Types of Visas
Our immigration lawyers offer Application Packages to guide their clients through the visa application process. Find out more about the wide variety of UK, US and Irish visas that our lawyers can help you to apply for.
Call us on 0333 305 9272 for immediate help & assistance with your situation. We’re here to help you in person, via the phone or online.
IAS Visa Application Assistance
Here at the Immigration Advice Service, our lawyers provide application assistance for every type of UK visa. Whether you want to live, work, study, start a business or even just visit the UK, our immigration specialists will be able to recommend the best visa type for you and can help you to apply.
Although we are based in the UK, we also have offices located in the US and Ireland where our immigration specialists offer assistance with visa applications for these countries.
If you want to apply for a UK, US or Irish visa but cannot make it into one of our offices, we can still assist you. We also offer all of our services remotely, our lawyers can arrange an appointment to be conducted over the phone or via Skype call to discuss your visa options with you.
Below are the full lists of the visa types that our immigration lawyers can help you to apply for.
"After my advice session i now know exactly what to do to fill in my visa application. Thank you kate"
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Posted 1 year ago
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Posted 12 months ago
UK Visas
| Visa type | Purpose |
| Skilled Worker Visa | Skilled Workers with a job offer in the UK |
| Temporary Worker Visa | Temporary work, work experience and research in the UK for less than 12 months |
| Youth Mobility Visa | 2 year work permit for young people aged 18-20 from participating territories |
| Paid Permitted Engagement visa | Short-term entry for individuals invited to the UK as experts in their field |
| Sportsperson Visa | Work permit for elite sportspersons or qualified coaches |
| Minister of Religion Visa | Work permit for religious workers |
| Intra-Company Transfer Visa | Employees from multi-national companies transferring to work in a UK branch |
| Business Visitor Visa | Travel to the UK for up to 6 months for business activities |
| Student Visitor Visa | Studying in the UK on a temporary basis |
| Tourist Visa | Travel to the UK for up to 6 months for leisure or other purposes |
| Adult Student Visa | Studying in the UK |
| Two year post-study work visa | Work permit for international students who have studied a bachelor’s or master’s course in the UK |
| Child Student Visa | Children age 4-17 to study in the UK |
| Spouse Visa | Spouses of British Citizens/settled persons |
| Fiancé Visa | Fiancés of British Citizens/settled Persons |
| Unmarried Partner Visa | Long-term partner of British Citizens/settled persons |
| Adult Dependent Visa | Foreign nationals requiring care from a UK relative |
| Child Dependent Visa | Child of a British citizen/settled person not living an independent life |
| Ancestry Visa | Citizens of commonwealth countries with a British grandparent |
| Innovator Visa | International entrepreneurs with £50,000 to invest in a business in the UK |
| Investor Visa | International investors with at least £2 million to invest in UK businesses |
| Startup Visa | Applicants with approved sponsors to start their first business in the UK |
| Schengen Visa | Travel throughout the Schengen area |
Following Brexit, the UK government has introduced a new points-based immigration system. This new system contains many visa options that are available to both EEA and non-EEA nationals.
Under the new system, you will need to score a certain number of points to secure a visa. The points required vary depending on the visa category that you are applying for. To score these points you will need to prove to the Home Office that you can meet the relevant requirements.
EU citizens are not required to apply for a visa if they plan to visit the UK for 90 days or less, but now that free movement has ended between the UK and EU, they must apply for a visa if they plan on staying for more than 90 days or working or studying whilst here.
Unless you are from a country that is part of the US Visa Waiver Programme, then you will need a visa to enter the United States. The Visa Waiver Programme only applies to stays of up to 90 days for the purpose of tourism or business. If you plan to stay for longer than this, or do other activities such as work or study, then you will need to apply for a visa even if you are a resident of a visa exempt country.
The US immigration system is complex, there are many visa categories for specific purposes and this can cause confusion. Luckily, the IAS has attorney’s based in the US that are trained in US immigration law and are knowledgeable about all of the different types of US visas. They will be able to help you find the right visa and can assist you with your application.
The duration of time that you can spend in the US on a visa varies depending on the type of visa you choose, but all of them are temporary permits. If you want to become a permanent resident of the United States then you will need a Green Card. Whilst you must apply for a visa prior to your entry in the US, a Green Card can only obtained after you have arrived in the country. There are various Green Cards available including the Workers Green Card and Family Based Green Cards. Our attorney’s can assess your eligibility for them.
US Visas
| Visa Type | Purpose |
| E1 | Treaty Traders |
| E2 | Treaty Investors |
| E3 | Australian professionals |
| H1B | Specialty workers |
| H2B | Temporary workers |
| H3 | Exchange visitors |
| H4 | Dependents family members of H visa holders |
| 01 | Entry for individuals who possess extraordinary ability in specific fields |
| 03 | Dependent family members of 01 visa holders |
| I Visa | Entry for journalists and members of the media |
| L1 | Foreign specialized workers transferring to their company’s branch in the U.S |
| L2 | Dependents of L1 visa holders |
| P1 | Work permit for nationally and internationally recognized athletes and performers |
| P3 | Temporary work permit for artists, entertainers and support personnel |
| R1 | Work permit for religious workers/foreign members of non-profit vocational associations |
| TN | Citizens of Canada and Mexico with a job offer from an American employer |
| K1 | Fiancés of American citizens/residents |
| K2 | Dependents of K1 visa holders |
| K3 | Spouses of American citizens/residents |
| K4 | Dependents of K4 visa holders |
| B1 | Business visitors |
| B2 | Tourist visitors |
| F1 | Academic students |
| F2 | Dependents of F1 visa holders |
| M1 | Vocational students |
| J1 | Cultural exchange |
| J2 | Dependents of J1 visa holders |
Irish Visas
| Visa Type | Purpose |
| Business Visa | Travel to Ireland for business purposes for a period of up to 90 days |
| Conference or Event Visa | Travel to Ireland to attend a conference or event |
| Critical Skills Employment Visa | Employment permit for highly skilled workers |
| Employment Visa (Atypical Working Scheme) | Short-term work visa for applicants with approval from the Atypical Working Scheme |
| Exam Visa | Entry to Ireland for up to 3 months to undertake an exam |
| Child Dependent Visa | Entry for the Child of a person living in Ireland |
| De Facto Partner Visa | Entry for genuine and long-term partners of Irish citizens/residents |
| Internship Visa | Work permit for full-time students with paid work experience in Ireland |
| Working Holiday Visa | Program for young people of certain countries to visit Ireland to work |
| Marriage Visa | Short stay visa for the partner of an Irish citizen or resident who wishes to marry their partner in Ireland |
| Medical Treatment Visa | Short-stay visa for those with an appointment at a private hospital in Ireland to receive medical treatment |
| Retirement Visa | Long-term retirement for individuals with an income of at least €50,000 |
| Spouse Visa | Entry for spouses/civil partners of Irish citizens/residents |
| Study Visa | Entry to study in Ireland, long-term and short-term options available |
| Tourist Visa | Short-term visits of up to 90 days |
| Training Visa | Entry to partake in a training course in Ireland, short-term and long-term options available |
| Volunteer Visa | Volunteering in Ireland for a period of over 90 days |
| British-Irish Visa Scheme | Freedom to travel through the Common Travel Areas (UK & Ireland) for Chinese and Indian nationals |
The Irish visas are split into two categories, C Visas and D Visas. C Visas refer to short-term stay visas whilst D Visas refer to long-term stay visas. Some visa categories have both short-term and long-term options. If you choose a C Visa, you will only be allowed to enter the country for up to 3 months, whereas you can stay for longer than this on a D Visa.
Citizens of both the EU and UK are not required to hold a visa to enter the country. Ireland also has a Visa Waiver Programme with a number of Eastern European, Middle Eastern and Asian countries. This programme allows nationals from the participating countries who hold a Short-Stay UK visa to travel to Ireland without having to apply for a separate Irish visa.
How can IAS help me with my visa application?
Here at the IAS, we have immigration lawyers that specialise in UK, US and Irish visas. Applying for a visa is usually a complex process, as well as filling in a detailed application form you will need to put together a substantial portfolio of evidence to prove that you meet the relevant requirements. With so many visa options available, it can also be difficult to know which visas you could be eligible for, and which would suit your circumstance the best.
Our immigration lawyers are passionate about making your immigration journey easier. This is why we offer an Application Package that will provide you with guidance throughout the entire visa application process. Our Advice Package is also included within the full application package.
If you choose our Application Package, one of our lawyers will first arrange an advice session with you. During this session they will discuss your circumstances for you and can assess your eligibility for a visa for either the UK, US or Ireland. They can also answer any questions that you may have about the application process.
Once you have decided on the visa that you would like to apply for, our lawyers will get you started with your application. They can fill in and submit any application forms on your behalf and will help you to gather all of the supporting documents that you will need. Your lawyer will also write you a Letter of Representation to support your application.
It can be easy to make a mistake in a visa application, and doing so can result in it being refused. By getting the assistance of our professional immigration lawyers, you can be sure that your visa application will have the best possible chance of success. To get started on your application, get in touch with our team today on 0333 305 9272.
Advice Package
Comprehensive immigration advice tailored to your circumstances and goals.
Application Package
Designed to make your visa application as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Fast Track Package
Premium application service that ensures your visa application is submitted to meet your deadline.
Appeal Package
Ensure you have the greatest chance of a successful appeal. We will represent you in any case.
The Advice Package
With our untimed Advice Session, our professional immigration lawyers will review your case and provide you with comprehensive advice, completely tailored to your needs and your situation.
The Application Package
With our Application Package, your dedicated caseworker will advise you on your application process and eligibility. Your legal advisor will then complete and submit your forms to the Home Office on your behalf.
The Fast Track Package
Our Fast-Track Application Package is a premium service for those who need to submit their application in time with their deadlines. Your case will become a top priority for our lawyers and you will benefit from our highest-quality services.
The Appeal Package
By choosing our Appeal Package, you can rely on our lawyers’ legal knowledge and experience to ensure you have the highest chance of a successful appeal. We will also fully represent you in any hearings/tribunals.
Related pages for your continued reading.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, as well as offering assistance with the initial visa application, our lawyers can also help you to extend a visa, if eligible.
To be eligible for a visa extension, you will need to be able to meet the original requirements for that visa and you should apply before your current visa expires.
Some visas are not eligible for extension, if this is the case our lawyers can work with you to find an alternative immigration route that suites your circumstances.
For more information get in touch today on 0333 305 9272.
Yes, as well as offering visa application assistance, our lawyers in the UK, US and Ireland also assist with a range of other immigration applications. This includes citizenship and permanent residence applications as well as corporate immigration applications such as sponsor licence applications.
The other types of immigration applications that our lawyers can help with include, but are not limited to:
The UK has a wide variety of visas available to overseas nationals. The UK visa categories include:
- Work visas
- Business visas
- Family visas
- Student visas
- Visitor visas
Each category has a number of different visas that vary in their requirements, the activities they allow you to do whilst in the UK, and the duration of leave that they grant you.
If you want to come to the UK, speak to our immigration solicitors today on 0333 305 9272, they can advise you about the best visa options available to you.