Application Guidance

The Standard Visitor Visa allows you to visit the UK for tourism, business meetings, short courses, or to see family and friends for up to 6 months. You cannot work in the UK and any study must be incidental to your visit, not the main purpose.Who can applyVisitors coming for holiday, tourism or to see friends and family.Individuals attending business meetings, conferences, or short unpaid placements.People coming for short recreational or educational courses lasting up to 30 days.Document checklistValid passport or travel document with at least one blank page.Proof of funds to cover travel, accommodation and living costs (bank statements, payslips).Travel and accommodation details (flight reservations, hotel booking or host address).Evidence of ties to your home country (employment or study letters, property documents, family evidence).Invitation letter and copy of passport/immigration status of the person you are visiting, if applicable.Key conditionsUsually granted for visits up to 6 months at a time.No access to work, paid or unpaid, other than very limited business activities allowed by the rules.You must intend to leave the UK at the end of your visit

The Skilled Worker Visa allows you to come to or stay in the UK to work in an eligible skilled role for an approved employer with a sponsor licence. Your visa is usually granted for up to 5 years at a time and can lead to settlement if long‑term requirements are met.Who can applyApplicants aged 18 or over with a genuine job offer from a licensed UK sponsor.Roles at the required skill level (normally RQF Level 3 or above) and on the list of eligible occupations.Jobs that meet or exceed the relevant salary thresholds and going rate.Document checklistValid passport with at least one blank page and any required TB certificate.Certificate of Sponsorship reference number from your UK employer.Job details including title, occupation code, salary and employer’s sponsor licence number.Evidence of English language ability at CEFR B1 or above (for example approved test or eligible qualification).Evidence of personal savings, unless your sponsor certifies maintenance.Criminal record certificate for certain roles and countries, where required.Consent letter if you were recently financially sponsored by a government or international scholarship agency.Key conditionsYou must work only in the role described on your Certificate of Sponsorship, with limited supplementary work allowed by the rules.You must inform the Home Office of certain changes, such as job change to a different occupation code