Family reunification 
-
Valid passport with at least 1 blank page for a visa stamp.
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Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from a UK employer with a valid sponsor licence.
-
Job offer meeting the minimum salary threshold (typically £38,700/year or the occupation-specific rate, whichever is higher).
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The job occupation must be at RQF Level 3 or above (equivalent to A-level)
-
English language proficiency at B1 CEFR level or above (IELTS 4-5 depending on route)
-
Educational qualifications as specified in the job offer (if required by the sponsor)
-
Tuberculosis test certificate from an approved clinic in India
-
Criminal record certificate (for certain roles working with vulnerable groups)
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Proof of funds (unless the employer certifies maintenance) of at least £1,270 held for 28 days
-
Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) payment (typically £1,035/year for adults)
What are the Different Types of UK Work Visas?
The different types of UK work visas are:
1. Skilled Worker Visa
The UK skilled work visa is the primary route for skilled professionals with a job offer from a UK licensed sponsor. Requires a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), a minimum salary of £38,700 (or an occupation-specific rate), and English at B1 level. Valid for up to 5 years, with a pathway to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after 5 years.Ideal for software engineers, finance professionals, and corporate specialists.
2. Health and Care Worker Visa
A discounted route for doctors, nurses, and health professionals sponsored by the NHS or approved employers. Offers reduced visa fees, Immigration Health Surcharge exemption, and a lower salary threshold. It is valid up to 5 years with a pathway to settlement, making it the most cost-effective option for healthcare professionals.
3. Global Talent Visa
The Global Talent visa is for exceptional talent in tech, arts, research, and academia, endorsed by recognised bodies like Tech Nation or the Royal Society. No job offer or sponsor required, valid up to 5 years, with fast-track settlement after 3 years. Ideal for high-achieving professionals with international recognition.
4. India Young Professionals Scheme (YPS)
A balloted scheme for Indian citizens aged 18-30 with a bachelor’s degree, allowing entry to the UK for 2 years without a job offer. Selected through an annual ballot, this visa provides time to explore the UK Job market and transition to a Skilled Worker visa UK.
5. Senior or Specialist Worker Visa
For intra-company transferees moving from an overseas branch to a UK entity of the same company. Requires employer sponsorship and a minimum salary, valid for up to 5 years, ideal for managers and specialists within multinational corporations.
6. Scale-up Visa
For skilled workers joining fast-growing UK companies, requiring a job offer from a Scale-up sponsor. It is valid for 4 years, with flexibility to change employers after 6 months; ideal for professionals joining high-growth startups and scale-ups.
|
Visa Type |
Target Profile |
Sponsor Required? |
Validity |
Key Feature |
|
Skilled Worker Visa |
Skilled professionals with a job offer |
Yes (Licensed Sponsor) |
Up to 5 Years |
Main route for skilled employment |
|
Health and Care Worker Visa |
Doctors, nurses, health professionals |
Yes (NHS/Approved Employer) |
Up to 5 Years |
Reduced fees and IHS exemption |
|
Global Talent Visa |
Exceptional talent in tech, arts, research |
No |
Up to 5 Years |
No job offer required |
|
India Young Professionals Scheme (YPS) |
Indian graduates aged 18-30 |
No |
2 Years |
Ballot-based, no job offer needed |
|
Senior/Specialist Worker Visa |
Intra-company transferees |
Yes |
Up to 5 Years |
For multinational employees |
|
Scale-up Visa |
High-growth company employees |
Yes |
4 Years |
For fast-growing UK firms |
UK Work Visas Cost
The UK work visa cost is summarised below:
|
Fee Component |
Amount (GBP) |
Amount (INR) |
Paid By |
|
Skilled Worker Visa (Up to 3 Years) |
£769 |
INR 82,800 |
Applicant |
|
Skilled Worker Visa (Over 3 Years) |
£1,519 |
INR 1,63,500 |
Applicant |
|
Health and Care Worker Visa (Up to 3 Years) |
£304 |
INR 32,700 |
Applicant |
|
Health and Care Worker Visa (Over 3 Years) |
£606 |
INR 65,200 |
Applicant |
|
Immigration Health Surcharge (Per Year) |
£1,035 |
INR 1,11,400 |
Applicant |
|
IHS Exemption (Health & Care Visa) |
£0 |
INR 0 |
Not Applicable |
|
TB Test |
~£40-£60 |
INR 4,300-INR 6,500 |
Applicant |
|
Biometrics (UKVCAS) |
Included in Visa Fee |
Included |
Applicant |
Processing Time for a UK Work Visa
The UK work visa processing time varies by application type and service chosen. The average UK work visa processing time is:
-
Standard Service: 3 weeks (21 working days) after biometrics
-
Priority Service: 5 working days (additional fee applies)
-
Super Priority Service: Next working day (additional fee applies)
-
Health and Care Work Visa: 3 weeks standard, with priority options available.
-
Total End-to-End Timeline: 4-6 weeks on average from application to visa decision.
UK Work Visa Sponsorship
UK work visa sponsorship is the foundation of the Skilled Worker visa UK route, requiring employers to hold a valid licence issued by the Home Office.
What is a Certificate of Sponsorship (COS)?
A CoS is an electronic record assigned by your UK employer, containing your job details, salary, and occupation code, which you must reference in your UK skilled work visa application.
Employer Sponsor Licence Requirements
Employers must be approved by the Home Office, demonstrate they cannot fill the role with a settled worker, and comply with ongoing sponsorship duties, including record-keeping and reporting.
Sponsor Licence Tiers
-
Tier 2 (Skilled Worker): For employers sponsoring skilled workers
-
Tier 5 (Temporary Worker): For temporary roles like charity workers or creative workers.
-
A-Rated vs B-Rated: A-rated sponsors can assign CoS. B-rated sponsors must take corrective action.
UK Immigration Salary List
The UK Immigration Salary List (formerly Shortage Occupation List) identifies occupations with reduced salary thresholds and lower visa fees, including roles in healthcare, engineering, and IT. Occupations on this list benefit from a 20% lower salary threshold compared to the standard rate.
