Visit
Short stays, tourism, transit, and marriage visits.
Most applied UK visa categories
Based on Home Office immigration system statistics for the year ending September 2025. Grants are a proxy for demand (and work figures are main applicants).
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1
Visitor visas
2.2 million grants
Short stays for tourism, family visits, and business.
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2
Study visas
440,000 grants (sponsored students)
Full-time study routes for international students.
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3
Work visas
175,000 grants (main applicants)
Sponsored roles, global mobility, and temporary work.
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4
Family visas
68,000 grants
Partner, parent, child, and dependent routes.
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5
Transit visas
20,000 grants
Passing through the UK en route to another country.
Non-visit visas totaled 839,000 grants in the same period. ETA permissions are
separate from visas (19.6 million issued since October 2023). These figures are
headline indicators; always check current requirements before applying.
Visa categories
Each category maps to official listings. Use these to narrow your route before opening the detailed visa list.
Study
Student, Child Student, and short-term study options.
Work
Sponsored roles, global mobility routes, and temporary work.
Family
Partners, parents, children, and family permits.
Settlement & status
Indefinite Leave to Remain, EU Settlement Scheme, returning residents.
Special schemes
Ukraine routes and other time-limited schemes.
Visa routes index
Scan every major route in one place, grouped the same way you will see them on the official site. Use this to orient, then open the official page for exact eligibility and evidence requirements.
Jump to
Visit
Short stays, transit, marriage visits, and tours.
Study
Student, child student, and short-term study routes.
Work
Sponsored work, talent, and temporary work routes.
Family
Partner, parent, child, and family permit routes.
Settlement
ILR, status routes, and returning resident paths.
Special schemes
Time-limited and humanitarian schemes.
Visit visas
Short stays, transit, marriage visits, and organised tours.
Study visas
Full-time study, child routes, and English language courses.
Work visas
Sponsored routes, talent pathways, and temporary work.
Popular work routes
Work visas without a job offer
Work for an overseas employer (Global Business Mobility)
Temporary work visas
Start a business
Other work visas and permits
Closed to new applicants
Family visas
Partner, parent, child, and family permit routes.
Core family routes
Closed to new applications
Settlement and status
Routes to settlement, status, and return to the UK.
Special schemes
Time-limited routes and humanitarian schemes.
Ukraine routes
Check each scheme for eligibility and current availability.
Latest guidance highlights
These official guidance points help you plan when to apply and what to prepare. Always verify the exact rules for your route.
When to apply
Most visit visas can be applied for 3 months before travel, most work visas 3 months before employment starts, and student visas 6 months before course start. Settlement applications can take up to 6 months.
ETA for visa-free visitors
Some travellers who do not need a visa must apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before visiting the UK.
Prepare evidence early
You will need identity, financial, and intent evidence. Each dependant must apply and pay separately.
FAQ
Short answers for common visa planning questions.
Is this list exhaustive?
It covers all visa types shown on the official category pages at the time of writing. Always confirm on the official site for updates.
Does “most applied” mean guaranteed approval?
No. It reflects recent visa grant volumes and is not a measure of your eligibility or approval chances.
Where should I apply?
Most applications are completed online with a biometrics appointment at a visa application centre.
Planning hubs
Move between core sections without restarting your research path.