Types of UK Visas – A Complete Guide

Every year, thousands of travelers face delays or refusals simply because they applied for the wrong visa. That’s why it's necessary to understand the different UK visa types.

The UK has a structured visa system, with specific categories for visiting, studying, working, joining family, or even starting a business. Each category has its own steps and requirements. 

In this guide, you’ll learn about the main types of visas available and how to match them to your travel purpose so you don’t waste time or risk entry issues.

What Is a UK Visa?

A UK visa is a legal status and document or stamp that allows individuals worldwide to travel to, temporarily stay, or permanently live in the United Kingdom. It shows you have permission to be in the country for a specific reason.

Depending on their nationality, some travelers don’t need a visa but must get an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before entry. 

UK Visa Types

The UK offers different visa types based on your reason for travel. Each visa has its own rules and time limits. Here's a quick look at the types of UK visas.

• Visitor Visas
• Work Visas
• Study Visas
• Family Visas
• Settlement Visas
• Refugee Visas
• Business Visas

UK Visitor Visas

A UK Visitor Visa, also known as a UK tourist visa, lets people visit the UK for short and long-term stays.

Purpose

You can apply for a UK Visitor Visa if you're:

• Traveling for a holiday or vacation
• Visiting family or friends
• Passing through the UK in transit
• Attending business meetings or interviews
• Taking part in a school exchange
• Visiting as an academic, doctor, or dentist
• Receiving medical treatment

Eligibility

To get this visa, you need to prove that:

• You plan to leave the UK once your visit is over
• You can pay for your trip and support yourself during your stay (or someone else will help)
• You have money for your return or next trip (or someone else is covering it)
• You won’t use repeat visits to stay longer or try to make the UK your main home

Duration

• Short-term visa: Up to 6 months
• Long-term visas Valid: for 2, 5, or 10 years, with each visit limited to 6 months

Visa Fees

• 6-month visa: £127
• 2-year visa: £475
• 5-year visa: £848
• 10-year visa: £1059

Note: Fees may vary by country and currency rates

Application Requirements

To get a UK visitor visa, you must:

• Fill out the online form
• Pay the visa fee
• Go to a visa center for fingerprints and a photo
• Provide documents like:
  • A valid passport
  • Proof of funds (like bank statements)
  • Travel and stay details
  • Job or school info from your home country

UK Visit Visa Types (Subcategories)

The Standard Visitor Visa covers several UK tourist visa types, among other visa types for different visit purposes, each designed for a specific purpose.

• Standard Visitor
• Transit Visa
• Marriage Visitor Visa
• Chinese Tour Group

UK ETA Instead of a Visit Visa

Some nationalities don’t need a regular visa. Instead, they need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA).

• Validity Lasts 2 years or until your passport expires
• How to apply Fill out a form, answer questions, and pay the fees

Note: Even with an ETA, you must meet all UK entry rules at the border to enter the country.

UK Study Visas

A UK Study Visa, or the Student Visa, allows international students aged 16 and over to pursue further or higher education in the United Kingdom. 

Purpose

You can apply for a Student Visa if you plan to:

• Join a full-time course at a UK school or university
• Study English through a registered program
• Take part in foundation or pre-sessional courses
• Do research or join an academic exchange

Eligibility

To qualify for a Student Visa, you must:

• Have an offer from a licensed school or university
• Show enough money to pay for your course and living costs
• Prove your English skills, such as reading, writing, speaking, and understanding
• If you're 16 or 17, you’ll need written permission from your parents or guardian.

These are some of the basic UK visa requirements for students.

Duration

How long you can stay depends on your course level:

• For degree-level programs: up to 5 years
• For below degree level: up to 2 years

You might be able to:

• Extend your visa to continue studying
• Switch to a Student Visa if you’re already in the UK
• Apply for a Graduate Visa after finishing your course to stay and work for up to 2 years (3 years for PhD holders)

Fees

As of 2025:

• Applying from outside the UK: £524
• Extending or switching from inside the UK: £524

Note: You’ll also pay a healthcare surcharge, based on how long your visa lasts

Application Requirements

As part of the UK visa application process, students need to provide:

• A valid passport or travel document
• A Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from the school
• Proof of funds for tuition and living costs
• English test results (for applicants from non-English-speaking countries)
• Tuberculosis test (if required)
• Parental consent (if under 18)

Subcategories and Related Routes

Visitor VisasThe following are the UK visa types for students.

• Student Visa
• Child Student Visa
• Short-term Study Visa (English Language Courses)

UK Work Visas

A UK Work Visa allows individuals from other countries to legally work in the United Kingdom for a specific job and time. 

Purpose

You can apply for a UK work visa if you plan to:

• Work for a UK employer that’s registered as a licensed sponsor
• Fill jobs in sectors with a shortage of skilled workers
• Take on seasonal or temporary jobs
• Do research or academic-related work

Eligibility

To apply, you must:

• Have a job offer from a UK employer approved by the Home Office
• Receive a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from your employer
• Meet the required skill level and salary for your visa type
• Show you can speak and understand English
• Prove you have enough money to support yourself unless your employer is covering costs

These are part of the basic steps in the UK visa application process for work.

Duration

The length of stay depends on your visa type:

• UK Skilled Worker Visa: Up to 5 years, with extensions allowed
• Health and Care Worker Visa: Up to 5 years, also extendable
• Global Talent Visa: Up to 5 years, with an option to extend

Fees

• UK Skilled Worker Visa: £769 to £1,751, depending on your job and stay length
• Health and Care Worker Visa: £304 - £590
• Global Talent Visa: £766

Note: Most applicants also pay the healthcare surcharge unless they’re exempt.

Application Requirements

You’ll need to:

• Fill out an online form
• Pay the visa fee and the healthcare charge
• Book a visa center appointment for fingerprints and a photo
• Submit documents like:
  • A valid passport
  • Certificate of Sponsorship
  • English language proof
  • Bank statements or proof of financial support

Subcategories and Related Routes

• Skilled Worker Visa
• Health and Care Worker Visa
• Global Talent Visa
• Temporary Work Visas: For short-term roles in specific fields, such as:
  • Charity Worker Visa
  • Creative Worker Visa
  • Seasonal Worker Visa
  • Government Authorised Exchange Visa
  • Religious Worker Visa
  • International Agreement Visa

UK Family Visas

A UK Family Visa allows individuals to join or remain with family members in the United Kingdom.

Purpose

You can apply for a UK Family Visa if you want to:

• Live with a family member in the UK for longer than 6 months
• Join your spouse or partner who is a British citizen or has settled status
• Live with your child or a parent who is already in the UK
• Be cared for by a family member due to serious health needs

Eligibility

To qualify for a UK Family Visa, you’ll need to:

• Show that you have a real and ongoing relationship with the UK-based family member
• Meet the income requirement (for partner visas, the combined income must be at least £29,000 a year)
• Prove your English language skills

Duration

The UK visa types and duration for family cases usually follow this pattern:

• Initial stay 2 years and 9 months
• Extension Up to 2 years and 6 months more
• Settlement After 5 years, you may apply for indefinite leave to remain

Fees

• Joining partner, parent, or child:
  • £1,938 (if applying from outside the UK)
  • £1,321 (if applying from inside the UK)
• Each dependent added to the application:
  • £1,938 per person (outside the UK)
  • £1,321 per person (inside the UK)

Note: You may also need to pay the healthcare surcharge. 

• No fee for refugees, people with humanitarian protection, or those with Section 67 Leave
• Discretionary Leave: £3,029 per person if applying to stay, but there is no fee for fingerprints and photo

Application Requirements

To start the process, applicants must:

• Claim asylum as soon as they arrive in the UK
• Attend a screening interview to give personal and travel details
• Go through a substantive interview where they explain why they are seeking asylum
• Share supporting documents like ID, travel papers, or proof of threats
• Wait for a decision, which usually takes around 6 months (but can take longer in some cases)

Subcategories and Related Routes

• Resettlement Schemes
• Family Reunion
• Humanitarian Protection
• Discretionary Leave

Business Visas

A UK Business Visa allows individuals to visit or move to the United Kingdom for business-related purposes. Among the many types of UK visas, this one is focused on professional and commercial goals.

Purpose

You can apply for a UK Business Visa if you:

• Visit for short-term business like meetings or trade fairs
• Start or run a new business with an innovative idea
• Set up a UK branch of an overseas business
• Travel as a recognized leader or expert in your field

Eligibility

To qualify for a UK Business Visa, you must:

• Prove that you’ll leave the UK when your visit ends (for short-term stays)
• Have a valid business reason, and will not take on work that’s not allowed under your visa
• Get an endorsement or a Certificate of Sponsorship for long-term routes
• Show you have enough money to support yourself while in the UK
• Meet the English language requirement if you're applying for a long-term visa

These are part of the standard checks in most UK visa options.

Subcategories and Related Routes

• Standard Visitor Visa (Business)
• Innovator Founder Visa
• Expansion Worker Visa
• Global Talent Visa

Duration

The UK visa types and duration vary based on the route:

• Standard Visitor Visa (Business) Up to 6 months
• Innovator Founder Visa Up to 3 years, can be extended, and may lead to settlement
• Expansion Worker Visa Usually up to 12 months, can be renewed
• Global Talent Visa Up to 5 years, with the option to apply for permanent residence

Fees

Here are the current UK visa types and fees for business-related routes:

• Standard Visitor Visa (Business): £127
• Innovator Founder Visa:
  • £1,274 (if applying from outside the UK)
  • £1,590 (if applying inside the UK)
• Expansion Worker Visa:
  • £319 application fee
  • Plus a healthcare surcharge (typically £1,035 per year)
• Global Talent Visa: £766

Application Requirements

To apply, you’ll need to:

• Fill out the UK visa online application and pay the required fee
• Book an appointment for fingerprints and a photo
• Submit documents such as:
  • A valid passport
  • Business plan or endorsement letter (if needed)
  • Bank statements or financial proof
  • Travel and stay information
  • Proof of English skills for long-term visas

Wondering how many types of visas there are in the UK? Quite a few, and more are added often. These new UK visa types include the Graduate and High Potential Individual visas.

How to Choose the Right UK Visa

To figure out the right visa, ask yourself:

• Why are you going? Visiting, working, studying, or joining family?
• How long will you stay? A few days or a few years?
• Will you work or study? Each option has its own visa.
• Do you have family in the UK? You might need a family visa.
• Do you meet the rules? Some visas need proof of income or a sponsor.

What Is the Points-Based System (PBS)?

The UK uses a Points-Based System (PBS) to decide who can come to the country for work. It applies to most people outside the UK, except Irish citizens. 

Applicants must earn enough points based on requirements to get a work visa. These points are tied to job offers, meeting salary rules, speaking English, and working in a job that matches the right skill level.

Most people apply through the Skilled Worker visa route, which covers many jobs. 

To qualify, workers need at least 70 points. Some points are fixed, like having a sponsor and speaking English. Others are flexible, such as salary level or having a PhD related to the job.

How to Apply for a UK Visa

Here's a clear, step-by-step guide that applies to most UK visa categories.

1. Fill Out the Online Application

Complete the application form online. Make sure the information is accurate to avoid delays.

2. Pay the Visa Fee

Once you finish the form, you’ll be prompted to pay the application fee. Costs vary depending on the visa type and length of stay. 

3. Book and Attend a Biometric Appointment

Schedule an appointment at a Visa Application Centre (VAC) to give your fingerprints and have your photo taken. Don’t forget to bring your passport and appointment confirmation.

4. Prepare Your Documents

At the biometric appointment, you’ll need to submit documents to support your application. Here’s a general list:

• Valid passport with at least one blank page
• Proof of funds (bank statements, payslips)
• Travel details (flight bookings, travel plan)
• Accommodation information (hotel booking, invitation letter)
• Letter from your employer or school (if applicable)
• TB test results (required for some countries)
• English or certified translated documents if not in English

Note: This is a general checklist. Your required documents may vary depending on your visa type. Always check the official requirements listed for your visa category.

5. Wait for a Decision

Visa processing usually takes around 3 weeks, but can sometimes take longer, depending on the visa type. You’ll get an email once a decision is made.

6. Get Your Visa

If approved, your passport will be returned with the visa vignette inside. Check all details carefully and report any errors right away.

UK Visa Refused? Here's What You Need to Know

A UK visa refusal can be frustrating, but you're not out of options. First, try to understand why it was refused.

Common reasons for refusal:

• Missing or incorrect documents
• Not meeting the visa requirements
• Not showing enough funds or financial support
• Mistakes in your application
• Mistakes in your application

What You Can Do Next

What UK Visa Holders Must Know

Once you receive a UK visa, you must follow key responsibilities. Failing to meet these can lead to serious consequences, including bans or future visa refusals.

Key Responsibilities After Getting a UK Visa

• Follow visa conditions
  • Each visa has its own rules.
  • For example, visitor visas don’t allow work or study.
  • Student visa holders must attend classes full-time.
  • Know what your visa allows and stick to it.
• Do not overstay
  • Always leave the UK before your visa expires.
  • Overstaying can lead to re-entry bans of 1 to 10 years.
  • Even a short overstay can hurt future applications.
• Report any changes
  • Update the Home Office if your address, school, or job changes.
  • Keeping your information current helps avoid issues.
• Be truthful
  • Give accurate and honest details in your application, and while in the UK.
  • False documents or misleading information can result in a 10-year ban.
• Know the consequences of breaking the rules
  • You could face:
    • Re-entry bans
    • Future visa refusals
    • Detention or deportation in serious cases

UK Residence Permits 

A UK residence permit is proof that you have legal permission to live, work, or stay in the UK for a certain period. It’s often issued when someone gets a visa for more than six months, indefinite leave to remain, or status under the EU Settlement Scheme.

There are a few types of residence permits, but the two most common ones are the Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) and the eVisa. Let’s break them down.

Biometric Residence Permit (BRP)

The BRP is a physical card that shows your immigration status, right to work or study, and length of stay. 

If you were granted a UK visa on or before October 31, 2024, you might have received one. These cards say “residence permit” and were widely used.

Although all BRPs have now expired, you should still keep yours. If your BRP expired on or after December 31, 2024, and you still have permission to stay in the UK, you may be able to use it for travel before or on June 1, 2025. 

You can also use it for some services for up to 18 months after the printed expiry date, like applying for a new visa or getting a share code.

eVisa

The eVisa is the new way the UK tracks immigration status. It’s a digital record instead of a physical card. 

Everyone with a valid visa must now set up a UKVI account to access their eVisa. If you still have a valid visa but your BRP has expired, you’ll need to use the eVisa system.

UK Electronic Travel Authorization (UK ETA)

The UK ETA is a digital travel permit that allows visitors from visa-free countries to come to the UK for short stays. 

It’s not a visa but permits you to travel to the UK for tourism, family and friends visits, business trips, short-term study, permitted paid engagements, or to travel under the creative work concession program, and transiting through the UK (if you pass through border control).

When was it launched?

The UK government launched the ETA scheme for Qatari citizens on 25 October 2023, as part of a new border security approach.

Who is eligible?

Eligibility for the UK ETA depends on your nationality. It is only available to citizens of certain countries who do not need a visa to enter the UK. 

You must apply using a passport from an eligible country.

Benefits of the UK ETA

• Easy, straightforward process that is completed entirely online
• The ETA is fully digital and linked to your passport, you will not have to deal with paperwork
• Enjoy multiple entries into the UK over 2 years, which makes the UK ETA very cost-efficient
• Increased security since travelers are prescreened before travel 

Validity and Duration

An ETA allows you to stay in the UK for up to six months per visit. It is linked to your passport and is valid for multiple trips during that period.

How to Apply

You can complete your application online through the UK ETA application with your personal information and upload the necessary documents. You will then need to submit your application and pay the ETA fees.

Each traveler, including children, must have their own ETA.

What You’ll Need:

• A valid passport (not a copy)
• A clear photo of your face
• Access to email and a payment method (Visa, Mastercard, Apple Pay, etc.)

Processing Time

Most people get a response within three working days.

Conclusion

The UK offers various visa types for visiting, studying, working, joining family, or staying long-term. Each category comes with its own rules, requirements, and processing steps.

Understanding your purpose and how long you’ll stay will help you choose the right option. Review the details carefully and apply under the correct category to avoid setbacks.

Visa costs and processing times may differ, so plan ahead. Matching your goals with the right visa can save time and reduce the chance of refusal. Always check the latest guidelines before applying.

FAQ Section – UK Visa Types Explained