Skilled Worker Visa
The UK's main work visa — replaced the older Tier 2 route after Brexit. You need a job offer from a licensed sponsor.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Duration | Up to 5 years (renewable) |
| Minimum salary | £38,700 general, £30,960-38,700 for shortage roles |
| Skill level | RQF3 (A-level equivalent) or above |
| Fee | £719-1,420 depending on length |
| IHS | £1,035/year |
| Leads to ILR? | Yes, after 5 years continuous residence |
| Family allowed | Yes — partner + children under 18 |
See our dedicated UK Skilled Worker Visa Guide for the full process.
Student Visa
For courses at UK universities, colleges and language schools accredited by a Student Sponsor.
- Duration: up to course length + 4 months after
- Fee: £490 outside UK / £490 extension
- IHS: £776/year (reduced rate for students)
- Work allowed: up to 20 hours/week during term, full-time in vacations
- Dependants: from 2024, only PhD students can bring dependants
- After studies: Graduate visa (2-year post-study work, no sponsor needed)
Family Visas
For joining a British/settled partner, parent or child in the UK.
| Route | Fee (2026) | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Spouse/Partner visa | £1,846 | 2.5 years (renewable to 5 years then ILR) |
| Fiancé(e) visa | £1,846 | 6 months to enter + marry |
| Parent visa (child under 18) | £1,846 | 2.5 years |
| Adult dependent relative | £3,250 | ILR straight |
⚠️ Minimum income: The sponsoring British/settled partner must earn £29,000+ (2024 threshold, increasing to £38,700 by 2026). This is the biggest barrier for many family applications.
Global Talent
For exceptional talent or promise in academia, arts, culture, digital tech or research.
- No job offer needed — total flexibility
- Duration: up to 5 years
- Fee: £766 (+£524 endorsement)
- Endorsement required from: Royal Society, Royal Academy of Engineering, British Academy, Arts Council England, Tech Nation (for digital tech) or UKRI
- Fast-track to ILR: 3 years for exceptional talent, 5 years for exceptional promise
- Family allowed: yes
Indefinite Leave to Remain
ILR (Indefinite Leave to Remain) is UK permanent residence. After ILR, you can apply for British citizenship 12 months later.
- Most common route: 5 years on a qualifying visa (Skilled Worker, family, etc.)
- 10-year long residence: any combination of legal visas
- Fast-track routes: Global Talent (3 years), Innovator Founder (3 years)
- Requirements: Life in the UK test, English language B1+, continuous residence (max 180 days absent per year)
- Fee: £3,029 (2026) + English test + Life in UK test
🇬🇧 Route to citizenship: ILR → 12 months → British citizenship application (£1,500) → ceremony → British passport. Total journey: 6+ years for most; 4 years for Global Talent or family route with speedy approvals.