United Kingdom · long-stay visa routes and official sources
7 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 — 2 of the 7 tracked routes do not require a local employer: Student visa; Student visa. Each has its own income, funds, or admission requirements.
Good for UK study, but the July 2026 Immigration Rules changes keep the policy direction tight; watch Graduate route, dependant, and settlement rules.
Typical timeline / duration: 1-3 months
Applicant aged 16+ with offer from licensed student sponsor; Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies; enough money; English-language ability; parental consent where under 18.
Must show funds unless exempt; amount depends on course fees and living-cost location/time; health surcharge applies.
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.
Applicant aged 16+ with offer from licensed student sponsor; Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies; enough money; English-language ability; parental consent where under 18.
Must show funds unless exempt; amount depends on course fees and living-cost location/time; health surcharge applies.
Needs approved employer, eligible occupation, and salary threshold; after 2026 changes, check current skill level, salary, and settlement timeline rules.
Typical timeline / duration: 1-3 months
Allows someone to come to or stay in the UK to do an eligible job with an approved employer.
Requirements include approved sponsor, eligible job, Certificate of Sponsorship, salary and English language rules.
Minimum salary depends on occupation, route rules and tradeable points; must have licensed sponsor and CoS.
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.
Allows someone to come to or stay in the UK to do an eligible job with an approved employer.
Requirements include approved sponsor, eligible job, Certificate of Sponsorship, salary and English language rules.
Minimum salary depends on occupation, route rules and tradeable points; must have licensed sponsor and CoS.
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.
Business funding amount depends on endorsing body's assessment.
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.
Do not list as an open first visa route.
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.