Immigration to the UK from India | Your handy guide!

Immigration to the UK from India | An overview

The United Kingdom is a nation where migrants from various countries come and live permanently. Economic and labor market reasons are important drivers of international migration, with work being the primary motivation for migration to the UK. 

Immigration to the UK from India is reasonably simple as long as the visa and work permit criteria are understood and followed. But before exploring the process underlying the immigration process, let’s take a look at why the UK is an ideal destination for immigration. 

Immigration to the UK from India | Reasons for migrating

Following the UK’s exit from the European Union in 2016, immigrants can now get permanent residency more easily. As a result, numerous initiatives like the UK Start-up and UK Innovator visa programs have been introduced. 

It has provided unique opportunities for skilled immigrants to live and work in the United Kingdom. A few of the benefits of immigration to the UK from India are stated below-

• Studying in the United Kingdom, with its great living standards and cultural diversity, is the top choice for people who wish to better their quality of life for themselves and their dependents.
• It is accomplished by obtaining the highest-paying employment in the United Kingdom. 
• There is a high demand for competent and qualified workers to contribute to the economy.
• The National Health Service provides high-quality, free healthcare services (NHS).
• There are no major language hurdles. 
• Legally resident migrants in the UK have access to free education for their children.

Immigration to the UK from India | How can you relocate to the UK?

If you are thinking about how to apply for immigration to the UK from India, there are numerous visa options. One of the most important components of relocating to the UK is determining which visa is best for you. Follow the given process to know the details- 

• Apply for a visa and work permit. 
• Look for accommodation in the UK and perhaps hire a real estate agent to handle the legalities. 
• Take note of the closing formalities in your home country, such as utility bills, bank accounts, etc. 
• Once the visa and work permit is issued, you must register with the British authorities.

Immigration to the UK from India | Different visa systems of the UK

UK visas are granted based on a citizen’s level of professional specialty. British visas are classified into many grades based on a person’s skill level. The points-based visa system is an immigration path for applicants aspiring to immigrate to the UK from India for study, work, training, investing, and so on, detailed further below- 

1. Tier 1 Visa 

This visa category is reserved for “high-value” investor migrants with a minimum investment of £2 million in the United Kingdom. Currently operating, the only visa category under the “Tier 1 visa” is the investment scheme. Tier 1 visas include neither the Global Talent visa, UK Innovator visa, or Start-Up visa. 

2. Tier 2 UK Work Visa 

This visa is for skilled employees from outside the European Economic Area who have a job offer from a UK firm with a sponsor license. It comprises the Skilled Worker visa category (RFQ Level 3 and higher), those relocated to the UK by an international company under the intra-company transfer visa, ministers of religion, and athletes. 

3. Tier 3 Visa 

This category, originally intended for low-skilled individuals filling specific temporary labor needs, has been discontinued. 

4. Tier 4 Student Visa 

Previously known as the Tier 4 visa, this category is for international students who want to study in the United Kingdom. Before applying, applicants must hold a place in a UK educational establishment with a sponsor license. 

5. Tier 5 Temporary Work Visa 

This category replaces the similar Tier 5 visa scheme. It includes six sub-tiers of temporary workers, such as creative and sporting workers, charity workers, religious workers, and the youth mobility scheme, allowing approximately 55,000 young people to work in the UK on holidays each year. 

Immigration to the UK from India | Recent new channels for immigration

1. Seasonal Worker Visa 

The Seasonal Worker visa is one of the Temporary Worker visas that allows immigration to the UK from India for brief periods without the opportunity to stay permanently. The applicant’s only genuine qualifying requirements are to apply for entry clearance (i.e., obtain a visa in advance) and to have a valid certificate of sponsorship (CoS). 

2. Global Business Mobility Visa 

The Global Business Mobility visa will be a new ‘encompassing category’ comprising five sponsored routes for international firms seeking to establish a presence in or transfer employees to the UK for specified business purposes. 

Key takeaways 

• Indian citizens planning to visit the United Kingdom should know the visa and admission requirements. 
• To apply quickly under the current UK visa schemes, your eligibility is mostly determined by your score on the UK tier points-based system. 
• It is crucial to note that the UK Tier Points-based System is used to process most of the UK Work visa schemes (Tier 1 visa schemes) and the UK Study visa schemes (Tier 4 visa schemes). 

We hope you enjoyed reading this blog. In case of any queries, reach out to us or drop a comment below!

Like this blog? Then read- Countries that offer post-study work visa to Indian students

FAQs 

Q1. Can Indian nationals enter the United Kingdom without a visa? 

Answer – As an Indian national, you must obtain a regular visitor visa before entering the UK. 

Q2. A person who wishes to establish a business should apply for a visa under which category? 

Answer – A foreign business person wishing to relocate to the United Kingdom and establish a company must meet the Tier 1 Entrepreneur visa standard requirements. 

Q3. I am a student who wants to immigrate to the UK; what should I do?

Answer – Students wishing to study and settle in the UK should apply for a Tier 4 Student Visa.