South Africans are increasingly looking to move to the UK, whether for business, work, study, or to experience the country’s top education system, strong economy, and high quality of life. If you’re planning to live, work, or visit the UK, you’ll need to understand the different types of UK visas available. This guide will help you find the right visa and explain the application process.
Types of UK Visas for South Africans
Visitor Visas
Standard Visitor Visa
This visa is for short stays in the UK. You can use it for tourism, medical treatment, attending conferences, or visiting family and friends. The visa usually allows you to stay for up to 6 months.
- Who can apply?
Anyone who wants to visit the UK for a short stay and can show they can support themselves financially during the trip. This includes proof of funds, return tickets, and any business-related activities if applicable.
Marriage Visitor Visa
This visa is for individuals who want to get married or enter into a civil partnership in the UK, but who do not plan to stay long-term.
Parent of a Tier 4 Child Visa
If your child is studying in the UK at an independent school, you can apply for a parent visa to visit them. You can stay for 6 or 12 months, depending on the circumstances.
Transit Visa
If you’re passing through the UK on the way to another country, you may need a transit visa. There are two types:
- Direct Airside Transit Visa (DATV) – if you are not going through UK border control.
- Visitor in Transit Visa – if you need to pass through UK border control but will leave within 48 hours.
Work Visas
Tier 5 – Temporary Worker Visas
If you want to work in the UK temporarily, the Tier 5 visa could be the right choice. This includes several sub-categories:
- Charity Worker Visa – For those doing unpaid work with a UK charity.
- Religious Worker Visa – For religious activities like preaching or working in a religious order.
- Creative and Sporting Visa – For professionals in creative industries or sportspeople.
- Youth Mobility Scheme Visa – For young people (18-30) who want to live and work in the UK for up to two years.
- Government Authorised Exchange Visa – For those taking part in training, research, or work experience under a government-approved scheme.
- International Agreement Visa – For workers coming to the UK under international agreements, such as diplomats or workers for foreign governments.
Long-Term Work Visas
- Skilled Worker Visa – For those with a job offer in the UK for a skilled position. This replaced the Tier 2 visa.
- Intra-Company Transfer Visa – For employees of multinational companies transferring to the UK office.
- Minister of Religion Visa – For religious workers like missionaries or members of religious orders.
- Sportsperson Visa – For elite athletes or coaches who want to work in the UK in their sport.
Sole Representative Visa
This visa allows senior employees of overseas businesses to set up a UK branch or representative office for their company.
Business and Investment Visas
Innovator Visa
For entrepreneurs with an innovative business idea who want to set up in the UK. You must have an endorsed business idea and show that your venture is viable and scalable.
Start-up Visa
This is for early-stage entrepreneurs who want to start a business in the UK. It is similar to the Innovator Visa but has a broader eligibility range, and you don’t need to have investment funds.
Investor Visa
For individuals willing to invest at least £2 million in the UK. This can be in the form of government bonds, company shares, or loans to UK businesses.
Exceptional Talent Visa
Global Talent Visa
This visa is for individuals who are leaders or emerging talent in specific fields such as:
- Engineering
- Science
- Medicine
- Digital technology
- Architecture
- Humanities
- The arts
- Film and television
Applicants must receive an endorsement from a relevant UK body in their field of expertise.
Study Visas
Child Student Visa
This visa is for children aged 4 to 17 who wish to study at an independent school in the UK.
Student Visa
For students aged 16 or older who have been accepted into a UK educational institution. You will need to show proof of funds and meet English language requirements.
Short-Term Study Visa
If you are coming to the UK for a short English language course (6 to 11 months), you can apply for this visa.
English Language Requirements
Most UK visa applicants must prove their ability to speak and understand English. You can do this by:
- Taking an approved English language test
- Providing evidence of an English-taught degree or qualification
- Being from a majority English-speaking country
Applying for a UK Visa
To apply for a UK visa, you must:
- Determine the visa type that best matches your situation.
- Submit the required documents, which may include proof of funds, employment details, or educational qualifications.
- Pay the visa application fee and, in some cases, the healthcare surcharge.
- Attend a biometric appointment (for fingerprints and photographs).
It’s important to prepare your documents carefully to avoid delays or refusals.
Whether you are looking to visit, work, invest, or study in the UK, there are a variety of visa options for South Africans. With the right preparation, you can navigate the UK visa process and take advantage of the opportunities the UK has to offer.
At Law and Visas, we provide expert advice and assistance to help you choose the right UK visa and guide you through the application process smoothly. Reach out to us to start your UK visa journey today!
