United Kingdom

Work / Employment High confidence

Skilled Worker visa

The main sponsored work route for skilled employment with an approved UK employer. Leads to settlement after 5 years.

Processing time: 3 weeks (outside UK) / 8 weeks (inside UK) after biometrics and documents
Validity: Up to 5 years per grant; renewable
Language requirement: English at the required CEFR level
Documents: 4 required
Permanent residence: Yes · ILR after 5 years
Citizenship: Yes · Naturalisation 12 months after ILR (subject to residence rules)

Requirements

Job offer from a Home Office-licensed sponsor with a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
Role at the required skill level and an eligible occupation code
Salary at general minimum £41,700/year or the going rate (whichever is higher); lower thresholds apply to some categories
English language proficiency to the required level
Maintenance funds of £1,270 held 28 consecutive days unless waived

Required Documents

Certificate of Sponsorship reference number required
Valid passport or travel ID required
Proof of English language ability required
Job title, salary, occupation code, sponsor name and licence number required
Bank statements showing maintenance funds (unless sponsor certifies maintenance)
TB test certificate (for listed countries)
Criminal record certificate (education, healthcare or social services roles)
ATAS certificate (sensitive PhD research)
Ecctis/qualification evidence and certified translations where applicable

Official fees

Application fee (outside UK, up to 3 yrs) 819 GBP

Application fee (outside UK, over 3 yrs) 1,618 GBP

Immigration Health Surcharge (per year) 1,035 GBP

Estimated total 3,472 GBP

Process Steps

1
Employer assigns CoS

A licensed sponsor assigns a Certificate of Sponsorship.
2
Apply online

Apply online up to 3 months before the job start date.
3
Pay fees

Pay the application fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge.
4
Prove identity

Verify identity via the app or at a visa application centre (biometrics).
5
Upload documents

Upload supporting documents.
6
Decision

Await the decision.

Official Sources

Work / Employment Medium confidence

Health and Care Worker visa

A reduced-fee, IHS-exempt sponsored work route for medical professionals and care workers with an approved health/care sponsor.

Processing time: Usually 3 weeks; faster-decision service available for an extra fee
Validity: Up to 5 years per grant; renewable
Language requirement: English at the required CEFR level
Documents: 3 required
Permanent residence: Yes · ILR after 5 years
Citizenship: Yes · Naturalisation 12 months after ILR (subject to residence rules)

Requirements

Certificate of Sponsorship from an approved health or care sponsor
Eligible health or social care occupation
Salary meeting the role's national pay scale or threshold
Professional registration where relevant
English language proficiency

Required Documents

Certificate of Sponsorship from an approved health/care sponsor required
Valid passport or travel ID required
Proof of English language ability required
Professional registration evidence where relevant
TB test certificate (for listed countries)

Official fees

Application fee (up to 3 yrs, approx.) 304 GBP

Application fee (over 3 yrs, approx.) 590 GBP

Immigration Health Surcharge 0 GBP

Estimated total 894 GBP

Process Steps

1
Employer assigns CoS

An approved health/care sponsor assigns a Certificate of Sponsorship.
2
Apply online

Apply online up to 3 months before the start date.
3
Pay reduced fee

Pay the reduced application fee; IHS is exempt.
4
Biometrics and documents

Provide biometrics and upload documents.
5
Decision

Await the decision; a faster-decision service is available for an extra fee.

Official Sources

Official Health and Care Worker visa · GOV.UK / Home Office

Work / Employment High confidence

Scale-up Worker visa

A sponsored route to work for a fast-growing UK business; after 6 months sponsored you may work unsponsored. Leads to settlement after 5 years.

Processing time: 3 weeks (outside UK) / 8 weeks (inside UK)
Validity: 2 years initially, extendable
Language requirement: English at the required CEFR level
Documents: 4 required
Permanent residence: Yes · ILR after 5 years
Citizenship: Yes · Naturalisation 12 months after ILR (subject to residence rules)

Requirements

Certificate of Sponsorship from an approved scale-up sponsor for a role of at least 6 months
Salary of at least £39,100/year or the going rate (whichever is higher)
English language proficiency
Maintenance funds of £1,270 unless waived

Required Documents

Certificate of Sponsorship from an approved scale-up sponsor required
Valid passport or travel ID required
Proof of English language ability required
Salary and occupation evidence required
Financial evidence if applicable

Official fees

Application fee 937 GBP

Immigration Health Surcharge (per year) 1,035 GBP

Estimated total 1,972 GBP

Process Steps

1
Sponsor assigns CoS

An approved scale-up sponsor assigns a CoS for a role of at least 6 months.
2
Apply online

Apply online up to 3 months before the start date.
3
Pay fees

Pay the fee and the IHS.
4
Biometrics and documents

Provide biometrics and documents.
5
Decision

Await the decision; after 6 months sponsored you may work unsponsored.

Official Sources

Official Scale-up Worker visa · GOV.UK / Home Office
Official Scale-up Worker visa: your job · GOV.UK / Home Office

Work / Employment High confidence

Senior or Specialist Worker visa (Global Business Mobility)

For senior managers or specialist employees transferred to a UK branch of an overseas business. Does not lead directly to settlement.

Processing time: 3 weeks (outside UK) / 8 weeks (inside UK)
Validity: Max 5 years (9 in any 10-year period if paid £73,900+)
Language requirement: No English language requirement for this route
Documents: 4 required

Requirements

Certificate of Sponsorship from the linked UK business
Salary of at least £52,500/year or the going rate (whichever is higher)
12 months' prior employment with the linked overseas business (unless earning £73,900+)
Maintenance funds of £1,270 unless waived

Required Documents

Certificate of Sponsorship required
Valid passport or travel ID required
Evidence of overseas employment and the linked-business relationship required
Salary evidence required
Maintenance evidence if applicable

Official fees

Application fee (outside UK, up to 3 yrs) 819 GBP

Application fee (outside UK, over 3 yrs) 1,618 GBP

Immigration Health Surcharge (per year) 1,035 GBP

Estimated total 3,472 GBP

Process Steps

1
Sponsor assigns CoS

The linked UK business assigns a CoS.
2
Apply online

Apply online up to 3 months before the start date.
3
Pay fees

Pay the fee and the IHS.
4
Biometrics and documents

Provide biometrics and documents.
5
Decision

Await the decision.

Official Sources

Work / Employment High confidence

Graduate visa

A post-study work route for graduates of UK courses to stay and work or look for work. Non-extendable; no direct settlement.

Processing time: Usually 8 weeks
Validity: 2 years (3 years for PhD), non-extendable
Language requirement: Not separately tested (English proven on the prior Student visa)
Documents: 3 required

Requirements

Currently hold a Student visa
Successfully completed an eligible UK course
Education provider has notified the Home Office of course completion
Apply from inside the UK before the Student visa expires

Required Documents

Valid passport or travel ID required
Current Student visa / BRP / eVisa required
Provider confirmation of course completion (provider notifies the Home Office) required

Official fees

Application fee 937 GBP

Immigration Health Surcharge (per year) 1,035 GBP

Estimated total 1,972 GBP

Process Steps

1
Complete course

Complete an eligible UK course.
2
Provider reports completion

Your provider notifies the Home Office of course completion.
3
Apply online

Apply online from inside the UK before your Student visa expires.
4
Pay fees

Pay the fee and the IHS.
5
Biometrics

Provide biometrics if required.
6
Decision

Await the decision; you may stay while it is pending.

Official Sources

Official Graduate visa · GOV.UK / Home Office

Study / Student High confidence

Student visa

For people aged 16+ accepted onto a course with a licensed UK student sponsor. Does not lead directly to settlement but can be a route into work visas.

Processing time: 3 weeks (outside UK) / 8 weeks (inside UK)
Validity: Duration of the course plus a short wrap-up period
Language requirement: English at the required CEFR level
Documents: 4 required

Requirements

Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from a licensed student sponsor
Financial evidence held for 28 days (course fees plus living costs)
English language proficiency
TB test if applicable; ATAS if required; parental consent if under 18

Required Documents

CAS from a licensed student sponsor required
Valid passport or travel ID required
Financial evidence (held 28 days) required
Proof of English language ability required
TB test certificate if applicable
ATAS certificate if required
Parental consent if under 18

Official fees

Application fee 558 GBP

Immigration Health Surcharge (per year, student rate) 776 GBP

Estimated total 1,334 GBP

Process Steps

1
Get a CAS

Receive a CAS from a licensed student sponsor.
2
Apply online

Apply up to 6 months before course start (outside UK) or 3 months (inside UK), before any current visa expires.
3
Pay fees

Pay the fee and the IHS.
4
Biometrics and documents

Provide biometrics and documents.
5
Decision

Await the decision.

Official Sources

Official Student visa · GOV.UK / Home Office

Job Seeker Visa High confidence

High Potential Individual (HPI) visa

For recent graduates of top global universities to come to the UK without a job offer. Short-term, non-extendable, no direct settlement.

Processing time: 3 weeks (outside UK) / 8 weeks (inside UK)
Validity: 2 years (3 years for PhD), non-extendable
Language requirement: English at the required CEFR level
Documents: 4 required

Requirements

Qualification from an eligible university on the Global Universities List, awarded in the last 5 years
Ecctis verification of the qualification
English language proficiency
Funds of £1,270 held 28 consecutive days

Required Documents

Eligible-university qualification with Ecctis verification required
Valid passport or travel ID required
Proof of English language ability required
Financial evidence required

Official fees

Application fee 880 GBP

Immigration Health Surcharge (per year) 1,035 GBP

Estimated total 1,915 GBP

Process Steps

1
Confirm eligibility

Confirm your university and award date appear on the eligible list and obtain Ecctis verification.
2
Apply online

Apply online up to 3 months before travel.
3
Pay fees

Pay the fee and the IHS.
4
Biometrics and documents

Provide biometrics and documents.
5
Decision

Await the decision.

Official Sources

Company Formation High confidence

UK Expansion Worker visa (Global Business Mobility)

For a senior worker setting up a UK branch of an overseas business that has no current UK trading presence. Short-term, no settlement route.

Processing time: 3 weeks (outside UK) / 8 weeks (inside UK)
Validity: Up to 12 months initially; maximum total 2 years
Language requirement: No English language requirement for this route
Documents: 3 required

Requirements

Certificate of Sponsorship from the overseas business
Senior manager or specialist role to establish the UK branch
Evidence of overseas employment
Maintenance funds of £1,270

Required Documents

Certificate of Sponsorship required
Evidence of overseas employment required
Valid passport or travel ID required
Financial evidence

Official fees

Application fee 340 GBP

Immigration Health Surcharge (per year) 1,035 GBP

Estimated total 1,375 GBP

Process Steps

1
Sponsor assigns CoS

The overseas business assigns a CoS.
2
Apply online

Apply online up to 3 months before the start date.
3
Pay fees

Pay the fee and the IHS.
4
Biometrics and documents

Provide biometrics and documents.
5
Decision

Await the decision.

Official Sources

Startup Visa High confidence

Innovator Founder visa

For experienced entrepreneurs establishing an innovative, viable and scalable UK business endorsed by an approved body. Leads to settlement after 3 years.

Processing time: 3 weeks (outside UK) / 8 weeks (inside UK)
Validity: 3 years per grant; renewable
Language requirement: English at the required CEFR level
Documents: 5 required
Permanent residence: Yes · ILR after 3 years if criteria met
Citizenship: Yes · Naturalisation 12 months after ILR (subject to residence rules)

Requirements

Endorsement letter from an approved endorsing body
Business plan for a new, innovative, viable and scalable idea
English language proficiency
Financial evidence (maintenance)
Attendance at 12- and 24-month review meetings

Required Documents

Endorsement letter from an approved endorsing body required
Business plan evidencing a new/innovative/viable/scalable idea required
Valid passport or travel ID required
Proof of English language ability required
Financial evidence required

Official fees

Application fee (outside UK) 1,357 GBP

Endorsement fee 1,000 GBP

Immigration Health Surcharge (per year) 1,035 GBP

Estimated total 3,392 GBP

Process Steps

1
Secure endorsement

Obtain endorsement from an approved body (£1,000).
2
Apply online

Apply for the visa online.
3
Pay fees

Pay the fee and the IHS.
4
Biometrics and documents

Provide biometrics and documents.
5
Decision

Await the decision.
6
Review meetings

Attend the 12- and 24-month review meetings with the endorsing body.

Official Sources

Investor / Golden Visa High confidence

Tier 1 (Investor) visa — CLOSED

The UK investor (golden) visa closed to new applicants on 17 February 2022. Only existing holders may extend; ILR remains available to them.

Processing time: Not applicable (closed to new applicants)
Validity: Not applicable (closed to new applicants)
Language requirement: Not applicable to new applicants
Permanent residence: Yes · ILR remains available to existing/qualifying holders only
Citizenship: Yes · Naturalisation 12 months after ILR for existing holders (subject to residence rules)

Family Reunification Medium confidence

Family visa (partner/spouse)

For partners and spouses of British citizens or settled persons. Leads to settlement after 5 years on the 5-year route.

Processing time: Typically 8–12 weeks (longer without priority; super-priority available)
Validity: 2.5 years per grant on the 5-year route
Language requirement: English at the required CEFR level
Documents: 4 required
Permanent residence: Yes · ILR after 5 years (Life in the UK test + English)
Citizenship: Yes · Naturalisation immediately after ILR if married to a British citizen (the 12-month post-ILR wait is waived)

Requirements

British citizen, settled, or otherwise eligible sponsoring partner
Genuine and subsisting relationship
Financial requirement: minimum income £29,000/year (new applicants) or qualifying cash savings alternative
English language proficiency
Suitable accommodation

Required Documents

Relationship evidence (marriage/civil-partnership certificate or cohabitation evidence such as joint tenancy, utility bills, Council Tax, joint bank statements, letters from authorities) required
Financial evidence (payslips, P60, bank statements) required
Proof of English language ability required
Valid passport or travel ID required

Official fees

Application fee (outside UK) 2,064 GBP

Application fee (inside UK) 1,407 GBP

Immigration Health Surcharge (adult, per year) 1,035 GBP

Estimated total 4,506 GBP

Process Steps

1
Gather evidence

Gather relationship, financial and English evidence.
2
Apply online

Apply online (a fee waiver is available if eligible).
3
Biometrics and documents

Provide biometrics and documents.
4
Decision

Await the decision; super-priority is available for an extra fee.

Official Sources

Official UK Family visa · GOV.UK / Home Office
Official UK Family visa: partner or spouse · GOV.UK / Home Office

Family Reunification High confidence

BN(O) visa (Hong Kong British National (Overseas))

For British National (Overseas) status holders from Hong Kong and their family members to live, work and study in the UK. Leads to settlement after 5 years.

Processing time: 3 weeks (outside UK) / 8 weeks (inside UK)
Validity: 2.5 or 5 years, unlimited extensions
Language requirement: No English requirement to enter; required for ILR/citizenship
Documents: 3 required
Permanent residence: Yes · ILR after 5 years
Citizenship: Yes · Citizenship 12 months after ILR

Requirements

BN(O) status (or being an adult child of a BN(O) born after 1 July 1979)
Ordinarily resident in Hong Kong (or the UK)
Ability to accommodate and support yourself

Required Documents

Evidence of BN(O) status (or being an adult child of a BN(O) born after 1 July 1979) required
Proof of Hong Kong residence (or UK residence) required
Valid passport or identity document required
Household/family relationship evidence for dependants

Official fees

Application fee (2.5 years) 206 GBP

Application fee (5 years) 285 GBP

Immigration Health Surcharge (adult, per year) 1,035 GBP

Estimated total 1,526 GBP

Process Steps

1
Confirm eligibility

Confirm BN(O) status and residence.
2
Apply online

Apply online and choose the 2.5- or 5-year option.
3
Pay fees

Pay the fee and the IHS upfront.
4
Biometrics and documents

Provide biometrics and documents.
5
Decision

Await the decision.

Official Sources

Official British National (Overseas) visa · GOV.UK / Home Office
Official BN(O) visa: how much it costs · GOV.UK / Home Office

Research / Scientist High confidence

Global Talent visa

An endorsement-based route for leaders or potential leaders in academia/research, arts and culture, or digital technology. No job offer required; fast track to settlement.

Processing time: Endorsement up to 8 weeks; visa 3 weeks (outside UK) / 8 weeks (inside UK)
Validity: Up to 5 years per grant; renewable
Language requirement: No English language requirement for the visa itself
Documents: 2 required
Permanent residence: Yes · ILR after 3 years (exceptional talent / some fields) or 5 years
Citizenship: Yes · Naturalisation 12 months after ILR (subject to residence rules)

Requirements

Endorsement from an approved endorsing body (UKRI, Tech Nation legacy/digital body, Arts Council England, Royal Society, etc.) OR an eligible prestigious prize
Evidence portfolio demonstrating leadership or potential leadership in the field
Valid passport or travel ID

Required Documents

Endorsement application evidence (CV, evidence portfolio, recommendation letters per endorsing body) OR eligible prize evidence required
Valid passport or travel ID required

Official fees

Endorsement fee 561 GBP

Visa fee 205 GBP

Immigration Health Surcharge (per year) 1,035 GBP

Estimated total 1,801 GBP

Process Steps

1
Choose route

Choose the prize route (skip to visa) or the endorsement route.
2
Apply for endorsement

Apply for endorsement in academia/research, arts/culture, or digital technology.
3
Apply for the visa

On endorsement, apply for the visa online.
4
Biometrics and documents

Provide biometrics and supporting documents.
5
Decision

Await the decision.

Official Sources

Official Global Talent visa · GOV.UK / Home Office
Official Global Talent (digital technology) · GOV.UK / Home Office

Language / Au-pair High confidence

Youth Mobility Scheme visa

A temporary route for young people (typically 18–30/35) from participating countries to live and work in the UK for up to 2–3 years. No settlement route.

Processing time: Usually 3 weeks
Validity: 24 months (Australia/Canada/New Zealand can extend by 1 year)
Language requirement: No English language requirement
Documents: 2 required

Requirements

Be a national/citizen of a participating country or territory and within the eligible age range
For ballot countries, be selected in the ballot
Savings of £2,530 (28-day rule)
Not have children living with you who are financially dependent, or be responsible for a child under 18

Required Documents

Valid passport or travel ID required
Proof of savings (£2,530) required
TB test certificate if from a listed country
Proof of ballot selection (for ballot countries)

Official fees

Application fee 340 GBP

Immigration Health Surcharge (per year, discounted) 776 GBP

Estimated total 1,116 GBP

Process Steps

1
Enter ballot if required

If from a ballot country, enter the ballot and be selected.
2
Apply online

Apply online within the deadline after selection, up to 6 months before travel.
3
Pay fees

Pay the fee and the IHS.
4
Biometrics and documents

Provide biometrics and documents.
5
Decision

Await the decision.

Official Sources

Official Youth Mobility Scheme visa · GOV.UK / Home Office

Ancestry / Descent High confidence

UK Ancestry visa

For Commonwealth citizens with a grandparent born in the UK, Channel Islands or Isle of Man who intend to work in the UK. Leads to settlement after 5 years.

Processing time: Usually 3 weeks (from outside UK)
Validity: 5 years, extendable
Language requirement: No separate English language requirement
Documents: 4 required
Permanent residence: Yes · ILR after 5 years
Citizenship: Yes · Naturalisation 12 months after ILR (subject to residence rules)

Requirements

Commonwealth citizen aged 17 or over
A grandparent born in the UK, Channel Islands or Isle of Man (documented chain)
Able and intending to work in the UK
Sufficient funds to support and accommodate yourself

Required Documents

Valid passport or travel ID required
Birth certificates establishing the chain to a UK/Channel Islands/Isle of Man-born grandparent (yours, your parent's, your grandparent's) required
Evidence you can and intend to work required
Proof of funds required

Official fees

Application fee 726 GBP

Immigration Health Surcharge (per year) 1,035 GBP

Estimated total 1,761 GBP

Process Steps

1
Gather ancestry evidence

Assemble the chain of birth certificates proving the qualifying grandparent.
2
Apply online

Apply from outside the UK up to 3 months before travel.
3
Pay fees

Pay the fee and the IHS.
4
Biometrics and documents

Provide biometrics and documents.
5
Decision

Await the decision.

Official Sources

Official UK Ancestry visa · GOV.UK / Home Office

Permanent Residence High confidence

EU Settlement Scheme (settled / pre-settled status)

Free scheme for EU/EEA/Swiss citizens and family members resident in the UK by 31 December 2020. Settled status is effectively permanent residence.

Processing time: Varies; often within days to weeks
Validity: Pre-settled status (5 years) or settled status (indefinite)
Language requirement: No English requirement for the scheme itself
Documents: 1 required
Permanent residence: Yes · Settled status after 5 years' continuous residence (effectively PR)
Citizenship: Yes · Naturalisation 12 months after settled status (subject to residence rules)

Requirements

EU, EEA or Swiss citizen, or eligible family member
Resident in the UK by 31 December 2020 (where required)
Continuous residence for settled status (5 years)

Required Documents

Identity document (passport or national ID), verified via the EU Exit ID Document Check app required
Proof of residence where required
Relationship evidence for family members

Official fees

Application fee 0 GBP

Process Steps

1
Apply online/app

Apply online or via the EU Exit app.
2
Verify identity

Verify identity using the app or by sending documents.
3
Provide residence evidence

Provide residence evidence if requested.
4
Receive status

Receive pre-settled or settled status (digital).

Official Sources

Official Settled and pre-settled status for EU citizens and their families · GOV.UK / Home Office

Permanent Residence High confidence

Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR / Settlement)

UK permanent residence, typically granted after 5 years' qualifying residence (3 for some routes), subject to the Life in the UK test and English requirement.

Processing time: Standard up to 6 months; priority and super-priority available
Validity: Indefinite (permanent residence)
Language requirement: English at the required level (not re-tested for Skilled Worker / Health and Care)
Documents: 3 required
Permanent residence: Yes · Granted on approval
Citizenship: Yes · Naturalisation 12 months after ILR (waived if married to a British citizen)

Requirements

Qualifying period of continuous residence (usually 5 years; 3 for some routes; 10-year long residence route also exists)
No more than 180 days' absence in any 12-month period
Pass the Life in the UK test (ages 18–64)
Meet the English language requirement (where required)

Required Documents

Passport / BRP / eVisa required
Evidence of continuous residence and absences required
Life in the UK test pass required
English evidence where required
Ongoing employment/salary evidence (work routes)

Official fees

Application fee (most routes) 3,226 GBP

Life in the UK test 50 GBP

Estimated total 3,276 GBP

Process Steps

1
Confirm eligibility

Confirm eligibility and the qualifying period.
2
Pass Life in the UK test

Pass the Life in the UK test.
3
Apply online

Apply online (up to 28 days before completing the qualifying period).
4
Pay fee

Pay the fee, with an optional priority service.
5
Biometrics and documents

Provide biometrics and documents.
6
Decision

Await the decision.

Official Sources

Citizenship / Naturalization High confidence

Naturalisation as a British citizen

The main route to British citizenship for adults holding ILR/settled status, subject to residence, Life in the UK test, English and good-character requirements.

Processing time: Usually up to 6 months
Validity: Permanent (citizenship)
Language requirement: English at the required level
Documents: 6 required
Permanent residence: Yes · Citizenship supersedes ILR
Citizenship: Yes · Granted on approval and at the citizenship ceremony

Requirements

Aged 18 or over
Held ILR/settled status for 12 months (waived if married to a British citizen)
5 years' lawful residence (3 if married to a British citizen)
No more than 450 days abroad over 5 years (90 in the final year)
Pass the Life in the UK test and meet the English requirement
Good character and intention to remain
Two referees per Form AN

Required Documents

Passport and travel history required
ILR/settled status evidence required
Life in the UK test pass required
English language evidence required
Two referees' details required
Biometric enrolment required

Official fees

Application fee 1,709 GBP

Citizenship ceremony fee 130 GBP

Estimated total 1,839 GBP

Process Steps

1
Confirm eligibility

Confirm eligibility and residence history.
2
Complete the form

Complete Form AN online (or by post).
3
Book biometrics

Book a UKVCAS biometric appointment.
4
Biometrics and documents

Provide biometrics and upload/scan documents.
5
Decision

Await the decision.
6
Ceremony

Attend a citizenship ceremony.

Official Sources

Asylum / Humanitarian Medium confidence

Asylum / Refugee status and Humanitarian Protection

Free protection route for people unable to return to their country due to persecution or serious harm. Leads to settlement, currently after 5 years (policy under review).

Processing time: Variable; often several months or longer
Validity: Currently 5 years' refugee/humanitarian leave (policy under review)
Language requirement: No English requirement to claim; required at settlement/citizenship
Permanent residence: Yes · ILR after 5 years on a protection route (policy under review)
Citizenship: Yes · Naturalisation after ILR (subject to residence and good-character rules)

Requirements

Unable to return to your country owing to fear of persecution or serious harm
Claim made on arrival or as soon as it is unsafe to return
Cooperate with screening and the substantive interview

Required Documents

Identity and travel documents if available
Any evidence supporting the persecution or serious-harm claim

Official fees

Application fee 0 GBP

Process Steps

1
Claim asylum

Claim on arrival or as soon as it is unsafe to return.
2
Screening

Attend a screening meeting with an immigration officer.
3
Admissibility

The Home Office decides whether the claim is admissible in the UK.
4
Substantive interview

Attend a substantive asylum interview with a caseworker.
5
Decision

Await the decision.

Immigration Pathways

Skilled Worker visa

Requirements

Required Documents

Official fees

Process Steps

Official Sources

Health and Care Worker visa

Requirements

Required Documents

Official fees

Process Steps

Official Sources

Scale-up Worker visa

Requirements

Required Documents

Official fees

Process Steps

Official Sources

Senior or Specialist Worker visa (Global Business Mobility)

Requirements

Required Documents

Official fees

Process Steps

Official Sources

Graduate visa

Requirements

Required Documents

Official fees

Process Steps

Official Sources

Student visa

Requirements

Required Documents

Official fees

Process Steps

Official Sources

High Potential Individual (HPI) visa

Requirements

Required Documents

Official fees

Process Steps

Official Sources

UK Expansion Worker visa (Global Business Mobility)

Requirements

Required Documents

Official fees

Process Steps

Official Sources

Innovator Founder visa

Requirements

Required Documents

Official fees

Process Steps

Official Sources

Tier 1 (Investor) visa — CLOSED

Requirements

Required Documents

Process Steps

Official Sources

Family visa (partner/spouse)

Requirements

Required Documents

Official fees

Process Steps

Official Sources

BN(O) visa (Hong Kong British National (Overseas))

Requirements

Required Documents

Official fees

Process Steps

Official Sources

Global Talent visa

Requirements

Required Documents

Official fees

Process Steps

Official Sources

Youth Mobility Scheme visa