Complete guide to the UK points-based immigration system — Skilled Worker visa, Student visa, Graduate route, settlement, and citizenship pathway.
Since Brexit (Jan 2021), the UK uses a points-based immigration system. You need 70 points to qualify for a Skilled Worker visa. Points are earned from: job offer from licensed sponsor (20 pts), appropriate skill level (20 pts), English language (10 pts), salary threshold (20 pts).
For: Workers with job offer from UK sponsor
Duration: Up
to 5 years (extendable)
Salary Min: £26,200/yr or £10.75/hr (general).
£23,200 for shortage roles
Cost: £719 (up to 3 yrs) or £1,420 (up to 5
yrs)
IHS: £1,035/year
Leads to ILR: Yes (after 5
years)
Processing: 3 weeks (standard), 5 days (priority)
For: Full-time students at licensed
institutions
Duration: Course length +
wind-down
Cost: £490
IHS: £776/year
(discounted)
Work: 20 hrs/week (term), full-time
(holidays)
Funds: £1,334/month (London), £1,023
(outside)
CAS: Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies required
For: Graduates of UK universities
Duration: 2 years
(Bachelor/Master), 3 years (PhD)
Cost: £822
No sponsor
needed: Work any job, any employer
Can switch to: Skilled
Worker visa
One-time only: Cannot extend
For: Leaders/potential leaders in academia, arts, digital
tech
Duration: Up to 5 years
Cost:
£716
No sponsor needed
Can work freelance
Fast-track to ILR: 3
years
Endorsement: Required from recognized body
For: Partners/spouses of UK citizens/settled persons
Income
Requirement: £29,000/year (sponsor's income)
Cost:
£1,846
Duration: 2.5 years (extendable)
ILR: After 5
years
English test: A1 (initial), A2 (extension)
For: Tourism, business visits, short courses
Duration:
Up to 6 months
Cost: £115 (standard), £458 (2-year), £851
(5-year)
Cannot work: No employment allowed
Some
nationalities: Visa-free for UK
| Visa Type | Application Fee | IHS/Year | Total (3yr est.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skilled Worker (3yr) | £719 | £1,035 | £3,824 |
| Student (3yr course) | £490 | £776 | £2,818 |
| Graduate Route (2yr) | £822 | £1,035 | £2,892 |
| Global Talent (5yr) | £716 | £1,035 | £5,891 |
| Spouse (2.5yr) | £1,846 | £1,035 | £4,434 |
IHS = Immigration Health Surcharge. Gives access to NHS. Student IHS is discounted at £776/year.