›UK visa requirements: types, ILR and eVisa transition
The United Kingdom issues two main categories of visas: settlement visas (for permanent residence) and temporary visas (for limited stays). For travel purposes, most third-country passport holders apply for temporary visas under various routes.
Standard visitor visa: the tourist's gateway
This is the most common UK visa for short-term visits, including tourism, business meetings, family visits, or brief study programs. A standard visitor visa allows stays up to 6 months per visit. You can apply for long-term visitor visas valid for 2, 5, or even 10 years. That doesn't mean you can live in the UK for a decade. Each individual visit is still capped at 6 months maximum. However, you won't need to reapply every time you want to visit. Check the official visitor fee and processing guidance on gov.uk for current costs and timelines.
Work visas: multiple pathways to employment
The UK offers several work visa routes depending on your skills and circumstances: Skilled Worker visa (the most common), Global Talent visa (for exceptional talent), Health and Care Worker visa (for NHS and social care roles), and Scale-up Worker visa (for high-growth companies). Fees vary significantly by route and duration.
Many work visa holders can eventually apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) — see the Settlement section below. Most visa applicants must also pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).
Student visas: for academic pursuits
Planning to study in the UK? Student visas are issued for full-time courses at approved institutions, with duration varying based on your course level—up to 5 years for degree-level programs. If you're just taking an English language course, the Short-term Study visa (valid for 6-11 months) might be the simpler option. Both visa fees and the Immigration Health Surcharge apply; verify current rates directly on gov.uk since they change periodically.
Family visas
Family visas allow you to live in the UK with a UK citizen or resident family member for more than 6 months. This category includes spouse/partner visas, parent visas, and child dependent visas. Eligibility rules are notoriously strict, particularly the minimum income requirements that sponsors must meet. These financial thresholds are subject to periodic updates announced by the Home Office, so verify current figures before starting your application.
Indefinite leave to remain (ILR)
ILR is the UK's permanent residence status. It has no time limits, no sponsor requirements, just the right to stay indefinitely. The standard qualifying period is 5 years of continuous lawful residence on routes like Skilled Worker, Spouse, or Global Talent visas.
There's also a long residence route requiring 10 years of continuous residence. Policy changes happen periodically, so always check current ILR criteria on gov.uk before assuming you qualify.
BRP to eVisa transition: The UK is moving to digital immigration status (eVisas) accessed through a UKVI online account. Check the official guidance on accessing your eVisa.
›How to apply for a UK visa: requirements and steps
Step 1: Complete online application
Submit your application through the official UK government website (gov.uk). The form requires details about your travel plans, employment, financial situation, and previous travel history.
Step 2: Pay application fees
Once you complete the application, you'll pay the visa fee. Check the current fees on gov.uk/visa-fees. Examples:
- Standard Visitor Visa (6 months)
- Student Visa + Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)
- Skilled Worker Visa + IHS
- Priority services (5-day or next-working-day decisions) where available
The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) does not apply to visitor visas, but applies to many visas longer than 6 months. Check the current rules for your route on gov.uk.
Step 3: Book biometric appointment
After paying, you'll be directed to book your biometric appointment at a Visa Application Centre (VAC). During the appointment, your fingerprints and photograph will be taken. Bring your passport, appointment confirmation, and supporting documents.
Step 4: Prepare supporting documents
Bring to your biometric appointment (or upload electronically):
- Valid passport (at least one blank page on both sides)
- Appointment confirmation letter
- Bank statements (typically 28-90 days, showing consistent funds)
- Employment letter or proof of income
- Proof of accommodation in the UK
- Travel itinerary and return tickets
- Evidence of ties to home country (property deeds, family documents)
- Previous visa copies if applicable
Step 5: Wait for decision
Standard visitor visa processing is typically within 3 weeks; work and student visas typically take 3–8 weeks. Priority (5-day) and Super Priority (next-working-day) services are available at additional cost for most routes. UKVI can request further information or invite you to an interview. Once approved, you'll receive your visa as a digital eVisa accessible through your UKVI account.
›How UK visa travel access works
Beyond the United Kingdom itself, a valid UK visa opens doors to 29 additional destinations. Many destinations require a valid, multiple-entry UK visa and some require that it has been used. Some countries also accept UK residence permits (eVisa) or Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).
Montenegro
Holders of valid UK visas or residence permits can enter, transit through, and stay in Montenegro for a short visit. The visa or residence permit must be valid upon entry. Note: Digital UK eVisas may not yet be verifiable at some borders—confirm acceptance before travel.
Albania
Any visitor who holds a valid, multiple-entry and previously used UK visa or residence permit can typically enter Albania without a visa for 90 days. The visa must have been used at least once before arrival to Albania. Single-entry UK visas do not qualify.
Ireland (Common Travel Area)
British citizens have automatic freedom of movement to Ireland under the Common Travel Area agreement. For non-British nationals holding UK visas or residence permits, Ireland maintains separate visa requirements. Check the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) for your nationality's specific requirements.
Other destinations
Additional countries and territories that may grant visa-free or simplified entry to UK visa holders (depending on nationality) include: Gibraltar (British Overseas Territory), Anguilla, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, and other British Overseas Territories. Eligibility varies by passport nationality — confirm with each destination before travel.
›Common UK visa mistakes to avoid
Most refusals cite incomplete files, weak finances, poor ties, or misstatements.
Incomplete file
Wrong visa type, missing documents, or typos (names, dates, passport numbers). Double-check every field before submission.
Missing prior issues
Declare past refusals, overstays, or pending applications. Omissions can trigger refusals and bans.
Poor documents
Ensure scans are clear, translated if needed, and organized. Vague itineraries or missing bookings raise doubts.
›Destination quick reference: countries accepting UK visas
| Country | Stay Limit | Entry Type | BIVS Eligible | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bahrain | 14 days | Visa on arrival | No | Free |
| Georgia | 365 days | Visa-free | No | Free |
| Ireland | 90 days | Visa-free (BIVS) | Yes — CN, IN nationals | Free |
| Kosovo | 90 days | Visa-free | No | Free |
| Malaysia | 30 days | Visa-free | No | Free |
| Philippines | 30 days | Visa-free | No | Free |
| Serbia | 90 days | Visa-free | No | Free |
| South Korea | 30 days | Visa-free | No | Free |
| Taiwan | 30 days | Visa-free | No | Free |
| Thailand | 30 days | Visa-free | No |
