Safe and legal routes to the UK
The only way to the UK.
If you want to come to the UK for a better life or are seeking safety, the only way to do so is to come here through safe and legal routes, or regular visa routes.
Regular visa routes
For those seeking to work or study, the UK has a visa regime. This should be your primary route for seeking entry into the UK.
Work visa
You can work in the UK on a short or long-term basis with a work visa. There are several types of work visas including skilled, graduate, temporary and business visas.
Student visa
You can apply for a student visa to study in the UK if you’re 16 and over and you:
- have been offered a place on a course by a licensed student sponsor
- have enough money to support yourself and pay for your course – the amount will vary depending on your circumstances
- can speak, read, write and understand English
- have consent from your parents if you’re 16 or 17 – you’ll need evidence of this when you apply
Find out more about regular visa routes and how to apply for a visa to come to the UK.
Humanitarian routes
If you need help or advice about your current situation, please:
- Select the country where you are currently located.
The UK offers safe and legal routes to people seeking safety and their family members.
UK Resettlement Scheme
The UK Resettlement Scheme is open to vulnerable refugees worldwide. You must be referred by the UNHCR to be eligible for this route. Visit the UNHCR help page for more information.
Community Sponsorship
Community sponsorship allows communities, civil society organisations, charities, and faith groups in the UK to help refugees to settle here. The UNHCR can help you with your situation and assess whether you are eligible for this route. Contact the UNHCR for advice.
Mandate Scheme
The Mandate Scheme resettles refugees that the UNHCR have referred who have a close family member in the UK willing to accommodate them. Go to the UNHCR help page to find out more.
Family Reunion
Our refugee family reunion policy provides a safe and legal route for families to be reunited. This allows immediate family members (partner and children under 18, and over 18 in exceptional circumstances) of those granted protection in the UK to join them here, if they formed part of a family unit before the sponsor left their country to seek protection. Find out more about how to apply for family reunion.
Afghanistan routes
The UK offers additional routes for eligible Afghan citizens. Find out more about the Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme and Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy.
Hong Kong British National (Overseas) visa
The UK Government launched the Hong Kong British National (Overseas) Immigration route in response to China’s passing of the National Security Law which significantly impacts the rights and freedoms of the people of Hong Kong.
This is not a refugee resettlement route, but is a safe and legal route to the UK for those eligible. Find out more about the British National (Overseas) visa.
Ukraine routes
In response to Putin’s barbaric invasion of Ukraine, the UK has three additional visa routes for the people of Ukraine. Find out more about UK visa support for Ukrainian nationals.