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Which UK visa do I need?
UK immigration has dozens of routes, and the hardest part is often knowing where to start. Answer a few questions to see which published routes relate to your circumstances, each with a link to the guide that sets it out. It is free, and nothing you enter is saved.
- What it shows
- Which published visa routes relate to the answers you give, with a link to the guide that sets each one out.
- Set out in
- The Immigration Rules and the route pages on GOV.UK, linked from each guide
- Last checked
- 19 August 2026
- Rowan does not
- Tell you which route to choose, whether a route's requirements are met, or what the Home Office will decide. It shows which published routes match what you entered.
What do you mainly want to do in the UK?
Pick the option that fits best. You can change your answer at any time.
The Main UK Visa Routes
Most people fit into one of these groups:
- Visiting: short trips for tourism, business, or family. You need either an ETA or a Standard Visitor visa, depending on your nationality.
- Studying: a course at a licensed institution on a Student visa, often followed by the Graduate route.
- Working: usually the Skilled Worker visa with a sponsored job, or the Global Talent visa for exceptional talent.
- Joining family: a Spouse or Partner visa to live with a British or settled partner.
- Settling: Indefinite Leave to Remain after 5 years, then British citizenship.
Already Know You Want to Work in the UK?
If you are heading for the Skilled Worker route, the next question is usually whether your specific job qualifies. Use our job eligibility checker to search your job title and see its SOC code, the minimum salary, and whether it is on the Immigration Salary List.
This Tool Is a Starting Point, Not Advice
UK immigration rules are detailed, and most routes have specific eligibility, financial, and English language requirements. This tool helps you find the right guide to read first. It does not assess your eligibility or guarantee an outcome. Always check the current rules on GOV.UK and, for your specific situation, consult an IAA-authorised adviser.
Questions and answers
How do I know which UK visa I need?
The right UK visa depends on why you want to come to the UK and your circumstances. The main routes are: a visitor visa or ETA for short stays, a Student visa for study, a Skilled Worker or Global Talent visa for work, a Spouse or Partner visa to join family, and Indefinite Leave to Remain or citizenship to settle. Use the tool on this page to see which route covers your situation, then read the full rules on GOV.UK or in our guides.
Do I need a visa to visit the UK?
It depends on your nationality. Citizens of countries such as the USA, EU states, Australia, Canada, and Japan do not need a visitor visa for short trips, but they do need an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation). Citizens of 'visa national' countries, such as India, Nigeria, Pakistan, and China, need a Standard Visitor visa.
What is the most common UK work visa?
The Skilled Worker visa is the most common UK work route. You need a job offer from a UK employer who holds a sponsor licence, and your salary must meet both the general threshold (£41,700 for most roles) and the going rate for the job. Health and care roles use the Health and Care Worker version, which has lower fees.
Can this tool tell me if my visa will be approved?
No. This tool shows which route's published information matches your answers. It does not assess whether every requirement is met or predict the outcome of an application. Always confirm the requirements on GOV.UK and, for advice on your specific case, speak to a qualified immigration adviser.
Which visa leads to settlement in the UK?
Most work and family routes lead to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after 5 years of continuous residence, including the Skilled Worker, Global Talent, and Spouse or Partner visas. After holding ILR for 12 months, you can usually apply for British citizenship.