Long-term visit visas - what do I need to consider?

You should give careful consideration before applying for a long-term visit visa valid for 1, 2, 5 or 10 years as there is the possibility that the visa may be refused, or issued for a shorter period than you have applied for. This could happen if the evidence you provide does not support a long term visit visa application or does not meet the entry clearance criteria. If the application is refused or the visa is issued for a shorter period, you will not be refunded your application fee. Although there is no requirement for you to have held a short term visit visa (that is, a standard visit visa of 6 months validity) before being able to apply for a long term one, if you have not previously applied for a UK visa, you may wish to apply for a short term visit visa first.Applications for long-term visit visas will be considered in the light of:
Whether the applicant can demonstrate a frequent and sustained need to come to the UK, such as family links or an established business connection.
Whether personal circumstances are unlikely to change significantly during the validity of the visa. The better able the applicant can demonstrate stability over the long term the more it will support an application for a longer period.
Whether the applicant can support themselves in the UK without public funds, and demonstrate that they intend to leave the UK at the end of each visit.
Previous travel history as evidenced in a current valid passport.
Applicants under the age of 18 may only be granted a visa which is valid to six months past their 18th birthday. For instance, for a 14 year old applying for a five or ten year long term visit visa, the visa expiry date will be limited to the date that is six months after the applicant’s 18th birthday.