UK VISA TYPES

Here is the detailed information about UK (United Kingdom) Visa types, updated for 2025

1. Standard Visitor Visa

This is the most common category. A few years ago, the UK consolidated Tourism, Business, and Family visits into this single "Standard" type.

• Purpose:
  

  • Tourism: Vacations, sightseeing.

  • Family/Friends: Visiting relatives or friends living in the UK.

  • Business: Attending meetings, conferences, or training (strictly no paid work).

  • Short-term Study: Courses up to 6 months.

  • Medical Treatment.
    

• Validity: usually issued as a 6-month multi-entry visa.
  

• Long-term Options: If you travel frequently, you can apply for 2, 5, or 10-year visas (however, it is highly recommended to start with a 6-month visa for your first application).
  

• Key Requirement: The "Financial History." The UK consulate is very suspicious of "lump sum" deposits. They want to see a stable salary or income source reflected in your bank statements over the last 6 months.
  

2. Work Visas (Points-Based System)

The UK uses a points-based immigration system.

• Skilled Worker Visa (formerly Tier 2):
  

  • For: Qualified professionals.

  • Requirement: You must have a job offer from a UK employer who holds a valid Sponsor License. They must issue you a CoS (Certificate of Sponsorship) number.

  • Salary Threshold: The minimum salary requirement increased significantly in 2024/2025. Generally, you must earn at least £38,700 per year (or the "going rate" for your job, whichever is higher). There are lower thresholds for "New Entrants" (under 26) or those with PhDs.
    

• Health and Care Worker Visa:
  

  • For doctors, nurses, and adult social care professionals. This visa is cheaper and processed faster than the standard skilled worker visa.
    

• Graduate Visa:
  

  • For international students who have successfully completed a degree in the UK. It allows you to stay and work for 2 years (or 3 years for PhDs) without a sponsor.
    

3. Student Visas

• Student Visa:

  • For anyone aged 16+ studying at a college or university.

  • CAS: You cannot apply without a CAS number (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) issued by your university.

  • Language: You must prove your English proficiency (usually via IELTS UKVI).

• Child Student Visa: For children aged 4-17 attending independent (private) schools.
  

4. Transit Visas

If you are flying through London to reach the US or Canada:

• Direct Airside Transit Visa (DATV): If you do not pass through border control (you stay in the airport transit zone).

• Visitor in Transit Visa: If you need to change airports (e.g., Gatwick to Heathrow) or cross border control.

• Exemption: If you have a valid USA, Canada, Australia, or New Zealand visa, you often do not need a UK transit visa.