Introduction
UK immigration law is dense, frequently changing, and expensive to navigate. The system is built around the Immigration Rules — a sprawling document updated dozens of times each year — and administered by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI), part of the Home Office. Mistakes are costly: getting a category of visa wrong, missing a deadline, or submitting incomplete evidence can mean refused applications, lost fees running into thousands of pounds, and in some cases a ban on re-entry.
This page covers the main visa routes, what you need to know about settlement and citizenship, and practical guidance on making applications. It is not a substitute for legal advice, but understanding the basics before you start can save you making expensive errors.
The Points-Based System
Since the end of free movement after Brexit, the UK operates a points-based immigration system that applies equally to EU and non-EU nationals (with special provisions for Irish citizens, who continue to enjoy free movement under the Common Travel Area). Most work visas require 70 points: 50 for mandatory requirements (a job offer from an approved sponsor at the appropriate skill level, plus English language ability at B1 level) and 20 tradeable points from salary, qualifications, or shortage occupation status.
The Skilled Worker visa is the main work route. You need a job offer from a Home Office-approved sponsor, the job must be at RQF Level 3 or above (roughly A-level equivalent), and the minimum salary is generally £38,700, though it is lower for new entrants, shortage occupations, and those with PhDs. The Health and Care Worker visa is a separate route for NHS and social care workers, with lower fees and a faster processing timeline.
Other significant work routes include the Global Talent visa (for recognised leaders in science, arts, and digital technology), the Innovator Founder visa (for people setting up a business in the UK), and the Scale-up Worker visa (for people joining fast-growing UK companies). Each has its own eligibility criteria, and the application fees are substantial — the Skilled Worker visa application alone costs between £719 and £1,500 depending on length and whether the job is on the shortage list, plus the Immigration Health Surcharge at £1,035 per year.
Family and Study Visas
Family visas cover partners, children, and dependent relatives of British citizens or settled persons. The financial requirement for a partner visa is currently £29,000 per year minimum income (rising to £38,700 under planned changes), though this can be met through a combination of employment income, self-employment, pensions, and cash savings above £16,000. The application process typically takes 8-12 weeks from inside the UK and up to 24 weeks from outside.
The Student visa route allows study at a licensed sponsor institution. You must demonstrate enough money to support yourself (currently £1,334 per month for up to 9 months in London, £1,023 outside London) and pay the Immigration Health Surcharge. Most students can work up to 20 hours per week during term time. The Graduate visa allows students who have completed a UK degree to stay for two years (three for PhD graduates) to work or look for work without needing a sponsor.
Settlement and Citizenship
Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) — permanent settlement — typically requires five years of continuous lawful residence in the UK, though some routes allow it after three years. You must pass the Life in the UK test and meet English language requirements at B1 level. There are also strict limits on absences: generally no more than 180 days outside the UK in any 12-month period during the qualifying years.
British citizenship can be applied for 12 months after obtaining ILR (or immediately if married to a British citizen). The process involves the Life in the UK test again (unless already passed for ILR), English language evidence, two referees, and a citizenship ceremony. The application costs £1,630 for adults. Dual citizenship is permitted in the UK — you do not need to renounce your original nationality.
The EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) remains open for EU citizens and their family members who were living in the UK by 31 December 2020. Late applications are still being accepted where there are reasonable grounds for the delay. Settled status under the EUSS is essentially equivalent to ILR.
Common Problems and How to Avoid Them
The single most common reason for visa refusal is insufficient or incorrect evidence. UKVI caseworkers apply a tick-box approach — if a required document is missing, they refuse. Bank statements must show the required funds held continuously for the required period (usually 28 or 90 days depending on the route). If the last day’s balance dips below the threshold even for one day, the application fails. Pay attention to these details.
Application fees change every year and are not refunded if the application is refused. Always check current fees on the GOV.UK website immediately before applying — do not rely on third-party sites. The Immigration Health Surcharge has risen sharply in recent years and now adds thousands of pounds to most visa applications.
Processing times are not guarantees. UKVI’s stated service standards are targets, not obligations. Delays of months beyond the standard processing time are common, particularly for complex cases or applications made during peak periods. There is no legal right to compensation for delayed decisions, though you can complain to UKVI and, eventually, to the Parliamentary Ombudsman.
Immigration solicitors and advisers in the UK must be registered with the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC) or be a regulated solicitor or barrister. Check registration before paying anyone for immigration advice — unregulated advisers have been responsible for many ruined applications.
Practical Tips
Keep digital copies of every document you submit and every correspondence you receive from the Home Office. Track your absences from the UK meticulously — a spreadsheet with dates works fine. When applying from inside the UK, your existing leave continues under Section 3C of the Immigration Act 1971 while a valid in-time application is pending, even if your previous visa expires. This is a crucial protection, but it only applies if you apply before the expiry date.
Priority and super-priority services are available for many visa routes, offering faster processing for an additional fee (typically £500 for priority and £1,000 for super-priority next-day service). Availability is limited and slots are released at specific times — usually early morning.
Official Resources
- GOV.UK Visas and Immigration — Central portal for all visa routes
- Check If You Need a UK Visa — Visa requirement checker by nationality
- Immigration Rules — Full text of current Immigration Rules
- EU Settlement Scheme — EUSS applications and support
- UK Visas and Immigration — UKVI contact and service information
- Life in the UK Test — Test booking and preparation materials
- Find a Registered Immigration Adviser — OISC adviser search
- Immigration Health Surcharge — Current rates and payment information
Official Contacts
UK: UK Visas and Immigration — 0300 790 6268. Website: https://www.gov.uk/uk-visas-and-immigration
India: OCI Services — https://ociservices.gov.in. Bureau of Immigration — https://boi.gov.in
Email: UKVI: use the online enquiry form. India Bureau of Immigration: boi-mha@nic.in