How to Move to England: Visas, Requirements, and the Path to a British Passport

The United Kingdom attracts highly skilled professionals, investors, and students from all over the world, thanks to its high prestige among major business figures and multinational corporations. UK universities consistently rank among the top 10 globally, and the country itself is in the top 5 of the world’s Human Development Index (HDI) and quality of life rankings.

However, attractiveness does not equate to accessibility. The UK’s immigration system is based on selective criteria, rather than the desire to find a more suitable place to live. In this article, we will explore the United Kingdom’s immigration and the different routes available for doing so.

Immigration Path to the UK

In the British immigration system, an individual follows a linear process: first obtaining a time-limited status, then a permanent one. Only after this can one apply for citizenship.

A temporary residence permit in the UK allows one to live and work/study, but it is always time-limited and requires regular renewal. Access to most benefits is restricted, and any violation of visa conditions can result in refusal upon renewal. The purpose of this stage is practical to accumulate the necessary legal period of residence to transition to ILR.

ILR (Indefinite Leave to Remain) grants the right to live in the UK permanently, without being tied to a specific employer or educational institution. In essence, it is equivalent to permanent residency: the individual is free to change jobs, has full access to the local healthcare system, and, in some cases, to social benefits.

However, ILR is not the same as citizenship: voting in elections is not allowed, there is no British passport, and prolonged absence from the UK may result in the loss of status. For most routes, the standard period leading to ILR is five years, although there are exceptions.
After meeting all the UK permanent residence requirements, you can apply for citizenship. It completes the immigration to Britain process: it grants the right to vote and a British passport, and the risk of losing status due to living abroad disappears.

Pros and Cons of Living in the United Kingdom

Moving to the UK is attractive in terms of career opportunities and social security, but there are also drawbacks that should be taken into account.

How to Obtain a UK Residence Permit (Temporary Leave to Remain)

Temporary residence in the UK can be obtained through various immigration programs. The permit is granted for a specific period, with clearly defined conditions, such as working for a particular employer, studying, family ties, or business activities.

Work Visa (Skilled Worker Visa)

The Skilled Worker visa is available to qualified foreign specialists who have received a job offer from a UK employer. However, with this visa, the potential worker is tied to the employer and the place of work.

Main requirements for moving to Britain through a work residence permit:

• The employer must hold a Sponsor License and, upon offering the contract, must issue a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) to the worker.
• The salary must meet the minimum threshold. Under the new 2024/2025 rules, the minimum salary is either £41,700 per year or the «going rate»* for the specific occupation, whichever is higher.
• The job must meet a qualified level of skill.
• Proficiency in English at the time of application must be at least B1 according to the CEFR (or an equivalent test).
• If the sponsoring employer does not cover living and subsistence costs (as is the case with seasonal work), the applicant must show they have at least £1270. This amount must be in the applicant’s bank account for at least 28 days before submitting the visa application.
• No significant violations of immigration rules or the law.

* Each occupation eligible for the Skilled Worker visa has an SOC code (Standard Occupational Classification 2020). Each code has an associated "going rate«—either annual or hourly pay—calculated based on average earnings for that profession. Specific numbers for each occupation are listed in the «Skilled Worker visa: going rates for eligible occupation codes» table on the GOV.UK website.

Document requirements to immigrate to England on a Work Visa:

• A valid passport or other identity document.
• Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from the employer.
• Proof of minimum salary (contract, employer letter).
• Proof of English language proficiency (certificate, test).
• Proof of funds: a bank statement from the last 28 days showing at least £1270.
• Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) payment for NHS healthcare access.
• Biometric data submission certificate (fingerprints) and photo.
• Other documents as requested by the immigration office (e.g., previous visas, education, police clearance).

As mentioned, immigration to Britain requires a job offer from an employer. The visa is granted for a period of 5 years, plus 1 additional month if the contract is shorter than 5 years. However, when renewing, the worker is still tied to the employer. If a job change is necessary, a new CoS must be obtained; otherwise, the renewal will be denied.

Family Reunion Visa (Family Route)

When an individual has a spouse, partner, or family member in the UK with permanent residence or British citizenship, they can apply for a family reunion visa. This immigration program offers temporary residence with the right to work, followed by a path to permanent residency (ILR).

Main requirements for the applicant:

• The applicant must have a relative in the UK with official status (citizenship or permanent residence) who is willing to act as a sponsor.
• Both partners must be 18 years or older.
• If the application involves marriage or a partnership, the relationship must not be fraudulent. The authorities will verify if the couple lives together, how they pay utility bills, and whether they have joint photos and correspondence.
• The sponsor’s income must meet the minimum threshold of £29,000 per year. Savings can be used to meet the threshold.
• The sponsor must also meet requirements for appropriate accommodation. The space must be sufficient for all sponsored relatives without the need for public assistance.
• The applicant must demonstrate English proficiency at a minimum of A1 level. For extensions, a higher level (B1/B2) will be required.

Required documents for a family residence visa in the UK:

• Passport or other valid identity document.
• Marriage certificate or official civil partnership certificate, or evidence of living together for at least 2 years.
• Proof that any previous marriages/partnerships have been legally terminated.
• Proof of sponsor’s income: tax documents, pay slips, bank statements.
• Proof of accommodation: lease or property purchase agreement, utility bills, joint bank accounts.
• Documentation of English language proficiency (depending on category) or an appropriate exemption.
• Biometric data: fingerprints and photos.
• Payment of the visa fee and Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) for NHS access.

When initially applying, the partner/spouse typically receives a visa for 2 years and 9 months. After 5 years, they can apply for ILR (permanent residency). British citizenship by marriage does not require the applicant to have lived for 1 year in the status of a permanent resident anymore.

The immigration process for children of sponsors is more complex, with higher requirements:

• The child must be under 18 years old at the time of the visa application. They should not be married or living independently (i.e., having their own housing and a stable income).
• The child must reside with the sponsoring parent in the UK. If the child is temporarily living separately (e.g., at an educational institution), this must be documented. The sponsoring parent must be legally recognized as the child’s guardian.
• The sponsoring parent must demonstrate that they can support the child without relying on public funds.

Applications must be submitted before the child turns 18, as this category no longer applies to older children. However, there is an exception, «Adult Dependent Relative.» This is used when an adult relative, including a child over 18 or an elderly parent, is in a serious medical condition and requires continuous care, but only if this care cannot be provided in the applicant’s home country.

In practice, approvals for this category are rare: UK immigration rules require not only proof of relationship but also evidence that care cannot be provided in the applicant’s home country. However, if the conditions are met, this category allows immediate application for permanent residence in England (ILR).

Business Immigration (Innovator Founder Visa)

The Innovator Founder Visa is designed for entrepreneurs who wish to establish and grow a business in the UK within innovative sectors. Unlike a simple investment, this route requires an active managerial and strategic contribution to the business’s development.

Main requirements:

• The applicant must be over 18 years old.
• An endorsement letter from an approved endorsing body is required, confirming that the business idea is innovative, viable, and scalable.
• Proficiency in English at a minimum level (usually B2).
• Proof of personal funds to support living expenses — for example, at least £1,270 in a bank account, held for no less than 28 days before submitting the application.
• If the business is new, a detailed business plan must be provided, describing the idea, strategy, market, competitors, financial model and showing that the applicant was either the originator of the idea or made a significant contribution to its development.
• The business must be registered or the applicant must plan to register it, with the applicant playing an active role in its management.

Documents required for a temporary residence visa in the UK:

• A valid passport or other identity document.
• Endorsement letter.
• A business plan outlining the idea, market, competitors, and growth strategy.
• Proof of personal funds: a bank statement for 28 days showing at least £1,270 in the account.
• Proof of English language proficiency (test certificate or equivalent).
• Evidence that the applicant is the business team leader or responsible for implementing the project.
• Biometric data (fingerprints, photo) and payment of the visa fee + Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).

Before obtaining a British residence permit, it is important to note that the business must be active, viable, and subject to verification. If the endorsing body determines that the business does not meet these criteria, the status will not be extended or may be revoked.

Standard Student Visa (Student Visa)

Studying in the United Kingdom not only offers the opportunity to gain an education at one of the UK’s universities or colleges but also grants the right to limited work and the possibility to remain in the country to search for full-time employment after graduation.

Requirements for obtaining a student visa:

• The applicant must receive an official letter of acceptance from a UK educational institution confirming enrollment in a course known as CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies).
• The applicant must prove they have sufficient funds to cover tuition fees and living expenses while studying in the UK.
• A minimum level of English proficiency, usually at least B1, is required.
• A valid passport or other identity document is necessary to apply for the visa.
• Applicants must pay the Immigration Health Surcharge, which provides access to healthcare services in the UK.

Before applying for a residence permit in the UK, applicants should take into account that the duration of the student visa depends on the length of the chosen course of study. Typically, the visa is granted for the duration of the course plus additional time to complete exams or search for employment (up to 4–5 years). The visa allows students to work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during vacations and weekends.

Graduate Route Visa (Post-Graduation Residence)

For many international students, completing a degree at a UK university or college provides an opportunity to remain in the country. However, this route does not lead directly to permanent residency (ILR) and requires further transition to other visas. It is specifically designed for graduates.

Main requirements for a UK residence permit:

• The applicant must be in the UK at the time of the application and hold a valid student visa or its equivalent.
• The applicant must have successfully completed the course of study for which the initial visa was issued. The educational institution must inform the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) office of the student’s completion of the course.
• If the course lasted 12 months or less, the study must have taken place directly in the UK. For courses longer than 12 months, at least 12 months of study must occur within the UK, with any additional study completed online.
• Before applying for the Graduate Route visa, the applicant must not be part of any other schemes, such as the Doctorate Extension Scheme.

Required documents:

• A passport or valid travel document confirming identity and nationality.
• The unique CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) number used when the initial student visa was issued.
• Confirmation from the educational institution that the course has been completed and that they have notified UKVI, often in the form of a letter from the university.
• If the applicant received a scholarship or sponsorship that covered tuition fees and living expenses in the last 12 months, written consent from the sponsor for the application is required.
• Payment of the visa application fee and Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) the amount varies based on the length of stay.

For bachelor’s and master’s degree holders, the visa is granted for 2 years (if the application is submitted before the end of 2026) or 18 months (if submitted after January 1, 2027). For PhD or doctoral degree holders, the visa is granted for 3 years. The holder of this visa can work at any skill level, but they are not eligible to apply for most public funds (government benefits) and cannot study in courses that require a student visa. This is the most popular way to get permanent residency in the UK because a study program itself helps to demonstrate continuous residence in the country.

Temporary Permits in the UK

Sometimes migrants do not need a path to permanent residency in the UK but only a temporary work permit. These routes are useful as starting points and are most commonly used for seasonal workers.

Main types of UK residence permits:

• Seasonal Worker Visa. For seasonal work (such as fruit and vegetable picking and poultry farming). Requirements: Age 18+, an offer from a licensed sponsor with a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), and at least £1270 in funds in a bank account for a minimum of 28 days.
• Government Authorised Exchange Visa. For participation in approved exchange programs, internships, and research projects. A CoS from a sponsoring organization is required, along with age requirements, form completion, and payment of fees.
• International Agreement Visa. For employment based on international agreements (e.g., working for an international organization or diplomatic service). A CoS, a contract with the organization, and sufficient funds for living expenses are required.

These visas are issued for a limited duration: for example, the seasonal visa is valid for up to 6 months within any 12-month period. Employment is restricted to a specific role with the designated sponsor; changing jobs or working outside the specified conditions in the contract is not allowed.

Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in the UK

Obtaining a British permanent residence card marks the point at which an individual stops being a temporary migrant and becomes a permanent resident of the country. From this moment, the UK government no longer regulates where the person works, how often they change employers, or their job title.

However, before acquiring ILR in the UK, the applicant must prove to the immigration authorities (UK Home Office) that they have settled in the country: they must be employed, comply with visa conditions, and reside predominantly in the UK.

British PR requirements:

• An individual can apply for ILR after 5 years of residence in the UK on a valid visa.
• Applicants must not have been absent from the country for more than 180 days in any 12-month period.
• The applicant must demonstrate English language skills at a minimum of B1 level.
• The applicant must pass an exam on British culture, history, and society, similar to the citizenship test.
• No Violations of Visa Conditions / Tax Debts / Criminal Convictions.

Documents required for ILR application:

• Passport + biometric residence permit in the UK.
• Proof of employment.
• Proof of residence and address (e.g., rental agreement, utility bills).
• Language test results and the Life in the UK exam.
• Travel details: entry/exit dates (passport stamps, flight bookings).

Before moving to the UK, it’s important to consider that after receiving ILR, an individual gains practical freedom but not absolute freedom. ILR allows the person to live and work without restrictions, claim social benefits (if their visa category permits it), change employers, and buy property without additional checks of immigration status. However, they do not receive a British passport or the right to vote in elections. Additionally, ILR can be revoked if the individual remains outside the UK for two consecutive years.

British Citizenship

Obtaining British citizenship is the final stage of the migration process. With a British passport, a person gains full political rights and access to state programs and financial benefits, such as pensions. The UK allows dual citizenship, meaning the individual is not required to renounce their original nationality.

Main criteria for UK citizenship:

• The applicant must be an adult, at least 18 years old.
• The applicant must not exceed the allowed number of days spent outside the UK. For example, no more than 450 days in the last 5 years and no more than 90 days in the last 12 months.
• The applicant must pass the Life in the UK Test, which covers the history, culture, and structure of the state.
• The applicant must demonstrate proficiency in the English language (or Welsh/Scottish Gaelic, if required) at the appropriate level.
• The applicant must show that they have no serious criminal record, violations of immigration rules, tax debts, etc.

Documents required for apply for English citizenship:

• Passport or other proof of identity.
• Document confirming ILR (Indefinite Leave to Remain) status.
• Proof of residence in the UK for the required period: bank statements, utility bills, records of absences from the country.
• Certificate for passing the Life in the UK Test.
• Certificate or other proof of English language proficiency.
• Proof of no violations of immigration conditions or criminal history (e.g., police certificates, records, etc.).
• Paid application and biometric fee.

The residency period to apply for British nationality includes time spent in the UK under a valid visa and 12 months under ILR status. So, the general timeline looks like this: first, the applicant gets a valid visa, lives under it for at least five years, and then applies for ILR. After receiving an ILR, the applicant must wait another year before applying for citizenship.

For those in a registered partnership with a British citizen, it is possible to apply for citizenship immediately after obtaining ILR.

It is important to note that it is not possible to acquire British citizenship by investment, nor is there a simplified path to citizenship via investment. Investments themselves do not grant a visa or ILR status.

The only possible route for investors is the Innovator Founder Visa, a business migration route. However, this is not merely about investing money; it requires creating a business that is approved by a designated authority. Therefore, legally, this is more of an entrepreneurial path than an investment one.