Complete Guide to UK Visa Types
The UK offers a variety of visa options for students, professionals, entrepreneurs, investors, and family members who wish to move to the country. Whether you’re looking to study, work, start a business, or reunite with family, there is a visa category that suits your needs. Below is a detailed guide to the different types of UK visas.
1. Work Visas
1. Skilled Worker Visa
For individuals with a job offer from a UK employer.
Requires a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from an approved employer.
Minimum salary requirement: £38,700 per year (from Spring 2024).
Valid for up to 5 years, with a pathway to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).
2. Health and Care Worker Visa
For doctors, nurses, social care workers, and healthcare professionals.
Offers a faster and cheaper visa process.
No NHS surcharge, making it more affordable than other work visas.
Can lead to permanent residency after 5 years.
3. Global Talent Visa
For highly skilled individuals in science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM), arts, and culture.
No job offer required – applicants need an endorsement from a recognized UK body.
Allows self-employment, freelancing, or employment.
Pathway to permanent residency after 3-5 years.
4. Innovator Founder Visa
Designed for entrepreneurs looking to start an innovative business in the UK.
No minimum investment requirement (previously £50,000 for the Innovator visa).
Requires endorsement from an approved endorsing body.
Provides a 3-year stay, with a route to settlement (ILR).
5. Scale-up Visa
For professionals with a job offer from a UK scale-up company.
Requires a minimum salary of £34,600 per year.
Allows unrestricted employment after 6 months.
Leads to permanent residency after 5 years.
6. High Potential Individual (HPI) Visa
For graduates from the world’s top 50 universities (outside the UK).
No job offer required – allows freedom to work or start a business.
Valid for 2 years (3 years for PhD holders) but does not lead to ILR.
7. UK Expansion Worker Visa
For employees of international companies expanding into the UK.
Requires a salary of at least £45,800 per year.
Provides a maximum stay of 2 years, but does not lead to permanent residency.
8. Youth Mobility Scheme Visa
For young people (aged 18-30) from eligible countries.
Allows up to 2 years of living and working in the UK.
No job offer required – applicants apply independently.
2. Student Visas
1. Student Visa (Tier 4)
For international students accepted by a UK educational institution.
Requires a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS).
Allows part-time work (up to 20 hours per week) during term time.
Can switch to a Graduate or Skilled Worker visa after graduation.
2. Graduate Visa
For students who recently graduated from a UK university.
Allows 2 years of unrestricted work (3 years for PhD holders).
Provides a pathway to work visas like Skilled Worker or Scale-up.
3. Family & Partner Visas
1. Spouse/Partner Visa
For individuals married to a UK citizen or permanent resident.
Requires proof of a genuine relationship and financial stability.
Leads to permanent residency after 5 years.
2. Parent Visa
For parents of a child who is a British citizen or settled in the UK.
Must prove that they play an active role in the child’s life.
3. Ancestry Visa
For Commonwealth citizens with a UK-born grandparent.
Allows work and study for up to 5 years, with a route to ILR.
4. Investment Visas
1. Self-Sponsorship Visa
Ideal for business owners who want to start a UK company.
Requires registering a business and employing oneself as a director.
No need for a third-party sponsor – the applicant controls the business.
5. Asylum & Humanitarian Protection Visas
For individuals who face persecution in their home country.
Applications are assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Comparison of UK Work Visas
Visa type | Visa Type Job Offer Required? | Minimum Salary Leads to ILR? | Permanent Residence Path | Stay Duration |
Skilled Worker | ✅Yes | £38,700 | ✅Yes (5 years) | 5 years (renewable) |
Health & Care Worker | ✅Yes | £26,200 | ✅Yes | 5 years (renewable) |
Global Talent | ❌No | ❌None | ✅Yes | 5 years (renewable) |
Innovator Founder | ❌No (requires endorsement) | ❌None | ✅Yes | 3 years (renewable) |
Graduate | ❌No | ❌None | ❌No | 2-3 years |
HPI | ❌No | ❌None | ❌No | 2-3 years |
Scale-up | ✅Yes | £34,600 | ✅Yes | 5 years (renewable) |
Self-Sponsorship | ❌No (need company registration) | ❌None | ✅Yes | 5 years (renewable) |
UK Expansion Worker | ✅Yes | £45,800 | ❌No | 2 years |
Youth Mobility Scheme | ❌No | ❌None | ❌No | 2 years |
How to Apply for a UK Visa
Step 1: Identify the right visa category based on your eligibility.
Step 2: Gather the required documents (passport, job offer, financial proof, etc.).
Step 3: Submit your application via UK Visas & Immigration.
Step 4: Attend a biometric appointment and wait for approval.
Step 5: Receive your visa and travel to the UK.
Need help choosing the right UK visa?
Contact us for expert advice on the best visa route for you!