Urgent please: application form question

[t_kaay]

On the family visitor application, you have a choice for the validity of the visa.....6 months to 10 years......my parents in law are visiting from Pakistan for the 1st time. Is it easier to get a 6 month validity or is it the same rules to get a longer one in order for them to visit again next year or in a few years? I know they can only stay for 6 months at a time. Don't want to risk a refusal if say I apply for a loger validity. Thanks

[Kayalami]

It is best for 1st timers to request for six months. Getting an initial visa of longer validity will depend on:

1. How often do they intend to travel to the UK?

2. What compelling ties do they have in Pakistan?

3. Their financial capability to negate any concerns the visa officer has regarding maintanance and accomodation.

A somewhat personal question - are you/your spouse pregnant or do you have young children? Visa officers are understandably reluctant to issue long term visitor visas where grandparents may end up as de-facto child minders.

[t_kaay]

My father in law is an advocate there so he has a genuine reason for not being able to stay in the UK for any prolonged length of time anyway. My mother in law doesn't work there. Just thought it would save hassle of applying again in a couple of years should they want to come again. I can see your point about child minders, we have 3 kids from 7yrs to 10yrs but my wife doesn't work so no problems re childcare. I think I'll just apply for 6 months to start with. Do you think that if we apply again in a few yrs time and the officers can see they were previously genuine visitors a longer validity can then be applied for? ie. do they take a good past record of sponsors/visitors into account?? Thanks