UK Visa Archive
The UK regularly updates its immigration system. This page outlines visa routes that are now closed to new applicants, along with potential alternatives.
Table of contents
Closed Visa Routes in the UK
The UK immigration system evolves regularly, with visa routes closing, merging, or being replaced as government priorities shift.
This page provides a summary of visa categories that are no longer open to new applicants, along with context on why they were closed and what options remain.
Why Do Visa Routes Close?
UK visa categories can be amended or closed for various reasons, including:
Policy Shifts
Government strategies change, especially in response to economic needs, political developments, or public opinion.
Route Replacements
Some visas are replaced by more streamlined or targeted alternatives (e.g. Tier 1 routes phased out in favour of Global Talent and Innovator Founder).
Compliance Risks
Routes that show high levels of abuse or are difficult to regulate may be closed to protect the integrity of the system.
Time-Limited Schemes
Some visas are created in response to specific circumstances (e.g. humanitarian crises) and close once the immediate need ends.
List of Closed UK Visa Routes
| Visa Route | Closure Date | Successor Route / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 (General) | Apr-15 | None – skilled migration now covered by Skilled Worker and Global Talent |
Note: This list is not exhaustive and will be updated as new routes are retired.
What If You Hold a Visa in a Now-Closed Route?
If you currently hold a visa under a route that has since closed, you may still be eligible to:
- Extend your existing visa (if transitional provisions apply)
- Switch to another visa route
- Apply for indefinite leave to remain (ILR), provided you meet the criteria
For example, holders of the former UK Entrepreneur or Investor visas had defined windows in which they could apply for extensions or settlement. These opportunities were time-limited and subject to specific rules.
Your eligibility will depend on your individual circumstances and the route in question. It's essential to check whether any transitional arrangements or grandfathering provisions apply in your case.
Exploring Alternative Visas
Understanding the implications of a closed visa route can be complex. If you're considering your options following the closure of a visa route, a number of current categories may be suitable depending on your circumstances. These include:
- Skilled Worker visa
- Global Talent visa
- Graduate Route
- Innovator Founder route
- Family or partner visas
QC Immigration offers tailored advice to help you assess your position and identify suitable alternatives. Book a consultation or Contact us to discuss your options.
Author
Xiaohan Zhao
Client Success Lead
With a decade of experience in immigration and education, Xiaohan is a seasoned professional with a commitment to excellence. Xiaohan has assisted countless international families and students from diverse backgrounds with their UK relocation.
Having studied and worked in UK and China, Xiaohan has experienced first-hand the aspirations and challenges of a first-generation migrant. She is fluent in both Mandarin and English, enabling her to bridge linguistic gaps to facilitate clear communication.
Xiaohan is known for her unwavering commitment to client service and relationship-building. She understands the importance of trust in the legal industry and approaches each case with a meticulous yet innovative eye. Clients consistently find Xiaohan to be a reliable and dedicated professional. Her personable approach, combined with technical and cultural expertise, sets her apart in the field.
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The UK visa is a legal status and document that allows individuals from around the world to enter, and temporarily stay, or permanently reside, in the United Kingdom. Individuals may need a UK visa to enter, stay, work or study in the UK. There are many different types of UK visas. Visas can take the form of either a stamped endorsement in your passport or a document issued by a UK embassy, or consulate in your home country. There are also many different categories of visas that will apply to different groups of people, depending on the reason they want to travel to or stay in the UK, and their individual circumstances.
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