Immigration law in the UK
Immigration law is made by the UK government and applies to the whole of the United Kingdom (UK). Scotland has its own government, which has many powers. However, the Scottish Government has no control over the UK immigration system. The immigration laws and rules that the UK government makes also apply to Scotland.
The United Kingdom is Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Great Britain is Scotland, England and Wales.
You usually need a visa to come to Scotland to:
- Work
- Study
- Join family
The type of visa you need depends on your situation.
You can check if you need a visa (gov.uk)
The Home Office is the UK government department responsible for immigration and passport services. UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) is a separate organisation that supports the Home Office. They make decisions about who has the right to visit or stay in the UK.
Work and Business Visas
Skilled Worker visa
Health and Care Worker visa
Seasonal Worker visa
Innovator Founder visa
Global Talent visa
Study and Early Career Visas
Student visa
Funding for your course
Graduate visa
High Potential Individual visa
Family and Personal Circumstances
Family visa
Dependants
Visas when you separate or divorce
Visitor and Short‑Term Travel
Visiting Scotland
Travelling with pets
Requirements and Eligibility
Prove your knowledge of English
Other visas
Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)
eVisas
Other visa types
The content on this page is provided by Citizens Advice Scotland.
Header image photo credit: Scottish Enterprise