UK Visa Types 2027: Which One Fits You?

Why Choosing the Right UK Visa Matters

The UK attracts visitors, students and skilled workers from all over the world with its famous universities, global cities and strong job market. But each purpose of stay needs a different visa, and UK immigration rules have changed a lot in 2025 and 2026. Most people who are not British or Irish citizens need either a visa or an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to come to the UK, depending on their nationality and reason for travel. Choosing the right route from the start saves time, money and the risk of refusal.

Short Visits: Visitor Visa and ETA

For holidays, family visits or short business trips, you can usually stay up to six months. Citizens of some countries need a Standard Visitor visa, which they apply for online on the official GOV.UK website, followed by an appointment to give their fingerprints and photo. Citizens of visa-free countries, including EU countries and the USA, now need an ETA instead, a quick online permission to travel. A visitor visa or ETA does not allow you to work in the UK.

Studying in the UK

To study at a UK university for more than six months, you need a Student visa. You first need an offer from a licensed university, which gives you a reference number called a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS), plus proof of money for your tuition and living costs and proof of English. You apply online on GOV.UK, and students on a degree can usually work up to 20 hours a week during term. After graduating, you can apply for the Graduate visa, which will last 18 months for most new applicants from 1 January 2027, instead of the current two years.

Working in the UK

The main work route is the Skilled Worker visa, which needs a job offer from a UK employer with a sponsor licence. For most jobs, the salary must be at least £41,700 a year or the usual rate for the job, whichever is higher, and the job must usually be at degree level. Since 8 January 2026, most Skilled Worker applicants also need English at B2 level. Other routes include the Health and Care Worker visa for medical roles, and the Global Talent visa for leaders in fields like science, technology and the arts.

Family and Settlement

British citizens and people with settled status can bring their partner to the UK on a family visa, which usually requires a minimum income of £29,000 a year. After living in the UK for a number of years, many people can apply for settlement, called Indefinite Leave to Remain, which lets them stay permanently. This is usually five years today, but the government has consulted on making 10 years the standard for most people, so check the latest rules before you plan.

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