Updated Feb 14, 2026 We keep this guide aligned with the latest published GOV.UK guidance.
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UK Visa Guide

UK visa applications, mapped clearly.

Pick your route, follow official steps, and build a checklist you can save. We track GOV.UK updates, but always confirm rules, fees, and processing times on GOV.UK before you apply.

Start checklist Browse visa types
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Quick plan

  • Choose the route that matches your purpose and timing.
  • Confirm eligibility, sponsorship, and evidence requirements.
  • Apply online, prove identity, then track your decision.
Rules change often. We refresh this guide when GOV.UK updates, but always cross-check everything with GOV.UK before you apply.

Quick start checklist

Use this short flow before you dive into any visa type. It keeps your application aligned with purpose, eligibility, and evidence.

1. Define your purpose

Visit, study, work, join family, or settle. Your purpose drives the correct visa category and the evidence you must supply.

2. Confirm eligibility

Review requirements around age, sponsorship, finances, English language, and any route-specific limitations.

3. Build evidence

Identity, funds, accommodation, ties to home, and intent all matter. Start early to avoid last-minute gaps.

4. Plan the timeline

Account for document collection, biometrics appointments, and possible additional checks so you can travel on time.

Visa categories

Start with the right category, then drill down into the specific route. The Visa Library maps every major visa type and is updated with official guidance. Visitor route: review the Standard Visitor guidance if you plan a short stay, then cross-check the Visit category. Popular routes include Skilled Worker, Student, Family, and settlement/ILR.

Visit

Tourism, family visits, business meetings, and transit.

Study

Student, Child Student, and short-term study routes.

Work

Sponsored roles, global mobility, and temporary work routes.

Family

Partners, parents, children, and dependent routes.

Settlement

Indefinite Leave to Remain, returning residents, and long residence.

Other routes

Special permissions, permits, and legacy categories.

Visa types at a glance

Select a focus to filter cards. Click a card for a summary. Use this as a starting point before reading official guidance for routes such as Skilled Worker and ILR settlement.

Standard Visitor

Short stays for tourism, family, or business meetings.

Visit

Student

Full-time study with a licensed sponsor.

Study

Skilled Worker

Employer sponsorship for eligible roles.

Work

Family Route

Join a partner, parent, or child already in the UK.

Family

Graduate

Stay in the UK after completing a degree.

Study → Work

UK Ancestry

Eligible Commonwealth citizens with UK-born grandparents.

Settlement

Global Talent

Leaders or emerging leaders in approved fields.

Talent

Innovator Founder

Start or run an endorsed UK business.

Business

Planning tools

Use the tools below to build a checklist, map your timeline, and keep your application moving without guesswork. The detailed process, evidence breakdowns, and fee notes now live on a dedicated page to keep this home page lighter.

Checklist builder

Load a route-specific checklist and save progress as you collect documents.

Fees finder

Mirror the official fee tool and browse published fees in GBP.

ILR checklist

Route-specific ILR checklists for Skilled Worker, family, and long residence.

Citizenship

Naturalisation and registration basics with official GOV.UK starting links.

UK passport

Apply or renew with a short preparation checklist and GOV.UK links.

Timeline planner

Generate a planning window based on your travel date and location.

Guidance hub

Route checkpoints, evidence patterns, and fee or processing notes.

Visa checklist builder

Pick your visa type to load a relevant, step-by-step checklist.

GOV.UK Official guidance on GOV.UK Open GOV.UK

Built from official GOV.UK guidance. Always confirm details for your route.

Your progress

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Timeline planner

Enter your intended travel date to generate a planning window. This is a general guide, not an official deadline.

Tip: gather documents early so you can respond quickly to any requests.

Prep window start

Select a date

Suggested submission range

Select a date

Biometrics window

Select a date

Travel buffer

Select a date

Official resources

Use these GOV.UK links to confirm requirements, fees, and eligibility for your route. Always rely on official sources for final decisions.

GOV.UK Official GOV.UK links Visit GOV.UK
How to apply for a UK visa Application steps and preparation guidance Standard Visitor visa Overview and eligibility Student visa Apply online and review requirements Skilled Worker visa Apply online and confirm sponsorship Family visas Apply online for partner, parent, or child routes TB testing requirements Check if you need a certificate

Knowledge library

Detailed, route-specific questions answered in plain language. Each entry points you back to the relevant GOV.UK source so you can confirm the latest requirements.

Open knowledge library

Eligibility and route fit

How to choose the right category, when you need sponsorship, and when you do not.

Evidence requirements

What to collect for identity, finances, accommodation, and intent.

Fees and processing

What influences fees, how processing times are set, and when priority applies.