Immigration guide
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom uses a points-based immigration system introduced in 2021. Most skilled routes require a licensed sponsor, but the Global Talent and High Potential Individual visas are unsponsored pathways for exceptional candidates.
- Fastest path
- HPI · ~3 weeks
- Points-based
- Partial
- English required
- Yes
- Pathways covered
- 10 visas
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Show me my matches, free→All 10 United Kingdom visas we cover
Work
Work
Employer-sponsoredSkilled Worker
The main UK work visa for employer-sponsored roles. Requires a confirmed job offer from a Home Office-licensed sponsor paying at least £38,700 (or the shortage occupation rate if lower).
Timeline: 20d–2mo
Work
Criteria-basedGlobal Talent
No-sponsor visa for leaders and rising stars in digital technology, arts and culture, or science and research. Requires endorsement from a recognised body (e.g. Tech Nation, Royal Society, British Academy, UKRI).
Timeline: 2mo–6mo
Work
Employer-sponsoredScale-up Visa
Sponsored by a qualifying fast-growing UK company (registered scale-up sponsor). Salary ≥ £36,300. After 6 months, the holder can work for any employer without further sponsorship.
Timeline: 20d–2mo
Work
Criteria-basedHigh Potential Individual (HPI)
No-sponsor visa for graduates of top-50 globally ranked universities (according to the UK government's approved list) awarded within the last 5 years. Gives 2-3 years to work in the UK.
Timeline: 20d–2mo
Work
Employer-sponsoredGraduate Visa
Post-study work visa for international students who have recently completed a UK degree. Allows 2 years of unsponsored work (3 years for PhD graduates).
Timeline: 15d–2mo
Work
Employer-sponsoredHealth and Care Worker
Fast-track, lower-cost variant of the Skilled Worker visa for doctors, nurses, allied health professionals, and adult social care workers employed by the NHS or a CQC-registered care provider.
Timeline: 15d–2mo
Work
Employer-sponsoredSenior or Specialist Worker (Global Business Mobility)
Intra-company transfer for senior managers or specialist employees moving from an overseas affiliate to a UK branch of the same multinational. Requires 12 months' prior employment at the overseas entity.
Timeline: 20d–2mo
Business
Business
Investment-basedInnovator Founder
For entrepreneurs launching an innovative, viable, and scalable business in the UK. Requires endorsement from an approved endorsing body. No fixed minimum investment since 2023 rule changes.
Timeline: 2mo–6mo
Business
Employer-sponsoredUK Expansion Worker (Global Business Mobility)
For senior employees of overseas businesses that do not yet have an established UK entity, sent to set up and operate the UK expansion. The overseas business must not yet be trading in the UK.
Timeline: 20d–2mo
How United Kingdom visas work
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We ask about your background, goals, and timeline, no documents needed at this stage.
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Visas are ranked by fit score. You see why each one was included or excluded.
Know your next move
Each result includes a concrete next step so you know exactly what to do first.
Ready when you are
Find your immigration path.
Pick where you're headed. We score you against every visa we cover in that country.
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Show me my matches, free→