Visa to the United Kingdom

🇬🇧 Main Types of Visas to the United Kingdom (UK visas):

1. Standard Visitor visa Purpose: tourism, visiting relatives, medical treatment, attending conferences Duration: up to 6 months Does not grant the right to work
2. Work visas
   • Skilled Worker visa — based on a contract with a UK employer (CoS required)
   • Health and Care Worker visa — for healthcare professionals (including via the NHS)
   • Global Business Mobility — intra-company transfers
   • Temporary Worker visa (T5) — seasonal and youth programs, volunteering
3. Student visas
   • Student visa — for studying at universities and colleges
   • Child Student visa — for children in private schools
   CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) is required
4. Family reunion visa
   • Family visa — if a partner, parent, or child resides in the UK
   • Includes spouse/partner visa, parent visa, and child reunion visa
5. Humanitarian and Ukraine Schemes (for Ukrainian citizens only)
   • Ukraine Family Scheme — for reunion with relatives in the UK
   • Homes for Ukraine (Sponsorship Scheme) — if you have a sponsor in the UK
   Both schemes are free and grant the right to live and work for up to 3 years
6. Business and investment
   • Innovator Founder visa — for starting a business
   • Start-up visa — closed in 2023
   • Global Talent visa — for recognized specialists (science, IT, arts)
   • UK Expansion Worker visa — for employees expanding business in the UK
7. Embassy / transit visa
   • Transit visa — for airport transfers in the UK without other visas
   • Marriage visitor visa — for getting married without intention to live in the UK