Would Minimalism get you a UK Visit Visa?

by UK Immigration Law Firm in India

Published on: 4th Feb 2022
Reading time: Approx 4 mins

‘Minimalism’ as a concept is all about possessing things which are a true necessity in your daily life. If you like to or think of leading a clutter-free life, it will certainly add value to this planet, as we all know ‘Sustainability is the road ahead’. Minimalism is still a very fresh trend, where people are discarding or donating their belongings which they feel are no longer useful to them; be it clothes, gadgets, property, jewellery, artefacts, etc.

One such man is Rob Greenfield, who made it to the headlines of Metro UK, in Nov. 2021. Rob has cut down his possessions to just 44 things, which are all in fact his essentials. We acknowledge and appreciate his efforts, after all, it takes immense dedication for anyone to achieve this milestone and be so considerate towards this planet.

But have you given it a thought, what if you were to apply for a UK visa or even travel to the UK if you were a minimalism practitioner – how would it impact your application or at the airport?

If you are applying for a UK visit visa the application is typically evaluated on several parameters including demonstrating that you:

  • Is genuinely seeking entry as a visitor for a limited period as stated by them, not exceeding six months; and
  • Intends to leave the UK at the end of the period of the visit as stated by them; and
  • Has sufficient means to pay for your visit and
  • Demonstrates adequate reasons to return to your home country, e.g. your possessions

Practicing minimalism may put you at a disadvantage if you cannot demonstrate you have sufficient possessions to return too.

It is pertinent to note that the UK does not have any such Visa Law which states that a person leading a minimalist life cannot enter the UK. But the Home Office will surely run a thorough check over all your provided documents and assure that they are valid and original. Right from your residence proof, to your bank account details, work and employer details, your immediate family, crime records, past immigration history and so on. UK Immigration Laws are extremely stringent, and you may have to provide additional evidence to strengthen your case.

One such thing to keep in mind here is, the Home Office needs solid evidence for an applicant’s purpose of travel to the UK and more importantly, will the applicant return to his / her home country on the said date on the form.

The higher the evidence of return, the more likely it is to get your visa approved. Even before Rob Greenfield, one of our clients a 22-year-old fitness instructor was granted a UK visit visa, and he checked in for this flight with just a carry-on bag stating that he intended to purchase essentials whilst in the UK and that he would return after shopping from the UK and didn’t see much point of carrying things from India – however after excessive questioning at the airline counter and few calls to the British Deputy High Commission, he was prevented boarding due to his ‘minimalist’ travel belongings and his visa cancelled.

Definitely some food for thought before you decide to jump on the latest fad for your UK visa application, also it would be useful to speak to our UK visa experts to get their perspective on how to make your application if you do practice minimalism. You can reach out to us at info@smartmove2uk.com or call us on +91 98191 27002.

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