UK VISAS

The main UK visa routes

Organised around the situations we see most often. Each route lists who it suits, the key requirements and how it is handled. Figures are as published on GOV.UK on the date checked.

Information checked: 5 November 2026 · UK rules change often; check GOV.UK before you apply

SKILLED WORKER

Skilled Worker visa

The UK's main work visa. You need a job and a Certificate of Sponsorship from a licensed sponsor. The thresholds rose sharply in 2025, and many mid-skill roles can no longer be sponsored.

GOV.UK guidance ↗

Who it suits

Professionals with a job offer from a licensed UK sponsor
UK graduates who have found a qualifying job
People switching from the Graduate or High Potential Individual visa

Key requirements

The job is usually at degree level (RQF 6) and on the eligible occupations list
Salary is usually at least £41,700 a year or the occupation's going rate, whichever is higher; some discounts apply
From 8 January 2026, new applicants need English at CEFR B2
Visa fee and Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)

How it is handled

A partner UK solicitor checks whether the role and salary qualify
The employer and its UK solicitor handle sponsorship
For long-term plans, see Settlement & Citizenship

GLOBAL TALENT

Global Talent visa

For leaders and emerging leaders in research, digital technology, and arts and culture. You first get an endorsement from an approved body (or hold a listed prize), then apply for the visa. No job offer or sponsor is needed.

GOV.UK guidance ↗

Who it suits

Researchers, academics and holders of major research funding
Technical and business talent in digital technology
Professionals in arts, culture, architecture and film
Designers, under the design pathway added in 2026

Key requirements

An endorsement from a Home Office-approved body, or a listed prestigious prize
Apply within 3 months of the endorsement letter
Each field has its own criteria, judged by the endorsing body rather than the Home Office

How it is handled

A partner UK solicitor assesses whether your record fits “talent” or “promise”
Preparing and filing the endorsement application
If the U.S. is the end goal, the same record may support an O-1 or EB-1A

HIGH POTENTIAL INDIVIDUAL

High Potential Individual visa

For people who graduated in the last five years from a top university outside the UK. No job offer is needed. In November 2025 the list grew to about 80 universities; it is updated each November, and the list for the year of your award applies.

GOV.UK guidance ↗

Who it suits

Graduates with a bachelor's degree or higher from a listed university in the last five years
People who want to explore the UK job market before choosing a long-term route

Key requirements

Your degree must come from a university on the list for the year it was awarded
2 years for bachelor's and master's, 3 years for a PhD
English at CEFR B2 (from 8 January 2026)
Cannot be extended; switch to another visa before it ends

How it is handled

Check the official list for your graduation year
A partner UK solicitor handles the application and later switch

INNOVATOR FOUNDER

Innovator Founder visa

For founders starting a new business in the UK. An approved endorsing body must find the plan innovative, viable and scalable. The £50,000 minimum investment was dropped in 2023, but few bodies currently endorse new applicants, so the bar is high.

The old Tier 1 Investor visa closed in February 2022. The UK has no investment-for-residence visa today.

GOV.UK guidance ↗

Who it suits

Founders with an original plan who will run the business in the UK
Business owners abroad expanding into the UK

Key requirements

Endorsement from a Home Office-approved body
A plan that is innovative, viable and scalable
English, funds and character requirements
Regular contact with the endorsing body during the visa

How it is handled

A partner UK solicitor matches your plan to an endorsing body
We can compare it with a U.S. E-2 or L-1 at the same time

STUDENT · GRADUATE

Student and Graduate visas

You need a Student visa to study at a licensed UK institution. After a UK degree you can apply for the Graduate visa to stay and work or look for work, with no sponsor.

GOV.UK guidance ↗

Who it suits

Students heading to the UK for a bachelor's, master's or PhD
International students finishing in the UK who want to stay and work

Key requirements

Student visa: a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) and proof of funds
Graduate visa: 2 years if you apply on or before 31 December 2026; 18 months from 1 January 2027; PhD graduates keep 3 years
The Graduate visa is applied for inside the UK and cannot be extended
Under the announced settlement framework, Student and Graduate time is not expected to count toward settlement

How it is handled

Choose courses with the post-study route in mind
Start looking for a Skilled Worker-eligible employer early
Applications through your university or a partner UK solicitor

FAMILY

Partner and family visas

British citizens and settled people can sponsor a spouse, civil partner or unmarried partner. The income requirement for first applications has been £29,000 a year since April 2024 and is unchanged.

GOV.UK guidance ↗

Who it suits

Partners of British citizens or people with settlement
Eligible children

Key requirements

A genuine relationship and intention to live together in the UK
Sponsor income usually £29,000 a year (savings can count in some cases; the evidence rules are detailed)
English and accommodation requirements
Under the November 2026 framework, family of British citizens keep the current 5-year path

How it is handled

Financial evidence is the most common refusal reason; have a UK solicitor check it item by item
If one partner is American, we can compare U.S. spousal immigration too

BRITISH NATIONAL (OVERSEAS)

BN(O) visa

Opened in January 2021 for Hong Kong BN(O) status holders and their families. In the November 2026 settlement reforms the government confirmed BN(O) keeps its current path: settlement after 5 years, subject to the mandatory requirements.

GOV.UK guidance ↗

Who it suits

Hong Kong BN(O) status holders, partners and children
People born on or after 1 July 1997 with a BN(O) parent, if eligible

Key requirements

Evidence of BN(O) status or the family link
You can work and study in the UK
Settlement requires the new mandatory conditions (character, English, no debts to the state and others); details follow in the Rules

How it is handled

A partner UK solicitor handles extensions and settlement
If you have naturalised and want to go to the U.S., see UK to U.S.

VISITOR · ETA

Visitor visa and ETA

For tourism, family visits and business meetings. Chinese passport holders need a Standard Visitor visa; U.S., Canadian and other visa-free nationals need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travel.

GOV.UK guidance ↗

Who it suits

Chinese passport holders visiting the UK (visa needed)
U.S. and Canadian passport holders (ETA needed)

Key requirements

A Standard Visitor visa usually allows stays of up to 6 months; long-term multi-entry visas are available
An ETA lasts 2 years (or until the passport expires), up to 6 months per visit, and costs £20 from 8 April 2026
Visitors cannot work in the UK

How it is handled

Most people can apply themselves using the official guidance
With a past refusal or a complex travel history, speak to a UK solicitor first

Not sure which route fits?

Tell us about your situation. We will introduce a partner UK solicitor to speak with you directly, and our U.S. attorney handles anything involving the United States.

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