How to Avoid Delays in UK Student Visa Processing?

UK students who are planning to study abroad, whether in the UK or elsewhere in the world, should be aware of some of the issues that can cause delays in processing their visa applications. They need to be aware of these issues and how they can avoid them.

What causes the delay in processing a UK student visa?

The UK visa processing time is affected by many factors. The main reason for delays is the high volume of applications. If you are applying for a UK student visa, it is important to ensure that everything is in order and all documents are complete before submitting your application.

The UK visa processing time depends on various factors including:

• nationality of the applicant (for example, Indians have longer waiting times than Chinese)
• type of visa being applied for (Tier 4 student visas take longer than Tier 2 work permits)

Preparing well in advance will help you avoid delays in getting a student visa

If you are applying for a UK student visa, it’s important to know that the processing times are dependent on how early you apply. The earlier you apply, the better your chances of avoiding delays in getting your visa. You can apply for a Tier 4 (Child) Student Visa up to 3 months before its start date but no later than 28 days before it starts.

(Read more: A Complete Guide for UK Visa Application Process)

How To Avoid Delays in UK Student Visa Processing?

Apply at the Right Time

You should apply for a UK student visa at least 3 months before the start date of your course. This will give you enough time to get all the documents required and pass through all the stages of processing.

As a general rule, it takes around 6 weeks from the submission date until a decision is made on your application. However, if you submit an incomplete application or lack some necessary documents (such as proof of funds), this may cause delays and lead to an increase in processing time by up to 2 months!

Pay the Right Fee

It is important to pay the right fee for your visa application. The UKVI website has a list of fees for different types of visas, so you can check this before making an appointment at the embassy or consulate. If you are applying for a UK student visa to study in UK, you should contact your university or college to find out what they would charge as their fee.

Applying for the Right Course

Before you apply for your study visa, make sure that the course you want to study is eligible for student visas. You can check this by looking at our list of eligible courses here.

If you are applying from within the UK and have not yet started your course, then please ensure that:

• The institution offering the course is recognised by us as an educational provider; and
• They have been approved by their regulator as meeting our standards (if applicable); and
• That they are not currently under investigation or any form of regulatory action with us; and
• The duration of your proposed programme/course meets our eligibility requirements; and
• It is full-time (i.e., more than 20 hours per week)
• Everyone must Check your Eligibility Requirements To Study in UK.

Ensure Applicants Meet All IELTS / TOEFL Requirements in a Timely Manner

The IELTS test is offered at more than 1000 test centers in over 140 countries. It’s accepted by many Australian, Canadian, UK and US universities. IELTS is also accepted by many professional bodies, immigration authorities and employers around the world.

Conclusion

In conclusion, we can say that the student visa is an important document that allows students to study abroad. It is therefore essential to ensure that all documents are complete and correct before submitting them to the embassy or consulate.

List of Documents Required for UK Immigration

The UK is considered one of the best destinations to study and travel. It is known for its long history and rich traditions. But to travel to the UK requires a visa for immigration. This requires certain documents that will help in getting a UK visa. If you are planning to travel to the UK, you have to go through the eligibility criteria and it requires certain documents that are most essential. Read along to know more:

The documents to be submitted for immigration should be original and make sure to have the following documents while applying for the UK visa for immigration:

1. Passport
2. Old passport
3. Photos
4. Air tickets
5. Cover letter
6. Bank statement
7. Income tax Report

• Passport:
  
• It is a mandatory document that is required for the UK Visa application at the time of travel. It is to verify the identity and nationality of the candidate issued by the government.
• The passport must meet the parameters mentioned below:
• A minimum of two blank pages for the visa stamp.
• It should be original and genuine.
• Validity of 6 months ahead of the span of stay.

Any individual cannot travel across borders without a passport. It is a criminal offense.

• Old Passport:
  
• An old passport is a visa that is expired or completely stamped. To track the travel history, it is most required.
• If available, the old passport must be provided along with the latest passport. You cannot get the UK visa stamp, without an old passport.

• Photo:
  
• The photo provided to the authority is used as the identity.
• The photographs must be given as per photo specifications.
• The photo should cover the face 80% of the frame.
• The photo must be clicked on an all-white background.
• Two copies must be submitted with general photo guidelines.
• A proper dimension of 35×45 mm (length – 45mm, breadth – 35mm).
• It should a recent photograph with a matte finish.
• The ears must be clearly visible.
• No headgear must be worn apart for religious reasons.

• Air Ticket:

An air ticket is a ticket that is possessed by the traveller to travel from one location to another on a flight. 

• Cover letter:

Depending on the visa you choose, the cover letter differs. The pattern of it changes from visa to visa. If it is not appropriate, there are chances of your Visa getting rejected.

                                                   (Read more: Know the Eligibility criteria for the UK visa)

• Bank statement:

It is a document issued by the bank that will show proof to be able to fund the loan, tuition fees, or living expenses. For every type of bank statement for different visas, the fundings differ. If it does not show enough funds, it might lead to the rejection of financial means.

• Income tax report:

It is a document that is a record of the tax paid to the government.

For every visa, the Income-tax returns with an ITR-V of 3 years should be specified.

One cannot leave the country without appropriate documents of the income tax report.

We hope that this article has helped you in understanding the UK Visa requirements for immigration.

ILR Requirements to Settle in the UK

Indefinite Leave to Remain is a type of settlement status for a non-EEA citizen who has resided in the UK for a specific time. A person with this clearance can live, work, and study in the UK without facing any immigration limitations.

ILR is a requirement when acquiring British citizenship as well.

A non-EEA citizen typically needs to have five years of legal residence in the UK before they are eligible to apply for UK visa-Indefinite Leave to Remain. The requirements for an ILR are as follows:-

ILR Requirements & Eligibility

Even when your continuous period of legal residency in the UK is over, you are not eligible for ILR. You must submit an IR application to UKVI for approval and for this you are expected to submit the following documents that will act as evidence of your eligibility:-

• Lawful residence in the UK for the required qualifying period
• Absences from the UK not exceeding 180 days in any 12 months of the required period.
• Evidence of passing the Life in the UK Test
•  Ability to prove a B1 level of English as set out by the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (unless exempt)
• Evidence that your application satisfies the General Grounds for Refusal, such as information about any criminal records or immigration status breaches.

                            [Read More: Complete Guide for UK Visa Application Process]

What are the Periods of Absence Requirements?

Your continuous stay in the UK will end if you’ve spent more than 180 days away in a 12-month timeframe. However, there are multiple exceptions to be  aware of in regard to this requirement.

Which Documents do I need to Provide?

A number of documents are required to be submitted with your application for indefinite leave if you’re asking for permission to stay in the country permanently. The documents that need to be submitted will vary depending on each case. Remember that the documents need to be submitted in their original form.  

Some of the information and documents you might need to include in your application form are as follows:

• Passport and any passports which have expired during your UK residency
• Two identical passport-sized photos
• Passing certificate of Life in the UK test (if not exempt)
• Passing certificate of English language test (if not exempt)
• Birth or adoption certificates
• Records of any time spent outside the UK during the timeframe of your UK residency
• A history of your immigration
• Financial information, including bank statements

What is the ILR Application Fee?

The fee for the application form currently stands approximately at £2,404.

ILR Application Process

​​You may submit an ILR application to the Home Office if you are eligible and meet all the necessary ILR conditions. You need to fill out the required application form and submit the paperwork. After submitting your application form, you can make an appointment at a UKVCAS center to provide your information. If UKVI requires further details about you or your application, you may be asked to come in for an interview.

                                              [Read More: New Visa Rules For UK Immigration Process]

It is necessary to keep in mind that if you have misled the Home Office in the application process or while residing in the UK, you will not be eligible for the Indefinite Leave to Remain and additionally further disciplinary actions may also be taken if you want to settle in UK. This is why professional assistance is required to avoid any sort of error or mistakes. You can find out more about us and what we exactly do by visiting our website.

Things to Know About UK Spouse Visa

The UK Spouse Visa enables married partners to immigrate to the UK. If A is married to B, and B is a permanent resident of the United Kingdom, then A can get themselves a UK Spouse Visa. If A passes the visa interview, then they will be eligible for the UK Spouse Visa and immigrate to UK. The UK Spouse Visa is applicable for heterosexual and homosexual relationships. People can also work in the UK after qualifying for the UK Spouse Visa.

UK Spouse Visa

10 Things You Need to Know About the UK Spouse Visa

While the UK Spouse Visa is a great way to live with your loved one in an exciting and new country, there are a couple more regulations that need to be followed to be eligible. Keep reading to find out how you can immigrate to the UK with the help of a UK Spouse Visa.

1. One of the partners has to be a permanent resident of the UK. The non-resident partner can be of any nationality (EU National/Non-EU National).
2. Both the partners in the relationship have to be over 18 years of age.
3. Both parties should have met in person and should be married legally.
4. They should be able to support themselves and their dependent (if any) financially without claiming support from public funds.
5. Both parties should intend to stay together and live under the same roof.
6. It is important for the sponsoring partner to earn around £18,600 per year or have sufficient savings to support the family.
7. Both partners must qualify for the English Language Test and be able to understand and speak in English clearly.
8. The living conditions for both parties should be decent.
9. The application process usually takes around 24 weeks for the applicant to hear a response.
10. In case the child of the couple is British and has lived in the UK for 7 years, then the parents can be eligible for the visa.

[Read More: UK Visa: No Job Offer Needed For International Graduates Now]

5 Ways to Prove Your Relationship

• A legal marriage certificate or a legal civil partnership certificate.
• Bills that are paid by both from the same address.
• A rent agreement showing both individuals to be living in the same unit.
• A bank statement or passbook picture that shows the partners to be having a joint bank account.
• A letter from a physician or trainer that can prove co-habitation.

If you are planning to migrate to the UK or trying to apply for a UK Spouse Visa, contact Global Tree’s UK Visa Experts. They have vast experience pertaining to UK immigration and visa procurement. Ensure that your Visa process goes on without any hitches today!

What is better – Canada PR or UK PR?

The United Kingdom and Canada are known as ideal destinations for immigration. The migrants should choose the country according to their worthy goals and plans. However, both countries have different application processes, cultures, and facilities. These points are equally essential when choosing the destination between Canada and the United Kingdom.

Canada

Canada is among the most popular countries around the globe for immigration. This is due to its friendly and welcoming traditions toward immigrants. Most immigrants prefer Canada due to the country’s educational systems, which offer a conducive environment for developing and bestowing the necessary skills in various fields. The country owes its diversity to the steady flow of newcomers that have come to Canada throughout the years. Following are the pros and cons of Canada Immigration:

Pros

• High job vacancies and opportunities
• Safety with low 
• Free healthcare to citizens and permanent residents
• Exposure to Multiculturalism and diverse societies
• One of the best educational facilities
• Migrants get the Canada PR as soon as they enter Canada
• Welcoming to Immigrants

Cons

• High Labour Market Competition
• Expensive and Average quality Internet
• Harsh Weather Conditions
• High IELTS Score Needed
• Lots of Paperwork and Long Application Process
• Extremely Expensive Housing

UK

The UK remains one of the most popular destinations in the Western world for people looking to begin a new life, and with good reason. It offers a fast-paced, cosmopolitan culture and wide-ranging opportunities for career progression and financial reward. Around the globe, the UK is welcoming immigrants, which has had a massive impact on the state’s economy.

The government of the United Kingdom is also working hard to create a friendly environment for people willing to work for them. This strong economy and friendly atmosphere make the United Kingdom one of the best places for immigrants worldwide. Here are some pros and cons of UK immigration from India:

Pros

• Low IELTS Score works 
• Access to Free Education
• Exposure to different Diversities
• Strong Labour Laws and Employee Benefits
• Access to the National Health Service
• Closer access to Europe
• Affordable Cottage Homes

Cons

• A long waiting list for the National Health Service
• Harsh Weather Conditions
• Expensive Housing
• Poor Work-Life Balance
• Heavy Taxation
• Difficult Work Permit

     [Read More: What Medical Tests are required for Applying Canada PR?]

Conclusion

As mentioned earlier, the choice should depend on the future goals of the migrants. Global Tree provides holistic guidance and helps migrants planning to settle abroad. With our immigration department’s help, we can make migrants achieve their abroad dream quickly and simply. Reach out to us at http://www.globaltree.in 

Check the below Immigration Videos:

Latest Rules for UK Immigration and Travel to United Kingdom from India

The ongoing pandemic has led to several changes in immigration policy, both at the border and during the issuance of visas for many countries. The United Kingdom too has been updating its policy concerning international arrivals for people from different countries, based on the variance in the covid situation in these countries.

Latest updates for UK immigration from India

Indian citizens who are currently planning to travel to the United Kingdom for higher studies or work or returning back to home as citizens of the UK are required to take note of the latest rules for entry into the United Kingdom, corresponding to various visa types. As the Covid-19 spread hasn’t rested yet, all the major countries are coming up with Immigration rules to allow foreigners to their countries.

At present India remains on the highest alert or red list category of countries due to the high number of corona positive cases. As such only persons holding a residence permit or a citizen of the United Kingdom are permitted to enter the United Kingdom. And also for education purposes, UK Student Visa approvals are rising. If you are currently holding a residence permit or citizenship, then you will need to follow the below-mentioned steps:

1. You must take a Covid test and provide proof of a negative covid report before you travel. However, children who are younger than 10 years of age do not need to take this test 

2. You will need to book a hotel before you travel, where you will arrange a quarantine package, which will include a stay as well as 2 tests 

3. You will need to complete a form that gives information about where you will be located during your stay in the United Kingdom

4. Once you arrive in the United Kingdom, you will need to provide your passenger locator form to the officers at the border

5. You will need to follow all instructions and keep your face mask on, as you are escorted through the airport. You will be transported to your hotel directly from the airport. 

6. The NHS test and trace program will identify where everyone is sitting in the plane or bus to the airport and you will be informed if any person traveling with you has been tested positive 

7. Once you arrive you will need to stay quarantined in your designated hotel for 10 days

8. As you are immigrating during covid pandemic times, you will not be permitted to have any visitors during your quarantine stay, except if they are providing you with medical or emergency assistance 

9. You are permitted to accept deliveries and these will be delivered to your door by the staff at the hotel where you are quarantined.

10. You can avail of some medical services and also contact the NHS through medical staff stationed at the hotel

11. You will not be permitted to leave the hotel, except at the end of the quarantine period, except in case of an emergency such as fire, flooding, domestic violence, or a medical situation.

Once you leave your hotel you will need to follow all the rules as given by the NHS from time to time during your stay in the United Kingdom. It is always a better choice to leave the country with all the things planned. As the situation is changing day by day, check the updating rules and restriction beforehand.

If you are planning to immigrate to the United Kingdom to study or work, you can reach out to our expert UK Education & Immigration advisors at Global Tree, who are available to navigate you through visa application during these uncertain times.

Check the Below UK Immigration Videos:

How Can I Get UK Work Visa from India?

Are you planning to work and settle in the UK? Great! Go through this article to know everything about UK Work Visa.

The UK is the most famous destination for Indians, who want to upgrade their career and lifestyle. As the UK visa system is highly sophisticated, they have stated a tier system to segregate the applications depending on the profession.

UK Work Visa:

Unlike other countries, you cannot apply directly for a UK work permit. Your employer in the UK should apply for a work permit for you. Generally, this UK work permit is for skilled workers who are willing to work in the UK under on-demand professions such as Doctors, Engineers, Scientists, Finance Experts, Entrepreneurs, etc. And the UK Immigration process rules have been updated recently.

UK Work Visa Categories:

1. Tier 2 – General Visa

The UK Tier 2 visa is a general Work visa for candidates who got a job offer from a recognized UK company and outside European countries and Switzerland. So, the employer or sponsor needs to provide a certificate of sponsorship as valid proof to come and work in the UK.

2. Tier 1 – General Visa

The UK Tier 1 visa is for the candidates who want to switch from another visa to a work visa. Applicants who are outside the UK cannot apply for this visa.

3. Tier 1 – Exceptional Talent Visa

The UK Tier 1 –Exceptional Talent visa is for the candidates who got endorsed by any leader from fields like Science, Technology, or Art from outside Europe.

4. Domestic Workers in a private household visa

The UK Domestic worker in the private household visa is for the candidates who are outside European countries and domestic workers. For this visa, candidates need at least 1 year of experience. And even UK phased in new rules for Social care workers.

5. Business Visa

The UK representative of an overseas business visa is for the candidates who are outside European countries and need to visit the UK for a business purpose or on an investment purpose.

How to get UK Work Visa from India?

Before going for a work permit for the UK, make sure to fulfill all the requirements along with the score in a points-based system. This is a three-step process to get UK Work Visa from India.

Step 1: Sponsorship License:

The first step is by the employer. The UK employer will apply for the sponsorship license to the UK Visa and Immigrations.

Step 2: Certificate of Sponsorship

This is also the step for the employer. The employer needs to apply for COS – Certificate of Sponsorship for a job to a non-resident worker.

Step 3: Apply for a UK Work permit

Once the COS number is received the immigrant can apply for a work permit. The sponsoring employee will submit the visa application with the unique COS number.

How long will it take to get UK Work Visa?

It probably takes around 3 months to get the approval for the UK Work visa once all the requirements and biometrics are done.

Hope this helps you applying for UK Work Visa. For any guidance with the visa process, connect with our UK Immigration Consultants.

The 10 Best Countries to Immigrate in 2020

Moving to another country can be an energizing, groundbreaking choice. With the world at your feet, where do you decide to go? Whatever your inclinations – protected, simple, inexpensive – these are our proposals from around the globe.

New Zealand 

If you’re not feeling in Europe, what about a nation with the same socioeconomics on the opposite side of the world? Getting a visa and being permitted to be in New Zealand includes its famous the incredible scenery, ranging from sweeping mountains to vast underground cave systems, gigantic glaciers to boiling springs, golden-sand beaches to rugged coastlines.

Australia 

Australia is most loved by Brits hoping to move to another country, yet it additionally pulls in workers from a lot of different nations for its extraordinary climate, relaxed way of life, and amazing personal satisfaction. It’s no big surprise that three of Australia’s biggest cities – Perth, Adelaide, and Melbourne are thought of as some of the world’s most livable cities.

Canada

For the individuals who need to move to an English-talking nation and solace, security above everything else, at that point, Canada, maybe the perfect spot. Like Iceland, it additionally positions as one of the quietest nations on the planet and is home to three of the world’s most livable metropolitan communities: Calgary, Toronto, and Vancouver.

Norway

Try not to stress, the Nordic journeys will be over soon (for those of you who don’t care for chilly climate), yet we can’t resist this area because it is simply so decent, protected, and vigorous. Indeed Norway, just as being secure, is probably the world’s most lustful nation.

Germany

Germany ticks many, many boxes for the immigrants, with its in-vogue capital city and fantasy-like goals. Hamburg, in the northern part of the nation, is viewed as one of the most livable cities on the planet and Munich’s design is stunning.

Switzerland

Switzerland formally called the Swiss Federation, is a little nation in Central Europe made up of 16,000 square miles of icy mass cut Alps, lakes, and valleys. It’s one of the world’s wealthiest nations and has been outstanding for neutrality.

US

The United States of America is a North American country, which is the world’s most prevailing financial and military force. The USA is frequently alluded to as the land run by migrants. There are different choices available for migration to the USA, from work permits to visit visas.

Denmark

Denmark is a blend of the conventional and the cutting edge with a sacred government at its rudder. Its many impressive mansions are compared against the background of grand provincial excellence that brings alive the genuine importance of the open country, while simultaneously giving every one of the comforts one can anticipate from present-day created society. Alongside Sweden and Norway, it structures Scandinavia, a cultural region in Europe.

United Kingdom

As the world looks at the UK’s endeavors at Brexit and a sizeable level of the British nationals express nationalistic tone. The United Kingdom eventually perceived their inquisitive situation as both an exporter of local conceived residents and an importer of skilled-migrants from around the globe. Also, it is not astounding that its immigrant populations are just about as diverse as any on the planetoid.

While UK immigration programs may endure times of more prominent controls and limitations, immigration will consistently be an essential piece of UK governmental issues and financial features.

Hong Kong

Hong Kong is regularly depicted as a ‘city of settlers’ and is home to the Chinese, European, and South Asian people. Hong Kong’s immigration policy assumes an imperative job in improving its appeal to foreign professionals and business professionals. Hong Kong follows a liberal immigration approach. Citizens of around 170 nations are permitted without visa visits to Hong Kong for periods going from 7 to 180 days. The Hong Kong specialists actualized the ‘Quality Migrant Admission Scheme’ (QMAS) to pull in extremely gifted or capable experts from other nations to remain in Hong Kong to explore employment openings.

Contact Global Tree if you plan to immigrate to any of these countries.

Read More About Below Links:

Support for US Immigration Rises among General Public

Moving To Vancouver through Canada Immigration Express Entry

Changes to Australia Immigration Policy For 2020

Check the Below Videos:

 

Merit-based Immigration System – a New Era in American Histor

Immigrate to USA through Points Based Route, to Relish Green Card!

In yet another interesting political story, US House of Representatives has been introduced with Merit-based immigration system and hike the percentage of issuing Green Cards by 45 per year. This will be 50,000 more Green Cards annually for those seeking immigration to USA.

The general route perceived by immigrants to USA

The American red carpet starts and lures from the student level, when the student plans to Study Abroad in USA with master’s program and after successful completion of education, acquires job with H1-B work permit, which allows staying in USA filing an application for Green Card. Acquiring a Green Card allows an individual to enjoy the citizenship. In other words, all the benefits of the US citizens can be relished by Green Card holders. Even those who seek employment in on site companies of USA, while rendering their services acquire H1-B, which paves a way for Green Card and immigration to USA.

Securing America’s Future Act also benefits Indian professional Techies!

Though the Trump Government is pushing towards “Securing America’s Future Act” if signed plans to reduce the immigration levels from 1.05 million to 260,000 in a year, the bill also seeks to increase the issuance of Green Cards to an impressive 45%, which sure is a sweet News for Indian Techies. Because there are unofficially 5, 00,000 of Green Card applications pending which was believed to be only Indians and if all the applications were to be included it would out number 10,00,000. The Indian immigrants occupied 2^nd place as immigrants to USA, while Mexicans stand first. But those immigrants who are involved more in the professional fields such as automation, machine learning, science and technology, are mostly Indians.

If the Green Card issuing percentage is increased then the wait times for citizenship will be drastically reduced, and immigrants settle down faster and easier. Those who work as professionals, updating themselves with technology and meeting the market needs, getting along the flow, can anyhow be benefited because, America will never be ready to lose such professionals. Moreover USA is for a long time recently had been struggling with shortage of skilled workers and professional in various fields and issuing the Green Cards and inviting the immigrants to USA through points-based immigration system will potentially impact their economy positively.

H1-B work permit Visa process for USA

H1-B is a temporary work permit which allows the companies to hire workers from other nations and work in USA for a period of time. After the visa is expired the H1-B visa holders are allowed to apply for extensions if they have applied for Green Card, which allows them to stay back and work in USA. House Homeland Security Committee introduced the legislation regarding the points based immigration system in view of the benefits of Immigrants to USA as well as America.

Merit based immigration system to USA!

The points based immigration system, if the bill is signed by the House of Representatives and passed into law it takes a 5 year period for its enactment. Under this modernized immigration system, the foreign applicants are expected to acquire points, based on categories such as education, work experience, age, siblings or established connections in USA, country of origin, etc.

Immigrants to USA are being benefited!

Securing America’s Future’s Act will mostly benefit Indians, because those who seek Immigration to USA are highly qualified and skilled in different areas. But the Act eliminates other relative’s other than spouse and children from acquiring Green Card. This also gives room for temporary visa for parents and other relatives, to reunite families, without levying extra taxes.”This bill offers common-sense solutions that will finally secure our borders, better support our frontline defenders, strengthen interior enforcement, and get tough on those who break our immigration laws. With this the president at the helm, we have the opportunity to provide the security and rule of law our founding fathers intended,” said McCaul.

The legislation was said to be crafted for those abiding the law, and for those immigrants who seek to enter USA legally and also protects the interests of USA while contributing to US economy, and who can get a maximum score in the points based immigration to USA can be benefited through the program. Every bill and Act from the House of Representatives prioritizes the American people’s interests while culminating safety, security and modernization of America, which secures the generations to come.

Dreaming of a White Christmas? Travel to UK for a traditional holiday season

Looking for UK Tourist Visitor Visa for Christmas Celebrations?

Christmas is one of the favorite holidays of the world. No matter what religion you are from, the mind-picture of Santa on his sleigh with a sack-full of toys, tall-beautifully decorated Christmas trees, children singing carols and yummy treats all elevate this holiday season in our collective consciousness. Christmas is celebrated all over the world to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ and each region has its own unique stamp on how the holiday season is celebrated. In the United Kingdom, X-mas celebrations are a grand affair and the days around festival are welcomed by one and all as a happy holiday season. Read on to know more about how festivity transforms the atmosphere, celebrated in the United Kingdom and how you can be a part of the celebrations in the days to come.

Christmas traditions in the United Kingdom

As the United Kingdom is predominantly made up of Christians, Christmas is one of the most important and widely celebrated festivals in the country. People of all ages and from all religions come together to celebrate this festival. Weeks before the actual date of the festival which is 25^th December, one can see streets, homes and shop fronts decorated with traditional Christmas designs, lighting and floral decorations such as wreaths made out of ivy and holly and mistletoe decorations. People in UK along with their families begin counting down to Xmas from the final day of advent which falls on the fourth Sunday before Christmas. Most stores also have especially themed merchandise and groceries at this time of the year

The advent season culminates on 24^th Dec, which is also known as Christmas Eve. On this day children and adults come together to bake treats, and gather around the tree for caroling and telling each other Christmas themed stories. Little children are encouraged by their parents to write letters to Santa Clause, and to hang stockings over the fireplace before going to bed in anticipation of Santa’s arrival. On the actual day of Christmas everyone in the family gathers together at a mid-day feast of delicacies that are prepared especially for the festival. The feast normally includes roast Turkey and plum pudding as the staples. After dinner, many people in UK come together to watch the Queen deliver her annual Christmas message to the nation and eat a yummy fruit cake with their afternoon tea.

Enjoying Christmas as a tourist

The best way to enjoy an authentic experience of the grand festivity in UK of course is to live with a local family for the holidays however one can also experience the joy of the holiday season by traveling to the United Kingdom on a Standard Visitor Visa.

1. Drive to any of the special Christmas markets which dot the cities and visit store Santa with his elves
2. Walk through the beautifully lit streets decorated with lighting shaped in Christmas themed shapes and colors
3. Go to Kew Gardens in London for a snow-flake trail, a beautifully decorated trail with glittering artificial snowflakes that add a magical touch
4. Go to a traditional tea-house or restaurant to partake of afternoon tea. Afternoon tea is a tradition that is enjoyed by many tourists to London
5. Drive down to Trafalgar square to see a different Christmas Carols (songs) every day and also to admire the giant Norwegian Christmas tree at the center of the square

Getting a standard visitor visa for UK

In order to travel to the United Kingdom for Xmas or any other holiday’s one requires a standard visitor visa to enter the country. A standard visitor visa will allow you to enter the country and stay with time limit.  A person who applies for a standard visitor visa will need to fulfill certain essential conditions which include showing proof of funds. The following are the requirements for obtaining a standard visitor visa to the United Kingdom

1. Persons applying for entering UK as a tourist should apply for a standard visitor visa
2. A person must apply for the standard visitor visa at least 3 months before the date of intended travel
3. Applicants for the standard visitor visa to UK should demonstrate their intention with sufficient proof of returning to their home country at the end of the visa period
4. Applicants should be able to show that they have enough funds to cover the cost of travel and living expenses during their stay in UK
5. Applicants for standard visitor visa need to provide current passport with the application.

To know more about how to apply for standard visitor visa to UK contact Global Tree, Certified Overseas Education Advisers and immigration consultants with their presence across India in 14 branches, the most trusted immigration consultants.