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.
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 18 April 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 18 April 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 18 April 2026
Graduate visa
Post-study work visa for recent graduates of eligible UK higher education institutions.
No sponsor needed · Non-settlement · Last reviewed 18 April 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 18 April 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 18 April 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 18 April 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 18 April 2026
Student visa
Study visa for international students enrolled with a licensed Student sponsor at eligible UK institutions.
Sponsor required · Non-settlement · Last reviewed 18 April 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 18 April 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 18 April 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.
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