Applying for a UK visa from India can be an overwhelming task to begin with. There are numerous documentation and legal procedures that must be fulfilled so that the process can be completed smoothly. 

Challenges Indians Face to get work visa in the UK

With proper guidance you can attain your UK work visa in no time. However, it is imperative to acknowledge the limitations which general Indians face to acquire work visas in the United Kingdom. Some of them are: 

• Limitation of Funds
• Unable to fulfil work permit credentials
• Job offers from companies that are not recognized by the Home Office
• Issues to avail certificate of sponsorship
• Job Role which is not listed on the eligible occupations, and many more.

Not the necessary steps adequately may lead to the rejection of your application. An aspirant may consider reapplying. However, this can take some time. So it is best to make sure that you apply for the application with precautions. 

Here’s a guide to how to apply for a work visa for Indians in the UK. However, before getting into the process. Let us understand what a UK work visa is and why you need one. 

What is a work visa?

Work is a permit that allows individuals from different parts of the world to travel to a foreign country for employment opportunities. Depending upon your job and other eligibility criteria, there are different types of work visas. 

Why do you need a work visa?

A UK work visa allows Indians to work in the UK for an approved employer. Depending upon the type of your job, you may be granted different types of work visas. 

Types of work visas

1. Long-term work visa 

• Skilled worker visa

The tier 2 visa has been superseded by the skilled worker visa, which permits Indians to go to the UK and work there for a recognised UK firm. This visa is valid for five years and may be renewed numerous times, or you may decide to relocate to the UK.

• Health care worker visa

This visa allows medical experts from India to stay in the UK and work for an NHS-approved organisation. 

• Intra company transfer worker visa

If you are currently employed by a company and are being transferred to the company's branch in the UK, you must apply for this visa. This also includes some salary requirements. If your annual income is less than £73,900, you must have spent a minimum of 12 months working for your company outside the UK. However, there is no restriction on the minimum duration for which you have worked if you make more than £73,900 annually.

• Intra company graduate trainee worker visa

Individuals who are moving to the UK as part of a graduate programme are given this visa. You couldn't apply for this visa until you had worked for at least three months.

2. Short-term work visa

Short-term work visas are generally granted to individuals who wish to travel to the UK on a temporary basis. This includes foreign graduate students who wish to work in the UK or students who are being transferred to graduate programs. This also includes working professionals who wish to stay in the UK to get training and experience. 

3. Investor, business development and talent visa

If you intend to operate an innovative business in the UK and the business idea has received approval from an authorised endorsing organisation, you must apply for an innovator visa. 

If you are over 18 years old and a leader or a potential leader in academia, research, the arts, culture, or digital technology, you are qualified to apply for this visa. 

4. Other work visas

This includes all types of work visas that do not fall under the above-mentioned criteria. 

How to apply for a UK work visa for Indians?

Now that we know what work visas are and their different types. Let us discuss how to apply for a UK job visa from India. 

Choose the appropriate visa for the job you intend to pursue in the UK. Verify that Indian nationals are eligible for the visa. You must apply for the visa at least three months prior to your working commitment. 

Firstly, you need to fill out the application form online and make the payment. You might have to visit the UK visa agency for your verification. Ensure to submit all the documents required for a UK visa. You will receive a notification regarding the status of your application after three to four weeks. 

What are the eligibility criteria to work in the UK?

1. You must possess an authorised passport with a validity of the next 6 months. 
2. You should not have any ongoing criminal record while applying for the visa. 
3. You should have a job with a valid occupation code. 
4. You should have a document supporting proof of your finances during the stay. You should not rely on public funds. 
5. You should provide a detailed account of your accommodation and travel iteration.  

What are the essential documents that one must have while applying for a visa?

Here’s a list of documents required for a UK visa. 

1. Certificate of sponsorship
2. A passport with validity for next 6 months
3. Valid occupation code
4. Proof document showing your personal savings
5. TB test results
6. Criminal records certificates 

Do I need to take the IELTS test before applying for my UK visa?

You must take the IELTS test before applying for your UK visa. This test is important since it ensures that you have a basic understanding of the English Language. The minimum IELTS score for a UK work visa is 4.0. 

Conclusion

It's not difficult to obtain a work visa for the UK from India. If all the necessary factors are not taken into account, your application may be rejected. Make sure you handle this task with the utmost care to avoid the hassle of having to reapply. Contact UK Work permits consultants in Bangalore, Chennai, Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, or Kolkata if you need more assistance.