Academic Standard Visitor
A step-by-step guide that explains what you need to do during the application process.
How do I apply for a Standard Visitor visa for academics?
Top Tip: You can save your form and complete it at a later time, meaning you don’t need to finish it all at once!
Start your application, here - and don’t forget, you can start this up to 3 months before you travel.
Remember, if you’re applying with your family, each family member will need to have their own application and pay the fee.
You are welcome to apply on behalf of your partner and child if they can’t apply for themselves but they will need to attend their own appointment at a visa application centre.
Next, you can book your appointment at your closest visa application centre. Find your nearest one here, and remember some countries don’t have their own application centre so you may be required to travel for this. It’s a good idea to give yourself plenty of time to book your appointment, in case you need to wait for one.
At the appointment, you’ll be asked to confirm your identity by showing the relevant documents.
This includes:
- showing your passport or travel document to confirm your identity
- smile for the camera and have your fingerprints scanned (otherwise known as biometric information)
- show any other required documents that show you’re able to apply for a Standard Visitor visa as an academic
Also, if the visa application centre holds onto your passport and documents while processing your application, don’t worry, this is completely normal.