🇬🇧 United Kingdom visas for Indians 2026
Last verified: August 31, 2026
Indians moving to United Kingdom from India have 2 main visa routes: Skilled Worker Visa and Student Visa. The fastest is the Skilled Worker Visa at 3–8 weeks. 1 of them needs no job offer. Every requirement below links to the official government source.
Just visiting? United Kingdom tourist visa for Indians covers tourism, family visits, conferences and business trips.
Compare United Kingdom visas for Indians: cost, processing time, and requirements
| Visa | Processing | Gov. fee | Job offer | Family | PR path |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Skilled Worker Visawork | 3–8 weeks | $1,040 | Required | Yes | Yes |
| Student Visastudy | 3–8 weeks | $710 | Not required | No | No |
United Kingdom visa guides for Indians
Skilled Worker Visa
workRequires a job offer from a Home Office licensed sponsor and a Certificate of Sponsorship. Salary must be at least £41,700/year or the going rate for the occupation, whichever is higher. Budget for the Immigration Health Surcharge (£1,035/year, paid upfront for the whole visa) on top of the application fee. Settlement after 5 years.
Student Visa
studyRequires a CAS from a licensed student sponsor, English proficiency, and maintenance funds held for 28 consecutive days: £1,529/month in London or £1,171/month elsewhere (9 months max) plus any unpaid first-year tuition. Application fee £558 plus the £776/year Immigration Health Surcharge.
Not sure which visa fits?
Answer 6 questions and see every United Kingdom visa you qualify for — free.
Check my eligibilityFrequently asked questions
- Can India citizens move to United Kingdom?
- Yes. India citizens have 2 main routes into United Kingdom: the Skilled Worker Visa and the Student Visa. Each has its own requirements, fees, and processing time, compared on this page.
- What is the fastest United Kingdom visa for Indians?
- The Skilled Worker Visa typically processes in 3–8 weeks, the shortest of the 2 routes we track. Add time for gathering documents, translations, and apostilles.
- Can Indians move to United Kingdom without a job offer?
- Yes. The Student Visa does not require a job offer from a United Kingdom employer.
- What is the cheapest United Kingdom visa for Indians?
- The Student Visa has the lowest government fee at about $710. Translations, apostilles, insurance, and courier costs come on top of every route.
- Which United Kingdom visas let Indians bring family?
- The Skilled Worker Visa allows accompanying family members with additional documentation.
- Which United Kingdom visas lead to permanent residency for Indians?
- The Skilled Worker Visa offers a path to permanent residency after the qualifying period.
- How much does a United Kingdom visa cost for Indians?
- Government fees for Indians are about $1,040 for the Skilled Worker Visa and $710 for the Student Visa (USD equivalents). Translations, apostilles, medicals, insurance, and courier costs come on top of every route.
- How long does a United Kingdom visa take for Indians?
- Typical processing is 3–8 weeks for the Skilled Worker Visa and 3–8 weeks for the Student Visa, counted from the date you apply. Add time for gathering documents.