UK Visa & Immigration Guide 2026 — Types, Requirements & How to Apply
Whether you're moving for work, study, family, or settlement — find the right UK visa, understand the current requirements, and navigate the application process with confidence.
A UK visa stamp in a passport — the eVisa has now replaced the physical Biometric Residence Permit.
Overview of the UK immigration system
The UK operates a points-based immigration system, introduced after Brexit. It applies to all non-UK and non-Irish nationals, and is designed to attract skilled workers, students, and families while maintaining border control.
The Home Office — through UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) — handles all immigration decisions. Applications are submitted online via GOV.UK. Most visa categories require a combination of:
- A valid passport or travel document
- Proof of financial support
- An approved sponsor (for work and study visas)
- English language proficiency (where required)
- A clean immigration history
The Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) has been replaced by the eVisa — a digital immigration status. All visa holders must now use the UKVI online service to manage and share their status. Digital border checks are in force, meaning airlines can refuse boarding if your eVisa is not correctly set up.
Types of UK visas
The UK visa system is organised into several main categories. Each has its own eligibility criteria, fees, and processing timelines.
Work visas
The Skilled Worker Visa is the most common route for people moving to the UK for employment. It requires a job offer from a licensed sponsor at RQF Level 6 or above, meeting current salary thresholds. Other routes include the Health and Care Worker Visa (fast-tracked, reduced fees), the Global Talent Visa (for leaders in tech, science and arts), the Innovator Founder Visa, and the Youth Mobility Scheme (ages 18–30 from 13 eligible countries).
Study visas
The Student Visa is for those enrolled at a UK higher education institution. You'll need a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS), proof of English proficiency, and evidence of funds. The Graduate Route lets you stay and work in the UK for two years after your degree (three years for PhD graduates).
Family visas
Family visas allow partners, spouses, children, and parents of UK residents or citizens to join them. The Spouse and Partner Visa requires a minimum income of £29,000 per year for new applications made on or after 11 April 2024. Those who applied before that date remain on the previous £18,600 threshold for extensions.
Settlement and ILR
After five continuous years of lawful residence, most visa holders can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). British citizenship can follow after a further 12 months. EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens who lived in the UK before 31 December 2020 can apply under the EU Settlement Scheme.
Visitor and entry visas
The Standard Visitor Visa allows stays of up to six months for tourism, business, or short-term study — it does not permit work. The UK ETA is now required for most nationalities who previously travelled visa-free, including US and EU citizens.
The points-based system explained
The Skilled Worker route uses a points-based framework. Applicants must score 70 points in total — 50 mandatory and 20 tradeable.
| Requirement | Points | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Job offer from a licensed sponsor | 20 | Mandatory |
| Job at RQF Level 6 or above | 20 | Mandatory |
| English language at B1 level or above | 10 | Mandatory |
| Salary at or above general threshold (£41,700) | 20 | Tradeable |
| Job on the Immigration Salary List | 20 | Tradeable |
| Eligible for new entrant rate (under 26 / recent graduate) | 20 | Tradeable |
⚠️ Salary thresholds updated July 2025: The general Skilled Worker threshold rose to £41,700 per year from July 2025 (up from £38,700). New entrants and Immigration Salary List roles qualify at a reduced threshold of £33,400. Always verify on GOV.UK before applying.
The visa application process
Most UK visa applications follow the same broad process regardless of category.
- Determine the right visa type — use the GOV.UK visa checker to identify the correct route for your circumstances.
- Secure a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) — required for work and study visas. Your employer or education provider must be a licensed UK sponsor.
- Gather supporting documents — passport, English language proof, financial evidence, and role-specific documents.
- Apply online via GOV.UK — complete the application form and upload your documents through the official UKVI portal.
- Pay the application fee and Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) — fees vary by visa type and duration. IHS is £1,035 per year for most routes.
- Attend a biometric appointment — enrol fingerprints and photograph at a Visa Application Centre (VAC).
- Wait for a decision — standard processing is 3–8 weeks. Priority and super-priority services are available at extra cost.
- Set up your eVisa — once approved, create a UKVI account and set up your eVisa before travelling to the UK.
Visa fees and timelines (2026)
Fees below are indicative — always confirm current figures on the official GOV.UK fee schedule before applying as these change with short notice.
| Visa type | Fee (outside UK) | IHS (per year) | Decision time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skilled Worker (up to 3 yrs) | ~£719 | £1,035 | 3–8 weeks |
| Skilled Worker (3–5 yrs) | ~£1,420 | £1,035 | 3–8 weeks |
| Health & Care Worker | Reduced / exempt | Exempt | 3–8 weeks |
| Student Visa | ~£490 | £776 | 3 weeks |
| Youth Mobility Scheme (2 yrs) | £319 | £776/yr | 3 weeks |
| Spouse/Partner Visa | ~£1,846 | £1,035 | Up to 24 weeks |
| UK ETA | £16 | — | Within 3 days |
| Standard Visitor Visa | £115 | — | 3 weeks |
Visa extensions and switching
Most UK visa routes allow you to extend your stay or switch to a different category from within the UK, provided you still meet the eligibility requirements.
- Always apply to extend or switch before your current visa expires — overstaying can lead to refusals and entry bans.
- You cannot switch to most work routes from a Standard Visitor Visa — you must apply from outside the UK.
- Skilled Worker visa holders can switch employer with a new Certificate of Sponsorship without leaving the UK.
- Time spent on most work, student, and family visas counts toward the five-year ILR qualifying period.
Common reasons for visa refusal
Most refusals are avoidable. The most common causes are:
- Financial evidence shortfalls — missing statements, incorrect date ranges, or funds not held for the required period.
- Salary mismatches — the job offer not meeting the general threshold or occupation-specific going rate.
- Incorrect occupation code (SOC) — role on the CoS doesn't match actual job duties.
- Undisclosed immigration history — previous overstays, refusals, or breaches not declared.
- Incomplete or inconsistent documents — information that doesn't match across documents, or incorrect formatting.
Bringing your family to the UK
Most UK visa routes allow you to bring your partner and dependent children as dependants, who generally have the right to work without restriction. The minimum income requirement for the Spouse and Partner Visa is currently £29,000 per year for applications made on or after 11 April 2024. Those who applied under the old rules before this date remain on the £18,600 threshold for extensions.
From July 2025, roles on the Temporary Shortage List (TSL) may restrict bringing dependants. Always check the specific rules for your visa category and occupation code before applying.
EU Settled Status
If you're an EU, EEA, or Swiss citizen who lived in the UK before 31 December 2020, you may be eligible for the EU Settlement Scheme. The scheme is closed to new applicants in most circumstances, but late applications are still accepted where there are reasonable grounds for missing the deadline. Those with Pre-Settled Status must upgrade to Settled Status before it expires to secure permanent residence.
This guide is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. UK immigration rules change frequently — always verify current requirements on GOV.UK or consult a qualified immigration adviser before making an application. Moving to the UK is an independent editorial resource and is not affiliated with the Home Office or UKVI.
Frequently asked questions
The Skilled Worker Visa is the primary route for most international workers. It requires a job offer from a Home Office licensed sponsor at RQF Level 6 or above. As of July 2025, the general threshold is £41,700 per year, though reduced rates apply for new entrants and roles on the Immigration Salary List.
The UK ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) is a digital pre-travel permission required for most nationalities who previously entered the UK without a visa, including US and EU citizens. It costs £16 and decisions are usually made within 3 days. You do not need an ETA if you already have a valid UK visa.
Most applicants must complete five continuous years of lawful residence in the UK, spending no more than 180 days outside the UK in any 12-month period. You'll also need to pass the Life in the UK test. Processing typically takes around 6 months, though priority services are available.
Yes. Most UK work visa routes allow you to bring your partner and dependent children under 18. Dependants generally have the right to work without restriction. Note that from July 2025, some roles on the Temporary Shortage List restrict dependants — check your occupation code before applying.
Most applications need: a valid passport, a Certificate of Sponsorship (for work/study visas), proof of English language proficiency, financial evidence (bank statements for the required period), and any role-specific documents. Check the full checklist on GOV.UK for your specific visa type — incomplete documents are one of the most common causes of refusal.
The Student Visa is for studying at a licensed UK institution. The Graduate Route is applied for after completing your degree — it lets you stay and work for two years (three for PhD graduates) without needing a sponsor. It does not lead directly to settlement.
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