UK Visa Guide: Types, Eligibility & How to Apply 2026

Section A: Types of UK Visas

The UK immigration system is structured around clearly defined visa categories, each designed for a specific purpose of stay. Choosing the correct category at the outset matters, as each route comes with fixed conditions on length of stay, permitted activities, switching options and long-term outcomes.

For short-term visits such as tourism, business meetings, or family visits, the UK operates visitor routes with strict limits on work and residence. The Standard Visitor route covers most short stays, while the Marriage Visitor route applies where the sole purpose of travel is to marry or form a civil partnership in the UK without remaining afterwards.

Work visas cover a wide range of employment scenarios. Some routes require sponsorship from a UK-licensed employer, such as the Skilled Worker visa, while others allow greater flexibility. Certain routes are time-limited and do not lead to settlement, while others form part of a longer-term pathway to indefinite leave to remain.

For those planning to study, the UK offers sponsored Student visas for full-time courses with approved education providers, as well as Child Student visas for younger learners in independent schools. Short-term study options also exist for limited English language courses, but these do not provide the same rights or switching options as longer-term study routes.

Family visas are designed to allow close family members to live together in the UK. These routes apply to partners, parents and children joining a qualifying sponsor who is already settled in the UK or holds British citizenship, as well as certain applicants relying on long residence or private life in the UK. Each family route carries detailed requirements around relationship evidence, finances, accommodation and, in many cases, English language ability.

Post-Brexit arrangements include specific status routes and permits for EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens. These are not general visitor or work visas, but tailored frameworks governing residence rights, family members and ongoing permission to live and work in the UK following the end of free movement.

Special humanitarian arrangements apply to Ukrainian nationals under a number of schemes introduced since 2022. Some of these routes are now closed to new applicants, while others provide temporary extension permission for those already in the UK. Eligibility depends on both timing and current immigration status rather than nationality alone.

Commonwealth citizens may qualify under specific routes such as UK ancestry or the Youth Mobility Scheme, which allow residence and work in the UK on a time-limited basis. These are separate from mainstream work sponsorship routes and carry their own eligibility rules.

Each visa category is governed by detailed Immigration Rules setting out who qualifies, how long permission can be granted for and what activities are allowed. Applying under the wrong category, even where the underlying intention is genuine, can lead to refusal or problems at the UK border.

1. UK Visit Visas

If you are a citizen of a country that does not qualify for visa-free travel to the UK, known as a visa national, you will need to obtain a visit visa and secure entry clearance before travelling to the UK.

Read more generally about Visit Visas here >>

a. Standard Visitor Visa: For visa nationals travelling to the UK for up to six months for tourism, visiting family, attending business activities or other permitted purposes such as private medical treatment. The route does not allow paid work and cannot be used to live in the UK through frequent or successive visits.

Read more generally about Standard Visitor Visas here >>

b. Marriage Visitor Visa: For individuals coming to the UK to marry or register a civil partnership within a six-month period, where there is no intention to remain in the UK after the ceremony.

Read more about the Marriage Visitor Visa here >>

c. Transit Visa: For certain travellers passing through the UK en route to another destination who need permission to transit through the UK border.

Read more about the Transit Visa here >>

d. Electronic Travel Authorisation: For nationals of countries who do not require a visa for short stays but are required to obtain advance travel permission before travelling to or transiting through the UK. An ETA is a digital permission, not a visa, and entry remains subject to meeting the visitor rules at the border.

Read more about the Electronic Travel Authorisation here >>

e. ADS Agreement for Chinese Tour Groups: For Chinese nationals travelling to the UK as part of an approved tour group under the Approved Destination Status agreement, subject to group travel conditions and a fixed maximum stay.

Read more about the ADS Agreement here >>

2. UK Work & Business Visas

When applying for a UK work visa, you need to apply under the route that most accurately reflects the nature of the work you will be doing, how long you intend to stay and whether sponsorship is required. Each route has its own eligibility framework and compliance conditions, and applying under the wrong category can lead to refusal even where there is a genuine job offer.

Read more generally about UK Work Visas here >>

The main immigration routes for working in the UK include the following.

a. Skilled Worker visa: For individuals who have been offered an eligible skilled job with a UK-licensed sponsor. Permission can be granted for up to 5 years at a time, subject to meeting the applicable skill, salary, English language and sponsorship requirements.

Read more about the Skilled Worker Visa here >>

b. Health and Care Worker visa: A subcategory of the Skilled Worker route for qualified healthcare professionals and adult social care workers filling eligible roles with approved employers in the health and care sector. This route benefits from reduced application fees and exemption from the Immigration Healthcare Surcharge.

Read more about the Health and Care Worker Visa here >>

c. High Potential Individual visa: For recent graduates of eligible top global universities who wish to come to the UK to work or look for work. This route does not require a job offer or UK sponsor and provides time-limited permission to work at any skill level, subject to route conditions.

Read more about the High Potential Individual Visa here >>

d. Global Talent route: For individuals who are recognised as leaders or emerging leaders in fields such as academia and research, arts and culture or digital technology. Eligibility is based on endorsement by an approved endorsing body or holding a qualifying prize, rather than sponsorship by an employer.

Read more about the Global Talent Visa here >>

e. Scale Up route: A hybrid route allowing individuals to work for an eligible fast-growing UK business in a qualifying role. Sponsorship is required for the initial period only, after which the visa holder can work without sponsorship, provided they continue to meet the minimum earnings requirement.

Read more about the Scale Up Visa here >>

f. Global Business Mobility visas: A group of sponsored routes for overseas businesses assigning workers to the UK on a temporary basis for specific business purposes. These routes do not lead to settlement and are designed for structured international assignments.

Read more about the Global Business Mobility Visa here >>

g. Temporary Worker visas: A collection of sponsored routes allowing overseas nationals to undertake short-term work in specific sectors, including creative industries, charity work, internships, research and seasonal roles. Each subcategory has defined limits on duration and permitted activities.

Read more about the Temporary Worker visas here >>

h. Innovator Founder visa: For individuals seeking to establish an innovative business in the UK. Applicants need an endorsing body approval and must play a key role in developing and running the business.

Read more about the Innovator Founder Visa here >>

i. Self Sponsorship Route: A practical approach used by some applicants where they establish or operate a UK business that holds a sponsor licence and sponsors them under an eligible work route, most commonly Skilled Worker. This is not a standalone visa category and requires careful compliance with sponsorship and employment rules.

Read more about the Self-sponsorship Visa here >>

3. Study Visas

If you are coming to the UK to study, it is important to apply under the correct study route, as the visa category you choose determines the length of permission granted, whether you can work during your studies and whether you can switch into another immigration category after completing your course.

Read more generally about Study Visas here >>

a. Student Visa: For individuals undertaking a full-time course of study at an approved UK education provider. Sponsorship is required in the form of a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS), and applicants need to meet financial and English language requirements. Student visa conditions also regulate working hours during term time and full-time work during permitted vacation periods.

Read more about the Student Visa here >>

b. Child Student Visa: For children aged between 4 and 17 years who will be studying at an independent school in the UK. Permission is usually granted for the duration of the course, plus a short period afterwards, and includes specific safeguarding, care and accommodation requirements.

Read more about the Child Student Visa here >>

c. UK Short-Term Study Visa: For individuals undertaking a short English language course in the UK. This route is time-limited and does not allow switching into longer-term study or work categories from within the UK.

Read more about the Short-Term Study Visa here >>

4. Family Visas

If you are coming to the UK to live with a close family member who is already in the UK, you will need to apply under the appropriate family visa route. Family routes are among the most tightly scrutinised categories, as they rely heavily on documentary evidence and require the application to match the applicant’s real domestic and living arrangements.

There are various different types of family visa, including routes for partners, parents and children, as well as applications based on private life or adult dependency. Each route has its own eligibility framework and evidential threshold.

Read more generally about Family Visas here >>

a. Spouse or Partner Visa: For the spouse, civil partner or unmarried partner of a British citizen or a person who is settled in the UK, or who holds refugee status or humanitarian protection. Initial permission is granted on a time-limited basis, with extensions available provided the relationship continues to meet the requirements.

Read more about the Spouse Visa here >>

b. Parent Visa: For parents applying to join a child who is living in the UK, where the child meets the relevant status and residence conditions. This route is narrowly defined and applies only in specific circumstances.

Read more about the Parent Visa here >>

c. Child Visa: For children joining or accompanying a parent in the UK. The length and conditions of permission depend on the immigration status of the parent and whether the child is applying from inside or outside the UK.

Read more about the Child Visa here >>

d. Applying as an Adult Coming to be Cared for by a Relative: For adults who require long-term personal care and are applying to be cared for by a close relative in the UK. This route has a very high evidential threshold and is granted only in limited circumstances.

Read more about the ADR Visa here >>

e. Applying based on Your Private Life: For individuals with strong and long-standing personal ties to the UK, where removal would be disproportionate. This route often applies where a person has lived in the UK for a significant period, particularly from a young age.

Read more about the Private Life Route here >>

f. Fiancé visa: Allows a British citizen or a person with settled status to bring their fiancé to the UK for up to six months in order to marry or enter into a civil partnership. This route does not allow work and requires a further application after the ceremony to remain in the UK.

Read more about the Fiance Visa here >>

5. EU, EEA, and Swiss Citizen Visas

Read more about EU, EEA and Swiss Citizen Visas here >>

Immigration arrangements for EU, EEA and Swiss citizens changed fundamentally following the end of free movement. Residence and work rights are now governed primarily through specific status routes and permits rather than general UK visa categories.

a. EU Settlement Scheme: This route allows eligible EU, EEA and Swiss citizens, and certain family members, to continue living and working in the UK after Brexit. Applicants are granted either settled status or pre-settled status depending on the length and continuity of their UK residence.

Read more about the EU Settlement Scheme here >>

b. EU Settlement Scheme Family Permit: For qualifying non-UK family members of EU, EEA or Swiss citizens, allowing them to join or accompany their family member to the UK where the relevant relationship and residence criteria are met.

Read more about the EUSS Family Permit here >>

c. Frontier Worker Permit: For EU, EEA and Swiss nationals who live outside the UK but continue to work in the UK, provided they meet the definition of a frontier worker and continue to satisfy the ongoing eligibility requirements.

Read more about the Frontier Permit here >>

d. S2 Healthcare Visitor route: For EU, EEA and Swiss nationals travelling to the UK for planned medical treatment that is funded by their home state under reciprocal healthcare arrangements.

e. Long Residence: In certain circumstances, EU, EEA and Swiss citizens who have accrued 10 continuous years of lawful residence in the UK may choose to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain under the long residence rules, rather than relying on status under the EU Settlement Scheme.

Read more about Long Residence here >>

6. Ukrainian Visas

Read more about Ukrainian Visas here >>

The UK introduced a number of temporary immigration schemes in response to the conflict in Ukraine. These routes sit outside the standard visa framework and are governed by scheme-specific rules, many of which are time-limited or subject to closure. Eligibility depends not only on nationality, but also on the date of application and the applicant’s existing immigration status in the UK.

a. Homes for Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme: A sponsorship-based route allowing Ukrainian nationals and their immediate family members to come to the UK where an approved sponsor can provide suitable accommodation. Permission under this scheme is granted for a fixed period and does not follow the usual visa sponsorship model.

b. Ukraine Family Scheme: This route allowed eligible family members of British citizens, persons settled in the UK and certain other qualifying individuals to join them in the UK. The Ukraine Family Scheme closed to new applications on 19 February 2024 and is no longer available.

c. Ukrainian Permission Extension Scheme: This scheme opened in 2025 for Ukrainian nationals already in the UK under existing Ukraine routes, allowing them to apply for further temporary permission to remain. The scheme grants time-limited extension permission rather than settlement and applies only to those who meet the specific eligibility criteria at the date of application.

d. Ukrainian Extension Scheme: This scheme closed to most applicants on 16 May 2024 and subsequently closed fully in early 2025, with limited exceptions having applied only to children born in the UK prior to closure. New applications under this route are no longer accepted.

7. Commonwealth Visas

Read more about Commonwealth Visas here >>

Citizens of Commonwealth countries do not have a single unified visa category, but may qualify under a number of specific UK immigration routes depending on their personal circumstances, age, ancestry and intended activities in the UK. These routes operate alongside, rather than outside, the wider UK immigration system.

a. UK Ancestry Visa: For Commonwealth citizens who have a grandparent born in the UK, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man. Permission is granted for up to 5 years and can lead to settlement, provided the applicant continues to meet the work and residence requirements.

Read more about the UK Ancestry visa here >>

b. Right of Abode: Grants eligible individuals the unrestricted right to live and work in the UK without immigration control. This is not a visa and applies only to those who can demonstrate qualifying British nationality or citizenship status.

Read more about the Right of Abode here >>

c. Youth Mobility Scheme: For young people from participating countries to live and work in the UK on a temporary basis. Most applicants are granted permission for up to 2 years, subject to nationality-specific rules and quotas.

Read more about the Youth Mobility Scheme here >>

d. BNO Visa: Allows eligible British National (Overseas) citizens from Hong Kong, and their dependants, to live, work and study in the UK. This route provides a pathway to settlement and, in due course, British citizenship.

Read more about the BNO visa here >>

Section B: UK Visa Eligibility Requirements

Eligibility criteria for UK visas vary depending on the route applied for, but every application is assessed against a core set of legal and evidential requirements. Meeting the headline criteria for a visa category is not enough on its own. UKVI assesses whether the application, taken as a whole, is credible, internally consistent and supported by the correct evidence.

At a minimum, applicants are expected to prove their identity, demonstrate that they can support themselves financially during their stay and show that their intended activities align with the conditions of the visa being sought. Where a visa route does not lead to settlement, applicants also need to show that they intend to leave the UK at the end of their permitted stay.

Beyond these baseline requirements, most visa categories impose additional route-specific conditions. Work visas usually require a qualifying job offer and, in many cases, sponsorship from a licensed UK employer. Study visas require formal acceptance by an approved education provider and evidence of funds to cover tuition fees and living costs. Family visas require detailed proof of a genuine relationship and the sponsor’s ability to meet financial and accommodation requirements.

UKVI also applies suitability requirements across most routes. These cover criminal history, previous immigration compliance and any conduct that may raise credibility or public interest concerns. Failing on suitability grounds can lead to refusal even where all other eligibility requirements appear to be met.

For applicants from non-English speaking countries, an English language requirement applies on many routes, subject to limited exemptions. This requirement is strictly enforced and incorrect assumptions about exemptions are a frequent cause of refusal.

1. General Requirements For UK Visas

All UK visa applicants are expected to meet a set of foundational requirements, regardless of the specific route they are applying under.

a. Proof of Identity: Applicants need to provide a valid passport or other accepted travel document. The document must be genuine, current and suitable for the type of application being made.

b. Financial Stability: Applicants need to show that they have sufficient funds to support themselves, and any dependants, for the duration of their stay without recourse to public funds, unless the route expressly allows otherwise.

c. Leave Intention: Where the visa sought is time-limited, applicants need to show that they will leave the UK at the end of their permitted stay. This is assessed by looking at the overall circumstances rather than a single document.

d. Lawfulness and Good Character: Applicants are expected to have complied with UK immigration law in the past and not present concerns relating to criminality, deception or abuse of the immigration system.

e. Health Requirements: Depending on nationality and length of stay, applicants may need to provide a tuberculosis test certificate or meet other health-related entry requirements.

2. Visa-Specific Requirements

In addition to the general requirements, each visa category has its own eligibility criteria that need to be met and evidenced at the point of application. These criteria are set out in the Immigration Rules and associated Home Office guidance and are applied strictly.

Work routes typically require a qualifying role, an eligible sponsor where applicable and compliance with salary and skill thresholds. Study routes require sponsorship from an approved education provider and evidence that the applicant can genuinely undertake the course. Family routes require proof that the relationship is genuine and subsisting, alongside financial and accommodation evidence.

UKVI does not usually request missing documents or invite applicants to correct errors after submission. Applications are assessed on the evidence provided at the time of application, which makes it important that the requirements for the chosen route are fully understood before applying.

a. Standard Visitor Visa

As part of a Standard Visitor visa application, you need to show that your visit to the UK will be limited to no more than six months and that you will leave the UK at the end of the visit. The visitor route is designed for short stays only and cannot be used as a way to live in the UK through frequent or successive visits.

Academic visitors and parents of children at independent schools in the UK may be granted permission for up to 12 months, but this applies only where the specific criteria for those categories are met.

You also need to show that you can support yourself, and any dependants travelling with you, during your stay and pay for your return or onward journey. UKVI will assess whether your personal, financial and employment circumstances outside the UK are consistent with a genuine intention to visit rather than remain.

b. Skilled Worker Visa

The Skilled Worker visa is a sponsored work route requiring a genuine offer of employment in an eligible skilled occupation from a UK-licensed sponsor. The role needs to meet the applicable skill level and salary threshold in force at the date of application.

Applicants also need to meet an English language requirement and, where applicable, a financial requirement. Sponsorship is evidenced through a valid Certificate of Sponsorship issued by the employer, and the application must align precisely with the information recorded on that certificate.

If granted, permission can be issued for up to five years at a time. Extensions are possible provided the worker continues to meet the route requirements, and the Skilled Worker route can lead to settlement after five years of continuous qualifying residence.

c. Health and Care Worker Visa

The Health and Care Worker visa applies to individuals sponsored under the Skilled Worker route who will be working in an eligible health or adult social care occupation. The role must fall within the relevant occupation codes and be offered by an approved employer, such as an NHS body, NHS trust, or an organisation providing regulated health or adult social care services.

In addition to meeting the general Skilled Worker requirements, applicants need to show that the role and employer qualify under the health and care provisions. This route benefits from reduced application fees and exemption from the Immigration Healthcare Surcharge.

d. High Potential Individual Visa

The High Potential Individual visa allows eligible graduates from top global universities to come to the UK without the need for sponsorship or a job offer. Eligibility is based on the award of a qualifying degree within the required timeframe and confirmation that the institution appears on the approved list.

Permission under this route is time-limited and does not lead directly to settlement. Visa holders can work in most roles, including self-employment and voluntary work, but are restricted from working as a professional sportsperson or sports coach.

e. Scale Up Visa

The Scale Up visa is a hybrid route allowing individuals to work for a qualifying fast-growing UK business in an eligible role that meets the minimum salary requirement. Sponsorship is required only for the initial period of employment.

After the sponsored period ends, the visa holder can work without sponsorship, including for a different employer, provided they continue to meet the ongoing earnings requirement. Permission is granted for two years at a time and does not require continuous sponsorship throughout the full period.

f. Global Business Mobility (GBM) Routes

The Global Business Mobility routes allow overseas businesses to assign workers to the UK on a temporary basis for specific business purposes. These routes do not lead to settlement and are intended for structured, time-limited assignments.

The main GBM routes cover senior or specialist workers, graduate trainees, UK expansion workers, service suppliers and secondment workers. Each route has its own eligibility criteria covering seniority, experience, contractual arrangements and the nature of the overseas business relationship.

g. UK Temporary Worker Visas

The UK operates several Temporary Worker routes for short-term employment in defined sectors. These routes are sponsored and strictly limited in duration.

The categories include creative workers, charity workers, government authorised exchange participants, international agreement workers, religious workers and seasonal workers. Each route limits the type of work that can be undertaken and the maximum period of stay allowed.

h. Family Visas

Eligibility for family visas depends primarily on whether the UK-based sponsor meets the required status criteria. For example, the Partner route applies where the sponsor is a British citizen, is settled in the UK, or holds refugee status or humanitarian protection.

Applicants need to show that the relationship is genuine and subsisting, that there is adequate accommodation available and that the financial and English language requirements are met where applicable. Family applications are assessed holistically, with consistency across evidence being a key factor in decision-making.

3. Suitability and general grounds for refusal

In addition to meeting the eligibility requirements for a UK visa, applicants are assessed against suitability criteria. Suitability focuses on whether there is anything in the applicant’s background or conduct that makes it inappropriate for permission to be granted, even where all route-specific requirements appear to be met.

Suitability checks apply across most visa categories and cover issues such as criminal convictions, previous immigration breaches, overstaying, unlawful working, use of deception in past applications and broader credibility concerns. These checks are applied independently of eligibility and can result in refusal even where the substantive criteria for the visa are otherwise satisfied.

A key point is that suitability is assessed on the information available to the Home Office at the time of application. Past issues do not automatically lead to refusal, but they need to be identified, understood and addressed correctly before an application is submitted. Failing to disclose relevant information or attempting to minimise past problems can itself trigger refusal on deception grounds.

Where an application is refused on suitability grounds, appeal rights are often limited or unavailable, particularly for visit and work routes. A refusal can also affect future applications, as UKVI will take previous decisions into account when assessing credibility.

Because suitability issues are not always obvious to applicants, taking advice before applying is often critical where there is any adverse immigration or criminal history.

Section C: UK Visa Application Process

Most UK visa applications are made online. The application process is structured, but it does not guide applicants on whether they are applying under the correct route. It is the applicant’s responsibility to select the correct visa category and ensure that their application aligns with the Immigration Rules for that route.

To apply, you need to complete the online application form on the GOV.UK website and pay the relevant application fee. You also need to prove your identity, submit supporting documents and enrol your biometric information. The method used depends on your nationality, passport type and where you are applying from.

Applicants applying from outside the UK may need to attend an appointment at an overseas Visa Application Centre. Applicants applying from within the UK usually attend an appointment at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services service point, unless they are eligible to use the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ smartphone app.

Where an appointment is required, it is arranged through a third-party provider. At the appointment, your fingerprints and photograph are taken and, in some cases, you can upload or submit your supporting documents. If documents are uploaded incorrectly or are missing, they are not usually requested again later.

The evidence required depends on the visa route. For example, a Skilled Worker applicant needs to rely on a valid Certificate of Sponsorship and supporting documents such as English language evidence. A Partner visa applicant needs to provide relationship evidence, financial documents and accommodation details that align with the application form.

Once the application is submitted, it is assessed on the information and documents provided at that point. Errors, inconsistencies or omissions generally cannot be corrected after submission. Processing times vary by route and location, and applications may be subject to additional checks.

If the application is successful, permission is granted digitally or, where applicable, confirmed through a visa vignette in the passport. If the application is refused, a written decision notice explains the reasons and whether any review or appeal rights apply.

Section D: UK Visa Supporting Documents

Supporting documents play a central role in UK visa decision-making. UKVI does not assess applications on intention alone. Each requirement under the relevant Immigration Rules needs to be evidenced in the prescribed way, and documents that do not meet the formal requirements may be disregarded.

The exact documents required depend on the visa category, the applicant’s circumstances and where the application is being made. Submitting large volumes of irrelevant material does not strengthen an application. Caseworkers assess evidence for relevance, consistency and credibility rather than quantity.

At a minimum, applicants are expected to provide a valid travel document confirming identity and nationality. Additional documents are then required to show eligibility under the chosen route, such as financial evidence, sponsorship documentation, relationship evidence or proof of studies.

Documents need to match the information entered in the application form and, where applicable, the details recorded by sponsors or education providers. Discrepancies between documents, dates or figures are a common cause of refusal.

Where documents are not in English or Welsh, they need to be accompanied by a certified translation that meets Home Office requirements. Informal or uncertified translations may not be accepted.

1. General Checklist of Supporting Documents for UK Visa Applications

The following provides a general indication of the types of documents commonly required for UK visa applications. It is not exhaustive and should always be read alongside the specific requirements for the visa route being applied for.

2. Special Documents Required for Specific Visas

In addition to general documentation, many visa routes require specific evidence to demonstrate eligibility. These documents are route-specific and must meet strict format and content requirements.

For study routes, applicants need a valid Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies issued by the education provider, together with evidence of academic qualifications, English language ability and funding where required.

For work routes, applicants generally need a valid Certificate of Sponsorship issued by the employer, along with evidence that any professional registration or qualifications required for the role have been met.

For family routes, applicants need to provide clear evidence of the relationship relied upon, together with financial documents showing that the sponsor meets the applicable income or savings threshold and evidence of suitable accommodation.

Submitting incorrect documents or failing to meet the evidential standard can lead to refusal even where the underlying eligibility criteria are met.

Section E: UK Visa Fees

Most UK visa applications attract an application fee, which needs to be paid in full before the application will be processed. Fees are set by the Home Office and vary depending on the visa category, the length of permission being sought and whether the application is made from outside or inside the UK.

Visa fees change periodically and apply per applicant. Where dependants are included, each person needs to submit a separate application and pay the relevant fee in their own right.

1. UK Visa Application Fees

The level of the application fee depends on the route and the circumstances of the application. Some visas have a single fixed fee, while others operate on a tiered structure based on the length of permission or the nature of the role.

By way of example, an Electronic Travel Authorisation application costs £16 per applicant. A Standard Visitor visa costs £127, while a Student visa application costs £524.

Work visa fees vary by route and duration. For example, a Skilled Worker visa application submitted from outside the UK for a role with a Certificate of Sponsorship issued for more than three years costs £1,519, with a reduced fee applying where the role falls under the Immigration Salary List or the Health and Care Worker route. Where the Certificate of Sponsorship is issued for three years or less, the application fee is £769.

Read more about UK visa fees here >>

2. Payment Methods and Additional Charges

Visa application fees are usually paid online as part of the application process through the UK Visas and Immigration system. Payment is typically made by debit or credit card, although additional local payment methods may be available in certain countries.

Once paid, visa application fees are generally non-refundable, even where an application is refused or withdrawn, unless the Home Office has made an error.

3. Additional Visa Fees

In addition to the core application fee, applicants may need to budget for other mandatory or optional charges depending on the visa route.

a. Immigration Healthcare Surcharge: Many applicants are required to pay the Immigration Healthcare Surcharge in order to access the UK’s National Health Service. The standard rate is £1,035 per person per year of permission. A reduced rate of £776 per year applies to students, their dependants, Youth Mobility Scheme applicants and children under the age of 18. Some routes, such as the Health and Care Worker visa, are exempt.

b. Priority Services: In some cases, applicants can pay an additional fee for faster processing. Priority service typically costs £500 per application, while super priority service costs £1,000. Availability and decision times vary by visa type and location, and paying for priority does not override substantive eligibility or evidential issues.

c. Biometric Fee: Where biometric enrolment takes place at a Visa Application Centre, a separate fee may apply, depending on the provider and location.

Section F: UK Visa Application Processing Times

UK visa processing times vary depending on the visa category, where the application is made and whether additional checks are required. There is no single standard timeframe that applies across all routes, and processing times are subject to change.

Applications made from outside the UK are processed under different service standards from those made inside the UK. Family routes, work routes and study routes each operate to their own published targets, and these can be affected by demand, operational capacity and security screening.

As an indication only, many work and study visa applications are processed within three weeks when made from overseas and within eight weeks when made from inside the UK. Family visa applications can take significantly longer, particularly where the application is made from overseas. These are service standards rather than guarantees.

1. Standard Application Processing Times

Applicants should always check the latest processing time guidance published on the GOV.UK website before submitting an application. Published times reflect current operational conditions and are updated regularly.

Applying as early as possible helps reduce the risk of delays disrupting travel, employment start dates or course enrolment. Submitting an application close to a fixed deadline leaves little room to deal with unexpected issues.

In some cases, applicants may be offered priority or super priority processing for an additional fee. Availability depends on the visa type, where the application is made and the local capacity of the processing centre. Faster services do not guarantee a positive decision and do not shorten applications that are not straightforward.

View our guide to the latest UK visa processing times here >>

2. Factors Influencing Visa Application Processing Times

Processing times are influenced by both external factors and the quality of the application submitted. Incomplete applications, missing evidence or inconsistencies between documents commonly result in delays while additional checks are carried out.

Seasonal demand can also affect processing times, particularly during peak travel periods and ahead of academic intake dates. Higher application volumes place pressure on decision-making capacity across visa categories.

Some applications are subject to enhanced security or verification checks. These may be triggered by nationality, travel history, previous immigration issues or the nature of the role or studies being undertaken. Where an interview is required, availability of appointments can further extend timelines.

External events, including technical outages, geopolitical developments or public health issues, can also disrupt normal processing operations.

Preparing a complete and accurate application from the outset reduces the risk of delay and avoids avoidable complications during the decision-making process.

Section G: How to Prepare for a UK Visa Interview

In some cases, UKVI may require an applicant to attend an interview as part of the visa decision-making process. Interviews are not routine for all visa categories, but they are used where the caseworker needs to test credibility, clarify information or assess whether the application genuinely meets the requirements of the route.

An interview is not an opportunity to correct weaknesses in the application or introduce new evidence. It is used to verify the information already submitted and to assess whether the applicant’s explanations are consistent with the documents and the stated purpose of stay.

Preparation is important. You should review your application form and supporting documents in detail before the interview so that you are familiar with the information provided and can explain it clearly if asked.

Where an interview is required, you should bring your passport, appointment confirmation and any documents specified in the interview notice. Interviews may be conducted in person or remotely, depending on the visa type and location.

While questions vary depending on the visa category, applicants are commonly asked about the purpose of their application, their background and how their circumstances align with the visa they are seeking.

a. What is the purpose of your visit or stay in the UK?

b. Where will you live during your time in the UK?

c. How long do you intend to remain in the UK?

d. What do you plan to do after your permission ends?

e. Have you previously visited or lived in the UK?

f. How will you support yourself financially during your stay?

g. What ties do you have outside the UK?

h. If applying for work, what role will you undertake and who is your employer?

i. If applying for a family route, what is your relationship to your sponsor?

Section H: Summary

Applying for a UK visa involves selecting the correct immigration route, meeting the relevant eligibility criteria and submitting a complete application supported by compliant evidence. Each visa category carries specific conditions on length of stay, permitted activities and, in some cases, the ability to extend or settle in the UK.

Processing times, fees and documentary requirements vary by route and by where the application is made. Applications are assessed on the information and evidence submitted at the point of application, and errors or omissions are not usually capable of being corrected later.

Given the frequency of changes to UK immigration rules and Home Office processes, it is important to rely on current guidance and ensure that the chosen visa category accurately reflects the purpose of stay.

Section I: Need Assistance?

DavidsonMorris are specialists in UK immigration. We advise employers, individuals and families on the full range of UK visa options and provide structured support throughout the Home Office application process.

If you have concerns about previous immigration issues, overstaying or criminal convictions, taking advice before applying can help you understand whether you are eligible and how those issues should be addressed within the application.

We also assist where a visa application has been refused, advising on whether there are grounds to challenge the decision or whether a fresh application is the better option.

For specialist guidance, you can book a fixed-fee telephone consultation to speak directly with one of our advisers.

Section J: UK Visa FAQs

How to apply online for a UK visa?

UK visa applications are made online through the GOV.UK website. You need to select the correct visa category, complete the application form, pay the relevant fee, upload supporting documents and provide biometric information.

How long does it take to get a UK visa?

Processing times vary depending on the visa type, where the application is made and whether additional checks are required. Current processing times are published on the GOV.UK website.

What are the requirements for a UK visa application?

Requirements depend on the visa route, but generally include proof of identity, evidence of funds, route-specific documentation and compliance with suitability requirements.

How early should I apply for a UK visa?

Most applicants can apply up to three months before their intended travel date. Applying early allows time to deal with delays or additional checks.

Can I extend my visa while in the UK?

Many visas can be extended, provided you meet the requirements for extension and apply before your current permission expires. Not all routes allow extension or switching.

What should I do if my visa application is refused?

A refusal notice explains the reasons for refusal and whether any review or appeal rights apply. In many cases, the next step is a fresh application rather than an appeal.

Do I need to take a health examination to apply for a UK visa?

Applicants from certain countries need to provide a tuberculosis test certificate if they are applying to stay in the UK for more than six months.

Can I work in the UK with a visitor visa?

Visitor visas do not allow employment in the UK. If you intend to work, you need to apply for an appropriate work visa.

Are visa fees refundable if my application is refused?

Visa application fees are generally non-refundable, even where an application is refused.

Section K: Glossary

Section L: Additional Resources & Links