Compare published routes

UK visa comparison centre

See the structural differences between commonly confused routes before opening the full official guidance.

12source-led comparisonsPhase 2 · reviewed 26 July 2026

General information, not a personal recommendation

A comparison helps identify the right official pages to read. It does not decide which route a person should use.

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Start with the decision you are trying to understand

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Skilled WorkervsGlobal Talent

Skilled Worker vs Global Talent visa

Compare employer sponsorship with an endorsement-led route for recognised or emerging leaders.

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Skilled WorkervsHealth and Care Worker

Skilled Worker vs Health and Care Worker visa

Understand how the specialist Health and Care route fits within the sponsored-work system.

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GraduatevsSkilled Worker

Graduate visa vs Skilled Worker visa

Compare an unsponsored post-study permission with a sponsored route that may lead to settlement.

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Partner or spousevsFiancé(e)

Spouse visa vs Fiancé visa

Compare joining a qualifying partner after marriage with entering the UK to marry or form a civil partnership.

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Spouse or civil partnervsUnmarried partner

Spouse vs unmarried partner family route

Compare two relationship categories within the UK family-visa framework.

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Innovator FoundervsGlobal Talent

Innovator Founder vs Global Talent visa

Compare an endorsed innovative-business route with a route for recognised or emerging talent.

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StudentvsChild Student

Student visa vs Child Student visa

Compare the main study route with the route for children attending eligible independent schools.

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Standard VisitorvsMarriage Visitor

Standard Visitor vs Marriage Visitor visa

Compare ordinary permitted visits with a visit specifically for a UK marriage or civil partnership.

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Route-based settlementvsLong residence

Five-year routes vs ten-year long residence

Understand the difference between settlement through a specific route and settlement through long lawful residence.

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Indefinite leave to remainvsBritish citizenship

Indefinite leave to remain vs British citizenship

Compare permanent immigration status with naturalisation as a British citizen.

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Sponsor licencevsCertificate of Sponsorship

Sponsor licence vs Certificate of Sponsorship

Separate an organisation’s permission to sponsor from the electronic record assigned to a worker.

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Electronic Travel AuthorisationvsStandard Visitor visa

UK ETA vs Standard Visitor visa

Understand the difference between permission to travel for eligible non-visa nationals and a visitor visa.

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