What Are the Different Types of UK Visas to Immigrate?

The UK offers several visa options for people planning to immigrate for work, study, business or family reunification. The Skilled Worker visa allows applicants with a qualifying job offer to work for an approved UK employer. The Student visa is for applicants accepted by a licensed UK education provider, while the Graduate visa allows international graduates to stay after completing a qualifying course.

The Family visa allows eligible partners and relatives to join family members in the UK. Entrepreneurs can apply for the Innovator Founder visa to establish an innovative business, while the Global Talent visa is designed for recognised and emerging leaders in specific fields. Several visa routes can lead to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), offering a pathway to permanent settlement in the UK.

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What Are the Different Types of UK Work Visas?

The main UK work visa types include the Skilled Worker, Health and Care Worker, Global Talent, Scale-up Worker, International Sportsperson, Minister of Religion and UK Ancestry visas. Each visa has specific requirements based on the applicant’s job, qualifications, professional achievements or family background. The Skilled Worker visa is for applicants with a qualifying job offer from an approved UK employer, while the Global Talent visa is designed for recognised leaders and emerging leaders in fields such as research, arts and technology.
 

UK Visa Type	Who Can Apply?	Main Purpose
Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)	People who meet the settlement criteria for their immigration route	To live permanently in the UK
Skilled Worker visa	Applicants with a qualifying job offer from an approved UK employer	To work in an eligible occupation in the UK
Health and Care Worker visa	Doctors, nurses and other health and care professionals in qualifying roles	To work in eligible healthcare or care positions
Scale-up Worker visa	Applicants with a qualifying job offer from an approved UK scale-up business	To work for a qualifying UK business
Student visa	International students accepted onto a course at a licensed UK education provider	To study in the UK
Graduate visa	International graduates who meet the route's requirements	To stay and work in the UK after completing an eligible course
Global Talent visa	Recognised leaders and emerging leaders in eligible fields	To work in research, academia, arts or digital technology
High Potential Individual visa	Graduates of eligible overseas universities	To live and work in the UK without a job offer
Innovator Founder visa	Entrepreneurs with an innovative business idea who meet the endorsement requirements	To establish an innovative business in the UK
Family visa	People joining a qualifying partner, parent or child in the UK	To live with eligible family members
UK Ancestry visa	Eligible Commonwealth citizens with a grandparent born in the UK	To live and work in the UK
Youth Mobility Scheme visa	Young adults from participating countries who meet the scheme's criteria	To live, work and experience life in the UK temporarily

 

UK Visa Eligibility Requirements

UK visa eligibility depends on the immigration route. Applicants may need a qualifying job offer, admission to a licensed education provider, proof of funds, English language proficiency or evidence of a family relationship. Business, talent and settlement visas have additional requirements.

• Job offer: Skilled Worker visa applicants need a qualifying job offer from a UK-approved employer.
• Course admission: Student visa applicants need an offer for an eligible course from a licensed student sponsor.
• English language: Applicants must meet the language requirement for their visa category, where applicable.
• Proof of funds: Some applicants must show sufficient funds for tuition fees and living expenses.
• Business endorsement: Innovator Founder applicants need an endorsement for their business idea.
• Talent recognition: Global Talent applicants must qualify through an endorsement or an eligible prestigious prize.
• Family relationship: Family visa applicants must meet the requirements for joining a qualifying partner, parent or child.
• Permanent settlement: ILR applicants must meet the qualifying residence period and other settlement criteria for their visa route.

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How to Apply for a UK Visa from Canada?

To apply for a UK visa from Canada, choose the right visa category, check its requirements, prepare your documents and apply online through GOV.UK. Depending on the visa, you may need sponsorship, course admission or a business endorsement.

 

Step 1: Choose the right visa type
Select a visa that matches your purpose, such as work, study, business or joining family.

Step 2: Obtain sponsorship or approval
Get a Certificate of Sponsorship from your employer, a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from your education provider or a business endorsement, if required.

Step 3: Prepare your documents
Gather your passport, proof of funds, English language evidence and any other documents your visa requires.

Step 4: Apply online
Complete the application on GOV.UK and pay the visa fee and Immigration Health Surcharge, if applicable.

Step 5: Verify your identity
Use the UK Immigration: ID Check app or attend a biometrics appointment, if required.

Step 6: Wait for a decision
UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) will process your application. Processing times vary by visa category and application location.

Step 7: Access your eVisa
After approval, follow the instructions to access your eVisa and check your immigration status before traveling to the UK.

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UK Visa Fees

UK visa fees depend on the visa category and application location. The Skilled Worker visa costs £819 to £1,865, while the Student visa costs £558. Most applicants also pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which is £1,035 per year for most work visa applicants and £776 for students. Health and Care Worker visa applicants are exempt from the IHS.
 

UK visa type	Application fee	Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)
Skilled Worker visa	£819–£1,865	£1,035 per year
Health and Care Worker visa	£324–£628	Exempt
Student visa	£558	£776 per year
Graduate visa	£937	£1,035 per year
Global Talent visa	£766	£1,035 per year
High Potential Individual visa	£880	£1,035 per year
Innovator Founder visa	£1,357 (outside the UK)	£1,035 per year
Family visa	£2,064 (outside the UK)	Usually £1,035 per year for adults
Youth Mobility Scheme visa	£340	£776 per year
UK Ancestry visa	£726	£1,035 per year
Scale-up visa	£937	£1,035 per year

 

UK Visa Processing Time

Most work and study visa applications submitted from outside the UK receive a decision within 3 weeks, while family visa applications typically take around 12 weeks. Applications submitted from inside the UK often take 8 weeks, depending on the visa category.
 

UK visa type	Outside the UK	Inside the UK
Skilled Worker visa	3 weeks	8 weeks
Student visa	3 weeks	8 weeks
Graduate visa	Not applicable	8 weeks
Global Talent visa	3 weeks	8 weeks
Innovator Founder visa	3 weeks	8 weeks
Family visa (partner or spouse)	12 weeks	8 weeks

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FAQs

What are the UK visa options for Canadian citizens?

Canadian citizens can apply for UK visas for work, study, family reunification, business or talent-based work. Common options include the Skilled Worker, Student, Graduate, Family, Global Talent and Innovator Founder visas.

Do Canadians need a visa to move to the UK?

Canadian citizens generally need a visa to live, work or study in the UK long term. For short visits, they usually need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) rather than a visitor visa, if they meet the relevant conditions.

How can I apply for a UK visa from Canada?

Choose the appropriate visa category and apply through GOV.UK. Submit the required documents, pay the application fee and complete the identity verification or biometrics process specified for your application.

Which UK visa can I apply for with a job offer?

The Skilled Worker visa is a main option for applicants with a job offer from a UK employer approved to sponsor workers. The job must meet the applicable occupation, salary and sponsorship requirements.

Which UK visas can I apply for without a job offer?

The Global Talent visa is for recognized or emerging leaders in eligible fields. The High Potential Individual visa is for graduates of eligible overseas universities, while the Innovator Founder visa is for entrepreneurs with an endorsed business idea.

How much does a UK visa cost for Canadians?

The application fee depends on the visa type. For example, the Student visa costs £558, while the Skilled Worker visa costs £819 for a stay of up to three years when applying from outside the UK. The Immigration Health Surcharge may also apply.

How long does it take to get a UK visa from Canada?

Many work and study visa applications submitted outside the UK take around three weeks to process. Family visa applications can take around 12 weeks, depending on the route.

Can I bring my spouse and children to the UK on a work visa?

Some work visa routes allow the main applicant’s partner and dependent children to apply for dependant visas. The rules vary by visa type and occupation.

Which UK visas can lead to permanent residence?

The Skilled Worker, Global Talent, Innovator Founder and certain Family routes can lead to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). Applicants must complete the qualifying residence period and meet the settlement requirements for their route.

Do Canadian citizens need an English language test for a UK visa?

Not always. English language requirements depend on the visa category. Canadian citizenship alone does not automatically exempt applicants from every requirement, so check the rules for your chosen visa.