The UK immigration process can seem chaotic due to changing visa policies and common myths. We’ve gathered the most common questions and answers in plain English, thanks to UK immigration experts.
1. What Are the Principal Types of UK Visas?
There is a wide variety of UK visas, out of which some are:
Visitor visas for tourism, family visits, or for short-term business.
Study visa for students who want to study in the UK.
A skilled Worker visa is for professionals sponsored by an employer in the UK.
Family visa which is for joining family members already in the UK.
Settlement and Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) for those who have lived legally in the UK for a qualifying period.
2. How Do I Qualify for a Skilled Worker Visa?
You must:
Be offered a job from a UK employer which holds a sponsor license.
Be paid an appropriate salary (usually at least £26,200 or £10.75/hour, or lower under certain exemptions).
Meet the requirements for the English language.
Pass a criminal background check.
3. Is My Family Able to Come Along with Me?
Yes. Many work and student visas allow dependants, like spouses, partners, and children under 18, to join the main applicant. You have to apply for them separately and prove your relationship and financial support.
4. What is the Time Frame for the Visa Application Process?
It varies based on what kind of visa you’re applying for and where you are at that time. Usually:
Standard visas: 3–8 weeks.
Priority visas: 5 working days (extra fee applies).
Super priority: 1 working day (limited availability).
Delays may be caused by incomplete applications or checks of extra documentation.
The immigration health surcharge (IHS) is a fee permitting visa-paying nationals to access the NHS. The IHS is paid in advance when applying for a visa. According to 2024, the charge is:
– £1,035 per adult per year
– £776 per child per year
This payment applies to most visa types above a 6-month duration.
5. Can I switch visa types while I am in the UK?
Most likely; you can switch into various types of visas or statuses (say from a Student visa to a Skilled Worker visa) without leaving the UK. Some routes may not allow switching. Check the details for your visa type or ask a UK immigration adviser.
6. What is indefinite leave to remain (ILR)?
ILR allows you to live and work without time restrictions in the United Kingdom. Most visa categories allow persons to apply after 5 years of continuous lawful residence. One must also pass the ‘Life in the UK’ test and meet the English language requirement to qualify.
7. May I apply for British citizenship after ILR?
Yes, an applicant for British citizenship must have ILR for a minimum of 12 months unless married to a British citizen. The applicant needs to meet residency rules, show good character, and pass the Life in the UK test. They must also pass an English language test.
8. What action can I take if my visa application is refused?
If your application is refused, you could have the following options:
Administrative Review – If there was a mistake in the decision.
Appeal – For limited visa types, for instance: human rights or family-type visas.
Reapplication – If the refusal was based on missing documents or trivial mistakes.
An immigration expert always provides the best remedy for your concern.
9. Do I Need an Immigration Attorney?
Having the right immigration attorney can boost your chances of a successful application. They don’t always guarantee success, but their help is valuable. They can help you decide which documents to submit, whether you meet the requirements, and how to respond to questions from the Home Office.
With the right immigration attorney, your chances of a successful application can be much higher. Without one, those chances drop significantly. They can help you know which documents to submit. They will also check your eligibility and assist you with Home Office questions.
10. Can I Work in the UK as an International Student?
Yes. If you are somebody traveling here on a Student visa (formerly Tier 4), then the very conditions under which you work can be restricted:
Under term time: Maximum 20 hours/week.
During vacation: You will be allowed full-time work, usually.
Internships/placements: Permitted, provided they are wholly an integral part of your course.
The things you cannot do are:
Be self-employed
Work as a professional sportsperson or coach
Work full-time permanently (unless switching to work via a post-study route)
After finishing your studies, you can apply for a Graduate visa (also known as a Post-Study Work visa). This visa lets you stay and work in the United Kingdom for 2 years (or 3 years if you have a PhD).