Visa length

  • Tourist Visa (Standard Visitor Visa): Allows stays of up to 6 months, with some exceptions for medical treatment or academic research.
  • Temporary Residence Visa (Skilled Worker Visa, Student Visa, etc.): Typically valid for 1 to 5 years, depending on the visa type and employment or study duration.
  • Permanent Residence (Indefinite Leave to Remain - ILR): Grants indefinite stay, but residents should not be outside the UK for more than 2 years to maintain status.

Visa cost

  • Tourist Visa: Costs approximately $135 for a 6-month visa. Long-term visas (2, 5, or 10 years) range from $515 to $1,290.
  • Temporary Residence Visa: Costs vary; Skilled Worker Visas range from $770 to $1,500, while Student Visas cost around $560.
  • Permanent Residence (ILR): The application fee is approximately $3,200.

Visa extension

  • Tourist Visa: Extensions are generally not allowed unless under exceptional circumstances.
  • Temporary Residence Visa: Renewable based on continued employment, study, or sponsorship.
  • Permanent Residence (ILR): Not applicable, but holders can apply for British citizenship after a qualifying period.

Visa processing time

  • Tourist Visa: Processing takes around 3 weeks.
  • Temporary Residence Visa: Processing usually takes between 3 to 8 weeks, depending on the visa type.
  • Permanent Residence (ILR): Processing may take 6 months or longer.

Who can apply?

  • Tourist Visa: Required for travelers from non-visa-exempt countries visiting for leisure, business, or medical reasons.
  • Temporary Residence Visa: Available to skilled workers, students, entrepreneurs, and family members of UK residents.
  • Permanent Residence (ILR): Eligible after 5 years on a qualifying visa (e.g., Skilled Worker, Spouse, or Innovator Visa).

Where to apply?

Applications must be submitted online via the UK Home Office website or at a visa application center in the applicant’s country.

How to apply:

  1. Complete the online visa application form.
  2. Submit required documents (passport, financial proof, employment/study details, etc.).
  3. Pay the visa fee.
  4. Schedule and attend a biometric appointment.
  5. Await processing and receive a decision.

Minimum income requirements

  • Tourist Visa: No fixed requirement, but applicants must show sufficient funds for their stay.
  • Skilled Worker Visa: Applicants must earn at least $33,000 per year (varies based on job type and occupation shortage list).
  • Spouse/Partner Visa: The UK sponsor must earn at least $24,000 per year or have equivalent savings.

Popular cities

  • London – The financial, political, and cultural capital.
  • Manchester – A major business and entertainment hub.
  • Birmingham – Known for its industry and cultural diversity.
  • Edinburgh – Scotland’s historic capital and tourism hotspot.
  • Glasgow – A vibrant city with a strong arts and music scene.

Minimum income requirements

  • Official Language: English.
  • Welsh is spoken in Wales, and Scottish Gaelic is spoken in parts of Scotland.
  • Major immigrant languages include Polish, Punjabi, Urdu, and Arabic.

Average internet speeds

  • Fixed broadband: Average download speed of approximately 75 Mbps.
  • Mobile internet: Average download speed of around 55 Mbps.