UK immigration,
explained clearly
UK rules changed a great deal in 2025–2026: a higher Skilled Worker threshold, a shorter Graduate visa and a new “earned settlement” model. We explain the official rules in plain language and introduce partner UK solicitors. If your next step is the United States, our U.S. attorney plans it with you directly.
Main visa routes
The UK routes Chinese-speaking clients use most. Each has official requirements, and eligibility needs an individual assessment.
Skilled Worker visa
A job offer from a licensed UK sponsor. Since July 2025 roles must be at degree level (RQF 6), usually paying at least £41,700.
Learn more →GLOBAL TALENTGlobal Talent visa
Leaders and emerging leaders in research, digital technology, arts and culture, and design. Endorsement needed, no employer sponsor.
Learn more →HPIHigh Potential Individual
Graduates of top global universities from the last five years. No job offer needed; 2 years (3 for a PhD).
Learn more →STUDENT · GRADUATEStudent and Graduate visas
Graduate visa: 2 years if you apply by 31 December 2026, 18 months from 1 January 2027 (PhD stays 3 years).
Learn more →FAMILYPartner and family visas
British citizens and settled people can sponsor a partner. The income requirement is currently £29,000 a year.
Learn more →BN(O)BN(O) visa
For Hong Kong BN(O) status holders and family. The government confirmed BN(O) keeps its current 5-year path.
Learn more →Settlement is no longer automatic after 5 years
On 2 November 2026 the Home Office set out the “earned settlement” model. The default wait for settlement rises from 5 to 10 years, with faster paths for higher earners and some public service workers. It will take effect through changes to the Immigration Rules.
Read the settlement rules →Family of British citizens, Hong Kong BN(O)s and the armed forces keep their current paths; existing settled status is not removed. Source: GOV.UK, 2 November 2026.
UK immigration tools
Six free self-check tools: settlement wait, absences, Life in the UK practice, partner visa income, Graduate visa length and Skilled Worker salary.
Settlement wait estimator
Estimate a 3, 5, 10 or 20-year wait under the November 2026 earned settlement framework.
Open tool →ABSENCESAbsence calculator
Enter your trips and check absence limits for ILR and citizenship.
Open tool →LIFE IN THE UK TESTLife in the UK practice test
Real format: 24 questions, 45 minutes, 18 correct to pass.
Open tool →PARTNER VISASpouse visa income check
Enter income and savings to check the £29,000 requirement.
Open tool →GRADUATE VISAGraduate visa length calculator
Enter your degree and date to see 2 years, 18 months or 3 years.
Open tool →SKILLED WORKER SALARYSkilled Worker salary check
Compare the £41,700 threshold, going rate and £17.13 hourly floor.
Open tool →From the UK to the U.S.: we plan it directly
Wang Law Firm is a law firm in Chicago. If you live or work in the UK, or have become British, and want to move to the United States, our U.S. attorney plans and handles the U.S. side.
E-2 for British citizens
The UK is an E-2 treaty country, so British citizens, including naturalised citizens, can apply for the E-2 investor visa.
L-1 from a UK company
Managers and specialists with a year at a UK company can be transferred to a related U.S. company.
Talent and green cards
O-1, EB-1A, EB-2 NIW and EB-5 suit people who have built a record in the UK, and investors.
How we help
Only UK solicitors and IAA-registered advisers may give UK immigration advice. So we provide information, introduce UK solicitors, and handle the U.S. side ourselves.
- 1Send an enquiryUse the form or WeChat to tell us your situation and goals.
- 2First conversationWe learn your background and see whether it involves the UK, the U.S., or both.
- 3UK solicitor introductionFor UK visas and settlement, a partner UK solicitor speaks with you and is engaged by you directly.
- 4U.S. work done by usU.S. visas, green cards and tax are handled by our U.S. attorney.
Not sure which route fits?
Tell us about your situation. We will introduce a partner UK solicitor to speak with you directly, and our U.S. attorney handles anything involving the United States.