United Kingdom Visas
Capital London ยท Currency GBP ยท UK Visas and Immigration (Home Office)
The UK operates a points-based immigration system. Short visits use the Standard Visitor visa (or an ETA for visa-exempt nationals). Longer stays for study, work and settlement require a sponsored route, and most applicants pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) for NHS access.
โ ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) rolling out for visa-exempt visitors.United Kingdom visas at a glance
| Visa type | Fee | Processing | Stay / validity | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ๐๏ธ Tourist / Visit Standard Visitor Visa |
GBP 115 (6 months) | Usually within 3 weeks | Up to 6 months per visit | View โ |
| ๐ Student Student Visa |
GBP 524 (from outside the UK) | Usually within 3 weeks | Length of the course + short buffer | View โ |
| ๐ผ Work / Skilled Skilled Worker Visa |
GBP 719โ1,639 (length-dependent) | Usually within 3 weeks (outside the UK) | Up to 5 years, extendable | View โ |
| ๐ PR / Immigration Indefinite Leave to Remain (Settlement) |
GBP 2,885 | Usually within 6 months (priority available) | Permanent (must not stay outside the UK 2+ years) | View โ |
Visa types for United Kingdom
Standard Visitor Visa
Tourism, visiting family, business meetings or short courses for up to 6 months.
- Processing: Usually within 3 weeks
- Stay: Up to 6 months per visit
- Validity: 6 months (2/5/10-year options available)
Student Visa
Study at a licensed UK sponsor, with a 2-year Graduate Route work visa after graduation.
- Processing: Usually within 3 weeks
- Validity: Length of the course + short buffer
Skilled Worker Visa
Employer-sponsored work visa for eligible skilled jobs meeting the salary threshold; leads to settlement.
- Processing: Usually within 3 weeks (outside the UK)
- Validity: Up to 5 years, extendable
Indefinite Leave to Remain (Settlement)
Permanent settlement after typically 5 years on a qualifying route; a step toward British citizenship.
- Processing: Usually within 6 months (priority available)
- Validity: Permanent (must not stay outside the UK 2+ years)
Embassies, consulates & visa centres
UK Visa Application Centre (VFS Global)
๐ New Delhi, India
VFS Global, Shivaji Stadium Metro Station, Connaught Place, New Delhi, India
Biometrics and document submission for UK visas.
British High Commission
๐ New Delhi, India
Shantipath, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi 110021, India
United Kingdom visa FAQs
What visa types does United Kingdom offer?๏ผ
VisaViews covers 4 United Kingdom visa types: Tourist / Visit, Student, Work / Skilled, PR / Immigration. Each has its own eligibility criteria, fees and processing times.
Does United Kingdom have an eVisa or visa-free entry?๏ผ
ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) rolling out for visa-exempt visitors.
How much is a United Kingdom tourist visa?๏ผ
The Standard Visitor Visa costs GBP 115 (6 months). Fees are indicative and can change โ always confirm on the official source.
How long does a United Kingdom visa take to process?๏ผ
Processing time varies by visa type; the Standard Visitor Visa typically takes Usually within 3 weeks.
Who handles United Kingdom visas and immigration?๏ผ
United Kingdom visas and immigration are administered by UK Visas and Immigration (Home Office). The official portal is https://www.gov.uk/browse/visas-immigration.