UK Visa Glossary

UK Visas and Immigration — the government department that processes visa applications and makes decisions.

An electronic record assigned by a licensed UK employer that confirms they are sponsoring you for a work visa. It contains details about your job and salary.

An electronic record from a UK university or college confirming they have accepted you as a student. Required for Student visa applications.

A licence held by UK employers that allows them to hire workers from outside the UK. Employers with A-rated licences are in good standing with UKVI.

A visa for people who have a job offer from a UK employer with a sponsor licence. The job must meet minimum skill and salary requirements.

Standard Occupational Classification code — a 4-digit code that classifies your job type. Used to check if your job qualifies for a Skilled Worker visa.

Regulated Qualifications Framework level — indicates the skill level of a job (RQF 3 = A-level equivalent, RQF 6 = degree level). Skilled Worker jobs must be at least RQF 3.

Money you need to show you can support yourself in the UK. Usually must be held in your bank account for at least 28 consecutive days before applying.

Permission to live and work in the UK without time restrictions. Also called "settlement" or "permanent residence". Usually requires 5 years on a qualifying visa.

Permission to travel to the UK, granted before you travel. This is the visa sticker in your passport.

An ID card issued after you arrive in the UK. Contains your photo, fingerprints, and immigration status. Replaces the visa sticker for stays over 6 months.

Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner — regulates immigration advisers in the UK. Only OISC-registered advisers can give paid immigration advice.

A document from your bank showing your account balance and transactions. For visa applications, must usually cover the last 28 days and be dated within 31 days of applying.

Tuberculosis screening required for visa applicants from certain countries (including Turkey). Must be done at an approved clinic before applying.

A fee paid with your visa application that gives you access to NHS healthcare. Currently £1,035 per year for most visa types.

A requirement that you genuinely intend to visit the UK for your stated purpose and will leave at the end. UKVI assesses this based on your ties to your home country.