UK Visa Guide

Everything you need to know about UK visas

14 visa types, fees, processing times, and how to switch.

🎓

Planning to study in the UK?

You'll need a Student Visa. Check our Education page for university requirements, IELTS scores and fees.

Education

14 visas found

Work

Skilled Worker Visa

Work in the UK for an approved employer. You need a job offer paying £38,700+ (or £30,960 for new entrants and certain shortage occupations).

Fee

£719 – £1,500

NHS surcharge

£1,035/year

Processing

3–8 weeks

Apply on GOV.UK
Work

Health & Care Worker Visa

For doctors, nurses, and health professionals working in the NHS or adult social care. Healthcare surcharge is exempt.

Fee

£247

NHS surcharge

Exempt

Processing

2–4 weeks

Apply on GOV.UK
Work

Graduate Route Visa

Stay and work (or look for work) in the UK for up to 2 years after completing a UK degree (3 years for PhD). No minimum salary required.

Fee

£822

NHS surcharge

£776/year

Processing

8 weeks

Apply on GOV.UK
Work

Global Talent Visa

For leaders and potential leaders in academia, research, arts, culture, or digital technology. No job offer required.

Fee

£716

NHS surcharge

£1,035/year

Processing

3–8 weeks

Apply on GOV.UK
Work

Innovator Founder Visa

Set up and run an innovative business in the UK. You need an endorsement from an approved endorsing body.

Fee

£1,191

NHS surcharge

£1,035/year

Processing

3–8 weeks

Apply on GOV.UK
Work

High Potential Individual Visa

For graduates of top global universities. Allows 2 years to work or look for work in the UK (3 years for PhD graduates). No job offer needed.

Fee

£822

NHS surcharge

£776/year

Processing

8 weeks

Apply on GOV.UK
Study

Student Visa

Study at a UK university or college at degree level or above. You can work up to 20 hours per week during term time.

Fee

£490

NHS surcharge

£776/year

Processing

3–6 weeks

Apply on GOV.UK
Study

Child Student Visa

For children aged 4–17 to study at an independent school in the UK.

Fee

£490

NHS surcharge

N/A

Processing

3 weeks

Apply on GOV.UK
Family

Spouse / Partner Visa (Family)

Join your spouse, civil partner or unmarried partner who is settled or has permission to stay in the UK.

Fee

£1,846

NHS surcharge

£1,035/year

Processing

8–24 weeks

Apply on GOV.UK
Family

Parent of a Child in the UK

If your child is a British citizen or settled in the UK and you have sole or shared parental responsibility.

Fee

£1,846

NHS surcharge

£1,035/year

Processing

8–24 weeks

Apply on GOV.UK
Settlement

BN(O) Holder Visa

For British National (Overseas) passport holders from Hong Kong and their family members. Path to settlement in 5 years.

Fee

£180/year

NHS surcharge

N/A

Processing

3–8 weeks

Apply on GOV.UK
Visit

Standard Visitor Visa

Visit the UK for up to 6 months for tourism, business meetings, or visiting family. You cannot work or study.

Fee

£115 (6 months) / £400 (2 years) / £711 (5 years)

NHS surcharge

N/A

Processing

3 weeks

Apply on GOV.UK
Other

Youth Mobility Scheme

Live and work in the UK for up to 2 years. Available to 18–30 year olds from eligible countries (Australia, Canada, Japan, South Korea, New Zealand, etc.).

Fee

£298

NHS surcharge

£776/year

Processing

3 weeks

Apply on GOV.UK
Other

Seasonal Worker Visa

Work in UK horticulture or poultry sectors for up to 6 months. Must be sponsored by a licensed operator.

Fee

£298

NHS surcharge

N/A

Processing

3 weeks

Apply on GOV.UK

How to Switch Visas

Can you switch visas without leaving the UK? It depends on your current visa.

Student Visa Skilled Worker Visa

Allowed in-country if you have a valid job offer

Graduate Visa Skilled Worker Visa

Common path — no minimum salary for Graduate Route itself

Skilled Worker Visa ILR (Settlement)

After 5 years continuous residence

Family Visa ILR (Settlement)

After 5 years (2.5 years for BNO holders)

Visitor Visa Any other visa

NOT allowed in-country — you must leave the UK and apply from abroad

Skilled Worker Visa Global Talent Visa

Switch in-country once endorsed by a designated body

Path to Settlement & Citizenship

Typical timeline on a Skilled Worker Visa

1

Arrive

2

Year 1

3

Year 2

4

Year 3

5

Year 4

6

Year 5

7

Year 6

ILR Requirements

  • • 5 years continuous residence
  • • Life in the UK test (pass mark: 18/24)
  • • English language B1+
  • • No serious criminal record
  • • Application fee: £2,885

Citizenship Requirements

  • • 12 months after ILR (year 6+)
  • • Good character requirement
  • • Naturalisation fee: £1,500
  • • Ceremony to receive certificate
  • • Dual citizenship allowed from most countries
Check ILR eligibility on GOV.UK