Understanding the main types of visas
Visitor, student, work, family and permanent residence: what each category is generally for and how they differ.
Last reviewed . Immigration rules change often. This is general educational information, not legal or immigration advice, and Visa & Beyond is not affiliated with any government. Confirm everything on the official website before you apply. Disclaimer
Every country uses its own names and rules, but most immigration systems group visas and permits into similar families. Understanding these families helps you search the right section of an official website.
Visitor and tourist visas
For short stays: tourism, visiting family, attending meetings or events. They usually do not allow work. Some nationalities can travel without a visa or with an electronic travel authorisation instead.
Student visas
For full-time study at an approved institution. They often require an offer letter, proof of funds and sometimes health insurance. Work rights during study, if any, are limited and defined by each country.
Work visas and permits
For employment. Many require a job offer from an employer that is approved or licensed to sponsor, and may be linked to specific occupations, salaries or skills. Some countries also offer job-seeker or talent visas.
Family visas
For partners, spouses, children and sometimes other relatives of citizens or residents. Relationship evidence and financial requirements are common.
Permanent residence
Long-term or indefinite permission to live in a country, sometimes reached directly and often after a period on a temporary visa.
Use our country guides to find the official page for each category in your destination.