Family Routes
Family routes allow people to join or remain with relatives who are British citizens or settled in the UK. They include routes for:
- spouses, civil partners, unmarried partners and fiancé(e)s;
- children;
- parents;
- adult dependent relatives.
These routes usually have requirements about your relationship, finances, accommodation and English language ability.
Visiting the UK
The Standard Visitor route covers short trips for tourism, visiting family and friends, and some permitted business activities. Visitors cannot work in the UK or make the UK their main home through frequent or long visits.
Depending on your nationality, you may need a visitor visa, or an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), before you travel.
Work Routes
Most work routes need a job offer from an employer that holds a sponsor licence. The main sponsored routes are:
- Skilled Worker: for roles that meet the required skill level and salary;
- Health and Care Worker: for eligible roles in health and adult social care.
Other work routes, such as Global Talent, do not always need a sponsor. Partners and children may be able to join you as dependants, depending on the route.
Study Routes
The Student route is for people who have an unconditional offer from a licensed education provider, confirmed by a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS). You will usually need to show you can pay your course fees and living costs.
After completing an eligible course, some students can stay and work through the Graduate route.
Settlement and Citizenship
Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) lets you live in the UK without time limits. Many routes lead to ILR after a qualifying period of lawful residence, which varies by route. You will usually also need to meet the Life in the UK and English language requirements.
British citizenship is usually the next step after settlement. Most adults apply through naturalisation, while children may be able to register. Residence, good character and other requirements apply.
Choosing the Right Route
The right route depends on your circumstances, and the details matter. Things to think about include:
- whether you are applying from inside or outside the UK, as switching between routes is not always allowed;
- when your current permission ends, so you do not become an overstayer;
- whether you meet every requirement now, or need time to prepare;
- how the route you choose affects your path to settlement later.
See our services for how we can help with each route.
Please note: this guide is a general overview and is not legal advice. UK immigration rules change often, and each route has detailed requirements. Please contact us for advice on your circumstances. Last reviewed November 2026.