🇬🇧 United Kingdom ← Back to checker

🇬🇧Visa options for the United Kingdom

The UK offers 62 permit types across 7 categories — from Skilled Worker and Global Talent visas to family, student, humanitarian, and permanent settlement pathways. 35 lead to ILR or citizenship; 43 don't require a job offer. Here's every UK permit tracked by VisaMatch.

62permit types
7categories
35PR pathways
43no job needed
Check which UK visas you qualify for →

Visa categories in the United Kingdom

Work26 Visitor9 Study3 Family6 Permanent10 Humanitarian6 Special2

All UK permit types

Work (26)

Visitor (9)

Study (3)

Family (6)

Permanent (10)

Humanitarian (6)

Special (2)

Frequently Asked Questions about moving to the UK

How many visa types does the UK offer?

The UK offers 62 permit types across 7 categories — covering work, study, family, visitor, permanent settlement, humanitarian, and special status routes.

Can I move to the UK without a job offer?

Yes — 43 of the UK's 62 permit types don't require a pre-arranged job offer. These include the Global Talent visa, Graduate visa, High Potential Individual visa, Youth Mobility Scheme, Innovator Founder visa, UK Ancestry visa, and all family, student, and humanitarian routes.

Does the UK offer a pathway to permanent residency?

Yes. 35 of the UK's permit types lead to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) or British citizenship. Most work routes require 5 years' continuous residence; the Global Talent and Innovator Founder routes offer a 3-year fast track. EU Settlement Scheme holders can apply for ILR directly. After 12 months at ILR/settled status, you can apply for full British citizenship.

What is the Skilled Worker visa and how does it lead to ILR?

The Skilled Worker visa allows you to work for an approved UK employer in an eligible occupation at or above the salary threshold. After 5 years of continuous residence, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). A sub-route — the Health and Care Worker visa — offers reduced fees for NHS and adult social care professionals.

How do I check my eligibility for UK visas?

Use VisaMatch's free eligibility checker. Enter your nationality, age, occupation, income, and education, then select United Kingdom. You'll see every UK visa you qualify for, with links to the official gov.uk source for each.

Compare with other countries

Ready to check your UK options?

VisaMatch checks your profile against all 62 UK permit types in seconds — free, no account needed.

Check my eligibility →