UK visas
The UK has one visa for each reason to come: to work for a sponsoring employer, to join a partner, to study, to visit, to start a business or because of your talent or ancestry. Each guide below covers one route from eligibility to the day you can apply for settlement. The fees page brings every cost together, and the rule-changes page tracks what the 2025 white paper has altered so far.
Skilled Worker visaThe main work visa. Sponsored job at RQF level 6, salary thresholds, fees, dependants and the path to ILR.Health and Care Worker visaDoctors, nurses and allied health roles. Cheaper fees and no health surcharge, but care-worker recruitment from abroad has closed.UK Spouse and Partner visaJoining a British or settled partner: income threshold, relationship evidence, fees, and the five-year route to settlement.UK Student visaStudying at a licensed university or college: CAS, maintenance money, work hours and what you can switch to afterwards.Graduate visaStay and work after a UK degree without a sponsor. Two years now, 18 months for later applicants.Standard Visitor visa and ETATourism, family visits and short business trips. Who needs a visa, who needs an ETA, and what you cannot do as a visitor.Global Talent visaFor recognised leaders in science, arts and tech. No sponsor, no salary rule, settlement in as little as three years.UK Ancestry visaCommonwealth citizens with a UK-born grandparent. Five years, work for anyone, then settlement.Youth Mobility Scheme visaWorking holiday for young people from Australia, Canada, Japan and other partner countries.Innovator Founder visaStart a new business with an endorsed plan. No minimum investment, settlement after three years.UK visa fees, the Immigration Health Surcharge and processing timesAll the main fees in one table, plus the health surcharge, priority services and how long each decision normally takes.UK immigration rule changesThe changes since the 2025 white paper and what is still planned, in one place.EU Settlement SchemeFor EU, EEA and Swiss citizens and their families: keeping, upgrading and proving your status.Visa refused? Administrative review, appeals and reapplyingThe refusal letter, the 14-day review window, appeals, and when simply reapplying wins.