UK Work Visa from India: Shortage Occupations and How to Apply

The UK work visa from India is one of the most common routes for Indian professionals looking to live and work in the United Kingdom. Each year thousands of Indian citizens move to the UK for employment opportunities in sectors such as healthcare, technology, finance, and engineering.

However, applying for a UK Work Visa from India can feel complicated, with multiple routes, eligibility requirements, and costs to consider. This guide breaks down all the main visa routes available to Indian professionals moving to the UK., including the Skilled Worker visa, the Health and Care Worker visa, the India Young Professionals Scheme, and more.

This guide was last updated 07/03/2026 to reflect the latest UK work visa information.

Main UK Work Visa Options for Indian Citizens

1. Health and Care Worker Visa

The Health and Care Worker visa is one of the most popular choices for Indian professionals. In 2023–2024, more than 70,000 Indians and dependants arrived in the UK through this route.

Eligibility requirements:

• Job offer from a licensed UK health or social care employer (e.g. NHS, care homes)
• Valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
• Role listed on the Immigration Salary List (shortage list)
• Meets English language requirement

Required documents:

• CoS reference number
• Passport valid for the duration of the visa
• Proof of English (IELTS or OET for nurses/doctors)
• Bank statement showing at least £1,270 savings

Visa costs:

• £284 (up to 3 years)
• £551 (over 3 years)
• Dependants pay additional fees
• Exempt from the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)

Processing time:

• Around 3 weeks after biometrics/identity check

2. Skilled Worker Visa

The Skilled Worker visa is the primary work route for many professionals, covering roles in IT, engineering, finance, education, and beyond. In 2023–2024, more than 35,000 Indians and dependants entered on this route.

Eligibility requirements:

• Job offer from a UK employer with a sponsor licence
• Valid Certificate of Sponsorship
• Occupation on the Skilled Worker eligible roles list
• Salary meeting the threshold (normally £38,700, or lower for shortage roles, new entrants, or healthcare workers)
• Proof of English

Required documents:

• Passport
• CoS reference number
• Proof of salary and job details
• Bank statement (£1,270 minimum funds)

Visa costs:

• £827 (up to 3 years)
• £1,500 (over 3 years)
• Plus Immigration Health Surcharge: £1,035 per year

Processing time:

• Usually 3 weeks from India

3. India Young Professionals Scheme

Launched in 2023, the India Young Professionals Scheme allows young, educated Indians to live and work in the UK for up to two years. In its first year, 2,234 Indian nationals were granted this visa. Applications are decided through the India Young Professionals Scheme UK ballot, which runs twice a year and allocates a set number of visas.

Unlike the Youth Mobility Visa UK, which is not open to Indian nationals, the India Young Professionals Scheme acts as a similar pathway for Indians aged 18–30.

The India Young Professionals Scheme is often referred to as the UK 2-year work visa for Indians because it allows graduates to live and work in Britain for up to two years without sponsorship.

Eligibility requirements:

• Indian citizen aged 18–30
• Bachelor’s degree or higher
• £2,530 savings
• Must not have previously entered the UK under the Youth Mobility Scheme

Visa costs:

• £298 application fee
• £940 Immigration Health Surcharge per year

Processing time:

• About 3 weeks after submitting documents

4. Graduate Visa

The Graduate visa is available to Indian students who complete an eligible degree in the UK. Over 67,000 Indians were granted Graduate visas last year, making them the largest nationality group in this category.

Eligibility requirements:

• Current Student visa holder in the UK
• Completed a bachelor’s degree, master’s, or PhD at a recognised UK university
• Studied at least 12 months of the course in the UK

Visa costs:

• £822 application fee
• £1,035 Immigration Health Surcharge per year

Length of stay:

• 2 years for bachelor’s/master’s graduates
• 3 years for PhD holders

Processing time:

• Around 8 weeks within the UK

5. Senior or Specialist Worker Visa (Global Business Mobility)

Senior or Specialist Worker Visa is for Indian employees transferring from an overseas branch of a multinational company to its UK office. Around 6,500 Indians and dependants used this route in 2023–2024.

Eligibility requirements:

• Worked for the employer overseas for at least 12 months
• Valid Certificate of Sponsorship
• Salary meeting minimum threshold (normally £45,800)
• Role must be eligible under Global Business Mobility routes

Visa costs:

• £719 (short stay)
• £1,636 (longer stay)
• Plus Immigration Skills Charge for employers

Processing time:

• About 3 weeks from India

How to Apply for a UK Work Visa from India

1. Secure a job offer from a licensed UK employer (check the official sponsor list).
2. Employer assigns a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS).
3. Complete the application form on the gov.uk website.
4. Pay the visa fee and, if required, the Immigration Health Surcharge.
5. Submit biometrics at a visa application centre or use the UK Immigration ID Check app.
6. Receive a decision (typically within 3–8 weeks).

Work Visa UK Cost for Indian Applicants (2025)

Visa Type	Application Fee	IHS	Other Costs
Health & Care Worker Visa	£284–£551	Exempt	£1,270 savings required
Skilled Worker Visa	£827–£1,500	£1,035 per year	£1,270 savings required
India Young Professionals	£298	£940 per year	£2,530 savings required
Graduate Visa	£822	£1,035 per year	N/A
Senior or Specialist Worker	£719–£1,636	£1,035 per year	£1,270 savings required

Extra Costs to Consider

• Flights to the UK
• Temporary accommodation
• Long-term housing deposits
• English language test fees (IELTS/OET)
• Tuberculosis test (if required)
• Insurance and shipping costs

After Your UK Work Visa Is Approved

Getting your visa approved is only the first step when relocating to the UK. Once you arrive, there are several practical things to organise, including accommodation, banking, healthcare registration and understanding everyday living costs.

Start with these guides:

👉 First 90 Days in the UK
👉 Renting in the UK as a New Arrival
👉 Cost of Living in the UK

FAQs: UK Work Visa from India

❓ How much does a UK Work Visa cost for Indians?

Visa fees range from £304 (Health & Care) to £1,519 (Specialist Worker), plus the Immigration Health Surcharge in most cases.

❓ How long does it take to get a UK Work Visa from India?

Most applications are decided within 3 weeks after submitting biometrics. Graduate visas inside the UK take longer (around 8 weeks).

❓ Can I bring my family with me?

Yes, most UK Work Visa routes allow dependants (spouse/partner and children). Each must pay visa fees and IHS (unless exempt).

❓ UK work visa without job offer?

Can I get a UK Work Visa without a job offer? No for Skilled Worker, Health & Care, and Specialist Worker visas. Only Graduate and Young Professionals routes don’t require a sponsor.

❓ What are the UK work permit visa requirements?

Common requirements include a job offer from a licensed UK sponsor, a valid Certificate of Sponsorship, proof of English language ability, and sufficient savings to support yourself on arrival.

❓Is there a UK 2-year work visa for Indians?

Yes. The India Young Professionals Scheme is often called the UK’s 2-year work visa for Indians. It allows eligible applicants to work, live, and travel in the UK without employer sponsorship.

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