UK Visa Types at a Glance: Work, Study, Family and Visit Routes
Llandora·Updated 2026-10-14
⚠️ Disclaimer: For general information only — not tax, financial, legal, or medical advice. Figures may be outdated or incorrect; tax rules change frequently. Verify important decisions with the CRA/IRS or a qualified professional (for health topics, a licensed healthcare provider). You use this information at your own risk.
The short answer
Most long-term moves to the UK run through one of six visa routes: a sponsored work visa, a health and care visa, a student visa, a post-study graduate visa, a family (spouse/partner) visa, or a short-stay visitor visa. Your purpose decides your route — pick the wrong one and even a perfect application fails. This guide gives each route a one-line positioning, the essentials, and the official GOV.UK page where you can check the full current rules.
1. Skilled Worker visa — the main work route
The standard route for taking a skilled job in the UK. You need a job offer from a Home Office-licensed sponsor, a certificate of sponsorship (CoS), a role at graduate skill level (RQF Level 6) on the eligible occupations list, and a salary of at least £41,700 a year or the occupation's "going rate" — whichever is higher (lower thresholds apply to new entrants and some shortage roles). It leads to permanent residence (ILR) after 5 years.
Official page: https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa
2. Health and Care Worker visa — for NHS and social care staff
A dedicated, cheaper route for doctors, nurses, and adult social care workers with a job offer from the NHS, an NHS supplier, or a registered adult social care provider. The application fee is lower than the Skilled Worker visa and you do not pay the immigration health surcharge — a saving of £1,035 per year of your stay. It also leads to ILR after 5 years.
Official page: https://www.gov.uk/health-care-worker-visa
3. Student visa — for degree-level study
For international students aged 16 and over with an unconditional offer from a licensed student sponsor (a UK university or college). You must show you can pay your course fees plus living costs, and meet the English requirement. It allows limited part-time work during term (usually 20 hours a week for degree students) and full-time work in vacations — but it does not itself lead to ILR. Think of it as the stepping stone to the Graduate visa and then a work visa.
Official page: https://www.gov.uk/student-visa
4. Graduate visa — post-study work, no sponsorship needed
An unsponsored 2-year visa (3 years for PhD graduates) for students who complete a UK degree, letting you work at any skill level for any employer. You must apply from inside the UK before your Student visa expires. It cannot be extended and the time does not count toward the 5-year ILR clock — its real value is buying you time to find a sponsored job and switch to a Skilled Worker visa.
Official page: https://www.gov.uk/graduate-visa
5. Spouse/Partner visa — joining family in the UK
For partners of British or Irish citizens, or people settled in the UK (for example with ILR). Since 11 April 2024, the couple's combined income must be at least £29,000 a year — or £88,500 in cash savings held for 6 months as the alternative (the formula is £16,000 plus 2.5 times the income shortfall). You must also prove a genuine relationship and meet the English requirement. It leads to ILR after 5 years on the family route.
Official page: https://www.gov.uk/uk-family-visa/partner
6. Standard Visitor visa — short trips only
For tourism, family visits, and short business trips — up to 6 months per visit. You cannot work, cannot access public funds, and usually cannot switch to a work or family visa from inside the UK on a visitor visa. Treat it strictly as a short-stay route.
Official page: https://www.gov.uk/standard-visitor
How to pick your route
Have a UK job offer? → Skilled Worker (or Health and Care Worker for NHS/care roles). Check your employer's sponsor licence first: https://www.gov.uk/register-of-licensed-sponsors-workers
Have a UK university offer? → Student visa, with the Graduate visa as your post-study bridge.
Partner is British or settled in the UK? → Spouse/Partner visa — start planning around the £29,000 income rule early.
Just visiting? → Standard Visitor visa — and do not plan to switch routes from inside the UK.
Two rule changes to note: the Skilled Worker salary and skill thresholds were raised on 22 July 2025, and the English requirement rises to B2 level from 8 January 2026. Always confirm the current figures on GOV.UK before you apply. Individual circumstances vary — where the rules are ambiguous, rely on the official guidance or a regulated immigration adviser.
Frequently asked questions
Which UK visa leads to permanent residence (ILR)?
The Skilled Worker, Health and Care Worker, and Spouse/Partner visas all lead to indefinite leave to remain after 5 years of continuous residence on that route. The Graduate visa and Student visa do not count toward ILR on their own.
Can I switch from a Visitor visa to a work visa inside the UK?
Generally no — visitors are expected to leave the UK and apply from abroad. Check the switching rules on each visa's GOV.UK page before relying on any plan.
Do I need a job offer before applying for a Skilled Worker visa?
Yes. You need a confirmed offer from a licensed sponsor and a certificate of sponsorship before you apply.
How much is the immigration health surcharge?
£1,035 per year of your visa for most work and family routes (reduced rates apply to students and children). The Health and Care Worker visa is exempt.
Can my partner and children come with me?
Dependant rules differ by visa — check the "partner and children" section of each route's GOV.UK page for who qualifies and what they must show.
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