categories
How to apply
Visas and immigration

sample contents

This section contains information about immigration categories for non-European nationals. It describes the eligibility requirements for each category, and explains how you can make an application inside or outside the UK.

If you are a national of a country in the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland, you should read the European nationals section.

If you do not know whether you need a visa to come to the UK, or which immigration category is most suitable for you, our Do you need a visa? questionnaire will help you find the answer.

Visiting the UK

this section describes the different types of visitor visa, and helps you to choose the right one for your circumstances. It also explains what you are allowed to do while you are in the UK as a visitor.If you come to the UK as a visitor, you are normally allowed to stay here for a maximum of 6 months. If you want to stay here for longer than 6 months, read the other categories in the Visas and immigration section to see if you qualify for another type of visa.See the Travel and customs section for general information about visas and travelling to the UK.If someone in the UK will 'sponsor' you during your visit, they should read the Sponsoring a visitor pages.Our service standards for visitor visas are that we will decide 90 per cent of applications within 3 weeks, 98 per cent within 6 weeks and 100 per cent within 12 weeks.

  • Visiting family
  • Visiting to do business
  • Visiting to study
  • Visiting as a sportsperson
  • Visiting as an entertainer
  • Visiting for other reasons
Studying in the UK

This section describes the immigration categories for people from outside Europe who want to study in the UK. It describes the requirements for each category, and explains how you can apply for a visa or permission to remain in the UK as a student.

  • Tier 4 (General)
  • Student visitor
  • Prospective student
  • Tier 4 (Child)
  • Child visitor
  • Students under the old Immigration Rules
Working in the UK

This section describes the immigration categories for non-European migrants who want to work in the UK. Each category has different requirements, so you should read the requirements for your chosen category before you apply for a visa.

  • High-value migrants
  • Skilled workers
  • Temporary workers
  • Other categories
  • For workers and businesspersons from Turkey