Work & Study visas in UK

If you are an NRI residing in the UK, you may need to apply for a UK visa for family members visiting you, or for your own UK visa extension, work visa, or residence permit.

UK Visa Categories for NRIs & Their Families:

1. Standard Visitor Visa: For family members visiting the UK.
2. Skilled Worker Visa: If you are moving to the UK for a job.
3. Spouse/Partner Visa: If your spouse is a UK citizen or resident.
4. Student Visa: For higher education.
5. Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR): For long-term residents looking for UK permanent residency.

Work Visas for NRIs in the UK

If you are an NRI residing in the UK, you may need a work visa to stay and work legally. The type of visa depends on the nature of your job, skill level, and employer sponsorship.

Skilled Worker Visa Process

The Skilled Worker visa is the most popular work visa among NRIs who want to work in the UK.

1. Check Eligibility:
   You must:
   
   • Have a job offer from a UK employer licensed to sponsor skilled workers.
   • Have a job in a role listed in the UK Shortage Occupation List (e.g., IT, healthcare, engineering etc.).
   • Meet the minimum salary requirement (£26,200/year or £10.75/hour).
   • Prove English language proficiency (IELTS UKVI or equivalent).
2. Gather Required Documents:
   • Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from the employer.
   • Valid passport.
   • Proof of English proficiency (IELTS, degree taught in English, etc.).
   • Proof of funds (£1,270 in the bank for at least 28 days).
   • TB test certificate (if applicable).
3. Apply Online:
   • Visit the UK Home Office website: Apply for a Skilled Worker Visa
   • Fill out the online application form.
   • Pay the visa application fee.
4. Pay Visa Fees:
   • Visa fees depend on the job type and duration.
   • Visa Duration:
     • Up to 3 years Normal Fee £719, Shortage Occupation Fee £551
     • More than 3 years Normal Fee £1,420 Shortage Occupation Fee £1,084
   • Healthcare workers are exempt from visa fees.
   • Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): £624 per year (not required for health and care workers).
5. Book Biometric Appointment:
   • Submit fingerprints & photograph at a UK Visa Application Centre (VAC).
   • You may get an option for priority processing (extra £500 for 5-day decision).
6. Receive Decision & Travel to the UK:
   • Processing time: 3-8 weeks.
   • If approved, collect your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) upon arrival in the UK.

Health & Care Worker Visa Process

This visa is for doctors, nurses, and social care workers.

Requirements:

• A job offer from the NHS, an NHS supplier, or a care home.
• No visa fee for health workers.
• Processing time: 3 weeks.

Study Visas

If you are an NRI who wants to study in the UK, you need a Student Visa (formerly Tier 4 Visa).

Student Visa Process

1. Check Eligibility:
   • Have an unconditional offer from a UK university.
   • Get a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from the university.
   • Meet the financial requirement (£1,334 per month for London, £1,023 for other cities).
   • Prove English language proficiency (IELTS UKVI or equivalent).
2. Gather Required Documents:
   • Valid passport.
   • CAS letter from the university.
   • Proof of financial means (bank statements showing you have enough funds).
   • TB test certificate (if applicable).
3. Apply Online & Pay Fees:
   • Apply via the UK Home Office: Student Visa Application
   • Pay the Student Visa application fee: £490.
   • Pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): £470 per year.
4. Book Biometric Appointment:
   • Provide fingerprints and photographs at a UK Visa Application Centre (VAC).
5. Receive Decision & Travel to the UK:
   • Processing time: 3-4 weeks.
   • Upon approval, travel to the UK and collect your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP).

Graduate Visa (Post-Study Work Visa) Process

If you have completed a degree in the UK, you can apply for a Graduate Visa, which allows you to stay in the UK for 2 years (or 3 years for PhD holders) and work without sponsorship.

1. Eligibility:
   • Must have completed a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD degree from a UK university.
   • Must apply within 2 years of completing the course.
2. Application Process:
   • Apply via the UK Home Office portal.
   • Pay the visa fee (£822) + IHS (£624 per year).
   • Processing time: 8 weeks.

Dependents of Work & Study Visa Holders

Dependents (spouse/partner and children under 18) can accompany or join a main visa holder in the UK.

1. Requirements:
   • Proof of relationship (marriage/birth certificate)
   • Sufficient funds to support dependents (e.g., £285 for partner, £315 for first child, £200 for each additional child)
   • Apply separately online
2. Rights of Dependents:
   • Work full-time (except as a dependent of a Student Visa holder)
   • Children can attend UK schools

Switching Between Visa Types in the UK

NRIs on a Student Visa or Graduate Visa can switch to a Skilled Worker Visa if they receive a job offer from a licensed UK employer.

Key Points:

• Must apply before current visa expires
• Cannot switch to Graduate Visa if on a Visitor Visa

Tips for Visa Approval

• Maintain complete and accurate documents
• Apply well before course/job start date
• Be honest in application details
• Prepare for visa interview if called

What are common Reasons for Visa refusal

• Inadequate financial proof
• Fake or unverifiable documents
• English language requirement not met
• Incomplete application or late submission

Post-Visa: Applying for ILR (Indefinite Leave to Remain)

NRIs on long-term work visas can apply for ILR after 5 years of lawful stay.

1. Requirements:
   • Meet continuous residence requirement
   • Pass the Life in the UK Test
   • Meet English language criteria
   • No major criminal record
2. Process:
   • Check eligibility for ILR (must have stayed in the UK legally for 5 years).
   • Apply online via the UK Home Office portal.
   • Book an appointment for biometric submission.
   • Pay ILR application fees (£2,885 for most cases).
   • Decision is usually given within 6 months.

For more details you can refer

UK Home office – https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/home-office

UK visa & immigration – https://www.gov.uk/browse/visas-immigration