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Compare visas to visit, work, study or join a family member already in the UK. How to apply and what the decision on your application means.

• Choose a visa

  You may need a visa to come to the UK to study, work, visit or join…

• Prepare your application

  You can apply and pay for most visas online. If you have dependants who…

• Prove your identity

  When you apply, you’ll need to prove your identity and provide documents…

• Getting a decision on your application

  You’ll get a letter or an email telling you the Home Office has made a…

Visit the UK as a Standard Visitor for tourism, business, study (courses up to 6 months), medical treatment and other activities. Find out whether you need a Standard Visitor visa, or can visit without a visa.

• Overview

  You can visit the UK as a Standard Visitor for tourism, business, study…

• Visit on business

  You can visit the UK for up to 6 months to do the following business…

• Visit to study

  You can visit the UK for up to 6 months to: study at an accredited…

• Visit as an academic

  If you’re a scientist, researcher or academic you can: take part in formal…

• Visit for a paid engagement or event

  You can visit the UK for certain paid engagements or events (a ‘permitted…

• Visit for medical reasons

  You can visit the UK for up to 6 months to: have private medical treatment…

• If you're under 18

  You may visit the UK if you’re under 18 and: you’ve made suitable…

• Apply for a Standard Visitor visa

  If you need a Standard Visitor visa, you must apply online before you…

• When you can extend your stay

  You may be able to extend your stay if you have permission to be in the UK…

You may need a visa to come to the UK to visit, study or work.

Find the address, contact details and opening times of the UK visa application centre for your country.

Apply for a transit visa if you stop at a UK airport on your way to another destination - types of visas, cost, documents, how to apply

UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) is responsible for making millions of decisions every year about who has the right to visit or stay in the country, with a firm emphasis on national security and a culture of customer satisfaction for...

• Updated: 3 April 2025

Check how quickly you’ll receive a decision on your UK visa application if you are applying from outside the UK.

• Updated: 8 April 2025

Apply for a Skilled Worker visa (formerly a Tier 2 General work visa) if you’ve been offered a skilled job with a UK employer - eligibility, fees, documents, extend, switch or update, bring your partner and children, taking on additional...

Apply for a Student visa to study in the UK if you're 16 or over - eligibility, extend or switch your visa, how much it costs and how long it takes

Getting a faster decision on a visa or settlement application; priority service, super priority service; waiting times; how to check if you're eligible