UK VISA TYPES

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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