Bringing family to visit the UK? Don't leave it to chance.
Expert visit visa support from a regulated UK law firm, from £150. We review your application, make it stronger, and stand behind it.
Visit Visa Eligibility and Common Issues
A visit visa allows individuals to enter the UK for a short period, usually up to six months, for purposes such as tourism, visiting family or friends, attending events, or limited business activities. Although visit visas may appear straightforward, they are frequently refused due to credibility and evidential concerns.
Applicants must satisfy the Home Office that they are genuine visitors who intend to leave the UK at the end of their visit. This includes demonstrating a clear purpose for travel, sufficient funds, accommodation arrangements, and strong ties to their home country. Employment, family responsibilities, financial stability, and travel history are often closely scrutinised.
Why do UK visit visas get refused?
Most visit visas aren’t refused because someone isn’t a genuine visitor; they’re refused because of how the application is put together. The most common reasons we see:
- Funds that look unclear, or sudden large deposits that aren't explained
- Weak evidence of ties to the home country (job, family, property)
- Vague travel plans with no clear itinerary
- A missing or poorly written sponsor letter
- A past refusal that wasn't properly addressed
Can you appeal a visit visa refusal?
In most cases, no. Visit visa refusals do not carry a normal right of appeal. Your options are usually to reapply the right way, fixing every reason for refusal, or, in limited cases, apply for a judicial review. That’s why the first application needs to be right the first time. This is where we help.
How We Help
We offer three clear, fixed-price services, so you can pick the level of support that suits you. Your fee is agreed and fixed from the start, and the final amount depends on how complex your case is.
Full Application — from £450
We handle the whole application from start to finish. We gather and organise your documents and write your supporting letters. We submit the application on your behalf. Best for: applicants who want it completely handled by a law firm
Review and Support Letter — from £250
You prepare it; we review the whole application. We flag anything weak or inconsistent and advise you. We provide a support letter on ZH Law letterhead that backs your case to the Home Office. Best for: those who have done the work but want a law firm behind them.
Our Values
A focused advice session on what you have prepared. Clear, honest guidance on how to make it stronger. You stay in control of your own application. Best for: confident applicants who want an expert second opinion.
After you clear the eligibility criteria our barristers will help you out further.
Why ZH Law?
With our Review + Support Letter service, you get something no applicant can create for themselves:
- A letter on the letterhead of a regulated barristers' chambers
- It explains your case clearly and backs it to the Home Office
- It can be the difference between a decision-maker hesitating and feeling reassured
What you'll need to apply
A strong visit visa application is built on clear, consistent evidence. In most cases that means:
- A passport valid for the whole of your stay
- Around six months of bank statements, stamped or verifiable online
- Proof of employment, studies or income
- Details of where you will stay, and a travel plan
- Evidence of your ties to home, job, family, property or studies
- A sponsor letter and supporting documents, if someone is hosting or funding you
We help make sure each of these tells one clear, credible story. You can download our free Visit Visa Readiness Checklist to see the full list.
How the Application Works
- Apply online at GOV.UK and choose your visa length
- Pay the application fee.
- Give your fingerprints and photo at a visa application centre.
- Upload your supporting documents.
A decision usually takes around three weeks. We can guide you through each step, or handle the whole process for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is there a minimum bank balance for a UK visit visa?
No fixed amount. But you must show you can comfortably cover the trip. Sudden large deposits or money that isn’t explained can trigger a refusal, so financial evidence needs to be clear and consistent.
2. Can I reapply straight after a refusal?
Yes, there’s no waiting period. But reapplying without fixing the original reasons usually fails again. Each concern in the refusal needs to be answered with better evidence.
3. How much does it cost to use a lawyer for a visit visa?
At ZH Law, from £150 for a review and advice consultation, £250 for a review plus a support letter, and from £450 for a full done-for-you application. Final fees depend on the complexity of your case.
4. Do I need a UK sponsor to invite family to visit?
Not legally, but a UK-based sponsor who provides a supporting letter, proof of your relationship, and evidence of funds and accommodation makes a family visit application considerably stronger.
Client testimonials
We are committed to delivering clear, practical advice and robust representation, with a focus on achieving the best possible outcomes for our clients.
Get a free eligibility check on WhatsApp, and know exactly where you stand before you apply.
Contact our team today.
ZH Law provides specialist advocacy, drafting and advice services to solicitors and members of the public.