Procedure for getting parents over for a visit from India

[InUkOnHsmp]

Hi Forum,

I have searched the forum for some posts with definitive information about how to go about getting parents to the UK on a visitor visa, but found bits and pieces of information.

Could someone who has done this earlier elaborate on the following:

1) I hear they can come for a max duration of 6 months, but is it advisable to apply for this duration in the first visitor visa application or should i go for something like 3-4 months initially?
2) What documents will I have to provide to support their application?
3) What forms etc will they have to fill and where would they apply for the visa?
4) My father does not own any property in India anymore would this be a problem?

Pointers to any other gotchas and the overall general procedure for getting the visa would be appreciated.

Regards

[batleykhan]

Hi Forum,

I have searched the forum for some posts with definitive information about how to go about getting parents to the UK on a visitor visa, but found bits and pieces of information.

Could someone who has done this earlier elaborate on the following:

1) I hear they can come for a max duration of 6 months, but is it advisable to apply for this duration in the first visitor visa application or should i go for something like 3-4 months initially?

The visa will be stamped for 6 months irrespective of what you ask for. The maximum is 6 months after which your parents have leave the country. You can not apply for an extension in the UK for this type of visa unless something extreme or tragic happens which prevents them leaving this country


2) What documents will I have to provide to support their application?

You will need documents to show that you can support and accomadate them during their stay here in the UK. These would consist of your employment details, bank statements and proof that you have sufficient room in your house


3) What forms etc will they have to fill and where would they apply for the visa?

Here is a link to the application form your parents will have to complete.
http://www.ukvisas.gov.uk/resources/en/ ... 3073/VAF1B

Your parents need to apply at the nearest British High Commission where they reside

4) My father does not own any property in India anymore would this be a problem?

It could be. Remember your parents need to proove that they will go back to India after the visit. the best way to do this is to show what incentives they have to return home ( saving/jobs/family/land etc are good examples)

Pointers to any other gotchas and the overall general procedure for getting the visa would be appreciated.

Seek and you will find

Regards

[Rozen]

Seek and you will find

Nice one, Batley!

[InUkOnHsmp]

Thanks for the pointers Batley. I also heard that they have to provide return flight tickets to the UK with the application. Will this come in handy?

[Rozen]

I also heard that they have to provide return flight tickets to the UK with the application. Will this come in handy?

Handy, yes. But expensive, if refused and you can't get a refund on them!
In other words, if you have all the other documents in place, return tickets are not very high on the agenda.
It's more about proof of intent to return to home country, and maintenance while in the UK!

[batleykhan]

I would like to think that showing a return ticket will hardly make any difference to the application.

Do you think that showing a return ticket will make the ECO think "oh yes this applicant is genuine as he/she has already purchased a return ticket".

I dont think so. Like Rozen said could work out very expensive especially
if one is refused.

My advice is dont bother with tickets until you get visa in your hand

[MPH80]

Technique I've seen used on American visa applications is to get a reservation done ... get a print out of it ... then instantly cancel the reservation. Some travel agencies are willing to do that.

I've also seen that used for a couple of british tourist visas - but I don't know what difference it made.

Do check before you attempt this as your travel agency may charge a fee for the cancellation or it may be non-cancellable.

M.

[batleykhan]

Technique I've seen used on American visa applications is to get a reservation done ... get a print out of it ... then instantly cancel the reservation. Some travel agencies are willing to do that.

I've also seen that used for a couple of british tourist visas - but I don't know what difference it made.

Do check before you attempt this as your travel agency may charge a fee for the cancellation or it may be non-cancellable.

You naughty naughty boy

[MPH80]

I didn't say I'd done it ... just that I'd seen it done ...

[batleykhan]

Sorry