UK Visa Types

A Partner Visa can apply to a spouse visa, civil partner visa, fiancé visa, unmarried partner visa, or same-sex partner visa. This type of visa allows applicants to join a loved one in the UK. Holding a valid Partner Visa enables you to enter or remain in the UK, provided you are in a recognised relationship with a British citizen or someone who holds UK settled status.

A Family Visa may apply to a spouse, parent, grandparent, child, or other relative. This visa allows applicants to join family members in the UK as their dependants.

UK Residency is typically achieved through long-term legal stay under eligible visa routes. Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) is the main route to permanent residency in the UK. It allows you to live, work and study in the UK without time restrictions and is a key step toward British citizenship. You may be eligible for ILR after a qualifying period is usually 5 years, but it can be longer and is subject to change. Eligible visa routes include Worker Visa, Spouse Visa or Partner Visa, Innovator Founder or Business Visas, 10 Year Long Residence. To qualify, you must meet continuous residence requirements, pass the Life in the UK Test, and demonstrate knowledge of English.

British Citizenship is the final step in the UK immigration journey. Whether through naturalisation, registration, or descent, each route has specific criteria around residency, status, good character, and English language ability. Acquiring citizenship gives you the full rights of a British national, including a passport and the right to vote.

Visitor and Tourist Visas are short-term visas (generally no longer than 6 months) allowing visitors to come to the UK for short stays, tourism and similar purposes. With this type of visa, you cannot work in the UK. You need to prove that you will leave the UK at the end of your visit, as well as that you need to be able to financially support yourself and any of your dependents during your stay in the UK.

International students who wish to study in the UK may need to apply for a Student Visa. The type of visa will depend on whether the applicant is a child, an adult, or coming for a short-term course. When applying, it is important to present your eligibility clearly to help the Home Office make a prompt decision.

The EU Settlement Scheme allows eligible EU, EEA and Swiss citizens, and their family members, to continue living in the UK after Brexit. If you were resident in the UK by 31 December 2020, you may qualify for Pre-Settled Status or Settled Status. This protects your right to work, study, access healthcare and public funds. It is important to maintain your status and apply for the correct upgrade where needed.

This category covers special and legacy routes to UK settlement that fall outside standard visa pathways. It includes visas such as the Hong Kong BN(O) Visa, the Private Life route, and the Returning Resident Visa. These options are often based on unique personal histories or long-term ties to the UK. Each route has distinct criteria and may lead to Indefinite Leave to Remain.

UK employers must hold a Sponsor Licence to hire most overseas workers. This includes Skilled Workers and employees under the Global Business Mobility scheme. The licence process requires demonstrating compliance, record-keeping, and HR systems to meet Home Office requirements.

Entrepreneur Visas are designed for individuals looking to start, join, or fund UK businesses. These include routes like the Innovator Founder visa. Applicants typically must present a viable, scalable business plan and often secure endorsement from an approved body.

Long Term Work Visas allow foreign nationals to work in the UK for extended periods. The most common route is the Skilled Worker visa. These visas usually require sponsorship, a job offer, and meeting salary and skills thresholds.

This category supports overseas businesses transferring staff to the UK for specific roles, including secondments, senior leadership, or expansion. It covers multiple routes and allows flexibility for international companies with UK operations or plans.

Visit Visas are designed for those coming to the UK for a short period, usually up to 6 months. Common purposes include tourism, visiting family or friends, attending meetings, or short-term study. You must show that you intend to leave at the end of your stay and have the funds to support yourself. These visas do not permit work or long-term stays.

Short Term Work Visas include routes such as the Temporary Worker visa, which covers charity work, creative work, seasonal jobs, and more. These visas typically require sponsorship and are limited in duration, with no direct path to settlement.

These visa routes apply to niche professions or are governed by specific international agreements. Categories include artists & entertainers, sportspeople, frontier workers, and individuals covered by legacy schemes such as the Turkish Business Person visa. Some routes, such as the Global Talent Visa, require endorsement from a recognised UK body. Specialist visa types can often have unique criteria and are tailored to specific roles or nationalities.