Which UK Visa Should You Actually Apply For?
There are more than a dozen ways into the UK. For most people trying to build a life here, it comes down to one of four: work, study, family, or a short visit. Here's what actually separates them — starting with the one question that matters most.
The question that matters most
Before comparing fees or paperwork, ask one thing: does this route lead anywhere?
A Skilled Worker visa and a Spouse & Family visa both lead to Indefinite Leave to Remain, usually after 5 years. A Student visa doesn't — it leads to a Graduate visa, which is temporary too. A Standard Visitor visa never leads to settlement, no matter how many times you renew it.
If settling in the UK long-term is the goal, that single fact should shape your decision more than anything else.
The four routes, one by one
Skilled Worker visa
For a specific job with a UK employer who sponsors you. You need a job at degree-level skill (RQF Level 6), a salary of at least £41,700 or the 'going rate' for the role — whichever is higher — and English at CEFR B2. Lasts up to 5 years, extendable, and leads to ILR once you've been here 5 years. Costs £819–£1,865 depending on where you apply from and how long for, plus the immigration health surcharge on top.
Student visa
For a confirmed place on a course at a licensed UK institution. You need proof you can fund your studies without working full-time, and English at the required level. Degree-level students can work up to 20 hours a week in term time. Costs £558, plus £776 a year for the health surcharge. After finishing, most students move to a Graduate visa (2 years, 18 months from 2027) rather than straight to settlement — a student visa alone doesn't lead to ILR.
Spouse & family visa
For partners, spouses, and family members of a British citizen or someone settled in the UK. The sponsoring partner needs to show income of at least £29,000 a year, or savings of around £88,500. It's a 5-year route to settlement, usually two 30-month visas back to back, then ILR.
Standard Visitor visa
For visits — tourism, seeing family, business trips, short courses under 30 days. Costs £135 for up to 6 months. You cannot work, cannot extend it, and it never leads to settlement, however many times you renew it. Even a 10-year long-term visitor visa still only allows 6 months per visit — if the plan is to eventually live in the UK, this isn't the route.
At a glance
Visa | Who it's for | Leads to ILR? | Duration | Cost |
Skilled Worker | Sponsored job offer | Yes, after 5 years | Up to 5 years | £819–£1,865 |
Student | Confirmed course offer | No — leads to a Graduate visa instead | Length of course | £558 |
Spouse & Family | Partner of a British citizen or settled person | Yes, after 5 years | 5-year route (two 30-month visas) | Visa fee plus income requirement |
Standard Visitor | Short visits | Never | Up to 6 months per visit | £135 |
Which one fits your situation
Have a confirmed job offer from a UK employer? Skilled Worker is your route.
Got a place on a course and want to study first? Student visa — just know it doesn't lead straight to settlement.
Married to, or in a long-term relationship with, a British citizen or settled person? Spouse & Family.
Just visiting — a holiday, a wedding, seeing relatives? Standard Visitor, and nothing more.
If you don't fit clearly into any of these, there are other routes — Global Talent, UK Ancestry, Health and Care Worker, and more — worth checking against your specific situation. See visa and immigration support for general guidance across routes.
Image: a young man smiling while holding a UK visa approval letter
Quick answers
Q1. Can I switch from a Student visa to a Skilled Worker visa? Yes, if you get a qualifying job offer before your Student visa expires.
Q2. Does a Standard Visitor visa ever lead to a work visa? No. You generally cannot switch from visitor status to most other visa types from inside the UK.
Q3. What if my partner and I aren't married? Unmarried partners can still apply under the family route if you've lived together for at least 2 years.
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Once you're on a route that leads somewhere, the next milestones are Indefinite Leave to Remain and then citizenship. See the full citizenship guide, or get help with your visa application.
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