UK VISA ROUTES, EXPLAINED
Compare work, study, business and family routes. Start with the conditions that matter, then follow the official guidance.
COMPARE YOUR OPTIONS
This filter organises information. It does not assess your eligibility or recommend a visa.
An eligible job with a licensed employer. Check the occupation, salary, English requirement and exact offer before applying.
A sponsor licence alone does not mean the employer will sponsor your role.
Your next step: Compare the advert with the employer's written sponsorship policy.
Read the official routeFor eligible health and care roles with an approved employer. The job, employer and professional registration requirements matter.
Overseas recruitment for care workers and senior care workers has closed. Other eligible occupations have different rules.
Your next step: Check the precise occupation and application location in the official guide.
Read the official routeFor an eligible course, a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies and the required finances and English evidence.
Permission depends on your course and conditions. Students cannot normally be self-employed or run a business.
Your next step: Verify the provider, course, total cost and CAS conditions before paying.
Read the official routeFor eligible graduates applying in the UK after their institution reports successful completion. Check your current permission and deadline.
The published duration is two years for applications by 31 December 2026, and 18 months from 1 January 2027. Doctoral graduates have separate three-year provision.
Your next step: Check your likely application date. It cannot be extended and does not itself provide a direct settlement route.
Read the official routeA ballot-based route for eligible Indian citizens aged 18–30, with a qualifying degree and required savings.
Selection is not guaranteed. A route being listed here does not mean a ballot is open.
Your next step: Check the official ballot notice and full eligibility rules; never pay someone to guarantee selection.
Read the official routeFor eligible recent graduates of universities on the qualifying list for their graduation year. A job offer is not required.
Your university, award and graduation date must qualify. A UK degree is not eligible for this route.
Your next step: Check the correct annual university list and qualification verification process.
Read the official routeFor leaders or potential leaders in specified research, arts and digital technology fields, through the relevant endorsement or eligible prize pathway.
A strong CV alone does not establish eligibility; evidence must meet the route's specific requirements.
Your next step: Read the endorsement guidance for your exact field before preparing evidence.
Read the official routeFor a new business idea assessed by an approved endorsing body as innovative, viable and scalable.
Ordinary company registration is insufficient. Business funding, personal maintenance and endorsement costs are separate.
Your next step: Test the commercial case and endorsement fit before buying an immigration package.
Read the official routeFor qualifying overseas businesses sending eligible senior employees to establish a UK presence that has not started trading.
This is not a general route for a new solo business and is not a direct settlement route.
Your next step: Check the overseas business history, employment, sponsorship and UK expansion requirements.
Read the official routeInitially requires an eligible sponsored job with an approved scale-up business. Later permission has distinct earnings conditions.
An employer describing itself as a startup does not make it an approved scale-up sponsor.
Your next step: Check the employer's licence category, qualifying role and earnings rules.
Read the official routeFor qualifying family relationships and circumstances. Relationship, financial and other evidence varies by application.
This is a separate assessment, not an employment or study shortcut.
Your next step: Use the guide for the specific family relationship and seek regulated advice where needed.
Read the official routeThis is a selected comparison, not the full immigration rules. Visitor permission does not normally allow work or a move to the UK for long-term residence. Check any switching restrictions before making plans.
Use the official visa checkerUse the original guidance and get regulated advice for your circumstances.