The complete guide to post-Brexit visas. Since 2021, all foreign nationals — including EU citizens — need a visa to settle in the United Kingdom.
5
Visas covered
3–8 wks
Average timeline
Jul. 2026
Updated
Free · Results in 3 minutes
Overview
United Kingdom — points-based system, post-Brexit.
Since Brexit (January 2021), the United Kingdom applies a points-based system (PBS) to all foreign nationals without exception — including EU/EEA citizens.
All
Nationalities — single procedure
558£+
Standard visa fee
UKVI
UK Visas & Immigration
The United Kingdom is no longer a member of the EU or the Schengen Area. The PBS awards points based on qualification, salary, and sector. Nearly all visas include the IHS (~£1,035/year) — the annual contribution to the NHS.
Which visa for your situation in the United Kingdom?
Free assessment · Results in 3 minutes · No commitment
Available visas and permits
The main visas we support.
Click a permit to see the requirements, required documents, timelines, and practical tips. Each of these visas comes with full guidance in your nomadpass space.
SKW
Skilled Worker
Skilled work · all nationalities
Visa required for everyoneModerate
›
Timeline
3 to 8 weeks
Cost
819£ – 1 618£ + IHS (~1 035£/an)
Duration
Contract duration (max 5 years)
Documents
Employer CoS · Passport · Proof of English · Funds
The employer must be a licensed sponsor certified by the Home Office. The Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) is mandatory — the employer must request it first.
Minimum salary: £41,700 / year since July 2025.
STU
Student visa
Higher education · all nationalities
Visa required for everyoneAccessible
›
Timeline
3 to 8 weeks
Cost
£558 + IHS (£776/year — student rate)
Min. funds
£1,334 (London) / £1,023 (rest of the UK) per month
Work allowed
20 hrs / week during studies
Post-Brexit: a visa is required for everyone — including EU citizens.
The university's CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) is essential before any application.
GLT
Global Talent
Exceptional talent · all nationalities
Visa requiredFlexible
›
Timeline
5 to 8 weeks
Cost
£766 (endorsement + visa) + IHS
Duration
5 years, renewable
Requirements
Endorsement from an approved body (Tech Nation, Arts Council...)
No job offer required — ideal for top-level tech, arts, science, and finance profiles.
INF
Innovator Founder
Innovative entrepreneurs · all nationalities
Visa requiredSelective
›
Timeline
3 to 8 weeks
Cost
£1,274 + £1,000 (endorsement) + IHS
Duration
3 years, renewable
Requirements
Innovative project · Approval from an endorsing body · Financial viability
No minimum capital since 2023, but the project must be judged innovative, viable, and scalable by an endorsing body.
GRV
Graduate Route
Post-graduation · all nationalities
Visa requiredAccessible
›
Timeline
~8 weeks
Cost
937£
Duration
2 years (3 years after a PhD)
Requirements
UK degree obtained · Valid Student Visa at the time of application
No sponsor required — lets you look for any job. Convertible into a Skilled Worker Visa once the contract is signed.
This list presents the main residence permits, which cover the vast majority of relocation situations. It is not exhaustive: other specific visas exist for particular situations, available from the country's official authorities.
Not sure which permit to choose?
Our assessment identifies the right visa in 3 minutes
Competent authorities
The official bodies for your procedure.
The competent authorities vary depending on your nationality and your project.
Administers the National Insurance number needed to work legally.
Regulatory news
Recent changes to the United Kingdom's immigration rules.
Oct 2026
United Kingdom — Statement of Changes HC 584: most amendments (Skilled Worker, Student, family) take effect on October 8; student maintenance funds raised on November 30. Check up-to-date requirements before any filing.
Update
Apr 2026
United Kingdom — Visa fees raised on April 8 (Skilled Worker: £819 to £1,618) and the minimum salary now checked at every pay period.
Update
Jan 2026
United Kingdom — Since January 8, English at B2 level (instead of B1) is required of new Skilled Worker applicants.
Watch this
By project
Your situation, your visa.
Select your profile to access the detailed guides.
5 visas and permits are covered for the United Kingdom, including Skilled Worker · Global Talent · Student visa. The free assessment identifies the one that fits your situation in 3 minutes.
How long does it take to get a visa for the United Kingdom?
From 15 days to about 4 months depending on the visa. For example, Skilled Worker: ~3 weeks (outside the UK) · ~8 weeks (from inside the UK).
How much does a visa for the United Kingdom cost?
Official fees depend on the visa. For example, Skilled Worker: £819 to £1,618 (visa) + IHS £1,035/year + £1,270 in funds.
Is the information on the United Kingdom up to date?
Yes: every sheet cites its official sources (GOV.UK — Skilled Worker visa, GOV.UK — Appendix Skilled Worker (Immigration Rules), GOV.UK — Going rates / Appendix Skilled Occupations) and carries a verification date. Last verified: 2026-10-06.
