The UK runs a points-based immigration system. There is no lottery: if you meet the salary, skill and English requirements and have a licensed sponsor (or qualify for an unsponsored route), you get the visa. Most routes count toward settlement after five years.
Main work visa
Skilled Worker (sponsored)
General salary floor
£41,700 or the going rate, whichever is higher
Unsponsored routes
Graduate, High Potential Individual, Global Talent
Settlement (ILR)
Typically after 5 years of qualifying residence
Visa pathways in United Kingdom
6 routes, what each one requires, and where it leads.
An unsponsored route for leaders and potential leaders in academia, research, arts, culture and digital technology.
Who it's for
Researchers, engineers, founders and creatives who can be endorsed by a UK body such as Tech Nation's successor, the Royal Society, or Arts Council England.
Duration
Up to 5 years, self-selected
Work rights
No employer sponsorship, free to change jobs, freelance or start a company
Path to residence
ILR after 3 years (exceptional talent) or 5 years (exceptional promise)
Two stages: endorsement, then the visa application
Holders of certain prestigious prizes can skip endorsement
A sponsored route with only 6 months of tied employment, then full mobility.
Who it's for
High earners joining a fast-growing UK company that qualifies as a scale-up sponsor.
Duration
2 years initially, 3-year extensions
Work rights
Sponsored for 6 months, then unsponsored for the rest of the visa
Path to residence
Counts toward ILR after 5 years
Sponsor must show 20%+ annual growth in staff or turnover for 3 years
Salary requirement is higher than Skilled Worker
Getting to permanent residence
Indefinite Leave to Remain normally comes after 5 continuous years on a qualifying route (3 years for Global Talent exceptional talent and successful Innovator Founders), with the Life in the UK test and English at B1. British citizenship usually follows 12 months after ILR.
•Time on the Graduate, Student or visitor routes does not count toward settlement.
•Absences above 180 days in any rolling 12 months can break ILR continuity.
Salary thresholds, fees and processing rules change frequently. Figures are indicative and for educational purposes only, not legal advice - always confirm with the official government source or a licensed adviser.
