Reminder (All Routes)
Before applying, always check:
β Your documents match exactly (names, dates, addresses)
β You meet every requirement, not just most
β You understand visa fees and NHS surcharge
β You are applying from the correct country
UK Work Visa Eligibility Checklist
UK Skilled Worker Visa
Use this checklist as guidance to confirm whether you are ready to apply for a UK Skilled Worker visa. You should be able to tick every section before submitting an application.
β 1. Job Offer & Sponsorship
β I have a confirmed job offer from a UK employer
β My employer is a Home Officeβlicensed sponsor
β I have received a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) with a valid reference number
β My job is on the Skilled Worker eligible occupations list
β The role meets the required skill level (RQF Level 3 or above)
β The job details on my CoS (job title, salary, hours, start date) are correct
Important:
You cannot apply without a CoS. The employer must issue this before you submit your visa application.
β 2. Salary Requirement
β My salary meets the minimum threshold
β I will earn at least Β£41,700 per year or the going rate for my job (whichever is higher)
β My salary is clearly stated on the CoS
β If my salary is below Β£41,700, I qualify for a permitted salary reduction (e.g. new entrant, shortage occupation)
Note:
Applications are often refused due to salary errors β always check the official going rate for your specific job code.
β 3. English Language Requirement
β I meet the B1 English level (CEFR) requirement
β I can prove this through one of the following:
- β Approved Secure English Language Test (SELT)
- β UK degree
- β Overseas degree taught in English (with confirmation)
β My English test (if used) is still valid at the time of application
β 4. Financial Requirement (Maintenance)
β I have at least Β£1,270 in personal savings
β The funds have been held for 28 consecutive days
β My bank statement meets UKVI requirements
β OR my sponsor has confirmed maintenance on my CoS (no savings required)
β 5. Personal & Compliance Requirements
β I am 18 years or older
β I have a valid passport with at least one blank page
β I have completed a TB test (if required for my country)
β I can provide a criminal record certificate if my role requires one
β I do not have any immigration breaches that could affect my application
β 6. Before You Apply β Final Checks
β All details on my CoS match my passport exactly
β My job start date allows enough time for visa processing
β I understand the visa fees and Immigration Health Surcharge
β I have digital copies of all required documents ready to upload
β Ready to Apply?
If you have ticked all the boxes above, you are likely eligible to apply for a UK Skilled Worker visa.
If youβre unsure about any single item (job code, salary, sponsor status), itβs best to check before applying β mistakes are costly and refusals can affect future applications.
UK Health and Care Worker Visa
Use this checklist as guidance to confirm you meet the requirements for a Health and Care Worker visa, a specialist route within the Skilled Worker visa with lower fees and faster processing.
β 1. Job Offer & Sponsorship
β I have a confirmed job offer in the UK
β My employer is an approved Home Office sponsor
β My employer is an eligible health or care organisation, such as:
- NHS (or NHS Trust)
- NHS supplier
- Adult social care provider
- Registered care home
- Approved private healthcare provider
β I have received a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
β My CoS is clearly marked as a Health and Care Worker role
β My job is on the Health and Care eligible occupations list
Common eligible roles include:
Doctors, nurses, care workers, senior care workers, paramedics, physiotherapists, radiographers, social workers, health professionals and support roles.
β 2. Salary Requirement
β My salary meets the minimum requirement for my role
β I will be paid at least the official going rate for my occupation code
β My salary meets national pay scale rules where applicable (e.g. NHS roles)
β My salary is clearly stated on my CoS
Note:
Health and Care Worker visa salaries are lower than standard Skilled Worker thresholds, but must still meet the official going rate for the role.
β 3. English Language Requirement
β I meet the B1 English level (CEFR) requirement
β I can prove this using one of the following:
- β Approved Secure English Language Test (SELT)
- β UK degree
- β Overseas degree taught in English (with confirmation)
- β Accepted professional English test (e.g. for nurses or doctors)
β My English evidence is valid at the time of application
β 4. Financial Requirement (Maintenance)
β I have at least Β£1,270 in personal savings (held for 28 days)
β OR my employer has confirmed maintenance support on my CoS
β I understand that many health and care sponsors cover maintenance, meaning no savings are required
β 5. Personal & Compliance Requirements
β I am 18 years or older
β I have a valid passport or travel document
β I have completed a TB test (if required for my country)
β I have provided a criminal record certificate (usually required for care roles)
β I meet professional registration requirements where applicable (e.g. NMC, HCPC)
β 6. Health and Care Worker Visa Benefits (Check You Qualify)
β My role qualifies for reduced visa fees
β I am exempt from the Immigration Health Surcharge
β I understand I can:
- Bring dependants (partner and children)
- Extend my visa
- Apply for settlement (ILR) after 5 years
β 7. Before You Apply β Final Checks
β All details on my CoS match my passport exactly
β My job title and occupation code match the eligible list
β My employer is offering genuine work in the health or care sector
β I have digital copies of all required documents ready
β Ready to Apply?
If you can tick every box, you are likely eligible for the UK Health and Care Worker visa.
Most refusals happen because of:
- Incorrect job codes
- Employer not qualifying as a health/care sponsor
- Missing criminal record or professional registration
Always check these before applying.
UK Global Talent Visa
Use this checklist as guidance to assess whether you are eligible for the UK Global Talent visa, a flexible route for leaders and potential leaders in specific high-skill fields. No job offer or sponsor is required.
β 1. Field of Talent (Mandatory)
β I work in one of the eligible fields, such as:
- Academia or Research
- Science, Engineering, Medicine
- Digital Technology
- Arts and Culture (including film, fashion, architecture, music)
β My work is internationally recognised or shows strong potential for leadership in my field
β 2. Endorsement or Eligible Award
You must meet one of the following:
Option A: Endorsement (Most Applicants)
β I can apply for an endorsement from an approved endorsing body:
- UKRI β research and academic roles
- Tech Nation β digital technology
- Arts Council England β arts and culture
- Royal Society / Royal Academy of Engineering / British Academy β science and research
β I can provide evidence of:
- Proven leadership or
- Clear potential to become a leader in my field
β My evidence shows impact, recognition, and progression
Option B: Eligible Prestigious Award (Fast Track)
β I hold an eligible international prize or award
β My award is on the Global Talent eligible awards list
β I can apply without an endorsement
β 3. Evidence & Documentation
β I can provide strong professional evidence, such as:
- Awards or honours
- Published research, media coverage, or exhibitions
- Evidence of innovation, patents, or products
- Letters of recommendation from recognised experts
- Proof of significant contributions to my field
β My evidence meets the criteria of my endorsing body
β 4. English Language Requirement
β I understand that there is no English language requirement
β English is not tested at the Global Talent visa stage
β 5. Financial Requirement
β I understand there is no maintenance (savings) requirement
β I can support myself without relying on public funds
β 6. Personal & Compliance Requirements
β I am 18 years or older
β I have a valid passport or travel document
β I have completed a TB test (if required for my country)
β I meet general UK immigration suitability requirements
β 7. Visa Flexibility & Benefits (Check This Fits You)
β I do not need a job offer or sponsor
β I can work:
- For any employer
- As a freelancer or self-employed
- On multiple projects
β I can:
- Bring dependants
- Change jobs freely
- Apply for settlement (ILR) after:
- 3 years (exceptional talent)
- 5 years (exceptional promise)
β 8. Before You Apply β Final Checks
β I know whether I need endorsement first or can use an eligible award
β I understand the two-stage process (endorsement β visa application)
β My documents are clear, well-structured, and persuasive
β My evidence matches my chosen endorsing bodyβs criteria
β Ready to Apply?
If you can confidently tick the relevant boxes above, the UK Global Talent route may be suitable for you.
Most refusals happen because:
- Evidence does not meet endorsing body standards
- Applicant chooses the wrong endorsing body
- Weak or generic recommendation letters
UK Temporary & Specific Work Visas
These visas allow short-term work or experience in the UK. Most do not lead to settlement (ILR) and have strict time limits.
πΉ Youth Mobility Scheme (YMS)
For young people who want to live and work in the UK without sponsorship
β Eligibility Checklist
β I am aged 18β30 or 18β35 (depending on nationality)
β I am a citizen of an eligible country or territory
β I have Β£2,530 in personal savings
β I have no dependent children
β I have not previously held a Youth Mobility visa (unless eligible for extension)
β I have a valid passport
Key Features
- No job offer or sponsor required
- Can work in most jobs
- Stay up to 2 or 3 years (nationality dependent)
πΉ Seasonal Worker Visa
For short-term agricultural and poultry work
β Eligibility Checklist
β I have a job offer from an approved UK scheme operator
β The role is in horticulture or poultry production
β I have a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
β I will work for up to 6 months only
β I have enough funds to support myself (if required)
β I have a valid passport and TB test (if applicable)
Key Features
- Temporary work only
- Cannot bring dependants
- No route to settlement
πΉ Creative Worker Visa
For artists and performers coming to the UK short-term
β Eligibility Checklist
β I work in a creative profession (actor, musician, dancer, model, film crew, etc.)
β I have a UK sponsor licensed for creative roles
β I have a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
β My work is genuine and at the required professional level
β I am paid at or above industry standards (unless exempt)
Key Features
- Stay up to 12 months (extendable to 24)
- Can work on multiple performances under sponsorship
- No settlement route
πΉ Charity Worker Visa
For unpaid voluntary work in the UK
β Eligibility Checklist
β I have an offer of unpaid voluntary work
β My sponsor is a licensed UK charity
β I have a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
β My role is genuinely voluntary (not paid or replacing a job)
β I can support myself financially (or sponsor certifies maintenance)
Key Features
- Stay up to 12 months
- No paid work allowed
- No settlement route
πΉ Religious Worker Visa
For short-term religious work
β Eligibility Checklist
β I have a role as a preacher, missionary, or pastoral worker
β My sponsor is a licensed religious organisation
β I have a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
β My work is genuine religious activity
β I meet maintenance and TB requirements (if applicable)
Key Features
- Stay up to 24 months
- Short-term route (separate from Minister of Religion visa)
- No settlement route
πΉ Government Authorised Exchange (GAE)
For approved training, research, and work experience
β Eligibility Checklist
β I am taking part in an approved exchange scheme
β My sponsor is an authorised scheme provider
β I have a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
β My role is for training, research, or work experience
β I will not fill a permanent vacancy
Key Features
- Stay up to 12 or 24 months (scheme dependent)
- Ideal for graduates, interns, researchers
- No settlement route
β General Requirements (All Routes)
β I am 18 or over
β I have a valid passport
β I have completed a TB test (if required)
β I meet financial requirements (or sponsor certifies maintenance)
β I understand this visa is temporary
UK Global Business Mobility (GBM)
The Global Business Mobility (GBM) routes are for overseas employees transferring to the UK or establishing a UK presence for an overseas business. These visas are temporary and do not normally lead to settlement (ILR).
πΉ 1. Senior or Specialist Worker (Intra-Company Transfer)
For senior managers or specialist employees transferring to a UK branch
β Eligibility Checklist
β I am currently employed by an overseas business linked to a UK entity
β I have worked for my overseas employer for:
- β At least 12 months, or
- β Earn Β£73,900+ per year (high earner exemption)
β I have a UK sponsor licensed under Global Business Mobility
β I have a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
β My role is at RQF Level 6 or above (graduate level)
β I will be paid at least Β£48,500 per year or the going rate (whichever is higher)
Key Features
- Stay up to 5 years in any 6-year period
- Can bring dependants
- No settlement route
πΉ 2. Graduate Trainee (Intra-Company)
For recent graduates on structured overseas training programmes
β Eligibility Checklist
β I am employed by an overseas company linked to a UK business
β I am on a formal graduate training programme
β I have worked for my employer for at least 3 months
β I have a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
β My role is at RQF Level 6 or above
β I will earn at least Β£25,410 per year
Key Features
- Stay up to 12 months
- Limited number of visas per sponsor
- No settlement route
πΉ 3. UK Expansion Worker (Related GBM Route)
For senior staff setting up a new UK branch
β Eligibility Checklist
β I work for an overseas business without an active UK presence
β I am a senior manager or specialist employee
β I have worked for the overseas business for at least 12 months
β I have a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
β I will be paid at least Β£48,500 per year or the going rate
Key Features
- Stay up to 2 years
- Cannot lead to settlement
- Replaces the old Sole Representative route
πΉ 4. Service Supplier (Related GBM Route)
For employees supplying services to a UK business under contract
β Eligibility Checklist
β I work for an overseas service provider
β My employer has a UK service contract
β I have relevant qualifications or experience
β I have worked for my employer for 12 months (unless exempt)
β I have a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
Key Features
- Stay up to 6 or 12 months
- Role must meet international trade commitments
- No settlement route
πΉ 5. Secondment Worker (Related GBM Route)
For workers seconded to a UK business
β Eligibility Checklist
β I am employed by an overseas business
β My employer has a high-value contract with a UK company
β I have worked for my employer for 12 months
β I have a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
β My role is skilled to the required level
Key Features
- Stay up to 2 years
- Temporary assignment only
- No settlement route
β General Requirements (All GBM Routes)
β I am 18 or over
β I have a valid passport
β I have a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
β I meet the salary and skill level for my route
β I have completed a TB test (if required)
β I understand this route is temporary and non-settlement
β Important Things to Check Before Applying
β My UK sponsor licence covers the correct GBM route
β My job description matches the occupation code
β My salary meets the minimum AND going rate
β I do not plan to switch to settlement directly from GBM
β Is GBM Right for You?
- Already employed overseas by a multinational? β Senior/Specialist Worker
- Graduate on a training scheme? β Graduate Trainee
- Opening a UK branch? β UK Expansion Worker
- Contract-based overseas services? β Service Supplier
- Temporary secondment? β Secondment Worker
UK Graduate Visa
β οΈ This visa does not require a job offer or sponsor, but it cannot be extended and does not lead directly to settlement.
β 1. Current Immigration Status
β I am currently in the UK on a Student visa
β My Student visa is still valid
β I am applying from inside the UK
β οΈ You cannot apply after your Student visa expires.
β 2. Course Completion Requirement
β I have successfully completed an eligible UK course
β My education provider has reported my course completion to the Home Office
β My qualification is one of the following:
- Bachelorβs degree
- Masterβs degree
- PhD or doctorate
- Other approved professional qualification
β 3. Study Duration Requirement
β I studied in the UK for the required minimum period
β If my course was longer than 12 months, I studied in the UK for at least 12 months
β If my course was 12 months or less, I studied in the UK for the full course duration
β 4. Dependants (If Applicable)
β My dependants are already in the UK as my Student dependants
β I understand I cannot bring new dependants on this visa
β 5. Work Rights (Understanding the Benefits)
β I understand I can work in almost any job
β I understand I can work full-time or part-time
β I understand I can be self-employed or freelance
β I understand I cannot work as a professional sportsperson
β 6. Financial & Fees Requirement
β I can pay the Graduate visa application fee
β I can pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)
β I understand there is no maintenance funds requirement
β 7. Personal & Compliance Requirements
β I have a valid passport
β My personal details match my Student visa records
β I have no serious immigration breaches
β 8. Before You Apply β Final Checks
β My university has confirmed my completion
β My name and date of birth match across all documents
β I am applying before my Student visa expires
β I have digital copies ready (passport, BRP if applicable)
β Ready to Apply?
If you have ticked all the boxes above, you are likely eligible to apply for a UK Graduate visa.
If your university has not yet reported your course completion, wait before applying β applying too early is a common reason for refusal.
UK Student Visa β Eligibility Checklist
UK Student Visa
β 1. Course & Offer
β I have an unconditional offer from a UK school, college, or university
β My institution is a licensed Student sponsor
β My course is an approved course
β My course starts within the allowed timeframe
β 2. Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)
β I have received a CAS number from my institution
β The CAS details are correct (name, course, dates, fees)
β My CAS has not expired
β I am applying within 6 months of receiving my CAS
β οΈ You cannot apply without a CAS.
β 3. Financial Requirement (Funds)
β I can pay my first year tuition fees (or full course if shorter)
β I have enough money for living costs:
- Β£1,483 per month (London)
- Β£1,136 per month (outside London)
β The money has been held for 28 consecutive days
β My bank statements meet UKVI rules
β OR I am exempt (e.g. UK government sponsorship, certain nationalities)
β 4. English Language Requirement
β I meet the required English level for my course
β I can prove this with one of the following:
β Approved English language test
β UK degree
β Overseas degree taught in English
β My institution has assessed my English and confirmed it on the CAS
β 5. Academic Progression (If Applying Inside the UK)
β My new course is at a higher or equivalent level
β My studies make academic sense (not repeating courses unnecessarily)
β My institution has confirmed this on my CAS
β 6. Work Rules (Understanding the Limits)
β I understand how many hours I can work during term time
β I know I cannot work as a professional sportsperson or self-employed
β I understand work rights depend on my course level
β 7. Personal & Health Requirements
β I have a valid passport
β I have completed a TB test (if required for my country)
β I will pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)
β I have no serious immigration breaches
β 8. Before You Apply β Final Checks
β All documents match my passport details
β My name and date of birth match exactly on my CAS
β I understand the visa fee and IHS cost
β I have digital copies of all documents ready to upload
β I am applying from the correct country
β Ready to Apply?
If you have ticked all the boxes above, you are likely eligible to apply for a UK Student visa.
If you are unsure about funds, CAS details, or English evidence, do not apply until these are confirmed β most student visa refusals happen because of financial or CAS errors.
UK Short Term Study Visa
β οΈ This visa is mainly for English language courses lasting 6β11 months.
It does not lead to settlement and cannot be extended.
β 1. Course Eligibility
β My course is an English language course only
β The course lasts more than 6 months and up to 11 months
β My course is taught by an accredited UK institution
β My course is not a degree or academic programme
β οΈ You cannot use this visa for general study or work-related courses.
β 2. Course Offer & Acceptance
β I have a formal offer or acceptance letter
β The letter confirms:
- Course name
- Course length
- Tuition fees
- Provider details
β The course start and end dates are clear
β 3. Financial Requirement
β I can pay my full course fees
β I can support myself during my stay in the UK
β I can pay for accommodation, food, and travel
β I can show bank statements or financial evidence if requested
β οΈ There is no fixed amount, but funds must clearly cover all costs.
β 4. Intention to Leave the UK
β I intend to leave the UK when my course ends
β I can show strong reasons to return home (job, family, studies)
β I understand I cannot extend this visa or switch in-country
β 5. Work & Study Rules (Understanding the Limits)
β I understand I cannot work (paid or unpaid)
β I understand I cannot do an internship or work placement
β I understand I cannot study another course
β I understand I cannot bring dependants
β 6. Personal & Health Requirements
β I have a valid passport
β I have completed a TB test (if required for my country)
β I have no serious immigration history issues
β 7. Before You Apply β Final Checks
β My documents are clear and consistent
β My name matches exactly across all documents
β I understand the visa fee
β I have digital copies ready to upload
β I am applying from outside the UK
β Ready to Apply?
If you have ticked all the boxes above, you are likely eligible to apply for a UK Short-term Study visa.
If you plan to work, study a degree, extend your stay, or bring family, this visa is not suitable β a Student visa may be the correct route instead.
UK Standard Visitor Visa (Study)
β οΈ This visa is for short courses only (up to 6 months).
It does not allow work and cannot be extended or switched inside the UK.
β 1. Study Eligibility
β My course lasts 6 months or less
β My course is a short course (not a degree or long programme)
β The course is provided by a recognised UK institution
Examples include:
- Short academic courses
- Training programmes
- English language courses (up to 6 months)
- Research or exchange programmes (short duration)
β 2. Course Offer or Invitation
β I have a course offer or invitation letter
β The letter clearly shows:
- Course name
- Course length
- Provider details
- Fees (if any)
β The course dates match my intended travel dates
β 3. Financial Requirement
β I can pay my course fees (if required)
β I can support myself during my stay in the UK
β I can pay for accommodation, food, and travel
β I can show bank statements or financial evidence
β οΈ There is no fixed amount, but funds must clearly cover all costs.
β 4. Intention to Leave the UK
β I intend to leave the UK at the end of my visit
β I have strong reasons to return home (work, studies, family)
β I am not planning to live in the UK through frequent visits
β 5. Work & Study Restrictions (Understanding the Limits)
β I understand I cannot work (paid or unpaid)
β I understand I cannot do work placements or internships
β I understand I cannot switch to another visa in the UK
β I understand I cannot bring dependants
β 6. Personal & Health Requirements
β I have a valid passport
β I have completed a TB test (if required for my country)
β I have no serious immigration or visa history issues
β 7. Before You Apply β Final Checks
β All documents are clear and consistent
β My name and details match exactly across all documents
β I understand the visa fee
β I have digital copies ready to upload
β I am applying from outside the UK
β Ready to Apply?
If you have ticked all the boxes above, you are likely eligible to apply for a UK Standard Visitor visa for study.
If your course is longer than 6 months, allows work, or leads to a qualification, this visa is not suitable β you should consider a Student visa instead.
UK Family Visa Eligibility Checklist
For married couples, civil partners, or long-term unmarried partners.
β Relationship
β We are legally married, in a civil partnership, or have lived together for at least 2 years
β Our relationship is genuine and ongoing
β We plan to live together permanently in the UK
β Any previous marriages or relationships have ended
β UK Sponsor
β My partner is a British citizen or has settled status
β My partner is currently living in the UK (or returning with me)
β Financial Requirement
β My partner earns at least Β£29,000 per year (verify current amount)
β OR we have enough savings to meet the requirement
β We can provide payslips, bank statements, or savings evidence
β English Language
β I meet the English requirement
β I can prove this with an approved test or a degree
β OR I qualify for an exemption
β Accommodation
β We have a place to live in the UK
β The accommodation will not be overcrowded
β Ready?
If all boxes are ticked, you are likely eligible to apply.
For couples planning to marry in the UK.
β Relationship
β We are in a genuine relationship
β We have met in person
β We intend to marry or form a civil partnership within 6 months
β Important Rules
β I understand this visa does not allow work
β I will switch to a spouse/partner visa after marriage
β UK Sponsor
β My partner is British or settled in the UK
β Financial Requirement
β My partner meets the Β£29,000 income requirement
β OR we meet the savings requirement
β English Language
β I meet the basic English requirement (A1 level)
β OR I qualify for an exemption
β Ready?
If all boxes are ticked, you are likely eligible to apply
For children joining a parent in the UK.
β Child Eligibility
β The child is under 18
β The child is not married or living independently
β Parent in the UK
β At least one parent is British or settled
β The child will live with that parent
β Parental Responsibility
β The UK-based parent has sole or shared responsibility
β OR both parents consent to the move
β Financial & Living Arrangements
β The parent can support the child without public funds
β Suitable accommodation is available
β Ready?
If all boxes are ticked, the child is likely eligible to apply.
For parents of children living in the UK.
β Child in the UK
β My child is under 18
β My child is British or settled in the UK
β Parental Role
β I have sole or shared responsibility for my child
β I play an active role in my childβs life
β Living & Financial Support
β I can support myself without public funds
β I have suitable accommodation in the UK
β Ready?
If all boxes are ticked, you are likely eligible to apply.
For elderly or seriously ill relatives.
β Care Needs
β I need long-term personal care due to age, illness, or disability
β I cannot get the required care in my home country
β UK Relative
β My relative in the UK is British or settled
β They can provide long-term care, housing, and financial support
β Financial Independence
β I will not rely on public funds
β My UK relative can fully support me
β Ready?
If all boxes are ticked and well-evidenced, you may be eligible β professional advice is strongly recommended.
UK Standard Visitor Visa β Eligibility Checklist
UK Standard Visitor Visa
β οΈ This visa is for short stays only (up to 6 months) and does not allow work.
β 1. Purpose of Visit
β My reason for visiting the UK is allowed under the Visitor rules
Allowed reasons include:
- Tourism or holiday
- Visiting family or friends
- Business meetings or conferences
- Short training or permitted paid engagements
- Medical treatment
- Short study (up to 6 months)
β I can clearly explain my reason for travel
β I will not do anything outside the visitor rules
β 2. Length of Stay
β My visit will last 6 months or less
β I understand I must leave the UK before my visa expires
β I am not planning repeated visits to live in the UK
β 3. Financial Requirement
β I can pay for my travel to and from the UK
β I can support myself during my stay
β I can pay for accommodation and daily expenses
β I can show bank statements or financial evidence
β οΈ There is no fixed amount, but funds must clearly cover all costs.
β 4. Accommodation & Travel Plans
β I know where I will stay in the UK
β I have hotel bookings or an invitation from a host
β I have a return or onward travel plan
β 5. Intention to Leave the UK
β I intend to leave the UK at the end of my visit
β I have strong reasons to return home (job, studies, family)
β I am not trying to live in the UK through frequent visits
β 6. Work & Activity Restrictions
β I understand I cannot work (paid or unpaid)
β I understand I cannot access public funds
β I understand I cannot marry or register a civil partnership on this visa
β I understand I cannot switch to another visa inside the UK
β 7. Personal & Health Requirements
β I have a valid passport
β I have completed a TB test (if required for my country)
β I have no serious immigration or visa history issues
β 8. Before You Apply β Final Checks
β All documents are clear and consistent
β My name and details match exactly across all documents
β I understand the visa fee
β I have digital copies ready to upload
β I am applying from outside the UK
β Ready to Apply?
If you have ticked all the boxes above, you are likely eligible to apply for a UK Standard Visitor visa.
If you plan to work, stay long-term, bring dependants, or settle, this visa is not suitable β you may need a work, family, or student visa instead.errors.
UK Marriage Visitor Visa
β οΈ This visa is only for getting married or forming a civil partnership in the UK.
It does not allow settlement, work, or switching to another visa.
β 1. Purpose of Visit
β My main reason for visiting the UK is to get married or form a civil partnership
β The ceremony will take place in the UK
β I am not planning to live in the UK after the ceremony
β 2. Relationship & Intent
β I am in a genuine relationship
β I intend to marry or form a civil partnership during this visit
β The relationship is not a sham or for immigration purposes
β 3. Notice of Marriage & Venue
β I have made arrangements to give notice of marriage or civil partnership
β I know where the ceremony will take place
β I have evidence such as:
- Booking confirmation
- Correspondence with the registry office
- Letter from the venue
β 4. Length of Stay
β My visit will last 6 months or less
β I understand I must leave the UK after the ceremony
β I understand this visa cannot be extended
β 5. Financial Requirement
β I can pay for my travel to and from the UK
β I can support myself during my stay
β I can pay for accommodation and wedding costs
β I can show bank statements or financial evidence
β οΈ There is no fixed amount, but funds must clearly cover all costs.
β 6. Intention to Leave the UK
β I intend to leave the UK after the ceremony
β I have strong reasons to return home (job, studies, family)
β I am not planning to remain in the UK after marriage
β 7. Work & Visa Restrictions
β I understand I cannot work (paid or unpaid)
β I understand I cannot switch to a spouse or partner visa in the UK
β I understand I cannot access public funds
β 8. Personal & Health Requirements
β I have a valid passport
β I have completed a TB test (if required for my country)
β I have no serious immigration or visa history issues
β 9. Before You Apply β Final Checks
β All documents are clear and consistent
β My name and details match across all documents
β I understand the visa fee
β I have digital copies ready to upload
β I am applying from outside the UK
β Ready to Apply?
If you have ticked all the boxes above, you are likely eligible to apply for a UK Marriage Visitor visa.
If you plan to stay in the UK after marriage, this visa is not suitable β you should apply for a FiancΓ©(e) or Spouse/Partner visa instead.our stay, or bring family, this visa is not suitable β a Student visa may be the correct route instead.
UK Business Visa β Eligibility Checklist
UK Innovator Founder Visa
β οΈ This visa is for experienced or first-time founders with an innovative business idea.
It can lead to settlement if requirements are met.
β 1. Business Idea Requirement
β I have a genuine business idea
β My idea is innovative (new or clearly different from existing UK businesses)
β My idea is viable (realistic and achievable)
β My idea is scalable (has growth potential and job creation)
β οΈ Ordinary businesses (e.g. standard shops, takeaways, or copy-paste models) usually do not qualify.
β 2. Endorsement Requirement (Mandatory)
β I have received an endorsement letter from an approved endorsing body
β The endorsement confirms my business is innovative, viable, and scalable
β The endorsement is less than 3 months old at the time of application
β I understand I cannot apply without endorsement
β 3. Founder & Role Requirement
β I am a founder or co-founder of the business
β I will play an active, day-to-day role in running the business
β I am not relying on passive investment only
β 4. Investment Funds
β I understand there is no minimum investment amount
β I can show I have enough funds to start and run the business
β Any funding sources are lawful and clearly evidenced
β οΈ Endorsing bodies decide whether funding is realistic β not UKVI alone.
β 5. English Language Requirement
β I meet at least B2 English level
β I can prove this through:
- An approved English test
- A UK degree
- An overseas degree taught in English
β My English evidence is valid at the time of application
β 6. Financial Requirement (Personal Maintenance)
β I have at least Β£1,270 in personal savings
β The funds have been held for 28 consecutive days
β I can support myself without public funds
β 7. Work Rules (Understanding the Limits)
β I understand I must work only for my endorsed business
β I understand I cannot take other employment
β I understand self-employment outside my business is not allowed
β 8. Personal & Compliance Requirements
β I am 18 years or older
β I have a valid passport
β I have completed a TB test (if required)
β I have no serious immigration breaches or deception history
β 9. Before You Apply β Final Checks
β My endorsement letter details are correct
β My business plan matches the endorsed idea
β All documents match my passport details
β I understand the visa fee and Immigration Health Surcharge
β I have digital copies ready to upload
β Ready to Apply?
If you have ticked all the boxes above, you are likely eligible to apply for a UK Innovator Founder visa.
If you do not yet have an endorsement, that is the first step β applying without one will result in refusal.rors.
UK Expansion Worker Visa
β οΈ This visa is for overseas businesses expanding into the UK.
It does not lead to settlement and is not for freelance or self-employed work.
β 1. Overseas Business Requirement
β I work for a business that is active and trading overseas
β The business has been trading for at least 3 years (normally expected)
β The business has not yet started trading in the UK
β The business plans to open its first UK branch or subsidiary
β 2. UK Sponsor Licence (Mandatory)
β The overseas business has a UK Expansion Worker sponsor licence
β OR the business has applied for the licence and received approval
β I have been issued a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
β The details on the CoS are correct
β οΈ You cannot apply without a valid CoS.
β 3. Role & Employment Requirement
β I am a senior manager or specialist employee
β My role is on the eligible occupation list
β I will work only for the sponsoring business
β My job is directly related to setting up the UK operation
β 4. Salary Requirement
β My salary meets the minimum threshold
β I will be paid at least Β£48,500 per year or the going rate (whichever is higher)
β My salary is clearly stated on the CoS
β οΈ Salary errors are a common reason for refusal.
β 5. Overseas Work History
β I have worked for the overseas business for at least 12 months
β OR I qualify for an exemption (high earner or Japanese national employee)
β My employment history can be evidenced
β 6. English Language Requirement
β I understand there is no English language requirement for this visa
β 7. Financial Requirement (Maintenance)
β I have at least Β£1,270 in personal savings
β The funds have been held for 28 consecutive days
β OR my sponsor has confirmed maintenance on my CoS
β 8. Work & Stay Rules (Understanding the Limits)
β I understand I can only work for the sponsor
β I understand this visa does not lead to settlement
β I understand I can stay for a maximum of 2 years on this route
β I understand switching routes may be limited
β 9. Personal & Compliance Requirements
β I am 18 years or older
β I have a valid passport
β I have completed a TB test (if required)
β I have no serious immigration or compliance issues
β 10. Before You Apply β Final Checks
β All CoS details match my passport exactly
β My job title and salary match the eligible role
β I understand the visa fee and Immigration Health Surcharge
β I have digital copies of all documents ready to upload
β Ready to Apply?
If you have ticked all the boxes above, you are likely eligible to apply for a UK Expansion Worker visa.
If the business plans to trade long-term in the UK, you should also consider a future switch to a Skilled Worker sponsor licence once the UK entity is established.