Deep coverage25 verified routes across visit, study, work, investment, family and more.
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Select the passports you hold to see short-stay access and per-route eligibility for United Kingdom.
4 routes
Visit
Short stays: tourism, transit, business trips, medical, pilgrimage.
Tourist Visa
UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)
Mandatory pre-travel authorisation for non-visa nationals, including EU/EEA, US, Canadian and Australian citizens, fully rolled out during 2025. Costs £20, is usually decided within 3 working days (often minutes), and is valid for 2 years (or until passport expiry) for unlimited visits of up to 6 months each. It permits tourism, business visits, short study and transit but is not a visa and does not guarantee entry.
ETA per travellerEvery traveller needs their own ETA, including babies and children.How to get it ↓
Tourist Visa
UK Standard Visitor Visa
For visa-national tourists, business visitors and family visits of up to 6 months; covers tourism, business meetings, short study (under 6 months) and private medical treatment. £135 for the 6-month visa; long-term multi-entry options cost £506 (2 years), £903 (5 years) or £1,128 (10 years), each allowing 6 months per visit. No work or recourse to public funds permitted.
Government fee
£135
Service fee
£130
Processing time
21 days
Max stay
180 days
Validity
180 days
Document checklist (6)
Valid passportPassport or travel document valid for the whole stay with a blank page for the visa.How to get it ↓
Proof of onward/return travel intentEvidence you will leave the UK at the end of your visit (e.g. travel bookings, employment or studies at home).How to get it ↓
Proof of fundsBank statements or payslips showing you can support yourself (and dependants) during the trip.How to get it ↓
Accommodation and itinerary detailsOptionalWhere you will stay and travel plans for the visit.How to get it ↓
Invitation letterOptionalFrom a UK host, business or event organiser where applicable.How to get it ↓
Biometric enrolmentFingerprints and photo at a visa application centre.How to get it ↓
Transit Visa
UK Transit Visa
Visa nationals passing through the UK need either a Direct Airside Transit Visa (£41.50, no border crossing, same-day connection) or a Visitor in Transit visa (£74.50, through border control, departure within 48 hours). Holders of a UK ETA, Standard Visitor visa or certain other documents are exempt. Frequent transiters or stays over 48 hours need a Standard Visitor visa instead.
Government fee
£41.50
Service fee
£130
Processing time
21 days
Max stay
2 days
Document checklist (5)
Valid passportTravel document valid for the journey.How to get it ↓
Confirmed onward bookingProof of onward travel leaving the UK within 24 hours (airside) or 48 hours (landside).How to get it ↓
Visa/entry permission for destinationEvidence you can enter the destination country.How to get it ↓
Completed online applicationApply online before travel; biometrics at a visa application centre.How to get it ↓
Proof of funds for transitOptionalEvidence you can cover costs during the stopover.How to get it ↓
Medical Treatment Visa
UK Standard Visitor Visa for Medical Treatment (11 months)
Extended Standard Visitor visa for people receiving private medical treatment in the UK for longer than 6 months, allowing up to 11 months (£234). Requires proof of a confirmed course of private treatment, ability to pay for it, and intention to leave when treatment ends. Further extensions for ongoing treatment are possible from inside the UK.
Letter from UK doctor or clinicConfirming the treatment, its likely duration and cost, and where it will take place.How to get it ↓
Proof of funds for treatment and stayEvidence you can pay privately for treatment, living costs and onward travel.How to get it ↓
Tuberculosis test certificateIf from a listed country, for stays over 6 months.How to get it ↓
Proof of intention to leaveTies to home country showing you will depart after treatment.How to get it ↓
Not yet researched
Business Visitor Visa
Pilgrimage Visa
4 routes
Study & Training
Universities, language courses, internships and exchanges.
Student Visa
UK Graduate Visa (post-study work)
Unsponsored post-study work permission for international students who complete an eligible UK degree (mapped here to the student type as a post-study extension; it is an open work visa, not a study visa). Fee £937 plus £1,035/year surcharge; in-country application only. Grants 2 years if applied for by 31 December 2026 (cut to 18 months from 1 January 2027; 3 years for PhDs); cannot be extended but holders commonly switch to Skilled Worker.
Work: Unrestricted work
Government fee
£937
Service fee
£170
Processing time
56 days
Validity
730 days
Document checklist (5)
Current UK Student/Tier 4 visaMust apply from inside the UK before the Student visa expires.How to get it ↓
Proof of completed eligible courseProvider must have reported successful completion to the Home Office.How to get it ↓
Valid passportDocument used for the current Student visa.How to get it ↓
CAS reference from Student visaFrom the most recent Student application.How to get it ↓
For students aged 16+ with an unconditional offer (CAS) from a licensed student sponsor. Fee £558 plus £776/year healthcare surcharge; must show maintenance funds (monthly amount higher in London) plus first-year tuition. Degree-level students can stay up to 5 years (2 years below degree level) and can switch to the Graduate, Skilled Worker or other routes after completing their course.
Work: up to 20 h/week
Study: Full-time study
Family: Dependants: postgrad research/PhD only
Government fee
£558
Service fee
£170
Processing time
21 days
Document checklist (7)
Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)Reference number from the licensed education provider, issued within 6 months.How to get it ↓
For children aged 4-17 with a place at a licensed independent (fee-paying) school in the UK. Fee £558; requires parental consent, proof of fees and maintenance, and suitable care arrangements in the UK. Granted for the course length plus 4 months (max 6 years if under 16; max 3 years if 16-17).
Work: up to 10 h/week
Study: Study at independent school
Government fee
£558
Service fee
£170
Processing time
21 days
Document checklist (6)
Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)From a licensed independent school.How to get it ↓
Parental/guardian consent letterConsent to the application, living and care arrangements, and travel.How to get it ↓
Proof of fundsSchool fees plus living/boarding costs.How to get it ↓
Birth certificate or proof of relationshipShowing relationship to the consenting parent/guardian.How to get it ↓
UK care arrangement detailsBoarding school, close relative or private foster care arrangements.How to get it ↓
Language Course Visa
UK Short-term Study Visa (English language, 6-11 months)
For English language courses lasting more than 6 and up to 11 months at an accredited UK institution. Fee £228 plus a £776 healthcare surcharge; permits stay for the course length plus 30 days, capped at 11 months. No work, no dependants, no extension; courses of 6 months or less are done as a visitor, and longer courses require a Student visa.
Study: English course 6-11 months
Government fee
£228
Service fee
£170
Processing time
21 days
Max stay
334 days
Validity
334 days
Document checklist (6)
Course acceptance letterFrom an accredited English language school, stating course dates and fees.How to get it ↓
Proof of fundsFor course fees, living costs and return travel.How to get it ↓
Proof of intention to leaveEvidence of ties showing departure at end of course.How to get it ↓
Tuberculosis test certificateIf applying from a listed country (stay over 6 months).How to get it ↓
Parental consentOptionalIf under 18, plus care arrangements.How to get it ↓
Not yet researched
Internship / Trainee Visa
Exchange Program Visa
7 routes
Work & Self-Employment
Digital nomad, freelance, skilled employment and company transfers.
Startup / Entrepreneur Visa
UK Innovator Founder Visa
For founders of an innovative, viable and scalable UK business endorsed by an approved endorsing body; replaced both the Start-up and Tier 1 Entrepreneur/Investor routes and has no minimum investment requirement (the former £50,000 floor was abolished in April 2023). Visa fee £1,357 from outside the UK (£1,693 in-country) plus £1,000 endorsement fee and two mandatory £500 checkpoint meetings. Granted for 3 years, unlimited extensions, and settlement possible after just 3 years.
Work: Run own business, no other job
Study: Study allowed
Residency after 3 years
Family: Dependants allowed
Government fee
£1,357
Service fee
£210
Processing time
21 days
Validity
1,095 days
Document checklist (6)
Endorsement letterFrom an approved endorsing body, issued within 3 months, confirming the business is innovative, viable and scalable.How to get it ↓
Business planSubmitted to the endorsing body for assessment.How to get it ↓
Proof of English language (B2)Approved test or degree taught in English.How to get it ↓
Proof of £1,270 savingsHeld for 28 consecutive days.How to get it ↓
Tuberculosis test certificateOptionalIf applying from a listed country.How to get it ↓
Skilled Work Visa
UK Scale-up Worker Visa
For graduates-level hires with a 6-month job offer from a qualifying fast-growing UK 'scale-up' business; only the first 6 months are tied to the sponsor, after which the holder can work for any employer or self-employed. Fee £937, minimum salary £40,800/year from April 2026 (£39,100 from July 2025; £33,400 new-entrant rate), English requirement raised to B2 from 8 January 2026. Initial grant 2 years, extendable by 3 years, with settlement after 5 years.
Work: Free after 6 mo sponsorship
Study: Study allowed
Residency after 5 years
Family: Dependants allowed
Government fee
£937
Service fee
£170
Processing time
21 days
Validity
730 days
Document checklist (6)
Certificate of sponsorshipFrom an approved scale-up sponsor for a job of at least 6 months.How to get it ↓
Job and salary evidenceGraduate-level (RQF 6) occupation meeting the salary threshold.How to get it ↓
Tuberculosis test certificateOptionalIf applying from a listed country.How to get it ↓
Skilled Work Visa
UK Creative Worker Visa (Temporary Work)
Temporary sponsored route for performers, artists, entertainers, models and their technical/support staff making a unique contribution to the UK creative sector. Fee £340 plus £1,035/year surcharge; granted up to 12 months initially (CoS period plus 28 days), extendable with the same sponsor to a maximum of 2 years. No settlement path; mapped to skilled_work as a sponsored temporary work subcategory.
Work: Full-time, sponsor-tied
Study: Study allowed
Family: Dependants allowed
Government fee
£340
Service fee
£170
Processing time
21 days
Max stay
365 days
Validity
365 days
Document checklist (5)
Certificate of sponsorshipFrom a licensed creative-sector sponsor (e.g. production company, venue, agent).How to get it ↓
Proof of savings (£1,270)Unless sponsor certifies maintenance.How to get it ↓
Evidence of creative engagementOptionalContract/itinerary of performances or productions in the UK.How to get it ↓
Tuberculosis test certificateOptionalIf applying from a listed country.How to get it ↓
Skilled Work Visa
UK Health and Care Worker Visa
Discounted Skilled Worker subcategory for qualified doctors, nurses, allied health and adult social care professionals with a job offer from an NHS body, NHS supplier or CQC-registered care provider. Reduced fee of £324 (up to 3 years) or £628 (over 3 years), exemption from the immigration health surcharge, and a lower salary threshold (generally £31,300, or £25,000 for national pay-scale occupations). Leads to settlement after 5 years; new overseas applications for care workers and senior care workers (SOC 6135/6136) closed on 22 July 2025.
Work: Full-time, sponsor-tied
Study: Study allowed alongside work
Residency after 5 years
Family: Dependants allowed
Government fee
£324
Service fee
£170
Processing time
21 days
Validity
1,825 days
Document checklist (7)
Certificate of sponsorshipFrom a licensed health/care sector sponsor confirming an eligible occupation code.How to get it ↓
Proof of English language (B1)Approved test, eligible degree, or professional registration evidence.How to get it ↓
Professional registration/qualificationsE.g. GMC/NMC registration or equivalent for the role.How to get it ↓
Proof of £1,270 savingsUnless sponsor certifies maintenance.How to get it ↓
Criminal record certificateRequired for most health and care roles.How to get it ↓
Tuberculosis test certificateOptionalIf applying from a listed country.How to get it ↓
Skilled Work Visa
UK Skilled Worker Visa
Main sponsored work route: requires a job offer from a Home Office-licensed sponsor in a graduate-level (RQF 6+) occupation paying at least £41,700/year or the occupation's going rate, whichever is higher (lower thresholds of £33,400-£37,500 for new entrants/Immigration Salary List). Fee £819 (up to 3 years) or £1,618 (over 3 years) from outside the UK, plus £1,035/year healthcare surcharge; granted up to 5 years with indefinite leave to remain possible after 5 years (qualifying period may rise to a 10-year baseline under the 2026 earned-settlement reform).
Work: Full-time, sponsor-tied
Study: Study allowed alongside work
Residency after 5 years
Family: Dependants allowed
Government fee
£819
Service fee
£170
Processing time
21 days
Validity
1,825 days
Document checklist (7)
Certificate of sponsorship (CoS)Reference number issued by the licensed sponsor within 3 months of application.How to get it ↓
Valid passportWith a blank page; identity verified via app or visa centre.How to get it ↓
Proof of English language (B1)Approved test, degree taught in English, or exempt nationality.How to get it ↓
Proof of £1,270 savingsHeld for 28 consecutive days, unless sponsor certifies maintenance or you have 12+ months UK residence.How to get it ↓
Job and salary detailsOccupation code, annual salary and sponsor licence number (on CoS).How to get it ↓
Tuberculosis test certificateOptionalIf applying from a listed country.How to get it ↓
Criminal record certificateOptionalFor certain jobs, e.g. education, healthcare, social services.How to get it ↓
Seasonal Work Visa
UK Seasonal Worker Visa
For seasonal jobs in horticulture (up to 6 months in any 12) or poultry production (2 October - 31 December), sponsored by a licensed scheme operator under an annual quota. Fee £340; workers must be paid at least the National Living Wage and show £1,270 savings unless the operator certifies maintenance. No dependants, no extension beyond the season, no settlement path.
Work: Full-time, sponsor-tied
Government fee
£340
Service fee
£170
Processing time
21 days
Max stay
180 days
Validity
180 days
Document checklist (5)
Certificate of sponsorshipFrom a licensed scheme operator, issued within 3 months.How to get it ↓
Proof of £1,270 savingsHeld for 28 days, unless sponsor certifies maintenance.How to get it ↓
Tuberculosis test certificateOptionalIf applying from a listed country.How to get it ↓
Job detailsRole, dates and pay confirmed on the certificate of sponsorship.How to get it ↓
Intra-Company Transfer Visa
UK Senior or Specialist Worker Visa (Global Business Mobility)
Intra-company transfer route for existing employees (normally 12+ months with the group) transferring to a UK branch of their multinational employer, paying at least £52,500/year or the going rate. Fee £819 (up to 3 years) or £1,618 (over 3 years) plus £1,035/year surcharge; maximum cumulative stay 5 years in any 6 (9 in 10 for those earning £73,900+). Does NOT lead to settlement, though holders may switch to Skilled Worker.
Work: Full-time, sponsor-tied
Study: Study allowed alongside work
Family: Dependants allowed
Government fee
£819
Service fee
£210
Processing time
21 days
Validity
1,825 days
Document checklist (6)
Certificate of sponsorshipFrom the UK entity holding a Global Business Mobility sponsor licence.How to get it ↓
Proof of 12 months' employment with the groupPayslips/contracts, unless earning £73,900+ (exempt).How to get it ↓
Salary evidenceMeeting £52,500 or occupation going rate, whichever is higher.How to get it ↓
Proof of £1,270 savingsUnless sponsor certifies maintenance or 12+ months in UK.How to get it ↓
Tuberculosis test certificateOptionalIf applying from a listed country.How to get it ↓
Not yet researched
Digital Nomad Visa
Freelancer Visa
Self-Employment Visa
2 routes
Invest & Capital
Golden visas, real estate, citizenship by investment, passive income.
Golden Visa (Residence by Investment)
Tier 1 (Investor) visa
Not available
Closed to new applicants on 17 February 2022 over illicit-finance concerns; existing holders could extend/settle for a transition period. The UK now has no investment-based residence route; Innovator Founder is the nearest (business-activity) replacement.
Reciprocal scheme for Indian citizens aged 18-30 holding a bachelor's degree or above, selected through a ballot (annual quota ~3,000). Fee £340 plus £1,552 healthcare surcharge and £2,530 savings; selected applicants must apply within 90 days of invitation and travel within 6 months. Grants up to 24 months to live and work in the UK; not extendable and does not lead directly to settlement.
Work: Free to work
Study: Study allowed
Government fee
£340
Service fee
£170
Processing time
21 days
Validity
730 days
Document checklist (5)
Ballot selection emailInvitation to apply from the India Young Professionals Scheme ballot.How to get it ↓
Indian passportValid passport showing Indian citizenship.How to get it ↓
Degree certificateEligible qualification at bachelor's level or above.How to get it ↓
Healthcare surcharge payment£1,552 for 24 months.How to get it ↓
Working Holiday Visa
UK Youth Mobility Scheme Visa
Working-holiday route for young people (18-30, or 18-35 for some nationalities) from partner countries/territories including Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Monaco, San Marino, Iceland, Andorra and Uruguay (ballot applies for some). Fee £340, £2,530 savings and £776/year surcharge; grants up to 2 years of live-and-work rights, with Australians, Canadians and New Zealanders able to extend by 1 further year. No EU country is yet included: the UK-EU 'Youth Experience Scheme' agreed in principle in May 2025 is still being negotiated as of June 2026.
Work: Free to work
Study: Study allowed
Government fee
£340
Service fee
£170
Processing time
21 days
Validity
730 days
Document checklist (5)
Valid passportFrom an eligible country/territory, or proof of eligible British nationality type.How to get it ↓
Proof of £2,530 savingsBank statement showing funds held for 28 days.How to get it ↓
Ballot invitationOptionalRequired for nationalities subject to the ballot.How to get it ↓
Healthcare surcharge paymentUsually £776 per year.How to get it ↓
Biometric enrolmentIdentity verification via app or visa application centre.How to get it ↓
Not yet researched
Retirement Visa
2 routes
Family & Origin
Reunification, spouse routes and ancestry-based repatriation.
Spouse / Partner Visa
UK Family Visa (Partner or Spouse)
For spouses, civil partners, fiancé(e)s and durable partners of British citizens or settled persons. The sponsor must meet the minimum income requirement of £29,000/year (or savings of £88,500); the planned rises to £34,500/£38,700 were paused pending the MAC review (reported June 2025) and the threshold remains £29,000 as of June 2026. Fee £2,064 outside the UK (£1,407 inside, raised 8 April 2026) plus healthcare surcharge; granted 2 years 9 months, extendable 2.5 years, with settlement after 5 years.
Government fee
£2,064
Service fee
£210
Processing time
84 days
Validity
1,003 days
Document checklist (7)
Valid passportsFor applicant; sponsor's passport/status evidence.How to get it ↓
Marriage or civil partnership certificateOr evidence of 2 years' cohabitation for unmarried partners.How to get it ↓
Proof of minimum income £29,000Sponsor's payslips, employer letter, bank statements (6-12 months), or £88,500 savings.How to get it ↓
Proof of genuine relationshipCommunication records, joint finances, photos, visits.How to get it ↓
English language certificate (A1)Approved SELT test or exemption.How to get it ↓
Proof of adequate accommodationTenancy/ownership documents for where the couple will live.How to get it ↓
Tuberculosis test certificateOptionalIf applying from a listed country.How to get it ↓
Ancestry / Repatriation
UK Ancestry Visa
For Commonwealth citizens (plus British overseas citizens/BN(O)s and Zimbabwe citizens) aged 17+ who can prove a grandparent was born in the UK, Channel Islands or Isle of Man, and who intend to work in the UK. Fee £726 plus £1,035/year healthcare surcharge; grants 5 years with unrestricted work and study rights and dependants allowed. Settlement (ILR) after 5 years; cannot be switched into from inside the UK.
Government fee
£726
Processing time
21 days
Validity
1,825 days
Document checklist (6)
Valid Commonwealth passportProving eligible nationality and age 17+.How to get it ↓
Grandparent's UK birth certificatePlus parents' and own birth/marriage certificates proving the ancestral chain.How to get it ↓
Proof of intention to workJob offer, job applications or a credible plan to seek work.How to get it ↓
Proof of fundsAbility to support yourself and dependants without public funds.How to get it ↓
Tuberculosis test certificateOptionalIf applying from a listed country.How to get it ↓
Adoption certificatesOptionalIf the ancestral link involves adoption.How to get it ↓
Not yet researched
Family Reunification Visa
Dependent Relative Visa
4 routes
Special Categories
Talent, religious, humanitarian, media, official and permanent residence.
Talent / Highly Skilled Visa
UK Global Talent Visa
Unsponsored route for leaders or potential leaders in academia/research, arts and culture, or digital technology, requiring endorsement by a designated body (£561 endorsement + £205 visa = £766 total) or a listed prestigious prize (£766). No job offer or salary threshold; grants up to 5 years per grant with full work flexibility. Settlement after 3 years (exceptional talent/most fields) or 5 years (arts 'promise' applicants).
Work: Free to work, no sponsor
Study: Study allowed
Residency after 3 years
Family: Dependants allowed
Government fee
£766
Service fee
£210
Processing time
21 days
Validity
1,825 days
Document checklist (5)
Endorsement letter or eligible prizeEndorsement from Tech Nation successor body/Royal Society/Arts Council England/UKRI etc., or proof of a listed prestigious award.How to get it ↓
CV and evidence portfolioUp to 10 evidence items, recommendation letters etc. for the endorsement stage.How to get it ↓
Tuberculosis test certificateOptionalIf applying from a listed country.How to get it ↓
Healthcare surcharge payment£1,035 per year of leave requested.How to get it ↓
Talent / Highly Skilled Visa
UK High Potential Individual (HPI) Visa
Unsponsored work visa for graduates of top-ranked global universities who obtained an eligible degree in the last 5 years. Fee £880 plus a mandatory £252 Ecctis qualification check, £1,270 maintenance funds and £1,035/year health surcharge; grants 2 years (3 years for PhD holders). Cannot be extended but holders may switch to Skilled Worker or other routes; the visa itself does not lead directly to settlement.
Work: Free to work, no sponsor
Study: Only non-Student-eligible courses
Government fee
£880
Service fee
£210
Processing time
21 days
Validity
730 days
Document checklist (6)
Ecctis confirmationVerification that your overseas degree is equivalent to a UK bachelor's/master's/PhD (£252).How to get it ↓
Degree certificate from eligible universityUniversity must appear on the Global Universities List for the award year (degree within last 5 years).How to get it ↓
Proof of English language (B1)Approved test or degree taught in English.How to get it ↓
Proof of £1,270 savingsHeld for 28 consecutive days, unless 12+ months already in the UK.How to get it ↓
Tuberculosis test certificateOptionalIf applying from a listed country.How to get it ↓
Religious Worker Visa
UK Minister of Religion Visa (T2)
For people with a key leading role in a UK faith community (minister of religion, missionary, member of a religious order) sponsored by a licensed religious organisation. Fee £819 outside the UK (£943 in-country) plus £1,035/year surcharge; granted up to 3 years 1 month per grant, extendable, with settlement after 5 years. A separate temporary 'Religious Worker' visa (£340, up to 2 years, non-pastoral roles) also exists.
Government fee
£819
Service fee
£170
Processing time
21 days
Validity
1,126 days
Document checklist (6)
Certificate of sponsorshipFrom the licensed faith-community sponsor.How to get it ↓
Proof of English language (B2)Approved test or eligible degree.How to get it ↓
Proof of £1,270 savingsUnless sponsor certifies maintenance or 12+ months in UK.How to get it ↓
Evidence of religious role/qualificationsOptionalOrdination or ministry credentials supporting the sponsored role.How to get it ↓
Tuberculosis test certificateOptionalIf applying from a listed country.How to get it ↓
Permanent Residence
UK Indefinite Leave to Remain (Settlement)
Permanent settlement after a qualifying period of continuous lawful residence - currently 5 years on most work and family routes (3 years for Innovator Founder and most Global Talent; 10 years long residence). Fee £3,226 per applicant from 8 April 2026 (no health surcharge); requires Life in the UK test and English at B1 (B2 proposed). Under the 'Earned Settlement' reform consulted on to February 2026, the baseline qualifying period is set to double to 10 years (reducible to 3-5 years for high earners/contributors), with changes expected to start taking effect from April-autumn 2026.
Government fee
£3,226
Document checklist (6)
Valid passport / BRP or eVisaCurrent immigration status evidence.How to get it ↓
Proof of continuous qualifying residenceUsually 5 years; absences must not exceed 180 days in any 12 months.How to get it ↓
Life in the UK test passPass certificate (test fee £50).How to get it ↓
English language evidence (B1)Approved test, degree taught in English, or exempt nationality/age.How to get it ↓
Route-specific evidenceE.g. continued sponsorship and salary for Skilled Worker; relationship evidence for partners.How to get it ↓
Criminal record declarationSuitability/criminality requirements apply.How to get it ↓
How to get these documents General guidance for any passport.
Valid passport
How to get this document
Apply for or renew your passport at your country's passport authority (often the foreign-affairs or interior ministry, a passport office or designated post office). Most visa portals want a clear colour scan of the bio-data page; keep the passport valid at least 6 months beyond your trip with two blank pages.
Issued by
National passport authority
Typical cost
$20–$150
Typical time
1–6 weeks (expedited often available)
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Digital photo
How to get this document
Have a recent passport photo taken at a pharmacy, photo booth or photographer, or use a compliant online photo tool. The common size is 35×45 mm with a plain light background, neutral expression and no glasses; the US and a few others require 2×2 in (51×51 mm). Get 2–4 prints plus a digital copy.
Issued by
Any photographer or photo booth (ICAO 9303 standard)
Typical cost
$5–$15
Typical time
Same day
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Contact and travel details
How to get this document
Provide a flight reservation or an onward/return ticket itinerary. Many travellers use a held reservation (not a paid ticket) from an airline, travel agent or flight-itinerary service so they are not committed before the visa is granted.
Issued by
Airline / travel agent
Typical cost
free–$30 for a reservation
Typical time
Same day
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Payment card
How to get this document
Pay the visa or government fee through the channel the consulate specifies — card payment on the application portal, bank transfer, or in person at the visa centre. Keep the receipt or transaction confirmation to upload or present.
Issued by
Destination consulate / payment provider
Typical cost
Varies by visa
Typical time
Immediate–2 days
Verified 11 Jun 2026
ETA per traveller
How to get this document
This is a destination- or programme-specific supporting document. Follow the exact instruction on the official consulate or immigration checklist for your visa; if it is unclear, contact the consulate or visa application centre for guidance on how to obtain it.
Issued by
Destination consulate / immigration authority
Typical cost
Varies
Typical time
Varies
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Proof of funds
How to get this document
Show you can support your stay using bank statements, a salary or pension certificate, a sponsorship/affidavit of support, or evidence of savings or income that meets the published minimum for the visa. Combine several documents if one is not enough.
Issued by
Your bank / employer / sponsor
Typical cost
free–$20
Typical time
Same day–1 week
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Invitation letter
How to get this document
Ask your host, company or institution in the destination to write an invitation letter with their details, your details, and the purpose and dates of the visit. Some countries require it to be officially registered or legalised by local immigration (e.g. a notarised or authority-stamped invitation).
Issued by
Host / inviting organisation
Typical cost
free–$50
Typical time
Days–weeks
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Biometric enrolment
How to get this document
Book a biometrics appointment at the destination's visa application centre (e.g. VFS Global, TLScontact or BLS) or consulate, then attend in person to give fingerprints and a facial photo. Bring your passport and the appointment confirmation.
Issued by
Visa application centre / consulate
Typical cost
Often included in the visa feesometimes a small service fee
Typical time
15–30 minute appointment
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Visa/entry permission for destination
How to get this document
Obtain a national ID card or a citizenship/nationality certificate from your civil-registry or interior ministry. For ancestry- or origin-based routes, request the birth, naturalisation or archive records that prove the qualifying lineage.
Issued by
Civil registry / interior ministry
Typical cost
free–$50
Typical time
Same day–several weeks
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Completed online application
How to get this document
Complete the official visa or residence application form for your destination. Most consulates now use an online portal where you fill in the form, upload documents and book an appointment; print and sign the confirmation page.
Issued by
Destination consulate / immigration portal
Typical cost
Usually free (the visa fee is separate)
Typical time
30–60 minutes to complete
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Letter from UK doctor or clinic
How to get this document
Book a medical examination with a doctor or, where required, a clinic on the consulate's approved-panel list. Tests may include a general exam, a chest X-ray/TB screening and blood tests; the clinic issues the certificate directly.
Issued by
Licensed doctor / panel clinic
Typical cost
$30–$200
Typical time
1–2 weeks including results
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Current UK Student/Tier 4 visa
How to get this document
Once you are accepted, request an admission/acceptance letter or certificate of enrolment from the school or university's admissions or registrar office. It should confirm the programme, the dates and that tuition is arranged.
Issued by
School / university (admissions office)
Typical cost
Usually free
Typical time
A few days–2 weeks
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Proof of English language
How to get this document
Take the required language test (e.g. IELTS or TOEFL for English, DELF/TCF for French, Goethe or telc for German, or a national integration exam) at an accredited test centre and collect the certificate. Book early, as test slots fill up.
Issued by
Accredited test provider
Typical cost
$100–$300
Typical time
2–6 weeks including results
Verified 11 Jun 2026
ATAS certificate
How to get this document
Use your original diploma or degree certificate; for a replacement or official copy, ask the issuing institution's registrar. For use abroad it usually needs to be apostilled or legalised and translated.
Show where you will stay: a hotel booking, a signed tenancy/lease, a host's invitation with their address, or an address-registration document. For longer stays a registered rental contract is usually expected.
Issued by
Landlord / host / municipality
Typical cost
free–$50
Typical time
Same day–1 week
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Birth certificate or proof of relationship
How to get this document
Order a certified copy of your birth certificate from the civil-registry/vital-records office where you were born (often available online). For foreign use it usually needs an apostille or legalisation and a translation.
Request a letter on company letterhead from your employer stating your position, start date, salary and that your leave or continued employment is approved, signed by HR or a manager. For work visas this may instead be a formal work permit or job-offer letter issued by the employer or labour authority.
Issued by
Employer (HR) / labour authority
Typical cost
Free
Typical time
A few days
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Business plan
How to get this document
Prepare a business or project plan describing the activity, market, financial projections and job creation. You usually write this yourself; some startup or investor visas require it to follow a set template or be reviewed by an approved incubator.
Issued by
Self-prepared (sometimes incubator-endorsed)
Typical cost
free–consultant fee
Typical time
Varies
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Certificate of sponsorship
How to get this document
Have your sponsor sign a letter or affidavit of support undertaking to cover your costs, attaching their ID and proof of funds or income. Some countries require a notarised affidavit or an official guarantee form.
Issued by
Sponsor (sometimes notarised)
Typical cost
free–$50
Typical time
Days
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Job and salary evidence
How to get this document
Ask your employer's HR or payroll department for your most recent payslips (usually the last three) or a salary certificate stating your role, start date and gross/net pay.
Issued by
Employer (HR / payroll)
Typical cost
Free
Typical time
Same day–a few days
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Criminal record certificate
How to get this document
Request a criminal-record certificate from your country's police or justice/interior ministry — many issue it through a national online portal, sometimes requiring fingerprints. For foreign use it usually must be apostilled or legalised and translated, and most consulates accept one issued within the last 3–6 months.
Order a certified copy of your marriage (or divorce) certificate from the civil registry that recorded it. For foreign use add an apostille or legalisation and a certified translation.
Prove the family link with civil documents — marriage and birth certificates connecting you to the relative, a family or household register, or, for unmarried partners, evidence of cohabitation (joint lease, bills, photos). Civil documents often need an apostille and translation.
Write an up-to-date CV/résumé listing your education and work history. Some visas ask for the Europass format or a signed and dated version; you prepare this yourself.
Issued by
Self-prepared
Typical cost
Free
Typical time
Same day
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Route-specific evidence
How to get this document
Write a signed cover or motivation letter explaining the purpose of your trip or application, your plans and your ties to your home country, addressed to the consulate. You prepare this yourself.
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