🇬🇧 United Kingdom visas: requirements, costs, and processing times
Last verified: September 2, 2026
We track 2 United Kingdom visa routes: Skilled Worker Visa and Student Visa. Each is verified against the official government source for Indians, Nigerians, and Pakistanis.
Compare United Kingdom visa costs and processing times
| Visa | Gov. fee | Processing | Min. income | Job offer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Skilled Worker Visawork | $1,040–$1,050 | 3–8 weeks | $53,000/year | Required |
| Student Visastudy | $620–$710 | 3–10 weeks | — | Not required |
Amounts are approximate US dollar equivalents. A range means the figure differs by nationality.
United Kingdom visa types
Skilled Worker Visa
workRequires a job offer from a Home Office licensed sponsor and a Certificate of Sponsorship. Salary must be at least £41,700/year or the going rate for the occupation, whichever is higher. Budget for the Immigration Health Surcharge (£1,035/year, paid upfront for the whole visa) on top of the application fee. Settlement after 5 years.
Student Visa
studyRequires a CAS from a licensed student sponsor, English proficiency, and maintenance funds held for 28 consecutive days: £1,529/month in London or £1,171/month elsewhere (9 months max) plus any unpaid first-year tuition. Application fee £558 plus the £776/year Immigration Health Surcharge.
United Kingdom visa guides by nationality
Not sure which United Kingdom visa fits?
Answer 6 questions and see every visa you qualify for — free.
Check my eligibilityFrequently asked questions
- How much does a United Kingdom work visa cost?
- Government fees are about $1,040–$1,050 for the Skilled Worker Visa (USD equivalents; fees can differ by nationality). Translations, medicals, and courier costs come on top.
- How long does a United Kingdom visa take to process?
- Typical processing is 3–8 weeks for the Skilled Worker Visa and 3–10 weeks for the Student Visa, plus the time needed to gather documents.
- Can I move to United Kingdom without a job offer?
- Yes. The Student Visa does not require a job offer from an employer in United Kingdom.
- What income do I need for a United Kingdom visa?
- Minimum income is about $53,000 a year for the Skilled Worker Visa (USD equivalents of thresholds set in local currency).
- Which United Kingdom visas lead to permanent residency?
- The Skilled Worker Visa offers a path to permanent residency after the qualifying period.
Always confirm requirements with the official government source linked on each visa page. This guide is general information, not legal advice. Browse visas for other countries.