With a Uk Visa, you can visit the UK to either stay temporarily or for a long time, it all depends on the type of Visa you apply for but then you need to know all the UK Visa Types. This is where the different types of UK visas come in.
Most people don’t know that they are different types of visas when it comes to traveling to the UK, this is why we have decided to write this article on the different types of UK visas, and also explain everything you need to know about them.
So if you want to visit the United Kingdom, it’s important that you understand everything about UK visas and their differences, so that you can make the right and informed decision when picking a Visa at the embassy.
Who Needs a UK Visa?
Since we all know what a Visa is, there’s no point in explaining that part anymore, however, one of the questions most people usually ask is, who needs a UK Visa, due to the fact not everybody or country needs a Visa to visit the United Kingdom.
If you’re from European Economic Area, Switzerland, or any Commonwealth countries, then you do not need to apply for a Visa before entering the UK. However, other countries outside the ones we have listed above are always required to get a Via before being given passages to enter the state.
Why do People Visit the UK?
People visit the United Kingdom for different purposes and reasons, some of which are listed below.
- To start a career and a new life
- For work and business purposes
- To further their education ( educational purpose)
- As tourist
- To visit a family staying in the UK already
- To pass through the UK to another country
- To live permanently
They could be other reasons aside from the ones we have listed, however, whichever reason you want to travel to the UK, you will need a Visa if you’re not from European Economic Area, Switzerland, or any Commonwealth countries.
UK Visa – Types and Information
Below are the different types of UK Visas and everything you need to know about them.
1. Work Visas and Business Visas.
As the name already implies, this type of visa is for qualified professionals looking to visit the Uk to either start a new job, continue an existing one, etc.
Although, the UK doesn’t really give out jobs to foreigners, which is why this type of visa is highly strict and based on professionalism.
So if your intent is to travel to the UK to get a job, then you should consider going for this Visa.
Below are the different categories under the work and business UK visas.
- Highly qualified foreigners:
- Global Talent Visa
- Skilled foreign workers with a job offer in a shortage area
- Tier 2 (General) Visa
- Tier 2 (Intra-company Transfer) Visa
- Tier 2 (Sportsperson) Visa
- Tier 2 (Minister of Religion) Visa
- Youth mobility and temporary foreign workers
- Tier 5 (Temporary Worker) Visa
- Tier 5 (Youth Mobility Scheme) Visa
- Other:
- Croatian National Registration Certificate
- Domestic Workers in a Private Household Visa
- Exempt Vignette Visa
- Turkish Worker Visa
2. Study / Educational Visas.
This type of Visa is basically for students looking to continue/further their education in the UK.
This Visa is not as strict as the work and business Visa, however, you will have to pass some tests and exams and possibly get admitted into your desired institution before getting this Visa.
Below are the different categories of Visas under the Study / Educational Visas.
- Tier 4 (Child) Student Visa
- Tier 4 (General) Student Visa
- Short-Term Study Visa
3. Transit Visas
This type of visa is for those looking to pass through the United Kingdom to other countries.
However, if you are from EEA (EU countries, including Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway) or Switzerland, then you can pass through the UK without needing a transit Visa.
But if you’re not from the aforementioned countries, then you will need a transit Visa. You can apply for a long-term transit Visa (which can last between 1 to 10 years) which will give you passage through the UK to any country without having to apply for the Visa multiple times.
Below are the different categories of Transit Visas.
- Direct Airside Transit Visa (DATV) – if your intent is the land in the UK and immediately change the flight to your destination without having to leave the airport, then this type of transit visa is for you.
- Visitor in Transit Visa – If you do not intend to use a flight to your destination once you get to the UK, then this is for you.
E.g, after getting to the UK you want to use the land to your destination or need to stay for some days in the UK before moving to your final destination ( you are allowed to only stay for a period of 4 days).
4. Refugee Visa
As the name implies, this type of visa is for refugees that want to enter the UK because of some either natural disasters, life-threatening factors, etc.
It is important to note that this type of Visa is usually temporary until you are able to finally fix yourself and return back to your country.
5. Visitor Visas ( Tourist Visa).
This type of visa is usually issued to celebrities, individuals, or tourists whose intention is to visit the UK for tourism. This type of visa is a short-term visa and is not usually given for the applicant to stay more than 6 months.
Below are the different categories of a visiting and tourist visa
- Marriage Visitor Visa
- Parent of Tier 4 (Child) Student Visa
- Permitted Paid Engagement Visa
- Short-term Study Visa
- UK Visitor Visa
- Visa for a Chinese Tour Group
6. Family Visas.
If you have a family member currently living and working in the United Kingdom and you want to visit them, then you would have to go for a UK family Visa.
Most times, this type of Visa is usually issued for only 6 months to visiting applicants.
Below are the different categories of Visa under the UK Family Visa
- UK Spouse visa
- UK Parent visa
- UK Child visa
Conclusion
In summary everything bout UK visas, types, and information, below is the list of all the different types of UK visas.
- Work Visas.
- Refugee Visa
- Business Visas.
- Study Visas.
- Visitor Visas.
- Family Visas.
- Settlement Visas.
- Transit Visas
We hope you make an informed and good choice when applying for a Visa to visit the UK after reading this article till the point.
