There’s a special kind of longing that only those living far from family will understand — that quiet ache to be with the people who raised us, especially when we’re building a life oceans away. I’ve lived in the UK for a few years now, and like many OFWs, one of my deepest hopes was to have my mom visit. Not just for sightseeing or short-term travel — but so she could see my world, feel my space, and know with her own eyes that I’m okay.

Finally, in late 2024, that long-awaited reunion became real. My mom flew from the Philippines to London for a family visit, and it all started with a single visa application.

But let me be honest: the process was overwhelming at first. We had so many questions — How much does it cost? What documents are needed? Where do we apply? Is there a chance it might get refused? Every step came with a learning curve. That’s why I decided to write this post — for anyone else going through this journey and needing a bit of guidance, and a lot of encouragement.

Below, I’ll walk you through every stage of the UK Standard Visitor Visa process based on my mom’s exact timeline — from creating her application to that emotional moment when she finally landed in London. I’ll also include updated visa fees, tips on documents, and what worked for us.

Let’s begin.

📅 My Mom’s UK Tourist Visa Timeline

📎Visa application created: September 15, 2024

📎Visa fee paid: October 19, 2024 ($156 USD, equivalent to around £127 at the time)

📎Created an account via: VFS Global for uploading supporting documents

📎Visa appointment (biometrics): October 29, 2024 at the VFS Global Centre in Cebu

📎Visa application received at VAC: October 29, 2024 (Confirmed via e-ICR email)

📎Visa decision received (passport dispatched): November 6, 2024

📎Passport delivered with visa granted: November 7, 2024

📎Flight ticket booked: November 8, 2024

📎Arrival in London: December 12, 2024

From start to finish, the process took about two months, though the actual waiting time after biometrics was just over a week.

Your parent can apply for a UK Standard Visitor Visa if:

📌 The purpose is to visit you as family, for tourism, or a short stay (less than 6 months)

📌 They can support themselves financially, or you can sponsor them

📌 They have strong ties to their home country (e.g. property, family, pension, or employment)

📌 They will leave the UK at the end of the visit

📌Standard Visitor Visa (up to 6 months): Short-term visits for tourism, family visits, leisure. Fee: £127  .

📌Long‑term multiple‑entry visas:

2‑year validity: £475

5‑year: £848

10‑year: £1,059  .

These allow repeated stays of up to six months each trip.

📌Complete the Standard Visitor Visa application online via the official UK government website.

📌Each applicant—including your parent—must submit their own form and pay individually  .

📌Biometrics appointment required for each applicant at a Visa Application Centre (VAC) (e.g. in Manila, Cebu, or other locations).

Visa Application Fees (Effective from 9 April 2025)

Notes:

-No refund if application refused or shortened.

-Fees increased by about 10–10.5% in April 2025

-Each person pays separately.

Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)?

Visitor visas do NOT require the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS). This applies only to longer-term visas (e.g. work, student, settlement)  .

ETA vs Visa: Who Needs What?

Citizens of visa‑exempt countries now need a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) instead of a visa for stays under six months, travelling after early 2025. ETA costs £16 per application, valid for two years or until passport expiry, whichever is sooner  . Since your mom is applying for a Standard Visitor visa, she doesn’t need an ETA.

Application Timeline

Apply online (allow about 3 months before travel)

Pay visa fee, book biometrics appointment.

Attend VAC appointment to submit biometric data (photo and fingerprints) and supporting documents.

Decision usually issued within 3 weeks of biometrics appointment

Passport returned with visa vignette if approved.

Supporting Documents Checklist

From your mother/father (applicant):

• Valid passport (with at least one blank page).

• Recent photo compliant with specifications.

• Cover letter stating purpose of visit and confirming intention to return.

• Proof of ties to home country (e.g. property title, pension bank statements, family records).

From you (UK sponsor):

• Invitation letter specifying planned travel dates and itinerary.

• Your passport or visa/BRP details and letter from employer.

• Proof of UK tenancy or council tax/utility bill.

• Your bank statements (last 6 months) and payslips.

• Explanation of financial support, if you are sponsoring her trip.

Sponsor & Visitor Tips for Success

• Be truthful and consistent: Ensure dates, names, and travel plans are uniform across all documents.

• Show strong ties to home country: Property, family, employment—to prove intention to return.

• Detailed invitation letter: Include day‑by‑day itinerary, accommodation plan, and estimated costs.

When the Visa Arrives

Review the visa vignette: check the validity dates match your travel plans exactly. Make travel arrangements: book flights (make sure entering UK before vignette expiry). If your mom changes passport before travel but visa is still valid in old passport—carry both passports during entry.

Conclusion

By following these steps and preparing thoughtfully, bringing your parents to the UK becomes manageable and hopeful. Being a genuine visitor with sufficient support, clear purpose, and strong ties to home country gives you a strong foundation for visa success.

Bringing my mom here wasn’t just about tourism. It was about bridging two homes — my childhood and my present. The visa process may seem complicated, but with the right information and a little faith, it is possible. This blog is proof.

I hope this guide helps you bring someone you love closer, even just for a short time. Because sometimes, six months is more than enough to feel whole again.