UK Immigration for Indians

The United Kingdom is one of the most preferred destinations for skilled professionals, students, entrepreneurs, and health workers. Known for its high-quality education system, strong economy, top global companies, and multicultural environment, the UK offers structured pathways for Indians to work, settle, and eventually acquire Permanent Residence (ILR).

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What is UK Permanent Residency (ILR – Indefinite Leave to Remain)?

UK Permanent Residency (ILR) allows Indians to:

• Live and work in the UK indefinitely

• Apply for British Citizenship after 12 months on ILR

• Access public healthcare (NHS) and social benefits

• Travel freely without visa restrictions

• Sponsor spouse and children

• Change employers freely

Most Indians achieve ILR through work visas such as the Skilled Worker Visa, Health & Care Visa, or after studying and securing employment under the Graduate Route.

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Popular Pathways for Indians to Move to the UK

1. Skilled Worker Visa (Most Common Route for Indians)

This is the main visa category for professionals with a valid job offer in the UK.

Key Highlights:

• Requires a job offer from a licensed UK sponsor

• Minimum salary requirement (varies by role & occupation)

• Visa valid for up to 5 years

• Eligible for ILR after 5 years

Suitable For:
IT professionals, engineers, finance experts, managers, HR, marketing professionals, teachers, and most skilled roles.

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2. Health & Care Worker Visa

A highly popular pathway for nurses, doctors, and allied health workers.

Benefits:

• Fast-track processing

• Reduced visa fee

• No Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)

• Eligible for ILR after 5 years

Roles:
Nurses, doctors, physiotherapists, lab technicians, radiographers, pharmacists, caregivers, etc.

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3. Student Visa (Study to PR Route)

Many Indians choose the UK for top universities and globally recognized degrees.

Highlights:

• Large number of English-taught programs

• Access to top-tier universities (Oxford, Cambridge, etc.)

• After graduation → eligible for Graduate Route

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4. Graduate Route (Post-Study Work Visa – PSW)

After completing a degree in the UK, students get:

• 2 years work visa after Bachelor’s/Master’s

• 3 years after PhD

During this time, they can look for a job and switch to a Skilled Worker Visa → PR pathway.

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5. Global Talent Visa (For Highly Skilled Individuals)

Designed for top talent in:

• Tech

• Academia & research

• Arts & culture

• Engineering

• Digital professions

Benefits include no job offer requirement and faster route to ILR.

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6. Innovator Founder Visa (For Entrepreneurs)

For individuals planning to start an innovative, scalable business in the UK.

Requirements:

• Business idea approved by UK endorsing body

• Demonstrate innovation, market need, and feasibility

• Eligibility for ILR in 3 years

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7. Family Visa

For spouses, partners, dependent children of UK residents or citizens.

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Eligibility Criteria for UK Immigration (General)

• Education: Bachelor’s/Master’s or relevant qualification

• Work Experience: Minimum 1–2 years preferred (depending on job)

• English Language:

  • IELTS UKVI/Academic/General depending on visa

  • CEFR B1–C1 level for work routes

• Job Offer: Required for Skilled Worker/Health & Care visas

• Salary Threshold: Must meet the minimum salary set for your occupation

• Proof of Funds: Required unless employer certifies maintenance

• Medical & Police Clearance

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UK Does NOT Use a CRS-Type Points System

While the UK has a points table for the Skilled Worker Visa,
it is NOT like Canada’s CRS.

Points are awarded for:

• Job offer

• Salary

• English proficiency

• Skill level

• Shortage occupation

You must meet a total of 70 points to qualify.

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Step-by-Step UK Immigration Process

1. Check job demand & choose the right pathway

2. Secure a job offer (for work routes)

3. Employer issues Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)

4. Prepare documents: education, IELTS, bank balance, etc.

5. Submit online visa application

6. Attend biometrics at VFS

7. Receive visa decision & travel to the UK

8. Start working and complete required residence period

9. Apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after 5 years

10. After 12 months → Apply for British Citizenship

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Documents Required

• Valid passport

• Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)

• Educational certificates

• IELTS UKVI/English test score

• Work experience letters

• Proof of funds (unless exempt)

• Tuberculosis test (mandatory for Indians)

• Police Clearance Certificate

• Passport-size photograph

• Health surcharge payment (IHS)

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Cost of UK Immigration (Approx.)

Visa Fees

• Skilled Worker Visa: £719–£1,500 (varies by duration & role)

• Health & Care Visa: £247–£479

• Student Visa: £490

• Graduate Route: £822

• IHS (Immigration Health Surcharge): £1,035 per year (except Health & Care visa applicants)

Other Costs

• IELTS: ₹16,000 approx.

• TB Test: ₹4,000–₹5,000

• Document translation & notarization: varies

• Proof of funds: £1,270+ (if required)

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Benefits of UK PR for Indians

• Live, work, and study anywhere in the UK

• Access to free healthcare (NHS)

• Sponsor spouse and children

• High salaries and strong job market

• Safe and multicultural society

• Strong Indian community

• Eligibility for British Citizenship after 1 year on ILR

• Global career opportunities with UK experience