United Kingdom Skilled Worker Visa for Indians
Last verified: August 31, 2026
Quick facts
- Processing time
- 3–8 weeks
- Government fee
- about $1,040
- Start preparing
- about 5 months before your move
- Steps in the plan
- 9
- Need an apostille
- None
- Need a translation
- None
- Job offer
- Required
“Start preparing” covers gathering documents, the 3–8 weeks decision wait and two weeks of slack. Add apostille and translation costs to the government fee.
Overview
Requires 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.
This page covers Indians. For every nationality we track, see the United Kingdom Skilled Worker Visa overview.
Requirements for Indians
| Minimum annual income | $53,000/year |
| Minimum savings | No requirement |
| Job offer required | Yes |
| Degree required | No |
| Family can join | Yes |
| Path to permanent residency | Yes |
Processing time & costs
Typical processing takes 3–8 weeks after applying. The government fee is approximately $1,040. Difficulty: 3/5.
Documents you'll need
- Job offer from a licensed sponsorThe employer must hold a sponsor licence; salary of at least £41,700 or the occupation's going rate.
- Receive your Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)An electronic CoS with a reference number, valid for applying for 3 months from assignment.
- English language evidence (B2)SELT test at B2, an English-taught degree verified via Ecctis, or a prior UK visa granted on English.
- TB test at a Home Office approved clinicNeeded for Indian applicants staying over 6 months; the certificate is valid for 6 months.
- Maintenance funds £1,270 for 28 days£1,270 held for 28 consecutive days, ending within 31 days of applying, unless the CoS certifies it.
- Apply online and pay fee + health surchargeDone on gov.uk with the CoS reference; Immigration Health Surcharge is £1,035 per year.
- Biometrics at a VFS visa application centreFingerprints and photo taken at a VFS centre in India.
- Decision & eVisaStandard processing is about 3 weeks from biometrics, and your status is a digital eVisa.
- After arrival: National Insurance numberNeeded by your employer for payroll if the visa did not give you one.
The full ordered checklist — with timing, dependencies, apostille and translation flags, and personalized due dates — is part of the paid plan.
Not moving yet?
The Skilled Worker Visa takes about 5 months from first document to moving day. Tell us when you plan to move and we’ll email you once, on the day you should start.
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Check my eligibilityFrequently asked questions
- How long does the United Kingdom Skilled Worker Visa take for Indians?
- Typical processing time is 3–8 weeks after applying, plus the time needed to gather documents.
- What does the Skilled Worker Visa cost?
- The government fee is approximately $1,040. Additional costs (translations, apostilles, insurance) vary by case.
- Do Indians need a job offer for the Skilled Worker Visa?
- Yes. A job offer from an employer in United Kingdom is required before applying.
- Can I bring my family on the Skilled Worker Visa?
- Yes — this visa allows accompanying family members, with additional documentation.
- What is the income requirement for the Skilled Worker Visa for Indians?
- The minimum income is about $53,000 a year, roughly $4,417 a month, expressed in US dollars. The official threshold is set in local currency and moves with exchange rates, so confirm the current figure with the official source.
Other United Kingdom visas for Indians
Other destinations for Indians
United Kingdom visas for other nationalities
Always confirm requirements with the official government source. This guide is general information, not legal advice.