 months.

 

Guemlum

 

Standard visitor visa is a generic term. The format of the application form will vary according to the selections made under the 3 headings you have quoted.

[theoldgit]

Post doubting other members experience removed, together with a robust response.

 

Whilst it's true to say that UK visit visas were always dated, and thus valid for travel, from the date of issue, unless the applicant requested that the visa be post dated, there have been a number of members who have advised that visas were now being dated from the proposed date of travel. 

[7by7]

10 hours ago, theoldgit said:

Whilst it's true to say that UK visit visas were always dated, and thus valid for travel, from the date of issue, unless the applicant requested that the visa be post dated, there have been a number of members who have advised that visas were now being dated from the proposed date of travel. 

 

Indeed; and surely the date of travel entered by the applicant on the form is also the date from which they wish the visa to start?

 

However, as said previously, if the issue date is after this proposed date of travel then that is when the visa will commence.

[Richard W]

15 minutes ago, 7by7 said:

 

Indeed; and surely the date of travel entered by the applicant on the form is also the date from which they wish the visa to start?

That's OK unless the date is merely the best estimate.  For example, by the time the visa is received, there may no longer be suitable seats available, so a different date must be chosen.  Normally, it might be earlier or later, on a less suitable day of the week.

[7by7]

It would need to be later as the visa cannot be used before it's start date.

 

Of course, pre planning and applying in good time, although no more than three months ahead of course, means that seats should be available at a reasonable cost on the day required, or at worst within the following week.

 

At least, we have always found that to be so.