IA
ImmigrantAdvisor.co.uk
Official UK Immigration Route Directory

UK Visa Routes & Requirements

Clear, authoritative overviews of UK immigration pathways, financial salary thresholds, processing timelines, and settlement eligibility.

Work & Employment

Skilled Worker Visa

The main employer-sponsored immigration route for professionals holding a job offer from an approved UK Home Office licensed sponsor.

Financial:£38,700/yr (or SOC going rate, new entrant discounts apply)
IHS Health Fee:£1,035/year
Timeline:3 weeks (outside UK) / 8 weeks (inside UK)
Settlement:Leads to ILR after 5 continuous years
Core Requirements:
  • Valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from a licensed UK sponsor
  • Job at RQF Level 6 or eligible SOC code meeting salary threshold
  • English proficiency at CEFR Level B1 (SELT or Ecctis degree verification)
  • Maintenance funds of £1,270 (unless certified by employer)
Full Route Guide
Education & Universities

Student Visa (Student Route)

For international students admitted to an accredited UK university or higher education institution.

Financial:Tuition fees + living maintenance (£1,483/mo London or £1,136/mo rest of UK for 9 months)
IHS Health Fee:£776/year (discounted student rate)
Timeline:3 weeks standard processing
Settlement:Does not count towards 5-yr ILR (counts towards 10-yr long residence)
Core Requirements:
  • Unconditional offer and Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)
  • 28 consecutive days proof of funds in compliant bank account
  • CEFR B2 English requirement assessed by university
  • ATAS certificate (for sensitive postgraduate STEM subjects)
Full Route Guide
Post-Study & Career Transition

Graduate Visa (Post-Study Work)

Unsponsored 2-year (3 years for PhD) work permission granted upon successful graduation from an eligible UK degree.

Financial:No minimum salary or job offer required
IHS Health Fee:£1,035/year (£2,070 for 2-year visa)
Timeline:Up to 8 weeks inside UK via ID Check App
Settlement:Non-settlement (switchable into Skilled Worker anytime)
Core Requirements:
  • Must apply from inside the UK on a valid Student visa
  • University must formally report course completion to Home Office
  • Full right to work in any role or start a business
Full Route Guide
Family & Settlement

Spouse & Partner Visa (Appendix FM)

For legally married spouses, civil partners, or 2+ year unmarried cohabiting partners of British citizens or settled residents.

Financial:£29,000 gross annual income (or savings equivalent)
IHS Health Fee:£1,035/year (£3,105 for 2.5-year grant)
Timeline:12–24 weeks (outside UK) / 8 weeks (inside UK)
Settlement:Leads to ILR after 5 continuous years (two 30-month grants)
Core Requirements:
  • Sponsor is British citizen, holds ILR, or settled status
  • Genuine & subsisting relationship proof (indexed joint documentation)
  • Adequate accommodation without recourse to public funds
  • CEFR A1 English test certificate (or degree taught in English)
Full Route Guide
Innovation & Leaders

Global Talent Visa (Tech Nation & Academies)

Prestigious unsponsored visa for leaders and high-potential individuals in technology, sciences, arts, and humanities.

Financial:No minimum salary or employer sponsor required
IHS Health Fee:£1,035/year
Timeline:Stage 1 endorsement: 4–8 weeks; Stage 2 UKVI: 3 weeks
Settlement:Accelerated ILR after 3 years (Talent) or 5 years (Promise)
Core Requirements:
  • Endorsement from Tech Nation, Royal Society, or British Academy
  • Portfolio of 10 evidence pieces showing innovation and impact
  • 3 reference letters from senior sector leaders
Full Route Guide
Permanent Settlement

Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)

Permanent residency in the UK without immigration time limits. Final gateway to British Citizenship naturalisation.

Financial:Employment continuity verified for work routes
IHS Health Fee:£0 (No IHS fee on settlement)
Timeline:Up to 6 months standard (Super Priority next-day available)
Settlement:Permanent Status (Apply for UK Passport after 12 months)
Core Requirements:
  • 5 continuous years on qualifying route (or 10 years long residence)
  • No absences over 180 days in any 12-month rolling period
  • Passed Life in the UK Test
  • CEFR B1 English proficiency and Good Character clearance
Full Route Guide
Regulated UK Immigration Network

Unsure which UK visa pathway fits your qualifications?

Book a free discovery consultation with an OISC or SRA-regulated advisor to evaluate your eligibility.

100% Free Initial Discovery
OISC & SRA Regulated
Google Meet / Phone
Legal Casework Availability
Slots Open Today
Free 30-Minute Route Evaluation

Audit your eligibility, salary thresholds, qualifying period, and documentation checklist before applying.

No payment details required • Instant calendar confirmation