Expat
TL;DR
The UK immigration system uses a points-based framework with distinct visa categories for workers, students, family members, visitors, and others. Most work visas require employer sponsorship. Application fees range from a few hundred to several thousand pounds depending on category. Processing times vary; priority services are available for additional fees at most UK Visas and Immigration centres.
The UK points-based immigration system replaced the previous Tier system in December 2020. It applies to all nationalities including EEA nationals who were not already settled in the UK before 31 December 2020. The system groups visas into work, study, family, and visitor categories, with each having specific eligibility requirements, fees, and rights attached to the visa. EU, EEA, and Swiss nationals who were resident before 31 December 2020 were dealt with separately under the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS).
This guide provides an overview of the main UK visa categories in 2026, the general cost structure, how to apply, and how to find current and accurate information for your specific situation. Given the frequency of immigration rule changes, always verify details at gov.uk before applying; this guide is an orientation tool, not a substitute for current official guidance or legal advice.
Key facts (2026)
- UK visa applications are handled by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI), a directorate of the Home Office, via gov.uk/visas-immigration (Home Office).
- Most long-term UK visas require biometric enrolment at a Visa Application Centre (VAC) or UKVCAS service point; the biometric enrolment appointment is booked after submitting the online application (Home Office).
- The Immigration Health Surcharge applies to most visa categories (with exemptions for short-term visitors) at £1,035 per person per year as of 2025/26 (gov.uk).
- Visa application fees range from £115 for a standard visitor visa to over £2,400 for some settlement applications; additional priority service fees apply for faster processing (Home Office fee schedule 2025/26).
- OISC-regulated immigration advisers (at level 1, 2, or 3 depending on complexity) and solicitors regulated by the SRA can provide authorised immigration advice (Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner).
Main work visa categories
The primary work visa routes in 2026 are: Skilled Worker (employer-sponsored, minimum £38,700 salary or occupation going rate); Senior or Specialist Worker (intracompany transfers for multinationals); Scale-up Worker (fast-growing companies, 6 months minimum term with uncapped subsequent employment); Global Talent (endorsed by relevant body for leaders in science, arts, digital technology, or academic research); Innovator Founder (setting up an innovative business, endorsed by approved body); High Potential Individual (graduates of top global universities in the past 5 years); and Graduate visa (available to students completing a UK degree, no employer sponsorship required, 2-year permission). Each route has distinct requirements; the Skilled Worker route is the primary pathway for employer-sponsored workers.
Student visa
The Student visa replaced the Tier 4 student visa. To apply, you need a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from a Home Office-licensed student sponsor (typically a UK university or college), proof of English language proficiency, and evidence of sufficient funds to cover course fees and living costs for the first 9 months of study (currently £1,334 per month in London and £1,023 per month outside London). Student visas are issued for the duration of the course plus a short grace period. Student visa holders can work part-time (up to 20 hours per week during term time) and full-time in holidays. The Graduate visa is available after completing a degree and allows 2 years of unrestricted work in the UK without an employer sponsor.
Family visas
Family route visas allow spouses, civil partners, unmarried partners, children, and other eligible family members to join a person settled or with leave in the UK. The main requirements for a spouse or partner visa are: a genuine relationship, a minimum income threshold (from April 2024, the sponsor must earn at least £29,000 per year, rising in phases to £38,700 by 2025 under the current policy trajectory; check gov.uk for the threshold applying at the time of application), and suitable accommodation. After initial entry, most family visa holders need to apply for extensions and eventually ILR after qualifying period. The family visa route is one of the most scrutinised by UKVI in terms of genuineness of relationship and financial requirements.
Visitor visa
A standard visitor visa allows stays of up to 6 months in the UK for tourism, visiting family, business meetings (but not paid employment or long-term study), and certain permitted activities. Nationals of over 50 countries and territories do not need a visitor visa and can enter as visa-national-exempt visitors, including most EEA nationals, US, Australian, and Canadian citizens. Nationals of countries not on the visa-exempt list must apply for a standard visitor visa at £115 before travelling. Visitor visas can be single or multiple entry and multiple-entry visas valid for 2, 5, or 10 years are available to frequent visitors. The key condition for all visitors is having a genuine intention to leave the UK at the end of the visit.
How to apply for a UK visa
All UK visa applications are submitted online at gov.uk/visas-immigration. After submitting the online form and paying the fee and Immigration Health Surcharge, most applicants need to attend a Visa Application Centre (VAC) in their home country or, for in-UK applications, a UK Visas and Citizenship Application Service (UKVCAS) service point, to enrol biometric data (fingerprints and a digital photo). Document upload is typically done digitally via the UKVCAS or VAC portal. Standard processing times vary from 3 weeks to several months depending on category and volume. Priority and super priority services (additional fee required) offer faster decisions. Always use the official gov.uk portal; third-party visa application services that charge for form completion are not required and are not part of the official process.
Related guides
Frequently asked questions
Do EU citizens need a visa to visit the UK?
No. Most EU, EEA, and Swiss nationals do not need a visa to visit the UK for up to 6 months. However, from 2 April 2025, most EEA nationals travelling to the UK need to obtain a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before arrival if they do not have a UK visa or leave to remain. The ETA costs £10 and is valid for multiple trips over 2 years or until passport expiry. Check the current UK ETA requirements at gov.uk as these are subject to phase-in.
Can I switch visa category without leaving the UK?
In many cases, yes. Most in-country switches (from student to Skilled Worker, from visitor to family, etc.) are permitted if you meet the eligibility requirements of the new route and have existing leave that has not lapsed. Some routes cannot be switched to from within the UK; for example, you cannot switch from a visitor visa to a family visa in most circumstances. Check the switching rules for your specific routes at gov.uk.
What is the Immigration Health Surcharge and who must pay it?
The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) is a fee that most visa applicants for stays over 6 months must pay, at £1,035 per person per year (2025/26 rate). It entitles the visa holder to use the NHS in the same way as a UK resident. Dependants must also pay the IHS. Exemptions apply to some categories; check the gov.uk IHS guidance for your specific visa type.
What is an OISC adviser and why would I use one?
The Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC) regulates non-solicitor immigration advisers in the UK. OISC-registered advisers are authorised to give immigration advice at the level of their registration. For complex cases, using a solicitor regulated by the SRA or an OISC level 3 adviser provides access to more comprehensive legal services. Using an unregistered adviser for immigration advice is illegal; check registration at oisc.gov.uk before engaging any adviser.
How do I track my UK visa application?
After submitting your application and attending your biometric appointment, you can track the status of your application through your UKVI online account or the UKVCAS portal, depending on how your application was processed. Email updates are sent at key stages. If you have concerns about processing time, contact UKVI through the official channels on gov.uk; avoid third-party status check services.
How we verified this guide
All visa categories, fees, and eligibility rules were verified against Home Office Immigration Rules, the gov.uk visas and immigration guidance hub, OISC registration information, and Home Office fee schedules during May 2026. Immigration rules change frequently; always verify at gov.uk before applying.
Primary sources
- Gov.uk - Visas and immigration hub
- Gov.uk - Immigration Health Surcharge
- Home Office - Visa fee table 2025/26
- OISC - Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner
Last reviewed: May 2026.