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To be eligible to immigrate to the UK, you will need to meet certain criteria set by the UK government. These criteria can vary depending on the visa category you are applying for. Generally, the eligibility criteria for immigrating to the UK include:
Educational Profile
Professional Profile
IELTS score
Language skills if migrating to UK
References & legal documentation
UK employment documentation
Y-Axis can help you navigate the intricacies of UK immigration law to help you settle in the world’s premier English-speaking destination.
The UK is still one of the world’s greatest countries. Its incredible quality of life and multicultural cities make it one of the most attractive destinations for professionals seeking a better life for themselves and their families. Despite the upheaval of Brexit, it retains a strong economic position due to its established institutions and deep involvement in global trade. The best cities in the UK for immigrants to settle down include London, Edinburgh, Birmingham, Manchester, and Reading.
Below is the UK Visa types you can choose while migrating to the country.
Reforms have been instituted that simplify the transition from Student visas to work visas within the country and facilitate students to bring dependents.
Effective 7 August 2023, the Shortage Occupation List (SOL) has broadened, incorporating several occupations within the construction sector. This expansion includes:
Doctors in specialty training will receive immigration permissions that extend four months beyond the expiration of their Certificate of Sponsorship. This allows them ample opportunity to secure further immigration permissions under a licensed sponsor as a General Practitioner (GP).
Additionally, measures have been implemented to automatically extend pre-settled status, eliminating the requirement for a valid application.
Minimum wages required
Type of visa | Minimum wages required |
Skilled Worker visa | £26,200 (up from £25,600). The minimum equivalent hourly rate will increase from at least £10.10 per hour, to at least £10.75 per hour |
Global Business Mobility | Senior or Specialist Worker visa – £45,800 (up from £42,400) |
Graduate Trainees visa – £24,220 (up from £23,100) | |
UK Expansion Worker visa – £45,800 (up from £42,400) | |
Scale-up Worker visa | £34,600 (up from £33,000) |
Apply for the most in-demand jobs in the UK. The table below lists the Top In-demand occupations in the UK, along with the average salaries.
Occupation |
Salary |
IT & Software |
£55,000 – £85,000 |
Marketing & Sales |
£53,000 – £70,778 |
Engineering |
£50,000 -69,000 |
Hospitality |
£48,000 – £65,000 |
Healthcare |
£45,000-£68,000 |
Accounting & Finance |
£65,000 – £84,000 |
Human Resources |
£55,000 – £75,000 |
Construction |
£50,000 – £65,000 |
Professional and Scientific Services |
£63,000 – £95,100 |
The United Kingdom comprises of England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Being one of the world’s most sought-after migration destinations, the UK offers various options for individuals seeking to settle down. Typically, individuals must move to the UK temporarily and then apply for an ILR (Indefinite Leave to Remain). Some of the ways to move to the UK include:
To migrate to the UK, candidates must have a good IELTS score and meet all professional, legal, and financial criteria. These criteria depend on your chosen migration path. Y-Axis helps individuals identify the correct immigration route and assists them at every step of their migration journey. Our two decades of immigration experience make us your best option to increase your chances of settling in the UK.
The applicant will receive 50 points if they have a work offer in the United Kingdom and can communicate in English. Any of the following qualifications can be used to earn the additional 20 points needed to qualify for the visa:
Category |
Maximum points |
Job offer |
20 points |
Job at appropriate skill level |
20 points |
English speaking skills |
10 points |
Salary of 26,000 and above or a relevant Ph.D. in a STEM subject |
10 + 10 = 20 points |
Total |
70 points |
*Check the UK eligibility points calculator to see if you qualify for a visa to migrate to the UK.
Step 1: Check your eligibility.
Step 2: Arrange all the requirements.
Step 3: Apply for the visa.
Step 4: Receive a decision from the Home Office.
Step 5: Fly to the UK.
The processing fee for the UK Visa differs depending on the type of visa and application. Below table gives clear information about the UK Visa Fee of each actegory
UK Visa category | Fees |
Visit visa | £100 to £837 |
Student visa | £200 to £490 |
Child student visa | £490 |
Family visas | 1,048 to £1,538 |
Skilled worker visa | £625 to £1,423 |
Health and care worker visa | £1,270 |
Global talent route | £623 |
Graduate route | £715 |
High Potential Individual (HPI) visa | £715 |
India Young Professionals Scheme | £259 to £940 |
Innovator Founder | £1,036 to £1,292 |
Creative Worker | £259 to £624 |
Scale-up Worker | £1,270 |
The processing times for the UK Visa generally takes 3 weeks to 8 weeks, based on the type of visa and application.
UK Visa category | Processing time |
Visit visa | 8 weeks |
Student visa | 8 weeks |
Child student visa | 8 weeks |
Family visas | 8 weeks |
Skilled worker visa | 8 weeks |
Health and care worker visa | 8 weeks |
Global talent route | 8 weeks |
Graduate route | 8 weeks |
High Potential Individual (HPI) visa | 8 weeks |
India Young Professionals Scheme | 3 weeks |
Innovator Founder | 8 weeks |
Start-up | 8 weeks |
Creative Worker | 8 weeks |
Scale-up Worker | 8 weeks |
Standard Visitor | 3 weeks |
Y-Axis will ease your UK Immigration process!
The UK is the best place for immigrants to work and settle. With deep knowledge of UK immigration and work policies, Y-Axis offers you superior guidance and counsel on all necessary procedures and requirements to increase your chances of working and migrating to the UK.
Our impeccable job search services include:
Latest UK immigration updates: Follow Y-Axis UK immigration news updates to get the latest information about UK jobs, immigration, new policies, etc.
November 16, 2023
UK Released 2023 Global University List for HPI Visas. Apply now to work in the UK!
The HPI Visa Global Universities List of 2023 was announced on November 1st, 2023. Candidates who graduate from top universities desire to get employment opportunities in the UK. The UK introduced HPI visa to serve this demand of employment. This visa does not take you directly to settlement in the UK; it provides an opportunity to change to another immigration route that will lead to settlement.
UK Released 2023 Global University List for HPI Visas. Apply now to work in the UK!
November 09, 2023
QS World University Rankings 2024: The UK, US, Singapore, and Switzerland dominate the top 10
The 2024 QS World University Rankings for Asia have been announced by the esteemed worldwide higher education experts. Top universities from US, UK, Canada, Australia, Switzerland, and Singapore have been listed. These universities are ranked according to a number of factors, such as internationalisation, teaching resources, research capacity, and worldwide reputation.
QS World University Rankings 2024: The UK, US, Singapore, and Switzerland dominate the top 10
November 8th, 2023
UK plans to increase immigration health fees from January 2024. Submit your applications now!
The UK government has planned to increase the immigration health fee, which will be effective from January 2024. These changes in immigration are set to take effect from 16th January or 21 days after receiving the acceptance from parliament. There will not be any additional charges applied for applicants who are submitting before the implementation of this change. The fee is to increase from £624 to £1,035 per year.
August 29, 2023
‘1.2 million UK visas issued in the first 6 months of 2023’, Home Office reports
157% increase in no. of visas issued compared to the previous year. The UK government issued a record number of UK work visas from Jan to June 2023, as employers scrambled to recruit from overseas to fill the workforce shortage. According to data from the Home Office, there was a 45% increase in the number of visas issued for migrants to work in the UK, with a total of 321,000 visas issued.
August 18, 2023
Breaking news! You can now apply for your UK visa from your nearest hotel.
VFS Global has partnered with the Radisson Hotel Group & the Indian Hotels Company that Tata owns to promote a seamless application process.
August 16, 2023
Ireland issued 18,000+ work permits in the first seven months of 2023
Ireland has issued 18,000+ work permits in the first half of 2023. Indians received 6,868 employment permits in various industries.
July 28, 2023
Act Fast: Secure your UK visa before 2024 fee spike!
The UK Government plans to implement a 15% hike in the work visa and visit visa charges by 2024. Experts advise candidates with prior job contracts or individuals who have ongoing discussions with UK-based employers to work on finalizing the deal to escape the high fee charges. The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) that is to be paid by immigrants will also rise from £624 to £1,035 for adults and £470 to £776 for children.
July 26, 2023
UK calling Indian young professionals: Apply now for 3000 places in the second ballot of the Young Professionals Scheme
The UK government has declared the commencement of the second ballot for the Young Professional Scheme visa, exclusively available to Indian citizens aged between 18 and 30 years. Successful candidates will have the opportunity to stay in the UK for a maximum of two years. This program grants participants the flexibility to enter and exit the UK multiple times during their stay. At the same time, there are 3,000 places available in the second ballot. A significant number had already been allocated during the initial round in February. Don’t miss this chance to apply and explore exciting opportunities in the UK!
July 21, 2023
Canada-UK Youth Mobility agreement expands 3 years stay. Apply now!
Canada and the United Kingdom have strengthened their youth mobility partnership with a deal that expands the opportunities under the International Experience Canada Program (IEC). Youth aged 18 to 35 from both countries will now have broader access to work in each other’s countries for longer periods. Immigration Minister Sean Fraser emphasized the UK’s popularity as a destination for Canadian youth working and traveling abroad and vice versa.
June 23, 2023
Australia/UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) for Subclass 417 Visa and Youth Mobility Scheme
Effective 1 July 2023, the UK nationals can apply for a subclass 417 (Working Holiday) visa. Candidates between18 and 35 years old, are eligible to apply. There is an increase from the previous upper limit of 30 years old.
June 01, 2023
UK International Relocation Payment for Teaching Staff
The UK government announced Rs. 1 million under the pilot scheme in the FY 2023-24. It aims to bring more overseas teaching staff into the country. This includes:
May 26, 2023
India ranks #1 in UK’s Skilled Worker and Student Visas
Indian nationals have emerged as the top nationality of student visas and skilled workers in the United Kingdom, according to immigration records released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) and the UK Home Office. The data reveals that Indians accounted for the highest number of visas issued in various categories, including healthcare visas and the new Graduate post-study work route.
Review of all your papers before their submission
Explore what Global Indians have to say about Y-Axis in shaping their future
UK has a great demand for skilled immigrants. Some of the most in-demand jobs in the UK are as follows:
Job role |
Salary package |
Project Manager |
£33,350 to £135,200 / annum |
Operations Manager |
£31K to £72K / annum |
Teacher |
£23K to £50K / annum |
Game Designer/Developer |
£22K to £60K / annum |
Candidates who fulfill the requirements given below can migrate to the U.K.:
The candidate must be over the age of 18.
The candidate must meet the language proficiency requirement.
The candidate must score at least 70 points in the U.K. points-based Immigration system.
The candidate must submit proof of financial funds to support their stay in the country.
There are many benefits of migrating to the U.K. in 2023, as the country has a thriving economy with endless career possibilities. Some of the advantages of moving to the U.K. are listed below:
The United Kingdom is one of the most preferred study-abroad destinations in the world, with flexible post-study work permit options and career-building opportunities.
The country constantly evolves with a growing job market accommodating foreign skilled workers and immigrants.
The U.K.’s National Health Scheme (NHS) offers some of the best healthcare benefits by providing free healthcare services to eligible candidates.
The U.K. maintains a strong economy even in a crisis, with a high value for the pound.
The country is also famously known and recognized for its touristy destinations.
The U.K. offers many visa options for immigrants to migrate and settle there.
Candidates first need to move to the UK temporarily and then apply for an ILR (Indefinite Leave to Remain). Some of the ways to move to the UK include:
The UK Visa fee will vary depending on the Visa category that you have applied for. The UK Visa fees have increased from 18th March 2019. It includes a 2% increase for Study Visa, Work Visa, and Short-term Visitor Visa applications. Apart from this, there is also a 25% hike in the fee for Nationality and Settlement Visa applications.
99% of the normal UK Visa applications are adjudicated within ten working days. The maximum time will be 15 working days.
Priority UK Visa applications are adjudicated within 3 to 5 working days. The Super Priority applications are adjudicated within 24 hours.
The documents required for a UK Visa are as follows:
You may also have to include the following if you are travelling for business:
If you are a non-EU citizen it is advisable that you seek legal advice from UK Immigration Experts as your immigration can be slightly complex. There are diverse pathways for non-EU nationals to immigrate to the UK:
You must go through the below process for applying for a UK Visa:
Yes, the UK is accepting online applications from immigration candidates.
Yes, the UK’s skill assessment body, UK NARIC which is the United Kingdom’s national agency for the recognition and comparison of international qualifications and skills from visa applicants who wish to study or work in the UK.
UK NARIC is accepting applications for assessment from visa applicants but in the online form. The assessment report will also be sent online.
A UK Skilled Worker visa – formerly the Tier 2 [General] work visa for the UK – allows an individual to come to or stay in the UK for working for a UK employer approved by the Home Office.
An individual might be able to apply for switching or converting to a Skilled Worker visa if they are already in the UK on a different UK visa. In order to switch, their job must meet the eligibility requirements for the Skilled Worker visa and they must also be able to speak, read, write and understand the English language.
Certain categories of individuals – such as those in UK on a visit visa, short-term student visa etc. – cannot apply for a switch to the Skilled Worker visa.
To establish eligibility, your job’s 4-digit occupation code will be required. Do keep in mind that the job description should be a precise match. Similar jobs might have different codes.
By a “shortage occupation” is meant a skilled job in the UK wherein there is a shortage of workers.
If an individual has a job on the Shortage Occupation List [SOL], they can be paid 80% of the usual going rate for their job in order to be eligible for the UK Skilled Worker visa.
IELTS is not mandatory. For visa or citizenship applications for the UK, you might be required to prove a knowledge of the English language by passing a secure English language test [SELT]. There are 2 different types of tests as different UK immigration routes involve a different level of English language ability.
The level of test needed – referred to as the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages [CEFR] – will be as per the immigration route applying for.
The Tier 2 visa scheme allows skilled professionals to come to the UK. They can come to the UK on a long-term basis if their occupation is on the Tier 2 shortage occupation list. IT, finance, and engineering are among the most popular occupations on the list.
For foreign job searchers looking to work in the UK, there are two primary options:
Visa for Skilled Workers.
Tier 2 (Intra-Company Transfer) is for highly skilled employees of international corporations who are being relocated to a UK branch.
Skilled workers from other countries can be selected for this visa based on a shortage occupation list, and they will be eligible for an offer letter without the labor market test and stay in the UK for up to 5 years.