A plain-language guide to the key terms used in discussions of migration in the United Kingdom.
Main types
Official permission for a foreign national to work in the UK, granted for a specific role, employer, or purpose, either with employer sponsorship or via an endorsement or qualification-based unsponsored route.
Routes for international students of all ages, from primary school children to postgraduate researchers.
Routes for partners, spouses, children, and other relatives joining a British citizen or settled person in the UK.
Short-stay permissions for tourists, business visitors, transit passengers, and those coming to marry.
Sub-types
Skilled Worker visa
The main route for overseas nationals to work in the UK in a role at RQF Level 6 or above with a licensed employer. The general salary threshold is £41,700. It replaced the Tier 2 (General) visa in December 2020 and is the most commonly issued work visa.
Health and Care Worker visa
A sub-route of the Skilled Worker visa for doctors, nurses, and eligible health and social care professionals working for the NHS or a registered care provider. It offers faster processing, lower fees, and exemption from the Immigration Health Surcharge. Overseas care worker recruitment closed to new applicants from July 2025.
Minister of Religion visa
Allows religious workers to come to the UK to perform religious duties, preach, or work as a missionary for a licensed sponsor. It falls under the Skilled Worker route framework and is sometimes still referred to by its former name, the Tier 2 (Minister of Religion) visa.
International Sportsperson visa
For elite sportspeople and their coaches coming to the UK to compete or train at the highest level. Applicants must be sponsored by a governing body approved by the Home Office and demonstrate that their participation will make a significant contribution to their sport in the UK.
Global Talent visa
An unsponsored route for recognised or emerging leaders in academia, research, arts, culture, and digital technology. Applicants need endorsement from an approved body rather than a job offer. It leads to settlement after three years (exceptional talent) or five years (exceptional promise).
Graduate visa
Allows international students who have completed a UK degree to stay and work — or look for work — for two years, or three years for PhD holders. No sponsorship is needed. From January 2027, the standard period will be reduced to 18 months for bachelor’s and master’s graduates.
High Potential Individual (HPI) visa
An unsponsored route for recent graduates of top-ranked overseas universities. No job offer is required. Grants two years’ permission to live and work in the UK (three for PhDs). From January 2026, applicants must meet a B2 English language standard. It does not lead directly to settlement.