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If you’re looking to work in the UK and you have a confirmed job offer in place, you may be eligible to apply for the UK Skilled Worker visa. But how easy is the process, and can you apply from India?
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about applying for the UK Skilled Worker visa from India. This includes some details about the visa and who is eligible for it, plus a step-by-step guide to the application process.
We’ll even throw in a handy tip to help you manage your money when you do eventually arrive in the UK. Open a Wise multi-currency account online and you can send, spend, convert in 50 currencies and receive in 10, including Indian rupees (INR) and British pounds (GBP).
But for now, let’s get that visa application sorted for you.
The UK Skilled Worker visa allows you to come to the UK to do an eligible job with an approved employer. To be eligible to apply, you must meet the following criteria¹:
If your application is successful, you can stay for up to 5 years¹. After that, you may be able to extend it.
Before you start your application, it’s a good idea to get your documents together. Here’s what paperwork and information you’ll need to have ready³:
You might also be asked for evidence that you have enough money to support yourself during your time in the UK. For example, a recent bank statement.
If you’re bringing a partner and/or children with you, you’ll need to supply proof of your relationship.
To apply for the Skilled Worker visa outside the UK, you’ll need to complete your application online at the UK Government visa website.
Here’s what to do:
As part of your application, you’ll need to pay a fee. This varies depending on your circumstances, but it ranges from £625 to £1,423. If your new job is on the shortage occupation list, you’ll usually pay a lower visa application fee⁶.
If you’re applying from India (or elsewhere outside the UK), the fee you’ll pay depends on how long you’ll be staying.
If it’s up to 3 years, the fee is £625 per applicant. This rises to £1,235 per person for stays of more than 3 years⁶.
There’s also something called the healthcare surcharge to pay, at the same time as your visa fee. This is £624⁶ for every year of your stay in the UK, and it gives you access to free healthcare treatment with the National Health Service (NHS). You must pay this even if you’ve arranged private health insurance cover.
The processing time for UK visa applications can vary, and there can be delays if you’re asked for more documents or to attend an interview.
But on average, you can expect a decision on your visa application within around 3 weeks if you’re applying from outside the UK¹. Don't forget to check out our comprehensive guide on how to move to the UK from India.
While you wait for your visa application to be processed, it’s a good time to think about how you’ll handle your finances while in the UK.
Check out the Wise multi-currency account, which lets you spend, send, receive in 10 currencies and convert in 50.. This includes INR and GBP, so you can use your Wise account in both India and the UK.
With your Wise account, you can send money back home to India for low fees⁷ and the mid-market exchange rate.
You can even spend on your own Wise debit Mastercard, which works in 175 countries.⁸ It automatically converts currency at a fair exchange rate, so you don’t have to worry about carrying cash around.
⁷ Please see the Terms of Use for your region or visit Wise fees & pricing for the most up-to-date information on pricing and fees
Hopefully after reading this guide, you’ll have a better idea of how to apply for the UK Skilled Worker visa from India.
The online application process seems to be pretty straightforward, and you shouldn’t have to wait long for a decision. Good luck!
Sources used:
Sources last checked on date: 14-Feb-2023
This publication is provided for general information purposes only and is not intended to cover every aspect of the topics with which it deals. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content in this publication. The information in this publication does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice from TransferWise Limited or its affiliates. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether express or implied, that the content in the publication is accurate, complete or up to date.
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