Standard Visitor visa

Overview

You can come to the UK as a Standard Visitor:

for tourism, for example on a holiday or to see your family and friends

for certain business activities, for example attending a meeting

to do a short course of study

to take part in research or an exchange programme as an academic

for medical reasons, for example to receive private medical treatment

You may not have to apply for a visa. What you need to do depends on your nationality and what you plan to do in the UK.

Check if you need to apply for a UK visa.

Your application will not be accepted and you will not get a refund if you have the right of abode in the UK (for example you’re a British citizen). You need to apply for a certificate of entitlement instead.

What you can and cannot do

You can visit the UK to do certain activities, for example visiting friends and family or attending a conference.

You cannot:

do paid or unpaid work for a UK company or as a self-employed person

live in the UK for long periods of time through frequent visits

claim public funds (benefits)

do a course of study that lasts longer than 6 months

marry or register a civil partnership, or give notice of marriage or civil partnership. You’ll need a Marriage Visitor visa instead

Read the guidance for more information about what you can and cannot do with a Standard Visitor visa.

Eligibility

You’ll need to prove that you meet the eligibility requirements, for example that you’ll leave the UK at the end of your visit.

How long you can stay

You can usually stay in the UK for up to 6 months (£95 fee).

You might be able to stay for longer if:

you’re coming to the UK for private medical treatment - up to 11 months (£190 fee)

you’re an academic and meet the eligibility requirements - you, your spouse or partner and your children may be able to stay for up to 12 months (£190 fee)

If you’re staying in the UK for longer than 6 months, you must collect your biometric residence permit when you arrive. You may also have to take a tuberculosis test as part of your application depending on where you come from.

If you need to visit the UK regularly

You can apply for a long-term Standard Visitor visa that lasts 2, 5 or 10 years if you need to visit the UK regularly over a longer period. You can stay for a maximum of 6 months on each visit.

If you’re under 18 years old when you apply, your long-term Standard Visitor visa will only be valid for up to 6 months after you turn 18. You cannot get a refund on the fee.

When to apply and how long it takes

If you need a visa, you must apply online before you come to the UK.

As part of your application, you’ll need to book an appointment at a visa application centre to prove your identity and provide your documents.

Allow time to attend your appointment (an appointment at a visa application centre), as the visa application centre (a visa application centre) could be in another country.

The visa application centre (a visa application centre) may keep your passport and documents while processing your application.

The earliest you can apply is 3 months before you travel.

Getting a decision

Once you’ve applied online, proved your identity and provided your documents, you’ll usually get a decision on your visa within 3 weeks.

Find out how to get your visa decision faster - this depends on what country you’re in.

Fees

A Standard Visitor visa costs £95.

The fee for a long-term Standard Visitor visa depends on its length:

2 years - £361

5 years - £655

10 years - £822

Extending your stay as a visitor

You cannot switch from a Standard Visitor visa to another type of visa.

You can only extend your stay for specific reasons, for example needing further private medical treatment.

If you want a visa to do something other than visiting, for example work or longer-term study, you’ll need to leave the UK and make a new application.

What you can do in the UK

You can visit the UK to do different activities. You must meet the eligibility requirements for the things you want to do.

If you’re visiting for tourism or leisure

You can visit the UK to:

spend time with friends and family

take a holiday

do a recreational course of up to 30 days, for example a dance course

volunteer for up to 30 days with a registered charity

take part in a school exchange programme

If you’re visiting on business

You can visit the UK for many different business reasons, including attending meetings, conferences, trade fairs or negotiating contracts.

You can do certain business activities with UK employees of the company you work for overseas, for example provide training or share knowledge on internal projects.

Check the Visitor Rules for the full list of business activities you can do as a Standard Visitor and any additional eligibility requirements.

If you’re being paid by a UK organisation to visit as an expert in your profession, you should apply for a Permitted Paid Engagement visa.

If you’re visiting to study

You can visit the UK to study for up to 6 months at an accredited institution, this includes English language courses.

You can also do:

a short piece of research that’s relevant to your course overseas

an ‘elective’ - an optional additional placement, if you’re studying medicine, veterinary medicine and science, or dentistry

If you want to study longer you’ll need to apply for a:

Student visa (if your course is run by a licensed sponsor)

Short-term study visa (for English Language courses up to 11 months)

If you’re visiting as an academic

If you’re from an academic institution overseas, you can:

take part in formal exchange arrangements with UK (the UK) counterparts

carry out your own research during a sabbatical

If you’re a senior doctor or dentist you can also:

take part in research

teach (as long as it is not a permanent teaching post)

undertake clinical practice (as long as it’s not a permanent position)

If you’re visiting for medical reasons

You can visit the UK if you want to have private medical treatment at a hospital or other medical facility.

You can also visit to donate an organ to a family member or close friend. This includes being assessed for suitability as a donor match.

If you’re passing through the UK to another country

You can pass through the UK to another country as a Standard Visitor.

If transiting is your only reason for coming to the UK, then you may apply for a Transit visa instead.

Eligibility

You must show that:

you’ll leave the UK at the end of your visit

you’ll not live in the UK for extended periods through frequent or successive visits, or make the UK your main home

you’re able to support yourself and your dependants during your trip (or have funding from someone else to support you)

you’re able to pay for your return or onward journey (or have funding from someone else to pay for the journey)

you have proof of any business or other activities you want to do in the UK, as allowed by the Visitor Rules

If you’re applying to study for up to 6 months

You must prove one of the following:

you’ve been accepted onto a course of no more than 6 months provided by an accredited UK institution (this cannot be an academy or state-funded school)

you’re at least 16 years old and have been accepted by a UK higher education institution to take part in research that’s relevant to the course you’re studying overseas

you’re at least 16 years old and are doing an ‘elective’ (an optional additional placement) as part of an overseas medicine, veterinary medicine and science, or dentistry course

You must already be enrolled on a course that is the equivalent of a UK degree, before applying to do research or a placement in the UK.

To study or research certain subjects at postgraduate level or above, you may need an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate. If you do need one, you’ll need to get your ATAS certificate before starting your study or research.

If you’re applying as an academic

You can stay in the UK for up to 12 months if you’re applying as an academic. You must prove you’re:

highly qualified in your field of expertise, for example you have a PhD

currently working in that field of expertise (your field of expertise) at an academic institution overseas

visiting for a formal exchange or to carry out research

not filling a permanent teaching post

To research certain subjects at postgraduate level or above, you may need an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate. If you do need one, you’ll need to get your ATAS certificate (an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate) before starting your research.

If you’re applying to visit for private medical treatment

You must prove that you:

have a medical condition that needs private consultation or treatment in the UK

have made arrangements for consultations or treatment

have enough money or funding to pay for your treatment

will leave the UK once your treatment is completed, or when your visa expires

are not a danger to public health if you have an infectious disease, such as leprosy

If you’re applying as an organ donor

You can only visit the UK to donate organs to:

a family member who you’re genetically related to (for example your sibling or parent)

someone you have a close personal relationship with (for example your spouse or friend)

You must prove that the person you’re donating an organ to is legally allowed to be in the UK.

If you’re applying for a long-term Standard Visitor visa

You must prove that you’ll only ever be coming to the UK to visit and that you plan to leave at the end of each visit.

You may be given a visa for a shorter period than requested if you do not do this (prove). You will not get a refund of the application fee if you get a shorter visa or your application is refused.

Your visa may be cancelled if your travel history shows you are repeatedly living in the UK for extended periods.

Documents you'll need

You must provide a passport or travel document. Your passport should be valid for the whole of your stay in the UK and contain a blank page for your visa.

You’ll be told what other documents and information to provide when you apply online.

You must provide certified translations of any documents that are not in English or Welsh.

You’ll need to provide the following information:

the dates you’re planning to travel to the UK

details of where you’ll be staying during your visit

how much you think your trip will cost

your current home address and how long you’ve lived there

your parents’ names and dates of birth (if known)

how much you earn in a year (if you have an income)

details of any criminal, civil or immigration offences you may have committed

You might also need to provide:

details of your travel history for the past 10 years

your employer’s address and telephone number

your partner’s name, date of birth, and passport number

the name and address of anyone paying for your trip

the name, address and passport number of any family members you have in the UK

Providing documents for certain activities

You must provide specific documents if you’re applying to visit the UK to:

do research as part of an overseas study course

have private medical treatment

be an organ donor

take the Professional and Linguistic Assessment Board (PLAB) test or sit the Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE)

Read the full list of supporting documents for more information.

If you're under 18

You may visit the UK if you’re under 18 and:

you’ve made suitable arrangements for your travel and stay in the UK

you have written consent from your parent or guardian to travel to the UK (if travelling alone)

you’re able to pay for your return or onward journey

you have enough money to support yourself without working or getting help from public funds, or you have family and friends that can support you

Travelling alone

You can travel to the UK without an adult (someone over the age of 18).

Your parent or guardian will need to provide their (your parent or guardian):

written consent for you to travel to the UK

full contact details

They (your parent or guardian)’ll also need to provide proof that you have somewhere suitable to live during your stay in the UK, including:

the name and date of birth of the person that you will be staying with

an address where you will be living

details of your relationship to the person who’ll be looking after you and

their (your parent or guardian) written consent for you to stay with that person (the person who’ll be looking after you) while you’re in the UK (the UK)

If you’re not staying with a close relative

Your parent, guardian or school must tell the relevant local authority about your visit if you’re both of the following:

under 16 (or under 18 if you have a disability)

going to be looked after for more than 28 days by someone who is not a close relative (called ‘private foster care’)

You should provide a reply from the local authority if you have one.

The same rules apply to education exchange visits that last for more than 28 days, unless:

you’re part of a group that is travelling and staying together, for example a school group

you’re accompanied by an adult, for example a teacher

There are different rules in Scotland and Northern Ireland. Read the guidance for more information.

Travelling with an adult

When travelling to the UK with an adult (someone over the age of 18), you’ll need to identify them in your visa application.

If the person you’re travelling with (an adult (someone over the age of 18)) is not your parent, you’ll need to provide specific information about them (an adult (someone over the age of 18)) in your application (your visa application).

You can identify up to 2 adults in your visa application. Their names will appear on your visa.

The adult (an adult (someone over the age of 18)) can apply for a visa at the same time, but you must each complete separate applications.

If you arrive in the UK without the person named in your visa, you’ll need to show that your parent or guardian consents to your travel and accommodation arrangements.

Apply from outside the UK

If you need a visa, you must apply online before you travel to the UK.

Check what documents you’ll need to apply.

Proving your identity and providing supporting documents

As part of your online application, you need to book an appointment at a visa application centre. You’ll have your fingerprints and photograph (known as ‘biometric information’) taken at your appointment.

Apply for a Standard Visitor visa

Once you’ve started your application you can save your form and complete it later.

Apply now

Continue your application

You can sign back into your application if you’ve saved it (your form). Check your email and follow the link to return to your application.

Apply with family members

Each family member must make their own application and pay the fee.

You can apply on behalf of your partner and child, if they cannot apply for themselves.

They (your partner and child) must attend their (your partner and child) own appointment at a visa application centre.

How long it takes to get a decision

Find out how to get your visa decision faster - this depends on what country you’re in.

You’ll get an email or a letter containing the decision on your application. This will explain what you need to do next.

If you need to change or cancel your application

If you need to change something in your application after you’ve sent it (your application) contact UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).

You can ask to cancel your application. You’ll only get your fee refunded if the application (your application) has not been processed yet.

Extend your stay

You may be able to extend your stay as long as the total time you spend in the UK as a visitor is no more than 6 months.

For example if you have been in the UK as a visitor for 3 months, you can apply to extend your stay for 3 more months.

Read the guidance to find out if you can extend your visit.

You must apply while you’re still in the UK and before your current visa expires.

If you want to extend your stay for longer than 6 months

You can only apply to extend your stay as a visitor for over 6 months if you’re:

a patient receiving medical treatment

an academic and you still meet the eligibility requirements

a graduate doing a clinical attachment or retaking the Professional and Linguistic Assessment Board (PLAB) test

If you did not need a visa for the first 6 months of your visit, you’ll need to apply for permission to stay longer and pay the fee.

If you’re receiving private medical treatment in the UK

You can apply to extend your stay for a further 6 months if you:

have paid for any treatment you’ve already had in the UK

can and will pay the further costs of your treatment

continue to meet the eligibility requirements

You must also get a medical practitioner or NHS consultant who’s registered in the UK to provide:

proof of arrangements for your private medical consultation or treatment

a letter saying how long your treatment (your private medical consultation or treatment) is likely to take

details of the progress of your treatment (your private medical consultation or treatment), if it (your private medical consultation or treatment)’s already started

If you’re an academic

If you want to extend your stay as an academic visiting the UK, you must prove you:

are highly qualified in your field of expertise, for example you have a PhD or higher

were working in that field of expertise (your field of expertise) at an academic institution overseas prior to your arrival in the UK

are visiting for a formal exchange or to carry out research

are not filling a permanent teaching post

You can stay in the UK for up to 12 months in total.

Before you extend your stay, check if you need an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate. You may need one if you’re researching certain subjects at postgraduate level or above.

If you’re retaking the PLAB test

You can extend your stay in the UK to retake the PLAB test.

You must provide written confirmation from the General Medical Council that you are sitting the test (the PLAB test).

You can stay up to 6 months to retake the test (the PLAB test).

If you’ve passed the PLAB test and want to do a clinical attachment

If you’re successful in the PLAB test, you can apply to extend your stay to do an unpaid clinical attachment. You must not treat patients.

You must provide written confirmation of your clinical attachment offer and confirm you’ve not done one in the UK before.

You can stay in the UK for up to 18 months in total.

Apply to extend your stay as a visitor

You must apply online before your current visa expires.

Once you’ve started your application you can save your form and complete it later.

Apply now

Continue your application

Proving your identity and providing supporting documents

When you apply, you’ll be asked to make an appointment at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) service point to provide your biometric information (your fingerprints and a photo).

You’ll also need to submit your supporting documents (supporting documents). You can:

upload them (supporting documents) into the online service

have them (supporting documents) scanned at your UKVCAS (UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS)) appointment

You must not travel outside of the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man until you get a decision. Your application will be withdrawn if you do.

Get help to apply online

You can get help with completing the online form (your form) if you:

do not feel confident using a computer or mobile device

do not have internet access

You can only use this service (the online service) if you’re applying to extend your visa in the UK.

You cannot get immigration advice through this service (the online service).

Fees

It costs:

£993 to extend this visa

an extra £800 if you use the super priority service

You must also pay £19.20 to have your biometric information (fingerprints and a photo) taken.

How long it takes to get a decision

A decision will usually be made within 8 weeks of your application date if you use the standard service.

If you use the super priority service a decision will be made:

by the end of the next working day after your UKVCAS (UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS)) appointment if your appointment is on a weekday

2 working days after your UKVCAS (UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS)) appointment if your appointment (your UKVCAS (UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS)) appointment) is at the weekend

Working days are Monday to Friday, not including bank holidays.

Once you’ve got your decision letter, your biometric residence permit will take up to 10 working days to arrive.

You’ll be contacted if your application is complex and will take longer, for example:

if your supporting documents need to be verified

if you need to attend an interview

because of your personal circumstances (for example if you have a criminal conviction)

Once you’ve applied you can stay in the UK until you’ve been given a decision, as long as you applied before your last visa expired.


Visa to pass through the UK in transit

Overview

You might need a visa to pass through the UK in transit (on your way to another country).

Check if you need one before you apply.

To get a transit visa you must prove that:

you’ll be in transit to another country, with enough funds and the intention to travel on

you can enter that country (another country)

the only purpose of your visit to the UK is transit

You do not need a transit visa if you:

have an EEA family permit

have an EU Settlement Scheme family permit

have a Home Office travel document, for example you’re a refugee or stateless person

have a Standard Visitor visa

have a Marriage Visitor visa

Types of transit visa

The visa you need depends on whether you’re going through UK border control when you arrive in the UK.

Your airline can tell you if you’ll go through border control (UK border control).

You’re not going through UK border control

Apply for a Direct Airside Transit visa (DATV) if you’ll be changing flights in the UK and will not be going through UK border control.

You’re going through UK border control

Apply for a Visitor in Transit visa if you’ll be going through UK border control but leaving the UK within 48 hours.

You’ll need to apply for a Standard Visitor visa if:

you need to stay longer in the UK

you can prove you need to frequently pass through the UK over a longer period

Fees

Direct Airside Transit visa (DATV) - £35

Visitor in Transit visa - £64

The cost may vary slightly depending on which country you’re in.

Direct Airside Transit visa

You might need a Direct Airside Transit visa (DATV) if you:

will be changing flights in the UK on your way to another country

will not go through UK border control

You may not have to apply for a visa. What you need to do depends on your nationality and whether you need to enter the UK. Check if you need to apply for a visa.

You do not need one if you have a valid:

EEA family permit

EU Settlement Scheme family permit

Standard Visitor visa

Marriage Visitor visa

You must apply for another type of visitor visa if you’re travelling to or from Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man.

Documents you need

To apply for a DATV, you must have a current passport or other valid travel document.

You need to provide evidence that you’re allowed to enter the country you’re travelling to, such as a:

residence permit

green card

valid visa

If you’re not a resident or national of the country you’re travelling to, you may need to explain why you’re going there. You may need to provide details of where you’re staying.

You must also provide evidence that your onward journey is booked or confirmed, such as:

a flight booking email

printed tickets

confirmation from a travel agent

Bring your visa and documents with you when you travel through the UK.

Apply

You must apply online for a Direct Airside Transit visa.

You’ll need to have your fingerprints and photograph (known as ‘biometric information’) taken at a visa application centre as part of your application.

You may be able to get your visa faster or other services depending on what country you’re in - check with your visa application centre.

Apply now

Visitor in Transit visa

You might need a Visitor in Transit visa if you’re:

going through UK border control, for example to check in your luggage for a connecting flight

leaving the UK within 48 hours

not working or studying while in the UK

If you will not be going through UK border control, check if you need a Direct Airside Transit visa instead.

You do not need a transit visa if you have a valid:

EEA family permit

EU Settlement Scheme family permit

Standard Visitor visa

Marriage Visitor visa

You need to apply for a Standard Visitor visa if you’re staying in the UK for more than 48 hours.

Travel to the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man or Ireland

You might need to apply for a visitor visa to travel through the UK to get to the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man or Ireland.

You’ll usually need to apply for a Standard Visitor visa unless you’re exempt.

You do not need a UK visitor visa if:

you have a valid visa for the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man

you have a valid Irish biometric visa (marked ‘BC’ or ‘BC BIVS’ in the ‘Remarks’ section)

If you need to pass through the UK regularly

You can also apply for a long-term Standard Visitor visa if you need to pass through the UK in transit regularly over a longer period. You can stay for a maximum of 6 months on each visit and your visa can last for 2, 5 or 10 years.

Documents you need

To apply for a Visitor in Transit visa, you must have a current passport or other valid travel document.

residence permit

green card

valid visa

a flight booking email

printed tickets

confirmation from a travel agent

Your onward flight (your onward journey) must be within 48 hours of your arrival in the UK.

Apply

You must apply online for a Visitor in Transit visa.

Apply now


Minister of Religion visa (T2)

Overview

You can apply for a Minister of Religion visa (T2) if:

you’ve been offered a job within a faith community (for example as a minister of religion, missionary, or member of a religious order) in the UK

you meet the other eligibility requirements

If you or your family are from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein

If you or your close family member started living in the UK before 1 January 2021, you may be able to apply to the free EU Settlement Scheme.

Otherwise you need a visa to work in the UK.

Irish citizens do not need to apply for a visa or to the EU Settlement Scheme (the free EU Settlement Scheme).

Getting sponsored

You need to be employed by a licensed sponsor to apply to live in the UK.

Your sponsor (a licensed sponsor) checks that you can do the job they (a licensed sponsor)’re hiring you for and if it qualifies you for a visa. They (a licensed sponsor)’ll give you a certificate of sponsorship to prove this.

They (a licensed sponsor) must also give you other information you need when you apply, for example how much you’ll be paid.

How long it will take

You can apply for a visa up to 3 months before the day you’re due to start work in the UK. This date is listed on your certificate of sponsorship (a certificate of sponsorship).

You should get a decision on your visa within 3 weeks when you apply from outside the UK.

Find out about paying for a faster decision.

Application fee

How much you pay for a Minister of Religion visa (T2) depends on where you are.

Who you’re applying for | Apply outside the UK | Extend or switch in the UK

You | £610 | £704

All dependants | £610 each person | £704 each person

If you’re from an eligible country

Your application fee (Application fee) will be automatically reduced by £55 if you’re from one of the following countries:

Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Republic of Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden or Turkey.

This reduction only applies to your visa application. Your partner and children will still need to pay the full application fee.

Healthcare surcharge

You’ll also have to pay the healthcare surcharge as part of your application. Check how much you’ll have to pay before you apply.

If you’re applying to extend or switch in the UK

You’ll need to pay £19.20 to have your biometric information (fingerprints and a photo) taken.

Get a faster decision on your application

If you’re applying to extend or switch in the UK you can pay an extra £500 for the priority service to get a decision within 5 working days.

You can pay an extra £800 for the super priority service (the priority service) to get a decision:

by the end of the next working day after providing your biometric information if your appointment is on a weekday

2 working days after providing your biometric information if your appointment is at the weekend

Working days are Monday to Friday, not including bank holidays.

Once you’ve got your decision letter, your biometric residence permit will take up to 10 working days to arrive.

How long you can stay

You can come to the UK with a Minister of Religion visa (T2) for a maximum of up to 3 years and 1 month, or the time given on your certificate of sponsorship plus 14 days, whichever is shorter.

You can apply to extend your stay.

You must apply before your visa expires.

What you can and cannot do

You can:

work for your sponsor in the job described in your certificate of sponsorship

do a second job - in certain circumstances

do voluntary work

study as long as it does not interfere with the job you’re sponsored for

travel abroad and return to the UK

bring your partner and children with you as your ‘dependants’, if they’re eligible

You cannot:

own more than 10% of your sponsor’s (your sponsor) shares  (unless you earn more than £159,600 a year)

get public funds

Eligibility

You need to:

have a certificate of sponsorship for your job

prove your knowledge of English

have personal savings so you can support yourself when you arrive in the UK

show you can travel and your travel history over the last 5 years

have tuberculosis test results if you’re from a listed country

You need to have an eligible qualification if you’re switching from a Tier 4 visa.

Certificate of sponsorship

A certificate of sponsorship holds your personal details and information about the job you’ve been offered (your job). It’s an electronic record, not a paper document. Your sponsor will give you a certificate of sponsorship reference number to add to your application.

You can only use your certificate of sponsorship reference number (your certificate of sponsorship) once. You must use it (A certificate of sponsorship) within 3 months of getting it (A certificate of sponsorship).

Money to support yourself

You must have at least £1,270 in your bank account to show you can support yourself in the UK.

You will need to have had the money available for at least 28 days in a row. Day 28 must be within 31 days of applying for this visa.

You’ll usually need to show proof of this when you apply, unless either:

you’ve been in the UK with a valid visa for at least 12 months

your employer can cover your costs during your first month in the UK, up to £1,270

Your partner and children will also need to prove they can support themselves while they’re in the UK. Check how much they’ll need.

Read the guidance on financial evidence for more information about the money you need and how to prove it.

If your employer can support you instead

Your certificate of sponsorship must confirm this. Your employer will need to complete the ‘sponsor certifies maintenance’ section on your certificate. This is under ‘Additional data’.

Knowledge of English

You may need to prove your knowledge of the English language (English) when you apply.

You can prove your knowledge of English by either:

passing an approved English language (English) test with at least CEFR level B2 in reading, writing, speaking and listening

having an academic qualification that was taught in English and is recognised by Ecctis (formerly UK NARIC) as being equivalent to a UK bachelors degree, master’s degree or PhD

You may be able to meet the English language requirement in other ways. Check the full visa guidance for detailed information.

Exceptions

You will not need to prove your knowledge of English if you’re a national of one of the following countries:

Antigua and Barbuda

Australia

the Bahamas

Barbados

Belize

Canada

Dominica

Grenada

Guyana

Jamaica

Malta

New Zealand

St Kitts and Nevis

St Lucia

St Vincent and the Grenadines

Trinidad and Tobago

USA

You also may not have to prove your knowledge of English in other circumstances - check the full visa guidance.

Documents you'll need

When you apply you’ll need to provide:

your certificate of sponsorship reference number (your employer will give you this)

proof of your knowledge of English

evidence that you have enough personal savings to support yourself in the UK, for example bank statements (unless your certificate of sponsorship shows your employer can support you)

a valid passport or other document that shows your identity and nationality - you need a blank page in your passport for your visa

expired passports or travel documents if you need them to show your travel history

your tuberculosis test results if you’re from a listed country

If your documents are not in English or Welsh you’ll also need to provide a certified translation.

You may need to provide additional documents depending on your circumstances.

See the full list of documents you can provide.

Read the guidance about the money you’ll need and how to prove it.

Apply from outside the UK

You must apply online for a Minister of Religion visa (T2).

Check which documents you’ll need to apply.

Your partner or children will need to apply separately.

Proving your identity and providing supporting documents

As part of your online application, you need to book an appointment at a visa application centre.

You’ll have your fingerprints and photograph taken at the visa application centre (a visa application centre), so you can get a biometric residence permit.

You’ll have to collect your biometric residence permit (a biometric residence permit) within 10 days of when you said you’d arrive in the UK.

Apply for a Minister of Religion visa (T2)

Once you’ve started your application you can save your form and complete it later.

Apply now

Continue your application

You can sign back into your application if you’ve saved it (your form). Check your email and follow the link to return to your application.

How long it takes to get a decision

Once you’ve applied online, proved your identity and provided your documents, you’ll usually get a decision on your visa within 3 weeks.

Find out how to get your visa decision faster - this depends on what country you’re in.

After you apply

You can ask to cancel your application. You’ll only get your fee refunded if the application (your application) has not been processed yet.

You’ll get an email containing the decision on your application. This will explain what you need to do next.

Extend your visa

You may be able to apply to extend your stay in the UK under a Minister of Religion visa (T2).

You can add your partner and children to your online application - including children who have turned 18 during your stay.

You should apply before your current visa expires.

Eligibility

You’ll still need to meet the eligibility criteria and provide the right documents.

You’ll also need a new certificate of sponsorship from your sponsor.

How long you can stay

You can extend a Minister of Religion visa (T2) for up to 3 years, or the time given in your certificate of sponsorship plus 14 days, or the time required to take your total stay in the UK to a maximum of 6 years, whichever time is shorter.

Fees

Check the fees for your visa.

Apply to extend your Minister of Religion visa (T2) (a Minister of Religion visa (T2))

You must apply online before your current visa expires.

Once you’ve started your application, you can save your form and complete it later.

Apply now

Continue your application

Providing biometric information and supporting documents

When you apply, you’ll be asked to make an appointment at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) service point to provide your biometric information (your fingerprints and a photo).

You’ll also need to submit your supporting documents (supporting documents). You can:

upload them (supporting documents) into the online service

have them (supporting documents) scanned at your UKVCAS (UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS)) appointment

You must not travel outside of the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man until you get a decision. Your application will be withdrawn if you do.

How long it takes

Once you’ve applied you can stay in the UK until you’ve been given a decision, as long as you applied before your last visa expired.

You’ll usually get a decision:

within 8 weeks of your application date if you use the standard service

within 5 working days of your UKVCAS (UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS)) appointment if you use the priority service

If you use the super priority service you’ll get a decision:

by the end of the next working day after your UKVCAS (UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS)) appointment if your appointment is on a weekday

2 working days after your UKVCAS (UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS)) appointment if your appointment is at the weekend

Working days are Monday to Friday, not including bank holidays.

Once you’ve got your decision letter, your biometric residence permit will take up to 10 working days to arrive.

You’ll be contacted if your circumstances or application are more complicated, for example if:

your supporting documents (supporting documents) need to be verified

you need to attend an interview

you have a criminal conviction

Switch to this visa

You can apply to change (‘switch’) from another visa to a Minister of Religion visa (T2) (this visa).

You should apply before your current visa expires.

Eligibility

You must meet the Minister of Religion visa (T2) eligibility requirements and must already be in the UK under any of the following visas:

Tier 1 visa

Tier 2 (Sportsperson) visa

Tier 2 (General) visa

Tier 2 (Intra-company Transfer) visa under the Immigration Rules in place before 6 April 2010 and you’re applying to change sponsor

Tier 4 visa - if you have an eligible qualification

Start-up visa

Innovator visa

You can also switch to this visa if you meet the eligibility requirements and you’re:

a dependent partner of someone with a Tier 4 visa

a representative of an overseas business

You must leave the UK and make your Minister of Religion visa (T2) application from abroad if you’re not in any of these categories.

Eligible qualifications for Tier 4 visa

You must have been sponsored by a licensed sponsor to get one of the following qualifications:

a UK bachelors degree

a UK masters degree

a postgraduate certificate in education

a professional graduate diploma of education

If you’re a PhD student, you must have also have completed the last 12 months’ study  during your most recent stay in the UK. This can be through a licensed sponsor or another visa that allowed you to study.

How long you can stay

You can stay up to 3 years after switching to a Minister of Religion visa (T2).

Fees

Check the fees for your visa.

Apply to switch to a Minister of Religion visa (T2)

You must apply online before your current visa expires.

Once you’ve started your application, you can save your form and complete it later.

Apply now

Continue your application

Providing biometric information and supporting documents

When you apply, you’ll be asked to make an appointment at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) service point to provide your biometric information (your fingerprints and a photo) (biometric information).

You’ll also need to submit your supporting documents (supporting documents). You can:

upload them (supporting documents) into the online service

have them (supporting documents) scanned at your UKVCAS (UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS)) appointment

How long it takes

You’ll usually get a decision:

within 8 weeks of your application date if you use the standard service

If you use the super priority service you’ll get a decision:

2 working days after your UKVCAs (UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS)) appointment if your appointment is at the weekend

Working days are Monday to Friday, not including bank holidays.

Once you’ve got your decision letter (a decision), your biometric residence permit will take up to 10 working days to arrive.

You’ll be contacted if your application is complex and will take longer, for example because:

your supporting documents need to be verified

you need to attend an interview

of your personal circumstances, for example if you have a criminal conviction

Your partner and children

Your partner and children can apply to join you or to stay in the UK as your ‘dependants’ if they (Your partner and children)’re eligible. If their (Your partner and children) application is successful, their (Your partner and children) visa will end on the same date as yours.

Your relationship

A dependant partner or child is any of the following:

your husband, wife, civil partner or unmarried partner

your child under 18 - including if they were born in the UK during your stay

your child over 18 if they’re currently in the UK as your dependant

You’ll need to provide evidence of your relationship when you apply.

Your partner

You must be able to prove that either:

you’re in a civil partnership or marriage that’s recognised in the UK

you’ve been living together in a relationship for at least 2 years when you apply

If your child is 16 or over

They (your child) must:

live with you (unless they (your child)’re in full-time education at boarding school, college or university)

not be married, in a civil partnership or have any children

be financially supported by you

If your child lives with you, you’ll need to provide evidence of their address such as:

a bank statement

credit card bills

driving licence

NHS registration document

an official letter from their (your child) university or college

Money they (your child) need to support themselves (your child)

Your partner or children must have a certain amount of money available to support themselves while they’re in the UK.

You - or your partner or child - will need:

£285 for your partner

£315 for one child

£200 for each additional child

You - or your partner or child - will need to have had the money available for at least 28 days in a row. Day 28 must be within 31 days of you or them (Your partner or children) applying for this visa.

You’ll usually need to show proof of this when they (Your partner or children) apply, unless either:

you have all been in the UK with a valid visa for at least 12 months

your employer can cover your family’s costs during your first month in the UK - this must be confirmed on your certificate of sponsorship

If your partner or child is applying at a different time to you, they’ll only need to prove they have enough money to support themselves if they (your child) have been in the UK for less than one year.

Apply from outside the UK

Your partner and children must apply online.

Each family member will need to complete a separate application and pay the visa fee. They (Your partner or children) must apply before they (Your partner or children) travel to the UK.

They (Your partner or children)’ll also need your application number - you’ll get this when you apply. This number is called a Global Web Form (GWF) or a Unique Application Number (UAN). You’ll find it on emails and letters from the Home Office about your application.

Proving their (your child) identity

As part of their (your child) application, your partner and children (your child) will need to have their (your child) fingerprints and photograph taken at a visa application centre. They (your child) may need to travel to get to their (your child) nearest centre (this could be in another country).

The visa application centre (their (your child) nearest centre) may need to keep their (your child) passport and documents while they (their (your child) nearest centre) process their (your child) application.

How long it takes to get a decision

Once they (your child)’ve applied online, proved their (your child) identity and provided their (your child) documents, they (your child)’ll usually get a decision within 3 weeks.

They (your child) may be able to pay to get their (your child) visa faster - check with the visa application centre (their (your child) nearest centre).

Apply from inside the UK to extend

You can include your partner and children on your application to extend this visa. This includes children who were born or have turned 18 during your stay.

If you cannot apply at the same time, your partner or child can apply to extend their visas at a later date. This must be before their current visa expires.

How to apply

Your partner and children must apply online to either:

extend as a partner

extend as a child

They (Your partner and children)’ll need your application number - you’ll get this when you apply. This number is called a Global Web Form (GWF) or a Unique Application Number (UAN). You’ll find it on emails and letters from the Home Office about your application.

As part of their (your partner or child) application, your partner and children (your partner or child) will need to have their (your partner or child) fingerprints and photograph taken at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) service point.

They (your partner or child) must not travel outside of the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man until they (your partner or child) get a decision. Their (your partner or child) application will be withdrawn if they (your partner or child) do.

How long it takes to get a decision

Once they (your partner or child)’ve applied online, proved their (your partner or child) identity and provided their (your partner or child) documents, they (your partner or child)’ll usually get a decision within 8 weeks.

They (your partner or child) may be able to pay to get a faster decision - they (your partner or child)’ll be told if they (your partner or child) can when they (your partner or child) apply.

Children born in the UK

If you have a child while you’re in the UK, they do not automatically become a British citizen.

You can apply online for their (a child) visa as your dependant. You must do this if you want to travel in and out of the UK with your child.

You’ll need to provide a full UK birth certificate for each child, showing the names of both parents.

You must apply to add them (a child) to your visa before they turn 18 if they want to stay in the UK.

Taking a second job

You can take a second job on this visa (your visa) if you’re working up to 20 hours a week in either:

the same profession as your main job

a profession on the Skilled Worker shortage occupation list

You can also do unpaid voluntary work.

Otherwise, you’ll need to apply for a new visa. You’ll need to be sponsored by your second employer and get a new certificate of sponsorship.

When to apply for a new visa

You cannot apply for a new visa until you’ve started work with your first sponsor.

You cannot start work with your second sponsor until your visa application has been approved.

How to apply

Read the guidance before you apply.

You must apply online.

You must be in the UK to apply.

Documents you must provide

You’ll need to provide some documents with your application.

You must also provide a letter explaining that you want to change your current permission to stay.

Your letter must state:

your name

your date of birth

your current certificate of sponsorship reference number

the date when your current permission to stay runs out


Temporary Worker - Government Authorised Exchange visa (T5)

Overview

You can apply for a Temporary Worker - Government Authorised Exchange visa (T5) if you:

want to come to the UK for a short time for work experience or to do training, an Overseas Government Language Programme, research or a fellowship through an approved government authorised exchange scheme

have a sponsor

meet the other eligibility requirements

This visa has replaced the Tier 5 (Temporary Worker - Government Authorised Exchange) visa.

If you or your family are from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein

If you or your close family member started living in the UK before 1 January 2021, you may be able to apply to the free EU Settlement Scheme.

Otherwise you need a visa to work in the UK.

Irish citizens do not need to apply for a visa or to the EU Settlement Scheme (the free EU Settlement Scheme).

Sponsorship

You need to have a certificate of sponsorship from a licensed sponsor before you can apply to come to the UK to work.

Your work, training or research in the UK must relate to the work of your sponsor organisation.

Your sponsor can be any of the following:

an organisation running an approved exchange scheme

a higher education institution (if you are a sponsored researcher, visiting academic or examiner)

a government department or agency

How long it will take

The earliest you can apply for a visa is 3 months before the date you’re due to start work. This date is on your certificate of sponsorship (a certificate of sponsorship from a licensed sponsor).

You should get a decision on your visa within 3 weeks when you apply from outside the UK.

Find out about paying for a faster decision.

Application fee

The application fee for each person applying (Application fee) is £244.

The fee (Application fee) is the same whether you’re applying from inside or outside the UK.

If you’re from an eligible country

Your application fee (Application fee) will be automatically reduced by £55 if you’re from one of the following countries:

Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Republic of Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden or Turkey.

This reduction only applies to your visa application. Your partner and children will still need to pay the full application fee.

Healthcare surcharge

You’ll also have to pay the healthcare surcharge as part of your application. Check how much you’ll have to pay before you apply.

If you’re applying to extend or switch in the UK

You’ll need to pay £19.20 to have your biometric information (fingerprints and a photo) taken.

Get a faster decision on your application

If you’re applying to extend or switch in the UK you can pay an extra £500 for the priority service to get a decision within 5 working days.

You can pay an extra £800 for the super priority service (the priority service) to get a decision:

by the end of the next working day after providing your biometric information if your appointment is on a weekday

2 working days after providing your biometric information if your appointment is at the weekend

Working days are Monday to Friday, not including bank holidays.

Once you’ve got your decision letter, your biometric residence permit will take up to 10 working days to arrive.

How long you can stay

You can stay in the UK for up to 12 or 24 months (depending on the scheme you’re applying for) or the time given on your certificate of sponsorship plus 14 days, whichever is shorter.

You can enter the UK up to 14 days before the start date of your job.

What you can and cannot do

You can:

study (for some courses you’ll need an Academic Technology Approval Scheme certificate)

work in the job described in your certificate of sponsorship

do a second job for up to 20 hours per week

do a job on the Skilled Worker shortage occupation list for up to 20 hours per week as well as your main job

apply to change (‘switch’) to a Global Talent visa if you’re in the government authorised exchange scheme for sponsored researchers

bring your partner and children with you as your ‘dependants’, if they’re eligible

You cannot:

take a permanent job

get public funds

Eligibility

You must have both of the following:

a certificate of sponsorship reference number from your UK sponsor

enough money to support yourself in the UK - you’ll usually need to have at least £1,270 available (unless you’re exempt)

Certificate of sponsorship

A certificate of sponsorship is a reference number which holds information about the job and your personal details. It’s not an actual certificate or paper document.

Your sponsor (your UK sponsor) will give you your certificate of sponsorship reference number.

They (your UK sponsor) must also give you some other information to help you to apply, for example your working hours.

You’ll need to add your certificate of sponsorship reference number to your application form - you can only use it (A certificate of sponsorship) once.

Your certificate of sponsorship is valid for 3 months from the date it (your certificate of sponsorship) is assigned to you.

Multiple entry

Your sponsor can give you a multiple entry certificate of sponsorship so you can leave and return to the UK.

Money to support yourself

You must have at least £1,270 in your bank account to show you can support yourself in the UK.

You will need to have had the money available for at least 28 days in a row. Day 28 must be within 31 days of applying for this visa.

You’ll usually need to show proof of this when you apply, unless either:

you’ve been in the UK with a valid visa for at least 12 months

your employer can cover your costs during your first month in the UK, up to £1,270

Your partner and children will also need to prove they can support themselves while they’re in the UK. Check how much they’ll need.

Read the guidance on financial evidence for more information about the money you need and how to prove it.

If your employer can support you instead

Your certificate of sponsorship must confirm this. Your employer will need to complete the ‘sponsor certifies maintenance’ section on your certificate. This is under ‘Additional data’.

Documents you must provide

When you apply you’ll need to provide:

your certificate of sponsorship reference number - your employer will give you this

a valid passport or other document that shows your identity and nationality

evidence that you have enough personal savings to support yourself in the UK, for example bank statements (unless your certificate of sponsorship shows your employer can support you)

proof of your relationship with your partner or children if they’re applying with you

your tuberculosis test results if you’re from a country where you have to take the test

a valid ATAS certificate if your employer tells you that you need one because your job involves researching a sensitive subject at PhD level or higher

You need a blank page in your passport for your visa.

You must also provide a certified translation of any documents that are not in English or Welsh.

Read the guide for a full list of documents you can provide.

You may need to provide additional documents depending on your circumstances.

Apply

Read the full guidance before you apply.

Apply from outside the UK

You must apply online for this visa (your visa).

You’ll need to have your fingerprints and photograph taken at a visa application centre (to get a biometric residence permit) as part of your application.

You’ll have to collect your biometric residence permit within 10 days of when you said you’d arrive in the UK (even if you actually arrive at a later date).

Find out how to get your visa decision faster - this depends on what country you’re in. Check if your visa application centre offers faster decisions and other services.

Apply from inside the UK

You can only extend your existing visa or switch to this visa (your visa) if you’re already in the UK.

Extend your visa

You can apply to extend your Temporary worker - Government Authorised Exchange visa (T5).

You should apply before your current visa expires.

Eligibility

You might be able to extend your stay. You must still meet the eligibility requirements.

You must apply while you’re still in the UK.

How long you can stay

You can apply to stay in the UK for up to a maximum of:

12 months, if you’re doing work experience

24 months, if you’re doing research, training or an Overseas Government Language Programme

You can also stay for the length of time on your certificate of sponsorship plus 14 days, whichever is shorter.

Fees

Check the fees for your visa.

How to extend your visa

You should read the full guidance before you apply.

You must apply online.

Your partner and children

You can add your partner and children to your online application - including children who have turned 18 during your stay.

Providing biometric information and supporting documents

When you apply, you’ll be asked to make an appointment at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) service point to provide your biometric information (your fingerprints and a photo).

You’ll also need to submit your supporting documents (supporting documents). You can:

upload them (supporting documents) into the online service

have them (supporting documents) scanned at your UKVCAS (UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS)) appointment

You must not travel outside of the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man until you get a decision. Your application will be withdrawn if you do.

How long it takes

A decision will be made within 8 weeks of your application date if you use the standard service.

If you use the super priority service a decision will be made:

by the end of the next working day after your UKVCAS (UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS)) appointment if your appointment is on a weekday

2 working days after your UKVCAS (UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS)) appointment if your appointment is at the weekend

Working days are Monday to Friday, not including bank holidays.

You’ll be contacted if your application is complex and will take longer, for example because:

if your supporting documents (supporting documents) need to be verified

if you need to attend an interview

because of your personal circumstances, for example if you have a criminal conviction

Changing your sponsor

You must apply again and meet all the eligibility rules if you want to change your sponsor within the same organisation or move to a new organisation.

Switch to this visa

You can apply to change (‘switch’) to a Temporary Worker - Government Authorised Exchange visa (T5).

You should apply before your current visa expires.

Eligibility

You can apply if you’re a:

student, whether studying, resitting an examination or writing a thesis

student union sabbatical officer

student nurse

postgraduate doctor or dentist

student visa holder (including Tier 4)

sponsored researcher who came to the UK on a work permit and you want to continue in the same job with your sponsor

You must have completed a UK bachelor’s or master’s degree during your last grant of leave.

You must also meet the other eligibility requirements.

Fees

Check the fees for your visa.

How to switch your visa

You must apply online.

Your partner and children

Providing biometric information and supporting documents

You’ll also need to submit your supporting documents (supporting documents). You can:

upload them (supporting documents) into the online service

How long it takes

A decision will be made within 8 weeks of your application date if you use the standard service.

If you use the super priority service a decision will be made:

by the end of the next working day after your UKVCAS (UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS)) appointment if your appointment (your UKVCAS (UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS)) appointment) is on a weekday

2 working days after your UKVCAS (UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS)) appointment if your appointment (your UKVCAS (UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS)) appointment) is at the weekend

Working days are Monday to Friday, not including bank holidays.

You’ll be contacted if your application is complex and will take longer, for example:

if your supporting documents (supporting documents) need to be verified

if you need to attend an interview

because of your personal circumstances, for example you have a criminal conviction

Your partner and children

Your partner and children can apply to join you or to stay in the UK as your ‘dependants’ if they’re eligible. If their application is successful, their visa will end on the same date as yours.

Your relationship

A dependant partner or child is any of the following:

your husband, wife, civil partner or unmarried partner

your child under 18 - including if they (Your partner and children) were born in the UK during your stay

your child over 18 if they’re currently in the UK as your dependant

You’ll need to provide evidence of your relationship when you apply.

Your partner

You must be able to prove that either:

you’re in a civil partnership or marriage that’s recognised in the UK

you’ve been living together in a relationship for at least 2 years when you apply

If your child is 16 or over

They (your child) must:

live with you (unless they (your child)’re in full-time education at boarding school, college or university)

not be married, in a civil partnership or have any children

be financially supported by you

If your child lives with you, you’ll need to provide evidence of their address such as:

a bank statement

credit card bills

driving licence

NHS registration document

an official letter from their (your child) university or college

Money they (your child) need to support themselves (your child)

Your partner and children must have a certain amount of money available to support themselves while they’re in the UK.

You - or your partner or child - will need:

£285 for your partner

£315 for one child

£200 for each additional child

You - or your partner or child - will need to have had the money available for at least 28 days in a row. Day 28 must be within 31 days of you or them applying for this visa.

You’ll usually need to show proof of this when they (Your partner and children) apply, unless either:

you have all been in the UK with a valid visa for at least 12 months

your employer can cover your family’s costs during your first month in the UK - this must be confirmed on your certificate of sponsorship

If your partner or child is applying at a different time to you, they’ll only need to prove they have enough money to support themselves if they have been in the UK for less than 1 year.

Apply from outside the UK

Your partner and children must apply online.

Each family member will need to complete a separate application and pay the visa fee.

They (Each family member)’ll also need your application number - you’ll get this when you apply. This number is called a Global Web Form (GWF) or a Unique Application Number (UAN). You’ll find it on emails and letters from the Home Office about your application.

Proving their (your partner or child) identity

As part of their (your partner or child) application, your partner and children will need to have their (your partner or child) fingerprints and photograph taken at a visa application centre. They (your partner or child) may need to travel to get to their (your partner or child) nearest centre (this could be in another country).

The visa application centre (their (your partner or child) nearest centre) may need to keep their (your partner or child) passport and documents while they (their (your partner or child) nearest centre) process their (your partner or child) application.

How long it takes to get a decision

Once they (your partner or child)’ve applied online, proved their (your partner or child) identity and provided their (your partner or child) documents, they (your partner or child)’ll usually get a decision within 3 weeks.

They (your partner or child) may be able to pay to get their (your partner or child) visa faster - check with the visa application centre (their (your partner or child) nearest centre).

Apply from inside the UK (extend or switch their (your partner or child) visa)

You can include your partner and children on your application to extend or switch to this visa. This includes children who were born or have turned 18 during your stay.

If you cannot apply at the same time, your partner or child can apply to extend or switch their visas at a later date. This must be before their current visa expires.

Your partner or children cannot apply to switch to your visa as your dependants if they are currently in the UK:

on a visit visa

on a short-term student visa

on a Parent of a Child Student visa

on a seasonal worker visa

on a domestic worker in a private household visa

on immigration bail

because they (your partner or child) were given permission to stay outside the immigration rules, for example on compassionate grounds

How to apply

Your partner and children must apply online to either:

extend or switch as a partner

extend or switch as a child

They (your partner or child)’ll need your application number - you’ll get this when you apply. This number is called a Global Web Form (GWF) or a Unique Application Number (UAN). You’ll find it on emails and letters from the Home Office about your application.

Proving their identity

As part of their application, your partner and children will need to have their fingerprints and photograph taken at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) service point.

They must not travel outside of the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man until they get a decision. Their application will be withdrawn if they do.

How long it takes to get a decision

Once they’ve applied online, proved their identity and provided their documents, they’ll usually get a decision within 8 weeks.

They may be able to pay to get a faster decision - they’ll be told if they can when they apply.

Children born in the UK

If you have a child while you’re in the UK, they do not automatically become a British citizen.

You can apply online for their visa as your dependant. You must do this if you want to travel in and out of the UK with your child.

You’ll need to provide a full UK birth certificate for each child, showing the names of both parents.

You must apply for their dependant visa before they turn 18 if they want to stay in the UK.


Youth Mobility Scheme visa (T5)

Overview

You can apply for a Youth Mobility Scheme visa (T5) if you:

want to live and work in the UK for up to 2 years

are aged 18 to 30

have £2,530 in savings

have certain types of British Nationality or are from certain countries or territories

meet the other eligibility requirements

This visa (a Youth Mobility Scheme visa (T5)) has replaced the Tier 5 (Youth Mobility Scheme) visa.

How long it will take

The earliest you can apply for a visa is 6 months before you travel.

You should get a decision on your visa (a Youth Mobility Scheme visa (T5)) within 3 weeks when you apply from outside the UK.

Find out about paying for a faster decision.

Fees

It costs £244 to apply.

You’ll also have to pay the healthcare surcharge as part of your application. Check how much you’ll have to pay before you apply.

How long you can stay

You’ll be given a visa to live and work in the UK for up to 24 months.

You can enter the UK at any time while your visa is valid, and leave and come back at any time during your stay.

If you turn 31 while you’re in the UK, you can stay for as long as your visa is valid.

What you can and cannot do

You can:

study - for some courses you’ll need an Academic Technology Approval Scheme certificate

work in most jobs

be self-employed and set up a company - as long as your premises are rented, your equipment is not worth more than £5,000 and you do not have any employees

You cannot:

work as a professional sportsperson (for example as a coach)

extend your stay

get public funds

bring in family members on your application - they must apply separately

Eligibility

You can apply for a Youth Mobility Scheme visa (T5) if you’re aged 18 to 30 and you’re from:

Australia

Canada

Monaco

New Zealand

San Marino

You must be selected in the Youth Mobility Scheme ballot before you can apply for your visa (a Youth Mobility Scheme visa (T5)) if you’re from:

Hong Kong

Japan

South Korea

Taiwan

You must also be aged 18 to 30 on the date you apply for your visa (a Youth Mobility Scheme visa (T5)).

You can also apply if you’re 18 to 30 and a:

British overseas citizen

British overseas territories citizen

British national (overseas)

You cannot apply if you have:

children under the age of 18 who live with you

children you’re financially responsible for

already been in the UK under the scheme

Money to support yourself

You must have at least £2,530 in your bank account to show you can support yourself in the UK.

You will need to have had the money available for at least 28 days in a row. Day 28 must be within 31 days of applying for this visa (a Youth Mobility Scheme visa (T5)).

You’ll need to show proof of this when you apply.

Read the guidance on financial evidence for more information about the money you need and how to prove it.

Documents you must provide

When you apply you’ll need to provide:

a valid passport or other document that shows your identity and nationality

a bank statement showing you have at least £2,530 in savings

your tuberculosis (TB) test results if you’re from a country where you have to take the test

You need a blank page in your passport for your visa.

You’ll need to provide a certified translation of any documents that are not in English or Welsh.

Read the guide for a full list of documents you can provide.

You may need to provide additional documents depending on your circumstances.

Apply

Read the Youth Mobility Scheme guidance (the guidance on financial evidence) before you apply.

If you’re from Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea or Taiwan, you must be successfully selected in the Youth Mobility Scheme ballot before you can apply for your visa (a Youth Mobility Scheme visa (T5)).

Apply from outside the UK

You must apply online for this visa (a Youth Mobility Scheme visa (T5)).

You’ll need to have your fingerprints and photograph taken at a visa application centre (to get a biometric residence permit) as part of your application.

You’ll have to collect your biometric residence permit (a biometric residence permit) within 10 days of when you said you’d arrive in the UK (even if you actually arrive at a later date).

Find out how to get your visa decision faster - this depends on what country you’re in. Check if your visa application centre offers faster decisions and other services.

If you have a child while you’re in the UK, they do not automatically become a British citizen.

You can apply online for their (a child) visa as your dependant. You must do this if you want to travel in and out of the UK with your child.

You’ll need to provide a full UK birth certificate for each child, showing the names of both parents.


Entrepreneur visa (Tier 1)

Overview

You can no longer apply for a Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) visa.

If you want to set up or run a business in the UK you might be able to apply for an Innovator visa or a Start-up visa.

If you already have a Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) visa

You can still apply:

to settle in the UK (indefinite leave to remain)

to extend your visa (a Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) visa)

for family members to join you

Extend your visa (a Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) visa)

You may be able to extend your Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) visa (a Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) visa).

You should apply before your current visa expires.

You can apply to extend your visa (a Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) visa) if you:

registered as a director or as self-employed no more than 6 months after the date you were given permission to stay in the UK under a Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) visa

can prove you’ve been self-employed, a member of a partnership or working as a director of a business 3 months before you apply

created at least 2 full time jobs that have existed for at least 12 months

can continue to support yourself

You must have invested into 1 or more UK (the UK) businesses either:

£200,000 in cash

£50,000 in cash

The amount depends on the level of funds your initial application was based on.

You should include any dependants who are on your current visa on your application to extend - including children who have turned 18 during your stay.

You should read the full guidance on the Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) visa (a Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) visa) before you apply.

Fees

It costs £1,277 to extend this visa (a Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) visa).

You’ll also need to pay £19.20 to have your biometric information (fingerprints and a photo) taken. You’ll pay as part of your application.

How to extend your visa if you’re in the UK

You must apply online.

Providing biometric information and supporting documents

When you apply, you’ll be asked to make an appointment at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) service point to provide your biometric information (your fingerprints and a photo) (biometric information).

You’ll also need to submit your supporting documents (supporting documents). You can:

upload them (supporting documents) into the online service

have them (supporting documents) scanned at your UKVCAS (UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS)) appointment

You must not travel outside of the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man until you get a decision. Your application will be withdrawn if you do.

Get help to apply online

You can get help with completing the online form if you:

do not feel confident using a computer or mobile device

do not have internet access

You can only use this service (the online service) if you’re applying to extend your visa in the UK.

You cannot get immigration advice through this service (the online service).

How long it takes

A decision will be made on your application within 8 weeks.

You’ll be contacted if your application is complex and will take longer. This could be because:

your supporting documents need to be verified

you need to attend an interview

of your personal circumstances (for example if you have a criminal conviction)

Once you’ve applied you can stay in the UK until you’ve been given a decision, as long as you applied before your last visa expired.

How to extend your visa if you’re outside the UK

If you’re outside the UK, you must apply online to extend a Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) visa.

Switch to this visa (a Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) visa)

If you’re already in the UK you may be able to switch to a Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) visa if:

you’re on a Tier 1 (Graduate Entrepreneur) visa

you switched to a Start-up visa from a Tier 1 (Graduate Entrepreneur) visa for your second year

You must meet the eligibility requirements for a Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) visa. You must have:

£50,000 in funds to spend in the UK

a viable business plan

You must apply before your current visa expires.

How long you can stay

You can stay for 3 years if your application to switch is successful.

Fees

It costs £1,277 to switch to this visa (a Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) visa).

How to apply to switch your visa

You must apply online.

Providing biometric information and supporting documents

upload them (supporting documents) into the online service

Get help to apply online

You can get help with completing the online form if you:

do not feel confident using a computer or mobile device

do not have internet access

You can only use this service (the online service) if you’re applying to switch to this visa (a Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) visa) in the UK.

How long it takes

A decision will be made on your application within 8 weeks.

your supporting documents need to be verified

you need to attend an interview

of your personal circumstances, for example you have a criminal conviction

Switching to this visa (a Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) visa) if you’re outside the UK

You can apply to switch to a Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) visa if you have:

a valid Tier 1 (Graduate Entrepreneur) visa

a valid Start-up visa, and you switched from a Tier 1 (Graduate Entrepreneur) visa  for your second year

a Tier 1 (Graduate Entrepreneur) visa that expired less than 12 months ago

a Start-up visa that expired less than 12 months ago, and you switched from a Tier 1 (Graduate Entrepreneur) visa for your second year

Family members

Your family members (‘dependants’) can join you if you’re in the UK on this visa (a Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) visa). Your family members must apply for their own visa.

If they (Your family members (‘dependants’)’re from the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland and arrive before 1 January 2021, they (Your family members (‘dependants’) may be able to apply to the free EU Settlement Scheme.

A ‘dependant’ is any of the following:

your partner

your child under 18

your child over 18 if they’re currently in the UK as a dependant

Read the guidance on dependant applications before you apply.

Adult family members must provide a criminal record certificate from any country they have lived in for 12 months or more in the last 10 years.

Savings

You must show that your dependants can be supported while they’re in the UK.

Each dependant must have a certain amount of money available to them (Your family members (‘dependants’) - this is in addition to the £945  you must have to support yourself.

The amount (a certain amount of money available to them (Your family members (‘dependants’)) depends on your circumstances. You must have £1,890 for each dependant if you’ve been in the UK for less than 12 months. If you’ve been in the UK for more than 12 months, you must have £630 for each dependant.

You must have proof you have the money, and that it’s been in your bank account or your dependant’s bank account for at least 90 days before you or they (Adult family members) apply.

Fees

It costs £1878 for each family member.

They (your dependant’s)’ll also need to pay £19.20 to have their (your dependant’s) biometric information (fingerprints and a photo) taken. They (your dependant’s)’ll pay as part of their (your dependant’s) application.

If your family member is applying from within the UK, they may be able to pay an extra £800 for the super priority service to get a faster decision.

Dependants applying outside the UK

Your family members must apply online.

They’ll need to have their fingerprints and photograph taken at a visa application centre (to get a biometric residence permit) as part of their application.

They’ll have to collect their biometric residence permit (a biometric residence permit) within 10 days of when they said they’d arrive in the UK (even if they actually arrive at a later date).

They may be able to get their visa faster or other services depending on what country they’re in - check with the visa application centre.

If your child is over 18 they cannot apply if they are outside the UK. They can apply from inside the UK if they are already here as your dependant.

Dependants applying in the UK on their own

Your dependants can apply to extend or switch their visas to stay with you if they’re already in the UK. Dependants must either:

apply online as a dependant partner

apply online as a dependant child

Family members cannot apply in the UK as your dependant if they hold a visitor visa.

Providing biometric information and supporting documents

When they (Family members) apply, they (Family members)’ll be asked to make an appointment at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) service point to provide their (Family members) biometric information (their (Family members) fingerprints and a photo) (biometric information).

They (Family members)’ll also need to submit their (Family members) supporting documents. They (Family members) can:

upload them (their (Family members) supporting documents) into the online service

have them (their (Family members) supporting documents) scanned at their (Family members) UKVCAS (UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS)) appointment

They (Family members) must not travel outside of the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man until they (Family members) get a decision. Their (Family members) application will be withdrawn if they (Family members) do.

How long it takes to get a decision

A decision will be made within 8 weeks of your application date if you use the standard service.

If you use the super priority service (the online service) a decision will be made:

by the end of the next working day after your UKVCAS (UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS)) appointment if your appointment is on a weekday

2 working days after your UKVCAS (UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS)) appointment if your appointment is at the weekend

Working days are Monday to Friday, not including bank holidays.

They’ll be contacted if their (Family members) application is complex and will take longer, for example:

if their (Family members) supporting documents need to be verified

if they (Family members) need to attend an interview

because of their (Family members) personal circumstances (for example if they (Family members) have a criminal conviction)

Once they (Family members)’ve applied they (Family members) can stay in the UK until they (Family members)’ve been given a decision, as long as they (Family members) applied before their (Family members) last visa expired.

Get help to apply online

Your family can get help with completing the online form if they:

do not feel confident using a computer or mobile device

do not have internet access

Your family can only use this service (the online service) if they (Your family)’re applying to extend or switch to your visa in the UK.

You cannot get immigration advice through this service (the online service).

Children born while you’re in the UK

If you have children while you’re in the UK, you can apply online to add them to your visa as your dependant.

You must do this (apply) if you want to travel in and out of the UK with them.

You’ll need to provide a full UK birth certificate for each child, showing the names of both parents.