There are a number of types of permits issued to visit the United Kingdom. For the temporary visas; Based on the purpose of visit, the major types can be classified into the following. 

UK Tourist/Visitor Visa – This type allows you to visit the country for a short term visit. These are normally issued for a duration of 6 months. However, in certain cases where the applicant requires to travel to the country multiple times over a few years, it may be issued for even 2,5 or 10 years. However, you will only be allowed to stay for a maximum of 6 months per entry. Based on the type of visit, these can further be classified into the following –

1. Standard Visitor – This is issued to visitors travelling for the purpose of tourism,  business, medical treatment, and other similar short term visit purposes.

2. Marriage Visitor – This type is required if you are visiting the country to get married or get into a civil partnership in the UK.

3. Transit – This is only required if you have to travel through the UK as a transit to visit another country.

Student – This type of permit is issued to people who want to pursue a course in the UK. This is generally based on the Point Based System (PBS). The types of student permits are as follows –

1. Short-term study – Used for students doing short term courses or research for 6 or 11 months. 

2. Tier 4 General Student – This is issued in cases where you have been offered a place on a course. Since this is a PBS type, you will need to meet the necessary eligibility points. The visa is issued as per the duration of your course.

3. Tier 4 Child Student – Children between the ages of 4 and 17, visiting the UK to take part in studies in an independent school will require this type.

Work – The work permit is issued to individuals who are visiting the country to take part in work or employment activities. This is also a PBS system and requires the individuals to meet the eligibility points. The types of work visas are as follows.

1. Tier 2 – This is issued to individuals who are moving to the country to take part in long term work. You will be required to be sponsored by a licensed sponsor for this. There are several sub-divisions of this visa too.

2. Tier 5 – A 5th tier permit is issued for short term work. These can be unpaid voluntary work, religious work, sports-related, etc. These can further be split into multiple types based on the purpose.

3. Tier 1 – For individuals performing long term business activities, and planning to set-up their business, a tier 1 type is the apt one. This can be issued for entrepreneurs, start-ups, etc based on the eligibility.

Family – You can apply for a family visa is you are going to the UK to live with your spouse, parent, child, or a relative who will be providing for you for a long term. These visas are issued for more than 6 months. If you require to visit them for a period of fewer than 6 months, you can apply for a standard visitor visa instead.