1. Visitor Visas
The UK Visitor Visa is the most common visa for short-term visits. It includes tourism, visiting family, attending business meetings, short-term studies, or medical treatment. This visa is usually granted for up to six months, though some applicants may qualify for longer multiple-entry visas.
Visitor visas have strict rules regarding work, study, and paid engagements. Applicants must demonstrate strong ties to their home country, sufficient funds to cover the stay, and a clear plan for return. Examples include attending conferences, exploring tourism sites, or visiting family members residing in the UK.
- Standard Visitor Visa: For tourism, leisure, family visits, short business trips, or study courses up to 6 months.
- Marriage Visitor Visa: For individuals intending to marry or register a civil partnership in the UK. This visa does not allow employment or long-term stay.
- Permitted Paid Engagement: For professionals invited to perform specific paid work, such as a lecture, short-term performance, or consulting engagement.
- Short-term Study Visa: For English language courses up to 6 months (11 months for English language teachers).
2. Student Visas
Student visas are required for anyone planning to study in the UK for more than 6 months or pursuing degree-level education. Applicants must have an acceptance letter from an approved UK educational institution and demonstrate adequate finances and English language proficiency.
The visa allows part-time work during term, full-time during vacations, and post-study work opportunities under the Graduate visa program. Dependents of Student visa holders may apply for F2 visas.
- Student Visa: For academic, vocational, or English language courses longer than 6 months.
- Child Student Visa: For children aged 4–17 attending independent schools in the UK.
- Graduate Visa: For students who complete eligible courses in the UK and wish to work or look for work after graduation.
3. Work Visas
The UK offers various work visas based on skills, job offers, and endorsements. Work visas generally require sponsorship from a licensed UK employer. The duration depends on the visa category, from 1–5 years initially, with options to extend or apply for settlement.
- Skilled Worker Visa: For jobs on the approved occupation list; requires a Certificate of Sponsorship from a UK employer.
- Health & Care Worker Visa: For healthcare professionals employed by the NHS, health service contractors, or adult social care employers.
- Intra-Company Transfer: For employees of multinational companies transferring to a UK branch. Duration depends on the length of assignment.
- Global Talent Visa: For leaders or emerging leaders in science, humanities, engineering, digital technology, or arts and culture.
- Temporary Worker Visas: Includes charity workers, creative and sporting professionals, religious workers, and government-authorized exchange programs.
4. Family Visas
Family visas are designed to allow individuals to join close family members in the UK. Eligibility requires proof of relationship, adequate funds, accommodation, and adherence to UK immigration rules.
- Spouse / Partner Visa: For joining a UK spouse or partner. Initial visa is 2.5 years; extendable to 5 years and qualifies for ILR.
- Parent Visa: For parents of a child in the UK. Must demonstrate sole responsibility or parental relationship.
- Child Visa: For children moving to live with parents in the UK. Requires age, relationship, and dependency proof.
5. Special & Entrepreneur Visas
The UK supports innovation, entrepreneurship, and highly skilled individuals through dedicated visas.
- Start-Up Visa: For first-time entrepreneurs endorsed by an approved UK organization. Initial 2-year visa, non-extendable; transition to Innovator possible.
- Innovator Visa: For experienced businesspeople endorsed to establish or run a business in the UK. Visa lasts 3 years, extendable.
- Creative & Sporting Visa: For artists, performers, and athletes contributing to UK culture or sports.
- UK Ancestry Visa: For Commonwealth citizens with a UK-born grandparent; allows work and study in the UK.
- Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR): Grants permanent residency after continuous residence, usually 5 years, for certain visa categories.
6. Transit Visas
Transit visas are for travelers passing through the UK en route to another country. Depending on nationality and duration, a visitor in transit may require a Direct Airside Transit visa (DATV) or Visitor in Transit visa.
- Direct Airside Transit: For travelers changing flights without passing through UK border control.
- Visitor in Transit: For travelers leaving airport or switching airports during transit.
useful Sources
7. Comprehensive UK Visa Table
| Visa Type | Duration | Purpose | Eligibility | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Visitor | Up to 6 months | Tourism, Short courses, Business | Passport, funds, return ticket | No employment allowed |
| Marriage Visitor | 6 months | Marriage / Civil partnership | Intent to marry, passport | Cannot extend or work |
| Student | Course duration + 4 months | Academic study | CAS, English, funds | Part-time work allowed |
| Skilled Worker | Up to 5 yrs | Employment | Job offer, sponsor | Dependents may join |
| Health & Care | Up to 5 yrs | Healthcare employment | Employer, qualification | Reduced fees, faster processing |
| Spouse / Partner | 2.5 yrs initial | Join partner | Relationship, funds | Extendable, work possible |
| Start-Up / Innovator | 1–3 yrs | Business | Endorsement, business plan | Transition between categories possible |
| Creative & Sporting | 1–3 yrs | Arts, Performance, Sports | Endorsement | Renewable if contribution continues |
| Transit | 24–48 hrs | Airport transfer | Ticket, passport, funds | Do not enter UK border |
8. FAQs – UK Visa
No. Visitor visas strictly prohibit employment. Any paid work or freelance activity is illegal and may result in visa refusal.
Student visas last for the duration of the course plus 4 months after completion. Graduate visas may allow additional work opportunities.
Yes, spouses, partners, and children under 18 may apply as dependents. They may have work or study rights depending on the visa type.
Yes. Indefinite Leave to Remain grants permanent residency. Applicants may later apply for British citizenship.
Most long-term visas like Skilled Worker, Student, or Innovator can be extended subject to eligibility. Visitor visas generally cannot be extended except under exceptional circumstances.
Depends on nationality and airline routing. Check UK government guidelines for Direct Airside Transit or Visitor in Transit requirements.