Moving to the UK from Iraq: Guide 2026
What you need to know
- •TB test IS required; English language test IS required for most routes.
- •Asylum is a significant route for Iraqi nationals.
- •Family reunion visas are available for those with relatives in the UK.
- •Police certificate requirements may be modified given the security situation.
- •Established Iraqi communities in London, Birmingham, and Manchester.
The Iraqi community in the UK includes both long-established residents and more recent arrivals. Iraqi nationals can move to the UK through various visa routes, including asylum, family reunion, and standard work and study visas. This guide covers the main pathways and practical considerations.
Preparing a UK visa application?
Get the exact document list and step-by-step timeline — £149, paid once.
Visa Routes for Iraqi Citizens
- Family visa. If your spouse or family member is a British citizen or has settled status. See the spouse visa guide.
- Skilled Worker visa. Requires a licensed sponsor at the minimum salary.
- Student visa. See the student visa guide.
- Asylum. Iraqi nationals who have a well-founded fear of persecution can claim asylum upon arrival in the UK.
Document Requirements
- Valid Iraqi passport.
- TB test. Required. Available at IOM clinics in Baghdad and Erbil.
- English language test. Required for most routes. Not required for asylum.
- Police certificate. The Home Office may accept alternative evidence or waive this requirement depending on circumstances.
- Certified translation. Arabic and Kurdish documents must be translated into English.
The Iraqi Community in the UK
The Iraqi community in the UK numbers approximately 80,000 to 120,000, including Iraqi Kurds, Iraqi Arabs, Assyrians, and other groups. Communities are concentrated in London (particularly west London), Birmingham, Manchester, and Derby. Mosques, churches, and community centres provide support. The Kurdish community has a particularly strong presence in north London.
Preparing a UK visa application?
Get the exact document list and step-by-step timeline — £149, paid once.
After Arrival
- Collect your BRP if applicable
- Apply for a National Insurance number
- Register with a GP
- Open a UK bank account
- Understand the full cost of UK visa fees
- Contact local community organisations for support
Path to Settlement
After 5 years on a qualifying visa (or after being granted refugee status and waiting 5 years), apply for ILR. After 12 months with ILR, apply for British citizenship. Iraq permits dual citizenship.
Next Steps
For official information, visit the GOV.UK asylum page and the GOV.UK Skilled Worker visa page.
This guide is general immigration information, not immigration advice under s.82 Immigration and Asylum Act 1999. Immigration rules change frequently. For advice on your specific situation, consult an IAA-authorised adviser or an SRA-regulated immigration solicitor. Always check GOV.UK for the authoritative current rules.
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Read guidePreparing a UK visa application?
Get the exact document list and step-by-step timeline — £149, paid once.