United Kingdom · long-stay visa routes and official sources
5 routes tracked · last reviewed · every route links to its official government source
Long-term visa difficulty for United Kingdom: Medium (58/100, lower is easier). Most practical route: Student visa / Graduate route.
Common questions
What is the most practical long-term visa route to United Kingdom?
Based on our July 2026 review, the most practical route is usually: Student visa / Graduate route. Overall difficulty is rated "Medium" (58/100, lower is easier).
Can I move to United Kingdom without a local job offer?
Yes — 1 of the 5 tracked routes do not require a local employer: Student visa. Each has its own income, funds, or admission requirements.
A study-based route requiring admission to an eligible education provider.
Typical timeline / duration: Length depends on course and previous study; extension/switching possible if eligible.
Be aged 16+, have an offer from a licensed student sponsor and a CAS, meet English requirements, and provide parental consent if under 18.
Unless exempt, show outstanding course fees on the CAS plus up to nine months' living costs: £1,529/month in London or £1,171/month elsewhere. Hold the funds for 28 consecutive days ending within 31 days before applying; pay the immigration health surcharge.
An employer-led or qualification-based work route.
Typical timeline / duration: Work restricted to sponsored role with permitted supplementary work rules; settlement pathway possible after qualifying period if eligible.
Have an approved sponsor, an eligible job, a Certificate of Sponsorship, and the required English ability.
The usual salary floor is £41,700 per year or the occupation's going rate, whichever is higher. Lower salary options can apply to listed jobs, new entrants, national pay-scale roles in health or education, or transitional cases.
The job normally must meet the applicable RQF 6 or eligible-occupation rules and be offered by a licensed sponsor.
A longer-stay route based on its specific eligibility requirements.
Typical timeline / duration: Can stay 3 years; no limit on extensions; ILR possible after 3 years if requirements met.
Applicant must be 18+, meet English requirement, have enough personal savings, and have a business/idea assessed and endorsed by an authorized endorsing body.
Business idea must be new, innovative, viable and scalable.
If setting up a new business, applicant must prove sufficient funding and source to the endorsing body; no fixed minimum investment amount on GOV.UK.
Personal maintenance: at least £1,270 held for 28 consecutive days, unless exempt.
Typical timeline / duration: Existing holders may extend for maximum 5 years under guidance.
The retired person of independent means category is closed for new applicants; guidance only applies to people who already have permission and are extending/settling.
Closed route; do not quote as current entry requirement.
Visa rules change frequently. Figures and requirements above were reviewed on the dates shown; always confirm against the linked official source before applying.