UK standard visitor visa: “The earliest you can apply is 3 months before you travel” meaning?

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I am asking about this vague statement that is mentioned on the website of UK.GOV.

The earliest you can apply is 3 months before you travel. (source)

It says you can apply three months from your travel date. If I intend to travel to the UK on the 1st of March, can I apply for my visa in January?

Do they mean that you can apply in the three months that are preceding your travel date and you can’t apply earlier or do they mean that you can only apply for a visa before three months of your travel date and no later?



Best Answer

I would consider 3 months as 90 days as this is typically how the Home Office/UKVI count things. In your case that would mean you could apply from the 1st of December.

I would also add that this 3 month rule is VERY loosely enforced. They are more flexible on this since Covid given the difficulties in actually being able to book flights, quarantine etc.




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Can I apply UK visa earlier than 3 months?

The earliest you can apply is usually: 3 months before your planned travel date for visit visas. 3 months before your employment start date for most work visas. 6 months before your course start date for Student and Child Student visas.

How far in advance can you apply for a UK visitor visa?

You must apply for a Standard Visitor visa online before you travel to the UK. A Standard Visitor visa costs \xa3100 for up to 6 months. The earliest you can apply is 3 months before you travel. If you visit the UK regularly, you can choose to apply for a long-term Standard Visitor visa instead.

Can we travel 3 months before course start to UK?

The earliest you can apply is 3 months before your course starts. You must apply before your current visa expires. Your new course must begin within 28 days of your current visa expiring. You'll usually get a decision within 8 weeks.

How far in advance can you apply for a visa?

We recommend highly that applicants start the application process about 3 months in advance of their intended date of travel since appointments are usually full 2-3 months in advance. Also, visa applications are now subject to a greater degree of scrutiny than in the past.



Standard Visitor Visa UK Documents




Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.

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