UK visas
and immigration

Your ticket to life in London.

Having the right to live in the UK is essential for your move and for most people this involves getting a UK visa. Without a valid visa you will only be able to stay in the UK for up to 6 months as a tourist. 

If you have a UK or Irish passport you won’t need to get a visa. Even if you aren’t born in the UK or Ireland but one of your family members was, you may be able to claim a British or Irish passport.

‍

Visas

There are different types of visas that will allow you to live and work in the UK, but your personal circumstances will ultimately decide which visas you can apply for.

With GOV.UK you can check if you need a visa.

Youth Mobility visa

This popular visa allows young people from specific countries to live and work in the UK.

UK Ancestry visa

For Commonwealth country citizens with a grandparent born in the UK.

Skilled worker visa

Sponsored workers who have a job offer from a licensed UK employer.

Student visa

Anyone moving to the UK to study an approved course for a longer than 6 month duration.

Health & Care Worker visa

Healthcare workers who have secured a job within the NHS can move at a cheaper rate.

Dependant Partner visa

For those with a partner approved to live and work in the UK can join as a dependant.

‍‍What a UK visa allows

A valid visa will allow you to live in the UK. This includes: 

  • Work or study
  • Enter and exit the UK multiple times
  • Rent a house or apartment 
  • Use the National Health Service (NHS)
What the UK visa process involves
  1. Decide on the right visa for you 
  2. Read the details and make sure you meet the eligibility criteria
  3. Complete the online application and pay the fees
  4. Attend a visa appointment (where you will submit your documents and passport)
  5. Wait for your application response
  6. Arrive in the UK during the specified dates

Each visa has different eligibility requirements and will require different documentation, but the application process is fairly similar across all visa types.

As part of your application you will have to pay the healthcare surcharge. This will allow you to use the NHS.

You may be required to send away your passport as part of your visa application so be sure you don't have any international trips planned at this time.

How long it takes

Once you have applied for a visa it can take anywhere between 3 weeks to 3 months until you receive confirmation. For more about visa application times check out the information on GOV.UK

Join Migrate and make your move easy

£25 for 12 months access

‍30 day money-back guarantee, no questions asked.

Start your move

✈️ ️️Pre-populated personal planner to guide you every step of the way ✈️
🧭 Ultimate in-depth guides for moving to London from abroad 🧭
💬 Messaging with Migrate experts to answer any questions 💬