Visa Options for Moving to the UK.

If you’re planning to move to the UK, one of the first and most important steps is deciding which visa route is right for you.

The UK has several different visa types, each designed for different situations, from work and study to joining family or setting up a business.

Choosing the correct visa and getting the application right is crucial. This guide explains the main visa options for moving to the UK, including who they are for, what they require, and how they work.

Skilled worker visa 

The skilled worker visa is the most common route for people moving to the UK for employment. It allows you to live and work in the UK for up to five years and can lead to settlement. 

To qualify, you must: 

• Have a confirmed job offer from a Home Office-licensed sponsor 
• Be paid at least £41,700 per year or £17.13 per hour (lower thresholds apply for shortage roles, new entrants and certain health/social care roles) 
• Speak English to the required level 
• Show proof of personal savings (at least £1,270) unless your sponsor certifies your maintenance 

Some employers will cover your visa fees and Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) as part of a relocation package. 

Health and care worker visa 

This is a specific form of the skilled worker visa designed for qualified doctors, nurses, carers and other health professionals. 

It has reduced visa fees, no Immigration Health Surcharge, and a lower salary threshold. The UK has a critical shortage of workers in this sector, so processing is usually faster, and many employers actively sponsor overseas applicants. 

Care workers and senior care workers can no longer apply through this route following changes in July 2025. 

Global talent visa

The global talent visa is aimed at leaders or potential leaders in fields such as academia, research, digital technology, and the arts. 

Applicants must be endorsed by an approved body or hold a qualifying award. This route is highly competitive, but it allows more flexibility than the skilled worker visa. For example, you don’t need a job offer before applying and can change jobs freely. 

Student visa  

If you’ve been accepted to study at a UK university or college, you’ll need a student visa. 

You must: 

• Have an offer from a licensed UK education provider 
• Prove you can speak English 
• Show you have enough money to support yourself (currently £1,483 per month for London or £1,136 elsewhere, plus your first year of tuition fees) 
• Pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) – students get a discounted rate 

This visa allows you to work part-time during your studies, and you may be able to stay afterwards on a graduate visa. 

Family visa

In some circumstances, you may want to join a family member or partner who is a British citizen or already settled. There are a few requirements everyone involved needs to meet if you’re moving to the UK on a family visa. 

You must: 

• Prove your relationship is genuine and recognised in UK law 
• Meet the minimum income requirements 
• Have suitable accommodation 
• Have good knowledge of English 

The length of a family visa depends on the visa status of the person you’re applying with. They can be extended, eventually leading to settlement.  

Innovator founder visa

For entrepreneurs looking to start a business in the UK, the Innovator Founder visa is an option. 

You must: 

• Have an endorsed business plan that is innovative, viable and scalable 
• Be actively involved in running the business 
• Meet the English language and financial requirements 

This visa can lead to settlement after three years, but it’s competitive and requires detailed preparation and endorsement. 

Other visa routes

There are also more niche routes, including:

• Youth Mobility Scheme visas, for people aged 18–30 from certain countries, valid for up to 2 years
• Graduate visas for those who have completed a degree in the UK
• Ancestry visas for Commonwealth citizens with a UK-born grandparent
• High-Potential Individual visas for graduates of top global universities

An immigration solicitor can help you decide which route best fits your circumstances and long-term plans.

What about my children? 

If you’re moving to the UK with children, they can usually be included as your dependants on your visa application. This applies to many visa categories, including skilled worker, student, and family visas.  

A dependant child must normally be under 18 at the time of application, or over 18 if they are still financially dependent and living with you.  

Each child needs their own application and pays the same visa fees and Immigration Health Surcharge as adults. For families, this can add up quickly, so it’s important to budget for these costs in advance. Once in the UK, your children are entitled to access state education and healthcare in the same way as British children, which makes the UK a strong choice for families planning a long-term move. 

Can I switch visas once I’m in the UK? 

In many cases, yes. The UK immigration system allows certain visa holders to switch to a different visa category from inside the country, provided you meet the requirements of the new visa.  

For example, students who finish their studies may switch to a skilled worker visa if they secure a qualifying job, or to a graduate visa for up to two years of post-study work. Similarly, some temporary workers may be able to switch to longer-term routes. 

However, not all visas can be switched. For instance, visitors cannot usually change to a work or family visa while still in the UK. In those cases, you would need to return to your home country and apply from there. The rules vary depending on the visa type, so it’s important to check your eligibility before making plans. 

Which visas lead to permanent residency? 

Not every UK visa leads to permanent residency, known as Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). Generally, the visas that provide a clear pathway are those designed for long-term settlement, such as: 

• Skilled worker visa 
• Family visa 
• Innovator founder visa 
• Global talent visa 

Most of these require you to live in the UK for five years before applying for ILR, though some routes may allow settlement after just three years.  

Once you have ILR, you can live and work in the UK without time limits, and after a further qualifying period (usually 12 months), you may be able to apply for British citizenship.

Getting your application right 

Whichever visa you apply for, you’ll usually need to: 

• Complete an online application form 
• Submit identity and biometric information 
• Provide supporting documents (such as bank statements, proof of English, qualifications, or sponsorship) 
• Pay the visa fee and Immigration Health Surcharge 

Errors or missing documents are among the most common reasons for visa refusals, so careful preparation is essential. 

If your visa is refused, it can be difficult and costly to appeal. 

Need help? 

Choosing the right visa option for moving to the UK is the foundation of success. Getting it right from the start saves time, stress and money, and gives you the best chance of a smooth relocation. 

Our immigration solicitors can help you choose the right visa route, prepare your application, and guide you through the entire process from start to finish.