// VISA ROUTE DASHBOARD
6 routes
// GLOBAL TALENT
endorsement required

For leaders and emerging talent in tech, science, engineering, arts, and humanities. Requires endorsement from a designated body (e.g. Tech Nation, UKRI). No sponsor or salary floor needed.

SALARY THRESHOLD
None / yr
DURATION
5 years
PROCESSING TIME
28d median · 56d (90th %ile)
snapshot: 2025-03-01T00:00:00Z
details →
// GRADUATE
no sponsor needed

Two-year post-study work visa for graduates of UK universities. No sponsor needed, no salary threshold, no job offer required. Often used as a bridge to Skilled Worker.

SALARY THRESHOLD
None / yr
DURATION
2 years
PROCESSING TIME
10d median · 28d (90th %ile)
snapshot: 2025-03-01T00:00:00Z
details →
// HIGH POTENTIAL INDIVIDUAL
no sponsor needed

For graduates of top global universities (as listed by the Home Office). Two-year visa with no sponsor required. Cannot be extended — switch to another route.

SALARY THRESHOLD
None / yr
DURATION
2 years
PROCESSING TIME
10d median · 21d (90th %ile)
snapshot: 2025-03-01T00:00:00Z
details →
// SCALE-UP
sponsor required

For workers joining qualifying high-growth companies. Requires sponsor for the first 6 months, then free to change employers. Salary threshold £36,300/yr.

SALARY THRESHOLD
£36,300 / yr
DURATION
2 years
PROCESSING TIME
15d median · 35d (90th %ile)
snapshot: 2025-03-01T00:00:00Z
details →
// SENIOR OR SPECIALIST WORKER (ICT)
sponsor required

For multinational companies transferring established employees to a UK branch. Requires sponsor and a minimum salary. Previously called Intra-Company Transfer.

SALARY THRESHOLD
£48,200 / yr
DURATION
5 years
PROCESSING TIME
15d median · 42d (90th %ile)
snapshot: 2025-03-01T00:00:00Z
details →
// SKILLED WORKER
sponsor required

The main work visa route. Requires a licensed sponsor, a job offer in an eligible SOC code, and a salary meeting the general or going-rate threshold.

SALARY THRESHOLD
£38,700 / yr
DURATION
5 years
PROCESSING TIME
15d median · 40d (90th %ile)
snapshot: 2025-03-01T00:00:00Z
details →