Navigating the UK immigration system can be overwhelming, especially with numerous visa categories tailored to different personal, professional, and family circumstances. At UKBloom, we’ve created this complete guide to Compare All UK Visa Routes in 2025. Whether you’re seeking to work, study, join family, start a business, or settle long-term, this guide will help you make informed choices.
Overview of the Compare All UK Visa Routes
The UK offers visa routes broadly grouped into the following categories:
Each category serves a unique purpose with distinct eligibility criteria, fees, and benefits. Below is a detailed comparison of the most relevant visa types.
Category Details Purpose To work in a skilled job with a licensed UK sponsor Minimum Salary £38,700 (as of July 2025) Duration Up to 5 years, renewable Dependants Allowed ILR Eligibility After 5 years English Requirement Yes (B1) Key Benefit Long-term work and settlement route Internal Link Skilled Worker Visa Salary Guide →
Category Details Purpose Work in health or adult social care sector Salary Requirement £23,200+ Duration Up to 5 years Dependants Allowed ILR Eligibility Yes after 5 years Fast-Tracked? Yes, application processed within 3 weeks Internal Link Health and Care Visa Guide →
Category Details Purpose Stay and work in the UK after completing studies Duration 2 years (3 years for PhD graduates) Salary Requirement None Dependants Not permitted (unless already in UK) Switch to Skilled Worker? Yes Internal Link Graduate Visa Pathway →
Category Details Purpose Study in a UK university or institution Financial Requirement Tuition + £1,334/month (London) or £1,023/month (outside London) English Requirement Yes Work Rights 20 hours/week during term Post-study Options Graduate Visa or Skilled Worker Internal Link Study in UK Guide →
5. Youth Mobility Scheme Visa
Category Details Purpose Young people (18–35) to work and travel in UK Duration 2 years Nationalities 13 countries (incl. Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Japan) Sponsorship Required? No Switch to Work Visas? Yes Internal Link Youth Mobility Visa Explained →
Category Details Purpose Join a spouse/partner who is a British citizen or settled person Income Requirement £29,000 (rising to £38,700 by 2025) English Requirement Yes Duration 2.5 years, renewable ILR Pathway Yes (after 5 years) Internal Link UK Spouse Visa Guide →
Category Details Purpose For leaders in science, engineering, tech, arts, academia Endorsement Required from approved body Salary Requirement None Duration 5 years ILR Pathway Yes, after 3–5 years Internal Link Global Talent Visa Overview →
8. Start-up and Innovator Founder Visas
Start-Up Visa Innovator Founder Visa For early-stage entrepreneurs For experienced entrepreneurs Endorsement needed Endorsement + Business plan Funding requirement None Visa duration 2 years ILR pathway No Internal Link UK Startup & Business Visas →
9. Visitor Visa
Category Details Purpose Tourism, short-term study, business Duration Up to 6 months Work Rights Not permitted Switching Route? No (must leave UK) Internal Link UK Visitor Visa Guide →
10. Asylum and Humanitarian Protection
Category Details Purpose For those fleeing persecution or violence Right to Work After 6 months (limited conditions) Duration Temporary protection, renewable ILR Pathway Yes, long-term Dependants Allowed Legal Aid Available External Link Asylum Guidance – GOV.UK →
11. Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)
Category Details Purpose Settle permanently in the UK Eligibility 5 years on qualifying visa (some 3 years) English Requirement Yes (B1 + Life in UK Test) Work and Benefits Unrestricted Internal Link ILR Based on 5-Year Skilled Worker Route →
Quick Comparison Table
Visa Type Duration Dependants ILR Eligible Work Rights Skilled Worker 5 years Yes Yes Full-time Student Visa Varies Yes No Part-time Graduate Visa 2–3 years Limited No Full-time Spouse Visa 2.5 years Yes Yes Full-time Youth Mobility 2 years No No Full-time Global Talent Up to 5 years Yes Yes (3–5 yrs) Full-time Innovator Founder 3 years Yes Yes Full-time Visitor Visa 6 months No No No Asylum Indefinite Yes Yes Limited ILR Indefinite N/A N/A Unlimited
Which UK Visa Route Is Right for You?
Choosing the correct visa depends on your:
Purpose (work, study, join family, invest)Nationality & age English language proficiency Income/salary level Long-term plans (settlement/ILR)
We recommend using our custom eligibility tools and reading each visa guide thoroughly:
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Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute immigration or legal advice. For official guidance, please visit gov.uk or consult a qualified immigration solicitor.
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