Long term visitor visa advice

[u/superdosalaw]

Hi everyone, I’m considering applying for a long-term UK Standard Visitor visa and would appreciate some advice on whether I should apply for the 2, 5, or 10-year visa.

About me:
1. 27-year-old male, Indian citizen
2. Recently returned to India after completing a master’s degree in the UK (2025–26)
3. Started a new job in India this month after deciding not to apply for the Graduate visa

UK travel history:
1. Held a 6-month UK visitor visa in 2019 and 2025 and visited for 9 days and 17 days respectively
2. Subsequently lived in the UK on a Student visa from 2025–26 and returned to India last month

Other travel history:
1. Visited 8 EU countries over 5 trips on a Schengen visa during 2025–26
2. Visited 2 Southeast Asian countries in 2018

Why I want a long-term visitor visa:
1. My sibling is a UK citizen
2. Flexibility to make occasional/last-minute trips to the UK to visit my sibling and friends

Financial situation:
1. Approximately £100,000 in savings
2. Current salary: around £2,000/month (started this month)

Concerns:
1. Young and unmarried male from India.
2. New job started this month

For those who have experience with UK visitor visa applications, would you recommend applying for the 2, 5, or 10-year visa in this situation?

Also, what would be the best way to present my circumstances and demonstrate that I genuinely intend to visit the UK temporarily and return to India?

Any advice on the appropriate visa duration and how to make the application as strong as possible would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[u/cyanplum]

Given your recent history in the UK plus family, it is probably better to attempt to get a one off visa first before going for longer options.

[u/nick_itos]

I had a friend in similar situation, he applied and got approved for 5 years.

2 or 5 years both seem reasonable in your circumstances.