Move to the UK from India
The UK has made work migration harder over the past two years. A sponsored job must now be at degree level, pay at least £41,700, and you need upper-intermediate English. The UK has no points-tested PR visa like Canada or Australia. You go on a work, study or family visa and qualify for settlement after years of residence. For graduates in well-paid roles and for health professionals, it is still a strong option. For most others it is now closed.
The numbers that matter
Skilled Worker general salary threshold
£41,700 a year, or the going rate for the job if higher
New entrant and shortage-list threshold
£33,400
Minimum job level
Degree level (RQF 6), since 22 July 2025
English
B2 for new applicants, since 8 January 2026
Immigration Health Surcharge
£1,035 a year per adult, £776 per child or student
Settlement
5 years today. A 10-year standard has been proposed
Post-study Graduate visa
2 years, falling to 18 months from 1 January 2027
What changed
- 22 July 2025. The skill level for sponsored jobs rose from A-level standard to degree level, removing more than a hundred occupations. The salary threshold rose to £41,700.
- July 2025. Overseas recruitment of care workers ended.
- 8 January 2026. English for Skilled Worker, Scale-up and High Potential Individual applicants rose from B1 to B2.
- Settlement. The government consulted on “earned settlement”: a standard ten years instead of five, with five years retained for higher earners and some public service workers. Check the current position before you plan around settlement.
The main routes
| Route | Job offer needed | Who it suits |
|---|---|---|
| Skilled Worker | Yes, from a licensed sponsor | Graduates in degree-level jobs paying £41,700 or more |
| Health and Care Worker | Yes, from the NHS or an approved provider | Doctors, nurses and allied health professionals. Lower salary threshold and no health surcharge |
| Global Talent | No | Leaders and emerging leaders in science, technology, arts and academia |
| Scale-up | Yes, from a fast-growing company | Skilled workers who want freedom to change jobs after six months |
| High Potential Individual | No | Recent graduates of top-ranked global universities |
| India Young Professionals Scheme | No | Indian graduates aged 18 to 30, by ballot, for two years |
| Student, then Graduate visa | No | People who can fund a UK degree and want post-study work |
| Innovator Founder | No, but an endorsed business plan | Entrepreneurs with an innovative, scalable business |
| Family visas | No | Spouses, partners and children of British citizens and settled residents |
Which route fits you?
You are a doctor, nurse or allied health professional. The Health and Care Worker visa is the clearest route. You need UK registration first.
You are a graduate professional with an offer at £41,700 or more. Skilled Worker.
You are under 26, or switching from a UK student visa. You may qualify at the lower new-entrant threshold of £33,400.
You are a recognised expert, researcher or founder. Global Talent or Innovator Founder, with no employer needed.
You are 18 to 30 with a degree. Enter the Young Professionals ballot. It costs nothing to enter.
You work in a trade or a role below degree level. The UK is largely closed to you now, apart from a short temporary shortage list.
Questions people ask us most
Does the UK have a PR visa like Canada?
No. You enter on a work, study or family visa and apply for settlement, called indefinite leave to remain, after the qualifying period.
What salary do I need for a UK work visa?
At least £41,700, or the going rate for your occupation if that is higher. £33,400 for new entrants and shortage-list roles.
What English level is needed?
B2 for new Skilled Worker applicants. In IELTS for UKVI terms, that is roughly 5.5 in each component.
Can I bring my family?
Skilled Worker, Health and Care, Global Talent and Scale-up visa holders can bring a partner and children. Most students cannot, unless on a research-level course.
How long until I can settle?
Five years on most work routes at present, three for some Global Talent holders. A longer standard has been proposed.
Find out if the UK is open to you
Tell us your occupation, salary expectation and qualifications. We will tell you which UK route, if any, fits.