United Kingdom

Choose the Right Visa for Your UK Journey

Whether you are planning to visit, study, work, join family, or settle in the UK, your visa type usually depends on:

• Your nationality
• Your purpose of travel
• Length of your stay
• Your personal and professional background

Irish citizens do not need a visa. For others, approval is required before travel.

Visiting the UK

Apply for a Standard Visitor Visa (typically valid for up to 6 months) for:

• Tourism or visiting family
• Business trips or conferences
• Short courses of study

For marriage purposes, apply for a Marriage Visitor Visa. Visitor visa holders cannot work in the UK.

Transiting Through the UK

You may need a Transit Visa if you are passing through the UK on your way to another country.

Studying in the UK

Choose from these options based on your course:

• Standard Visitor Visa: Short study (up to 6 months)
• Short-term Study Visa: English courses up to 11 months
• Student Visa: Long-term academic courses
• Child Student Visa: For students aged 4 to 17 in independent schools

Working in the UK

Work visa pathways depend on your profile and sponsor status:

• Skills and qualifications
• Job offer and sponsorship
• Family dependents
• Type of work (sports, charity, religious, startup, and more)

Planning to start a business? You may explore the Innovator Founder Visa route.

Joining Family in the UK

• Family Visa: Join a British citizen or settled partner/family
• Dependent Visa: For spouses or children of work/student visa holders
• ILR: Eligible after long-term residence
• EU Settlement Scheme Family Permit: For EU/EEA family members
• Family Reunion Visas: For refugees with eligible family

Other UK Pathways

• EU/EEA/Swiss citizens: EU Settlement Scheme (if eligible)
• Commonwealth citizens: Ancestry Visa or Right of Abode
• Returning residents: Reapply if you previously held ILR or settled status