United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland visas
The UK runs a points-based work visa system anchored by the Skilled Worker route and the Global Talent route, alongside a Student route and a narrower set of family, investor and entrepreneur options. Most work routes require a Home Office–licensed sponsor.
11 routes · 7 without a sponsor · 6 lead to settlement
Official portal
Regulators of immigration advice
- Immigration Advice Authority (IAA) — Regulates non-solicitor immigration advisers providing services in the UK. Previously the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC).
- Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) — Regulates solicitors in England and Wales who provide immigration services.
Visa routes (11)
Skilled Worker visa
Work visa for non-UK workers with a job offer from a Home Office–licensed sponsor in an eligible occupation.
Sponsor required · Leads to settlement · Last reviewed 1 June 2026
Health and Care Worker visa
Discounted Skilled Worker route for eligible NHS, adult social care, and allied health roles.
Sponsor required · Leads to settlement · Last reviewed 1 June 2026
Global Talent visa
Unsponsored visa for leaders or potential leaders in academia, research, arts, culture, or digital technology.
No sponsor needed · Leads to settlement · Last reviewed 1 June 2026
Graduate visa
Post-study work visa for recent graduates of eligible UK higher education institutions.
No sponsor needed · Non-settlement · Last reviewed 1 June 2026
High Potential Individual visa
Unsponsored work visa for graduates of a time-limited list of top global universities.
No sponsor needed · Non-settlement · Last reviewed 1 June 2026
Innovator Founder visa
Endorsement-based visa for founders launching an innovative, viable and scalable business in the UK.
No sponsor needed · Leads to settlement · Last reviewed 1 June 2026
Scale-up visa
Sponsored route for workers joining qualifying fast-growing UK scale-up businesses, with faster settlement timelines.
Sponsor required · Leads to settlement · Last reviewed 1 June 2026
Youth Mobility Scheme visa
Unsponsored 2-year visa for 18–30 or 18–35 year olds from participating countries and territories.
No sponsor needed · Non-settlement · Last reviewed 1 June 2026
Student visa
Study visa for international students enrolled with a licensed Student sponsor at eligible UK institutions.
Sponsor required · Non-settlement · Last reviewed 1 June 2026
Family visa (partner/spouse)
Visa for partners of British citizens, settled persons, or certain other qualifying sponsors.
No sponsor needed · Leads to settlement · Last reviewed 1 June 2026
Standard Visitor visa
Short-stay visa for tourism, visiting family, or permitted business activities up to 6 months.
No sponsor needed · Non-settlement · Last reviewed 1 June 2026
Recent United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland policy changes
·significant
UK raises Skilled Worker salary thresholds
The Home Office raised the Skilled Worker general salary threshold from GBP 26,200 to GBP 38,700, with parallel increases to going rates and shortage-route adjustments.
·significant
UK: Skilled Worker threshold to £41,700, skill level to RQF 6, overseas care-worker route closed
The 22 July 2025 Statement of Changes (HC 997) raised the Skilled Worker bar materially and closed overseas care-worker recruitment.
·significant
UK: Skilled Worker English raised to B2, CoS fee £525, Immigration Skills Charge up 32%
A run of Skilled Worker changes from late 2025 into early 2026 raised the language bar, sponsor costs, and tightened salary assessment.
·significant
UK: "earned settlement" proposal would double the ILR qualifying period to 10 years — NOT YET LAW
The May 2025 Immigration White Paper proposed doubling the standard settlement qualifying period from 5 to 10 years under an "earned" contribution model. This is a proposal that was consulted on — it is not law.
All United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland immigration changes →
Frequently asked questions
How many visa routes does United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland have?+
We cover 11 United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland visa routes across the work, study, family, business, and residence categories. Each one links to its primary government source and carries a last-reviewed date.
Which United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland visas do not need an employer sponsor?+
7 of the 11 United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland routes we cover can be pursued without an employer sponsor, which helps if you do not have a job offer yet. The remaining 4 are employer-sponsored.
Which United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland visas lead to permanent residence?+
6 of the 11 routes can lead to settlement or permanent residence; the others are temporary. Open each route for its settlement detail and qualifying period.
Need tailored advice?
We do not provide legal advice. For an application that depends on your exact circumstances, consult a regulator-listed immigration advisor.
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