Ultimate Guide on Moving to UK from India
Ultimate Guide on Moving to UK from India
Blog Article
Moving to UK from India is one of the most common immigration goals in South Asia — whether for education, employment, family life, or long-term settlement. With historical ties between the two nations and a growing demand for skilled workers, students, and entrepreneurs, the UK remains a top destination for Indian nationals.
However, relocating is not just about getting on a plane. UK immigration law is strict and layered with eligibility rules, visa types, and compliance checks. Whether you're applying for a UK copyright, student visa, family visa, or aiming for permanent residency, each path comes with its own legal obligations and documentation requirements.
Axis Solicitors has successfully helped thousands of clients from India navigate the UK immigration system. With expert legal advice and a client-first approach, we ensure your move is not just possible — but smooth, compliant, and secure.
Why Indians Are Choosing the UK
The UK attracts a high volume of Indian immigrants each year. The reasons include:
World-renowned universities and global career prospects
Access to the NHS and legal protections
Multicultural communities with strong Indian representation
A legal path to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) and British citizenship
How to Move from India to the UK: A Practical Guide
1. Identify Your Objective Before Moving to UK from India
Decide whether you're relocating for study, work, family, or long-term settlement.
2. Choose the Right Visa Type Based on Your Goal
Select a UK visa route that aligns with your reason for moving to UK from India.
3. Meet the Legal Requirements for Moving to UK from India
Ensure you meet the visa’s eligibility criteria, including funds, documents, and English skills.
4. Collect and Organise Your Documents
Gather complete and accurate documents to support your copyright from India.
5. Apply Online and Attend Your Biometric Appointment
Submit your copyright and visit a VAC in India for fingerprinting and verification.
6. Wait for a Decision and Make Your Travel Arrangements
If approved, receive your copyright with a vignette and book your travel to the UK.
7. Finalise Your Move and Collect Your BRP in the UK
After arrival, collect your BRP to confirm your legal status and visa rights in the UK.
Axis Solicitors offers continued legal support to help you extend visas, apply for ILR, or bring family members over once you’re settled.
UK Visa Options for Indian Nationals
When moving to UK from India, selecting the correct visa is the foundation of a successful application. The UK offers multiple visa categories tailored to different purposes — whether you're relocating to work, study, join family, or eventually settle. Each visa has its own eligibility criteria, processing timelines, and legal conditions.
Below are the most commonly used visa routes for Indian citizens looking to move to the UK.
1. UK copyright (Skilled Worker Visa)
One of the most popular pathways for moving to UK from India is through employment. The Skilled Worker visa allows Indian professionals to live and work in the UK if they have a job offer from a UK-based employer holding a sponsor licence.
Key Requirements:
Job offer in an eligible occupation
Minimum salary threshold (currently £38,700, subject to updates)
English language proficiency
Employer sponsorship
In-demand sectors include:
IT and software engineering
Healthcare and nursing
Engineering
Financial services
Moving to UK from India on a copyright is a viable long-term option, offering a route to permanent residency after 5 years.
2. UK Student Visa from India
Thousands of Indian students are moving to UK from India every year to pursue higher education at British universities and colleges. The Student visa (formerly Tier 4) allows full-time study in an approved UK institution.
Eligibility Criteria:
Unconditional offer from a licensed UK institution (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies - CAS)
Proof of tuition and living funds
English language requirement (usually IELTS for UKVI)
TB test certificate from an approved Indian clinic
Benefits:
Work rights during term (up to 20 hours/week)
Full-time work during holidays
Option to stay after graduation under the Graduate Route (2 years post-study stay)
Axis Solicitors provides complete legal support for students moving to UK from India, including guidance on dependants, extensions, and future work options.
3. UK Family Visa (Including Spouse Visa)
If you’re moving to UK from India to join your spouse, partner, children, or parents, the Family visa category applies. The Spouse visa is especially common for Indian nationals married to British citizens or settled persons.
Spouse Visa Requirements:
Proof of a genuine and subsisting relationship
Financial threshold (£18,600 income per year, higher with children)
English language test (CEFR Level A1 minimum)
Suitable accommodation
A successful application grants a 2.5-year visa, renewable, with a route to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after 5 years.
Axis Solicitors prepares all necessary legal arguments and documentation to maximise approval chances for family-based applications when moving to UK from India.
4. UK copyright for Indians
Indian nationals often apply for the Standard Visitor visa when travelling for:
Family visits
Tourism
Short business meetings
Attending events or conferences
This visa does not allow work or long-term residence and is not suitable if you're planning a permanent move from India to the UK.
It’s valid for up to 6 months and requires proof of:
Intent to return to India
Financial means to cover the trip
Accommodation details
5. UK Start-up and Innovator Founder Visas
If you're an entrepreneur moving to UK from India to launch an innovative business, the Start-up or Innovator Founder visa may apply.
Requirements include:
A scalable and unique business idea
Endorsement from an approved UK endorsing body
English language skills and proof of funds
These routes are complex and highly scrutinised. Axis Solicitors provides legal structuring, pitch documentation, and application management for Indian entrepreneurs seeking UK entry.
6. UK Settlement Visa and Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)
Not a visa in itself, settlement or ILR refers to the process of becoming a copyright after several years of lawful stay in the UK.
Common ILR routes for Indian nationals:
5 years on a Skilled Worker visa
5 years on a Spouse visa
10 years of long residence
2–3 years under Innovator or Global Talent routes (in specific conditions)
Once you have ILR, you can apply for British citizenship after 12 months, provided all criteria are met.