Complete Guide to Moving to the UK: Top Immigration Routes

The United Kingdom remains one of the world's most attractive destinations for professionals, students, and families looking to build new lives abroad. With its strong economy, world-renowned universities, and multicultural society, it's no surprise that thousands apply for UK visas each year.

However, the UK immigration system has undergone significant changes in recent years, particularly following Brexit and the introduction of the points-based system. Understanding your options—and choosing the right route—is essential for a successful application.

This comprehensive guide breaks down the three main pathways to living in the UK legally in 2026, helping you identify which route fits your unique situation. For a complete resource hub with all routes and guides, visit our UK Immigration Guide.

Understanding the UK Immigration System

The UK operates a points-based immigration system designed to attract skilled workers, students, and family members. Unlike some countries with lottery-based systems, the UK evaluates applications based on clear criteria that you can assess before applying.

Key features of the current system:

• No annual quotas for most visa categories (unlike Italy's decreto flussi)
• Clear salary and skill thresholds for work visas
• Sponsorship requirements for work and study routes
• 5-year pathway to settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain) for most routes
• Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) providing NHS access

The three primary routes are:

1. Skilled Worker Visa - For professionals with job offers from UK employers
2. Student Visa - For international students at UK educational institutions
3. Family Visa - For partners, spouses, and family members of UK residents

Each route has different eligibility requirements, costs, timelines, and long-term settlement prospects. Let's explore each in detail.

1. Skilled Worker Visa: The Main Work Route

Who It's For

The Skilled Worker visa is the UK's primary route for employment-based immigration. It's designed for professionals who have secured a job offer from a UK employer with a valid sponsor licence. This route is the starting point for most people seeking permanent settlement through work.

Key Requirements

• Job Offer: From a UK employer holding a valid sponsor licence
• Skill Level: Role must be at RQF Level 3 or above (A-level equivalent)
• Salary Threshold: Minimum £38,700/year (or the "going rate" for your occupation, whichever is higher)
• English Language: B1 CEFR level (speaking and listening)
• Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS): Issued by your employer before you can apply

Salary Discounts

Certain applicants may qualify for reduced salary thresholds:

• New entrants (under 26, switching from Student/Graduate visa): £30,960
• PhD-relevant roles: £34,830 (or £36,710 for STEM PhDs)
• Immigration Salary List roles: Lower thresholds for shortage occupations
• Healthcare workers: Separate national pay scale arrangements

Timeline

• CoS Assignment: 1-2 weeks (employer action)
• Visa Processing: 3 weeks standard (5 working days priority, 1 day super priority)
• Total from job offer: Typically 4-6 weeks

Estimated Costs

| Item | Cost | |------|------| | Visa fee (up to 3 years) | £719 | | Visa fee (3-5 years) | £1,420 | | Immigration Health Surcharge | £1,035/year | | English test (IELTS) | ~£210 | | CoS fee (paid by employer) | £239 |

Total for 3-year visa: Approximately £4,034 (visa + IHS)

Path to Settlement

After 5 years on the Skilled Worker route, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). This requires:

• Passing the Life in the UK test
• Maintaining English at B1 level
• Meeting current salary thresholds
• Not exceeding permitted absences (180 days per 12-month period)

After 12 months with ILR, you may apply for British citizenship.

Is this route right for you? View complete Skilled Worker Visa details or read our in-depth UK Skilled Worker Visa guide.

2. Student Visa: Study in the UK

Who It's For

The Student visa is for international students aged 16 or over who have been accepted by a licensed UK education provider. This route is particularly attractive because it offers clear pathways to post-study work through the Graduate visa, and potential transition to long-term employment routes.

Key Requirements

• Acceptance: Unconditional offer from a licensed Student sponsor
• Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS): Issued by your institution
• Course Level: RQF Level 3+ (A-level equivalent) for those 18+
• English Language: Typically B2 CEFR for degree-level courses
• Financial Maintenance: Tuition fees + living costs (£1,334/month London, £1,023/month elsewhere)

Financial Requirements

You must show funds for:

• Outstanding tuition fees (as stated on your CAS)
• Living costs for up to 9 months
• Funds held for 28 consecutive days

Timeline

• CAS Issuance: 1-2 weeks after accepting offer
• ATAS Certificate (if required): ~20 working days
• Visa Processing: 3 weeks standard (5 working days priority)
• Total: Typically 4-8 weeks

Estimated Costs

| Item | Cost | |------|------| | Visa application fee | £490 | | Immigration Health Surcharge (student rate) | £776/year | | English test (IELTS) | ~£210 | | ATAS certificate | Free |

Total for 3-year course: Approximately £2,818 (visa + IHS)

Work While Studying

Student visa holders can work:

• 20 hours/week during term time (degree-level students)
• 10 hours/week during term time (below-degree students)
• Full-time during official vacation periods

Post-Study Options

The UK offers excellent post-study pathways:

1. Graduate Visa: 2 years (3 years for PhD) of unrestricted work rights after graduation
2. Skilled Worker Visa: Switch with new entrant salary discount (£30,960 threshold)
3. Other routes: Global Talent, Innovator Founder, Family visa

Note: Student visa time does NOT count toward settlement, but the Graduate → Skilled Worker pathway provides a clear route to ILR.

Planning to study in the UK? View complete Student Visa details or read our comprehensive UK Student Visa guide.

3. Family Visa: Join Loved Ones in the UK

Who It's For

The Family visa allows you to join close family members who are British citizens or have settled status in the UK. This includes:

• Spouses and civil partners
• Unmarried partners (2+ years cohabitation)
• Fiancé(e)s (planning to marry within 6 months)
• Children (under 18)
• Parents (with responsibility for British children)

Key Requirements

• Genuine Relationship: Must demonstrate the relationship is genuine and subsisting
• Sponsor's Income: Minimum £29,000/year (additional £3,800 for first child, £2,400 per subsequent child)
• English Language: A1 level for initial application, A2 for extension, B1 for settlement
• Accommodation: Adequate housing without overcrowding
• Cohabitation: For unmarried partners, 2+ years of living together

Financial Requirement

The UK-based sponsor must earn at least £29,000/year through:

• Employment income
• Self-employment (requires 2 years of tax returns)
• Cash savings (held for 6+ months, above £16,000)
• Non-employment income (pensions, investments)

Timeline

• Processing: 12 weeks standard from outside UK (60 working days)
• Priority service: 30 working days (~6 weeks)
• In-UK applications: 8 weeks standard

Estimated Costs

| Item | Cost | |------|------| | Visa fee (outside UK) | £1,846 | | Visa fee (inside UK) | £1,048 | | Immigration Health Surcharge | £1,035/year | | English test (IELTS Life Skills) | ~£150 | | Life in the UK test (for ILR) | £50 |

Total for 33-month visa: Approximately £4,693 (visa + IHS)

Path to Settlement

The Family route leads directly to settlement:

• Initial visa: 2 years 9 months
• Extension: 2 years 6 months
• ILR application: After 5 years total, £2,885 fee
• Citizenship: After 12 months with ILR

Important Considerations

• Fiancé(e) visa: 6 months only, cannot work, must marry then switch to spouse visa
• Relationship breakdown: Your visa is linked to the relationship; if it ends, you may need to leave unless you qualify for another route
• Domestic abuse provisions: Victims of domestic abuse may apply for ILR immediately

Joining family in the UK? View complete Family Visa details or read our comprehensive UK Family Visa guide.

How to Choose Your Route: Decision Framework

Selecting the right immigration pathway depends on several factors:

1. Your Situation

• Have a job offer from UK employer? → Skilled Worker Visa
• Accepted to UK university/college? → Student Visa
• Partner/spouse is British or settled? → Family Visa
• Exceptional talent in tech, science, or arts? → Global Talent Visa
• Graduate looking for work? → Graduate Visa (then Skilled Worker)

2. Financial Considerations

• Skilled Worker: Employer covers many costs, you earn UK salary
• Student: Need significant savings upfront (tuition + living costs)
• Family: Sponsor must meet £29,000 threshold, applicant pays fees

3. Timeline to Settlement

| Route | Time to ILR | Citizenship | |-------|-------------|-------------| | Global Talent | 3 years | 4 years | | Skilled Worker | 5 years | 6 years | | Family | 5 years | 6 years | | Student → Graduate → Skilled Worker | 7-10 years | 8-11 years |

4. Work Rights

• Skilled Worker: Full work rights for sponsored employer (can do supplementary work)
• Student: Limited hours during term, full-time during breaks
• Family: Unrestricted work rights from day one

5. Dependants

• Skilled Worker: Spouse, partner, and children can join
• Student: Generally only PhD students can bring dependants
• Family: Children under 18 can be included

Regional Considerations: Where to Live in the UK

Your choice of location affects cost of living and opportunities:

London and South East

• Pros: Most job opportunities, highest salaries, diverse communities
• Cons: Highest cost of living, competitive job market
• Best for: Finance, tech, legal professionals
• Living costs: £1,334/month minimum (Home Office threshold)

Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds

• Pros: Growing economies, lower costs, excellent universities
• Cons: Fewer opportunities in some sectors
• Best for: Digital, creative industries, healthcare
• Living costs: £1,023/month minimum (Home Office threshold)

Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland

• Pros: Even lower costs, good quality of life, growing sectors
• Cons: More limited job market in some fields
• Best for: Healthcare, education, specific industries

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Applying Without Sponsorship

Both Skilled Worker and Student visas require sponsorship. You cannot apply and then look for a sponsor. The sponsor must be licensed and assign your CoS/CAS before you apply.

2. Underestimating Financial Requirements

Whether it's the £38,700 salary threshold for Skilled Worker, the £29,000 for Family, or the maintenance funds for Student visas, these requirements are strictly enforced. Don't assume close enough is good enough.

3. Wrong English Test

The UK accepts specific tests for specific visas:

• IELTS for UKVI (not standard IELTS) for most visas
• IELTS Life Skills for Family visa
• Tests must be taken at approved centres

4. Ignoring the Immigration Health Surcharge

The IHS (£1,035/year, or £776 for students) must be paid upfront for the entire visa duration. This adds significantly to costs—budget for it.

5. Missing the BRP Collection Deadline

After arriving in the UK, you must collect your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) within 10 days. Missing this deadline can cause problems.

The Application Process: General Steps

While each visa type has specific requirements, the general process follows this pattern:

Step 1: Secure Sponsorship

• Skilled Worker: Accept job offer, employer assigns CoS
• Student: Accept university offer, institution issues CAS
• Family: Gather relationship and financial evidence

Step 2: Gather Documents (2-4 weeks)

• Valid passport
• English language certificate
• Financial evidence (if required)
• TB test certificate (if from listed country)
• Visa-specific documents

Step 3: Apply Online

• Complete application on gov.uk
• Pay visa fee and IHS
• Upload supporting documents

Step 4: Attend Biometrics Appointment

• Book appointment at Visa Application Centre (VAC)
• Provide fingerprints and photograph
• Submit passport

Step 5: Wait for Decision

• Standard: 3 weeks (work/student) to 12 weeks (family)
• Priority options available at additional cost

Step 6: Travel to UK

• Collect passport with vignette (valid 90 days)
• Travel to UK within vignette validity

Step 7: Collect BRP (Within 10 Days)

• Collect from designated Post Office
• BRP shows your immigration status

Important Considerations

Healthcare

The Immigration Health Surcharge grants access to NHS services on the same basis as UK residents. This includes:

• GP (General Practitioner) appointments
• Hospital treatment
• Emergency care
• Maternity services

Taxes

• Tax residency: If you spend 183+ days in the UK, you become UK tax resident
• Income tax: Ranges from 20% to 45%
• National Insurance: Deducted from earnings for NHS and benefits
• Council Tax: Local tax for services (varies by area)

Banking

Most UK banks will open accounts for visa holders with:

• Valid passport
• BRP or visa
• Proof of UK address (can be tricky initially—consider online banks)

Driving

• You can drive on your foreign licence for up to 12 months
• After that, you must obtain a UK driving licence
• Some countries have exchange agreements; others require theory and practical tests

Next Steps: Your UK Immigration Plan

Ready to move forward? Here's what to do:

1. Identify Your Best-Fit Route

Browse our comprehensive route guides to find the pathway that matches your profile:

Explore All UK Routes

2. Review Complete Route Details

Once you know your route, dive into the specific requirements:

• Skilled Worker Visa: View Complete Guide | Read Detailed Blog Guide
• Student Visa: View Complete Guide | Read Detailed Blog Guide
• Family Visa: View Complete Guide | Read Detailed Blog Guide
• Global Talent Visa: View Complete Guide | Read Detailed Blog Guide

Each guide includes:

• Detailed eligibility requirements with exact thresholds
• Complete document checklist
• Step-by-step process timeline
• Fee breakdown
• Common pitfalls and how to avoid them

3. Verify with Official Sources

Always verify current requirements with official UK government sources:

• UK Visas and Immigration (gov.uk)
• Check if you need a UK visa
• Immigration Rules

Immigration rules change regularly. What's accurate today may change tomorrow.

4. Consult an Immigration Lawyer

This is NOT legal advice. We provide educational information to help you understand your options, but every situation is unique. Before submitting any application, consider consulting with a qualified UK immigration solicitor who can:

• Review your specific circumstances
• Advise on the best route for your situation
• Help prepare and review your application
• Represent you if issues arise

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I switch between visa types while in the UK?

Generally yes, but with restrictions. Skilled Worker can switch to Family, Student can switch to Skilled Worker (if they get a job), but Visitor visas cannot switch to any long-term route—you must leave and apply from abroad.

How long does it take to get permanent residency?

5 years on most settlement routes (Skilled Worker, Family). Student visa time does NOT count toward settlement, but you can switch to Skilled Worker after graduating.

Can I bring my family?

• Skilled Worker: Yes, spouse/partner and children under 18
• Student: Generally only PhD/doctoral students
• Family: Children under 18 can be included

What happens if my visa application is refused?

You can request an Administrative Review within 28 days. For some decisions, you may have appeal rights. Consult an immigration lawyer immediately if refused.

Do I need to speak English?

Yes, all routes require English language ability:

• Skilled Worker: B1 level
• Student: B2 level (typically)
• Family: A1 (initial), A2 (extension), B1 (settlement)

Final Thoughts

Moving to the UK is achievable with the right preparation and route selection. The key is to:

1. Choose the right route based on your purpose, qualifications, and circumstances
2. Meet all requirements before applying—there's little room for error
3. Budget correctly including IHS, visa fees, and settlement costs
4. Plan for the long term if settlement and citizenship are your goals
5. Seek professional help for complex situations

The UK offers clear pathways from initial visa to permanent residence to citizenship. With careful planning, you can build a successful life in Britain.

Your journey starts today. Explore all UK immigration routes →

---

Disclaimer: This article provides general educational information about UK immigration based on publicly available sources as of January 2026. It is not legal advice and does not create a solicitor-client relationship. Immigration law is complex and changes frequently. Always verify current requirements with official UK government sources and consult qualified immigration solicitors for advice specific to your situation. We make no guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness, or currency of this information.

Sources:

• UK Government - Visas and Immigration
• UK Immigration Rules
• UK Visas and Immigration Processing Times
• Immigration Health Surcharge

Last updated: January 24, 2026