Skilled Worker vs Family Visa Route
If you want to come to or stay in the UK, the route you take depends entirely on your circumstances. This comparison covers the two most commonly used routes for non-EU nationals.
| Feature | Skilled Worker | Family Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Sponsor type | Licensed employer sponsor | UK-based partner, spouse, or parent |
| Income requirement | £38,700/year (or going rate for role) | Minimum Income Requirement (MIR): £29,000 rising to £38,700 by 2025 |
| Initial visa duration | Up to 5 years | 2.5 years (extendable) |
| Route to settlement (ILR) | After 5 years continuous residence | After 5 years continuous residence |
| Can work freely | For sponsor employer plus supplementary work | Yes — unrestricted right to work |
| IHS surcharge (per year) | £1,035 | £1,035 |
Rules for both routes change frequently. The Family visa MIR is increasing in stages. Always check current UKVI guidance before applying.
Related guides
Skilled Worker Visa Overview
The Skilled Worker visa is the main route for people from outside the UK to work in the country. It replaced the Tier 2 (General) visa in December 2020 as part of the post-Brexit points-based immigration system. To be eligible, you generally need a job offer from a UK employer with a valid Skilled Worker sponsor licence, and your role and salary must meet the required thresholds.
9 min
Family Visa: Overview
The UK's family immigration rules allow certain close family members of British citizens and those with settled or pre-settled status in the UK to apply to join them. The most common route is the spouse and partner visa, but other routes exist for children, parents, and other dependent relatives. Family visa rules changed significantly in April 2024, with a substantial increase to the minimum income requirement.
7 min
Settlement and Indefinite Leave to Remain
Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) — also called settlement — gives you the right to live, work, and study in the UK for an indefinite period without immigration restrictions. ILR is a significant step on the pathway to British citizenship and provides much greater security than any time-limited visa. However, ILR can be lost if you spend extended periods outside the UK.
8 min
Immigration Evidence Checklist
Gathering the right evidence is one of the most important — and time-consuming — parts of any UK immigration application. Missing, inadequate, or poorly presented evidence is one of the most common reasons for delays and refusals. This guide summarises the types of evidence typically required across the main visa categories.
6 min
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