All 54 UK Visas Explored – Meanings, Classifications, Types and Categories

54 UK Visas – Classification, Types and Categories – Work, Business, Study, Visitor, Family, Settlement, Transit Visas; Temporary (Short-term), Permanent (Long-term), Global Business Mobility Visas; Watch Videos and Images/Photos

UK Visas Images/Photos: 5. Image credit: Hotel.ng. 

UK (United Kingdom) Visas | UK Visa, Immigration and Travel

UK Visa Meaning

UK Visas Classification

UK Visa Types

UK Visa Categories

Classification of UK Visas into Purpose of Visit

        1. Visitor Visas

        2. Work Visas

Classification of Work Visas

Short-term Work Visas

Long-term Work Visas

Exempt Work Visas

3. Student Visas
4. Family Visas
5. Settlement Visas
6. Transit Visas
7. Business Visas

Classification of UK Visas into Duration of Stay

Temporary Visas (Short-term Visas)

Permanent Visas (Long-term Visas)

Global Business Mobility Visas (GBM Visas)

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UK Visa Meaning

Meanings, Different Classification, Various Types with their Categories of United Kingdom Visas for citizens and foreigners for different purposes and durations of stay. UK Visas Photos/Images: 1. A photo of a collection of visa application forms, passport, United Kingdom flag displayed on a table signifying United Kingdom Visa, Immigration and Travel. Free photo visa application composition with United Kingdom flag. Photo credit: Freepik. 

Definition of UK Visa – What is a UK Visa?

A UK visa is an official authorization granted by the United Kingdom (UK) government to foreign nationals, allowing them to enter, stay, or transit within the country for specific purposes and durations.

UK Visa Meaning – What is the Meaning of UK Visa?

A UK visa is an official endorsement or authorization that grants non-citizens the legal permission to enter, stay, or transit through the United Kingdom (UK) for a specific purpose and duration.

The UK offers various types of visas, each designed to accommodate different purposes of travel, such as tourism, work, study, family visits, and more.

Obtaining a UK visa typically involves submitting an application to the UK government, either through an online application portal or at a British embassy or consulate in the applicant’s home country. The application process typically requires providing relevant documents, such as a valid passport, financial proof, travel itinerary, and supporting documentation specific to the type of visa being applied for. The UK authorities assess each application to determine whether the applicant meets the eligibility criteria and poses no security or immigration risks.

UK Visas Classification

Meanings, Different Classification, Various Types with their Categories of United Kingdom Visas for citizens and foreigners for different purposes and durations of stay. UK Visas Photos/Images: 2. A photo of a collection of visa application forms, passport, United Kingdom flag and travel documents as well as other stationeries displayed on a table signifying United Kingdom Visa, Immigration and Travel. Free photo visa application composition with United Kingdom flag. Image credit: Freepik.

Definition of UK Visas Classification – What is Classification of UK Visas?

The classification of UK visas is the systematic categorization or grouping of various types of visas issued by the United Kingdom (UK) for individuals wishing to enter the country for different purposes. This classification helps to organize and distinguish between the diverse purposes for which individuals might seek entry into the UK, such as tourism, work, study, family reunification, and more.

Classification of UK Visas into Different Types

There will be two classifications of UK visa types. They are:

Classification of UK Visas into Purpose of Visit

Classification of UK Visas into Duration of Stay

UK Visa Types

Meanings, Different Classification, Various Types with their Categories of United Kingdom Visas for citizens and foreigners for different purposes and durations of stay. UK Visas Photos/Images: 3. A photo of a collection of visa application forms, passport, United Kingdom flag, and travel documents in United Kingdom Visas, Travel and Immigration Programmes. Top view over green card application for United Kingdom overseas travel. Photo credit: Freepik.

Definition of UK Visa Types – What is Types of UK Visas?

The types of UK visas is the specific categories or classifications of visas available to individuals who wish to travel to the United Kingdom (UK). Each type of visa is designed to serve a specific purpose, such as tourism, business, education, family visits, and work.

Different types of visas have their own eligibility criteria, requirements, and limitations, and they grant varying levels of stay and privileges to the visa holder within the UK.

Types of UK Visas

The UK Visas are classified into purpose of stay in 7 Different Types. Here is the classification of UK visas into purpose of stay in 7 different types:

Work Visas.

Business Visas.

Study Visas.

Visitor Visas.

Family Visas.

Settlement Visas.

Transit Visas.

Each type of the UK visas outlined above can be in different categories.

UK Visa Categories

Definition of UK Visa Categories – What is Categories of UK Visas?

The categories of UK visas are the broad groupings or divisions that encompass the different types of visas available for entry into the United Kingdom (UK). These categories are typically based on the primary purpose of the individual’s visit. Common categories may include tourist visas, student visas, work visas, family visas, and more. Each category can then have several specific types of visas within it, each tailored to a particular situation or need.

The United Kingdom (UK) offers various types of visas to individuals who wish to visit, work, study, or settle in the country in their varying categories. Here are some of the main types of UK visas and their categories:

1. Visitor Visas:

Definition of Visitor Visas – What is Visitor Visas?

Visitor visas is a UK visa type that allow individuals to enter the UK for a temporary period for tourism, business, or medical treatment purposes.

Categories of Visitor Visas

The categories of visitor visas include:

• Standard Visitor Visa: Standard visitor visa is for general tourism, business, or medical purposes.
• Marriage Visitor Visa: Marriage visitor visa is for individuals coming to the UK to get married or form a civil partnership.
• Permitted Paid Engagement Visa: Permitted paid engagement visa is for individuals invited to the UK for specific paid activities.
• Parent of a Tier 4 Child Visa: Parent of a tier 4 child visa is for parents of children studying in the UK under Tier 4 (General) student visa.
• UK in Transit: UK in transit is the UK visa given to an individual who intends to pass through the UK in transit.
• Electronic Visa Waiver in Transit: Electronic visa waiver in transit is a UK visa category issued to individuals who intend to get an electronic visa waiver to enter the UK.
• Chinese Tour Group Visa: Chinese tour group visa is a visa to visa UK in a Chinese tour group.

2. Work Visas

Definition of Work Visas – What is Work Visas?

Work visas are visas designed for individuals who have a job offer or specific skills that are in demand in the UK.

Categories of Work Visas

The categories of work visas include:

• Skilled Worker Visa: Replaced the Tier 2 (General) visa is skilled workers. Skilled worker visa is a work visa with a job offer from a UK employer.
• Intra-Company Transfer Visa: Intra-company transfer visa is for employees being transferred by their company to a UK branch.
• Global Talent Visa: Global talent visa is for individuals recognized as leaders or emerging leaders in specific fields including science, arts, and technology.
• Start-up Visa: Start-up visa is for individuals looking to establish a business in the UK for the first time or develop an innovative idea.
• Innovator Visa: Innovator visa is for more experienced entrepreneurs with an innovative business idea.
• Health and Care Worker Visa: Health and care worker visa is for individuals working in eligible health and social care roles.

Classification of Work Visas

The work visas can be also classified into 3 types:

Short-term Work Visas

Long-term Work Visas and

Exempt Work Visas and their categories:

Short-term Work Visas

Definition of Short-term Work Visas – What is Short-term Work Visas?

Short-term work are UK work visas that are issued to individuals for temporary work in the UK.

Categories of Short-term Work Visas

Here are the 13 categories of short-term work visas:

• Charity Worker Visa
• Creative Worker Visa
• Government Authorised Exchange Visa
• International Agreement Visa
• Religious Worker Visa
• Seasonal Worker Visa
• Youth Mobility Scheme Visa
• Graduate Visa
• High Potential Individual (HPI) Visa
• Graduate Trainee Visa (Global Business Mobility)
• UK Expansion Worker Visa (Global Business Mobility)
• Secondment Worker Visa (Global Business Mobility)
• Service Supplier Visa (Global Business Mobility)

Long-term Work Visas

Definition of Long-term Work Visas – What is Long-term Work Visas?

Long-term work are UK work visas that are issued to individual to live and work in the UK.

Categories of Long-term Work Visas

Here are the 6 categories of long-term work visas:

• Skilled Worker Visa
• Health and Care Worker Visa
• Scale-up Worker Visa
• Senior or Specialist Worker Visa (Global Business Mobility)
• Minister of Religion Visa (T2)
• International Sportsperson Visa

Exempt Work Visas

Definition of Exempt Work Visas – What is Exempt Work Visas?

Exempt work visas are UK work visas and permits issued to individuals that are exempted from the usual short-term and long-term work visas. These visas can be issued to overseas individuals who are either British nationals or foreigners coming to UK to work, provide a service or do a business.

Categories of Exempt Work Visas

Here are 7 categories of exempt work visas:

• UK Ancestry Visa
• Exempt Vignette Visa
• Frontier Worker Permit
• British National (Overseas) Visa
• Overseas Domestic Worker Visa
• Overseas Business Representative Visa
• Turkish Businessperson Visa
• Switzerland Service Provider Visa

3. Student Visas

Definition of Student Visas – What is Short-term Work Visas?

Student visas are for individuals who wish to study in the UK at a recognized educational institution.

Categories of Students Visas

The categories of student visas include:

• Tier 4 (General) Student Visa: Tier 4 (general) student visa is for students aged 16 or over undertaking a degree, course, or program of study. This student route is for individuals pursuing higher education at a UK institution
• Tier 4 (Child) Student Visa: Tier 4 (child) student visa is for children aged 4 to 17 who wish to study at an independent school.
• Short-term study visa: Short-term study visa is the students who wish to study English in the UK.

4. Family Visas

Definition of Family Visas – What is Family Visas?

Family visas are for individuals who want to join their family members in the UK. Family visas are designed for family members of UK residents or citizens.

Categories of Family Visas

The categories of family visas include:

• Family Partner Visa: Family partner visa is for individuals who have a spouse, partner, fiancé(e), or child in the UK who is a British citizen or settled person.
• Parent Route Visa (Parent of a British Child Visa): Parent route visa (parent of a British child visa) is for parents of a British child or a child with settled status in the UK.
• Dependent Child Visa: Dependent child visa is for children under 18 of a parent who has a valid UK visa.
• Adult Dependent Relative Visa: Adult dependent relative visa is for elderly dependents of a UK resident or citizen who require long-term care.

5. Settlement Visas

Definition of Settlement Visas – What is Settlement Visas?

Settlement visas, also known as Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), are for individuals who wish to settle in the UK permanently.

Categories of Settlement Visas

The categories of settlement visas include:

• Spouse/Civil Partner Visa: Spouse/civil partner visa is for individuals who are married to or in a civil partnership with a UK citizen or settled person.
• Long Residence Visa: Long residence visa is for individuals who have been living in the UK for at least 10 years.
• Ancestry Visa: Ancestry visa is for individuals who have a grandparent born in the UK.
• Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR): Indefinite leave to remain, also known as settlement or permanent residency, it allows a person to live and work in the UK without time restrictions.

6. Transit Visas

Definition of Transit Visas – What is Transit Visas?

Transit Visa is required for certain individuals who are not eligible for the “Transit Without Visa” concession or who intend to stay in the UK for more than 48 hours during their transit. Transit Visas allow travelers to pass through the UK en route to another destination. They are distinct from other types of visas that allow entry for the purpose of tourism, work, study, or settlement.

Categories of Transit Visas

The categories of transit visas are:

1. Direct Airside Transit Visa (DATV): Direct airside transit visa is for travelers who need to change flights in the UK without passing through immigration control. You would need this visa if you’re arriving at one UK airport and departing from another without entering the UK. DATV is required if your nationality is on the list of countries that need a transit visa, or if you are a refugee or stateless person.
2. Visitor in Transit Visa: Visitor in transit visa is for those who wish to pass through immigration control but will leave the UK within 48 hours. It’s typically used when you have to pass through immigration for reasons like changing airports, or if you’re arriving by Eurostar or Eurotunnel and then departing by air.
3. Common Travel Area (CTA) Transit Visa: Common travel area (CTA) transit visa is applicable to non-European Economic Area (EEA) and non-Swiss nationals who are transiting via the UK to the Republic of Ireland, Isle of Man, or Channel Islands and will not pass through UK immigration control.
4. Non-Visa Nationals in Transit: Certain nationals are allowed to transit the UK without a visa if they meet specific conditions, such as having a confirmed onward flight, not staying for more than 48 hours, and not working or seeking employment in the UK. Non-visa nationals in transit applies to citizens of countries with a favorable visa policy.

7. Business Visas

Definition of Business Visas – What is Business Visas?

Business visas are several types of business visas and categories for individuals who wanted to engage in business-related activities in the UK.

Categories of Business Visas

Here are some of the common business visa categories that are available in the UK:

1. Tier 1 (Investor) Visa: This visa category is for individuals who are willing to invest a substantial amount of money in the UK. The specific investment amount and requirements varied, but generally, applicants need to have a certain level of funds available for investment.
2. Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) Visa: This visa is for individuals who want to start a new business in the UK or take over an existing business. The visa requires a viable business plan, access to a certain amount of funds, and the ability to create jobs for residents.
3. Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) Visa: This category is for individuals who are recognized as exceptional talents or promising leaders in the fields of science, humanities, engineering, medicine, digital technology, and the arts. Applicants need to be endorsed by a recognized UK endorsing body.
4. Tier 2 (General) Visa: While not strictly a business visa, this category allows skilled workers to come to the UK with a job offer from a UK employer. It is relevant to individuals who have job offers in roles that cannot be filled by residents of the UK.
5. Tier 2 (Intra-Company Transfer) Visa: This visa is for employees of multinational companies who were being transferred to a UK branch of the company. There are different subcategories depending on the nature of the transfer.
6. Tier 5 (Temporary Worker – Government Authorized Exchange) Visa: Under this category, individuals could come to the UK for short-term work placements or internships as part of a government-authorized exchange program.
7. Sole Representative Visa: This visa is for individuals who are being sent by an overseas company to establish a branch or subsidiary in the UK. The applicant need to be a senior employee of the company and have the authority to make decisions on behalf of the company.
8. Start-up Visa: Introduced as a replacement for the Tier 1 (Graduate Entrepreneur) Visa, the Start-up Visa is for individuals who wanted to establish innovative businesses in the UK for the first time.
9. Innovator Visa: This visa is for experienced entrepreneurs who wanted to establish innovative businesses in the UK. Applicants need to have an innovative, viable, and scalable business idea and secure endorsement from an approved endorsing body.

Classification of UK Visas into Duration of Stay

Meanings, Different Classification, Various Types with their Categories of United Kingdom Visas for citizens and foreigners for different purposes and durations of stay. UK Visas Photos/Images: 4. An image photo of United Kingdom visa sample for United Kingdom Visa, Immigration and Travel. Image photo credit: GOV.UK.

The UK Visas are classified into duration of stay in 3 different types

Here is the classification of UK visas into duration of stay in 3 different types:

Temporary Visas (Short-term Visas)

Permanent Visas (Long-term Visas)

Global Business Mobility Visas (GBM Visas)

Temporary Visas (Short-term Visas) Meaning – What is Temporary Visas (Short-term Visas)?

Temporary Visas (Short-term Visas), as the name implies, is a UK visa issued to individual who are to stay in UK for a short period.

Categories of Temporary Visas (Short-term Visas)

Here are the categories of temporary visas (short-term visas):

• Standard Visitor Visa
• Marriage Visitor Visa
• Permitted Paid Engagement Visa
• Parent of a Tier 4 Child Visa
• UK in Transit Visa
• Electronic Visa (e-Visa) Waiver in Transit
• Chinese Tour Group Visa

• Charity Worker Visa
• Creative Worker Visa
• Government Authorised Exchange Visa
• International Agreement Visa
• Religious Worker Visa
• Seasonal Worker Visa
• Youth Mobility Scheme Visa
• Graduate Visa
• High Potential Individual (HPI) Visa

• Graduate Trainee Visa
• UK Expansion Worker Visa
• Secondment Worker Visa
• Service Supplier Visa
• Exempt Vignette Visa
• Student visa
• Child Student visa
• Study English in the UK Visa (Short-term Study Visa)
• Windrush Scheme
• Stay in the UK as a Stateless Person Permit
• Indefinite Leave/Permission to Remain in UK (as a refugee, humanitarian protection or Discretionary Leave)
• Ukraine Family Scheme Visa
• Ukraine Extension Scheme
• Ukrainian Nationals in the UK Visa

Permanent Visas (Long-term Visas)

Meaning of Permanent Visas (Long-term Visas) – What is Permanent Visas (Long-term Visas)?

Permanent Visas (Long-term Visas), as the name implies, is a UK visa issued to individual who are to stay in UK for a long period.

Categories of Permanent Visas (Long-term Visas)

Here are the categories of permanent visas (long-term visas):

• Skilled Worker Visa
• Health and Care Worker Visa
• Senior or Specialist Worker Visa
• Scale-up Worker Visa
• Minister of Religion Visa (T2)
• International Sportsperson Visa
• UK Ancestry Visa
• Frontier Worker Permit
• British National (Overseas) Visa
• Overseas Domestic Worker Visa
• Overseas Business Representative Visa
• Turkish Worker Visa
• Family Visas
• EU Settlement Scheme Family Permit
• EU Settlement Scheme
• Ukraine Family Scheme Visa
• Apply to the EU Settlement Scheme (settled and pre-settled status)
• Right to Reside
• Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme (Homes for Ukraine)

Global Business Mobility Visas (GBM Visas)

Meaning of Global Business Mobility Visas – What is Global Business Mobility Visas?

Global Business Mobility Visas (GBM Visas) refer to visas issued to enable businesses and professionals operate on a global scale in terms of physical and virtual mobility. The business and professional operation in Global Business Mobility encompasses a wide range of areas, including international business operations (how businesses establish and manage their operations across borders), the movement of employees (global workforce) across countries for business and work-related purposes, global supply chain, among others.

Categories of Global Business Mobility Visas

Here are the categories of Global Business Mobility (GBM) visas:

• Innovator Visa
• Start-up Visa
• Global Talent Visa
• Entrepreneur Visa (Tier 1)
• Investor visa (Tier 1)
• Graduate Trainee Visa
• UK Expansion Worker Visa
• Secondment Worker Visa
• Service Supplier Visa
• Turkish Businessperson Visa
• Switzerland Service Provider Visa

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1. Standard Visitor Visa
2. Marriage Visitor Visa
3. Permitted Paid Engagement Visa
4. Parent of a Tier 4 Child Visa
5. UK in Transit Visa
6. Electronic Visa (e-Visa) Waiver in Transit
7. Chinese Tour Group Visa
8. Charity Worker Visa
9. Creative Worker Visa
10. Government Authorised Exchange Visa
11. International Agreement Visa
12. Religious Worker Visa
13. Seasonal Worker Visa
14. Youth Mobility Scheme Visa
15. Graduate Visa
16. High Potential Individual (HPI) Visa
17. Graduate Trainee Visa
18. UK Expansion Worker Visa
19. Secondment Worker Visa
20. Service Supplier Visa
21. Exempt Vignette Visa
22. Student visa
23. Child Student visa
24. Study English in the UK Visa (Short-term Study Visa)
25. Windrush Scheme
26. Stay in the UK as a Stateless Person Permit
27. Indefinite Leave/Permission to Remain in UK (as a refugee, humanitarian protection or Discretionary Leave)
28. Skilled Worker Visa
29. Health and Care Worker Visa
30. Senior or Specialist Worker Visa
31. Scale-up Worker Visa
32. Minister of Religion Visa (T2)
33. International Sportsperson Visa
34. UK Ancestry Visa
35. Frontier Worker Permit
36. British National (Overseas) Visa
37. Overseas Domestic Worker Visa
38. Overseas Business Representative Visa
39. Turkish Worker Visa
40. Family Visas
41. EU Settlement Scheme Family Permit
42. Ukraine Family Scheme Visa
43. EU Settlement Scheme (Settled and Pre-settled Status)
44. Right to Reside Visa
45. Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme (Homes for Ukraine)
46. Ukraine Extension Scheme
47. Ukrainian Nationals in the UK Visa
48. Innovator visa
49. Start-up visa
50. Global Talent Visa
51. Entrepreneur Visa (Tier 1)
52. Investor Visa (Tier 1)
53. Turkish Businessperson visa
54. Switzerland Service Provider Visa

The United Kingdom Issuance of Visas to Foreigners and Citizens 

The United Kingdom government issues visas to foreigners and citizens through a structured immigration system that balances various factors, including national security, economic considerations, and family reunification. The system encompasses a range of visa categories, each tailored to specific purposes such as work, study, tourism, family sponsorship, and more. Applicants are required to meet certain eligibility criteria, provide relevant documentation, and in some cases, demonstrate their proficiency in English and financial stability. The government also maintains a Tier Points-based system for skilled workers, prioritizing individuals with job offers in sectors facing labor shortages.

For citizens, the UK government also oversees the issuance of passports, which serve as crucial travel documents. British citizens can obtain passports through applications that involve verifying identity, citizenship status, and adhering to specific application processes. The government periodically reviews and updates its immigration policies, taking into account changing global dynamics, security concerns, and the country’s economic needs. It seeks to strike a balance between attracting international talent and managing immigration in a way that aligns with the nation’s interests and values.

Conclusion

The UK offers a range of visas for different purposes of travel and immigration. Tourists and short-term visitors usually apply for the Standard Visitor Visa, allowing stays for up to six months. The Tier 4 Student Visa is for those pursuing education in the UK, enabling them to study at recognized institutions. Skilled workers can apply for the Skilled Worker Visa (replacing the Tier 2 Visa), which requires a job offer from a UK employer with a sponsorship license. The Innovator Visa is geared towards entrepreneurs wanting to establish innovative businesses in the UK.

For family members and partners of UK residents or citizens, there are Family Visas, which include the Spouse, Partner, and Parent routes. The Ancestry Visa is available to individuals with a UK-born grandparent, allowing them to work and live in the UK. The Youth Mobility Scheme provides opportunities for young adults from certain countries to work and travel in the UK for up to two years. Each visa type has specific eligibility criteria, application procedures, and validity periods, making it important to choose the right visa based on individual circumstances and intentions.

This blog content on ‘Types and Categories of UK Visas’ is categorized under UK Visas | UK Visa, Immigration and Travel

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