UK; land of multiple job opportunities! 

Considered among the most sought-after countries, the UK offers better job opportunities and lifestyle for working professionals. 

Every year thousands of Indians migrate to the UK for employment. However, you need a UK work permit to work in the UK. Though, applying for a UK work visa can seem daunting at first. 

Keep reading this article to get more insight into a work visa and how you can apply for your UK visa from India. 

What is a work visa?

A work visa is a document issued by the government to permit workers from other nations to work and stay in their country for a specific time. However, you need to qualify for certain eligibility criteria to obtain a work visa. This criterion varies with the country you are applying for. 

What is a UK work visa?

A UK work visa permits you to work in the UK for a specific time. To obtain a work visa, you must meet the eligibility criteria of the UK government. This criterion depends on your tenure of stay and type of job. However, the UK's point-based immigration system requires a minimum of 70 points. 

What are the different types of UK work visas?

Now that we know what a UK work visa is and why we need it, let us discuss in brief the different types of UK work visas - 

1. Long-term work visa

Long-term work visas generally have a validity of 2 to 4 years. Later you can apply for renewal or UK citizenship. It is further classified into 4 categories - 

• Skilled worker visa
• Health and care worker visa
• Representative of an overseas business visa
• International sportsperson visa
• Minister of religion work visa
• Specialist worker visa

2. Short-term work visa

These visas generally have a validity of 6 months to a year. Short-term visas are typically excluded from the points-based visa system because they are only granted for certain categories of work.

• Youth mobility visa
• Charity worker temporary visa
• Religious worker visa
• Seasonal worker visa
• Graduate visa
• Government authorised Exchange of temporary visa
• International agreement visa

3. Investor, Business development and talent visa

There is no specific type of visa available for individuals who wish to set up a business in the UK or work as freelancers. However, they can apply for the following visas - 

• Global Talent visa
• Start-up visa

4. Other work visas 

This type of visa is granted for every other type of work that is not a part of the categories mentioned above.

How to apply for a UK work visa from India?

To apply for a UK visa from India, make sure you apply for a job that qualifies for Indian working professionals. Fill out the application form and submit it. Make the payment for the visa application. 

You can apply for your work visa in the UK 3 months after receiving the sponsorship letter from a valid employer in the UK. 

Ensure to have all the documents handy. You might also have to make an appointment at the visa office near you to submit biometrics and verify the documents. 

After successfully submitting your application, wait for notification from the visa office. You will receive a notification within 3 weeks of submission of the application. 

Who is eligible to obtain a work visa from India?

Any individual qualifying the following eligibility criteria can obtain a work visa in the UK from India. 

The requirement for obtaining a UK work permit are: 

1. You need to obtain 70 points to get your UK work visa. 
2. You must submit a sponsorship letter from a UK employer with a valid licence. 
3. You should be paid a minimum wage for your job. It can be anything highest of the following  - 

• The going rate of your job. 
• £ 25,600 per year
• £ 10.10 per hour 

4. If you are applying for a Representative of an overseas business visa, then you must qualify the given criteria - 

• You should have worked with the company you represent for a minimum of a year. You must also be paid a minimum salary of £ 73,900 per year. 
• If your salary is higher than £ 73,900 per year, then you can apply for your uk visa regardless of the duration you have worked for. 

5. You must also be able to submit evidence for your financial support during the stay. You can do this by submitting proof of your own finances or a maintenance guarantee from your UK-licensed sponsor letter promising to cover your first month's expenditures. If the sponsorship letter does not acknowledge the provision of maintenance, the applicant must show that there is £945 in their bank account for at least 90 days.
6. You must have a minimum IELTS score of 4.0 for a UK work visa. This reflects that you have a basic understanding of English, including reading and writing.

What are the required documents to obtain a UK work visa?

The documents required for uk visa are as follows - 

1. A correctly filled application form
2. A visa that is valid for the next 6 months
3. Past travel documents and expired passports to reflect previous travel history
4. Sponsorship certificate from a licensed employer in the UK
5. Detail about your travel
6. Recent colour photographs
7. Proof of accommodation
8. Proof of financial support during the stay
9. Evidence showing your English knowledge
10. Criminal record certificate
11. Biometric test

Contact Professionals Today!

These are some of the steps in which you can apply for your UK work permit!

Hopefully, this article has provided you with some insight on how to apply for a work visa in the UK. It is critical that you follow all the steps. 

To get further assistance, do get in touch with UK Work Permitz consultants in Bangalore, Chennai, Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Kolkata. 

This will ensure that you get your work permit quickly without any hassle.