First Migration
London-based immigration consultancy for UK visa applications and reviews.
Moving to London
Visa Basics
This is your one-page “start here” for UK visas — the exact stuff you need to know before you book flights or sign a lease.
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Next up: Banking • Accommodation • Flights • Living in London (these will sit on your Moving to London hub page)
What Visa Do You Need to Move to London?
“When I first Googled ‘UK visa,’ I landed on a page with 48 different types. It felt like an endless rabbit hole — with paperwork. Don’t worry — I’ve been through it, and I’ll break it all down here.”
First things first: use the UK Visa Checker to see which visas you’re eligible for. It’s the official tool and always up to date.
If you already know which visa you need, the next question is: can I apply myself or do I need help? We’ll cover that further down.
The Most Common Visas for Movers
| Visa Type | Description / Requirements |
|---|---|
| Youth Mobility Scheme | Ages 18–35, no job offer required, £2,530 in savings. 2 years + 1 year extension. |
| Skilled Worker Visa | Job offer from a licensed sponsor, minimum salary, English test, proof of funds. |
| Ancestry Visa | For Commonwealth citizens with a UK-born grandparent. 5 years with path to settlement. |
| Family / Partner Visa | Join your UK partner. Must prove relationship + meet £18,600+ income rule. |
| Student Visa | Requires CAS letter from a UK university, proof of funds, English proficiency. |
| Health & Care Worker Visa | For NHS and care workers. Lower fees + no IHS surcharge. |
Did you know? The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) is £776–£1,035 per year and must be paid upfront when applying for most long visas.
Quick Visa Matching Tool
- Hired by a UK company? → Skilled Worker Visa
- Partner is a UK citizen? → Family/Partner Visa
- Coming to study? → Student Visa
- Have a UK-born grandparent? → Ancestry Visa
- 18–35 and adventurous? → Youth Mobility Scheme
Most first-timers land on a YMS or Skilled Worker visa.
All Available Visas to the UK (with Fees)
Here’s a quick reference of the most common routes. For the full master list of 30+ visas, check our UK Visas post.
| Visa | Description | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Skilled Worker | Sponsored job offer. | £769–£1,751 |
| Student | Full-time study at UK university. | £524 |
| YMS | 18–30/35, 2 years stay, no job required. | £319 |
| Visitor | Tourism, business, short study. | £127 (6mo) |
| Graduate | 2–3 year post-study work. | £880 |
eVisa and Your UKVI Account
Your eVisa is your digital immigration status. It replaced BRP cards and passport stickers.
Did you know? From July 2025, everyone will switch to eVisas — even those who already have BRPs.
Manage everything through your UKVI account: prove your right to work, rent, travel, and update contact details.
- ✓Create a UKVI account
- ✓Scan passport in the ID Check app
- ✓Link your eVisa to your account
- ✓Update whenever your passport or address changes
Mastering the Visa Process: Timelines, Tips, and Legal Help
Most visas follow a similar flow. Here’s what to expect:
- Check eligibility with the Visa Tool
- Apply online via the UKVI portal
- Upload documents + pay visa fee + IHS
- Book biometrics at VFS Global or TLScontact
- Wait for decision (3–6 weeks standard; faster options cost more)
- Register your visa/eVisa once in the UK
Did you know? Priority visas (5 days) and Super Priority (24 hours) are only offered in certain countries — and can cost £500–£1000 extra. Check out VFS Global's website for more details.
Organise documents early:
- ✓Valid passport (6–12 months left)
- ✓Proof of funds (usually £2,530)
- ✓TB test if required
- ✓Visa fee + IHS receipt
“I applied for YMS in April, approved in May, and landed in June. It moved fast.”
Key Takeaways
- Most movers use YMS, Skilled Worker, or Student visas.
- All long visas require upfront IHS payment.
- eVisas replace BRPs — UKVI account is your new hub.
- Standard processing is 3–6 weeks, but can be faster if you pay more.
Pro Tip: Don’t book flights until your visa is approved — cancellations are costly and airlines won’t refund if your visa is refused.
Trusted Visa Services
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IAS Services
UK immigration lawyers offering advice calls, application checks, and appeals support.
Tip: Always verify advisers on the UK’s OISC register.
