Life in United Kingdom? Why to Migrate from India
United Kingdom has become the next hot-spot destination among many skilled workers and
students from India. Every year, people in high numbers are migrating to the UK for work,
study, and visit purposes. The country offers promising opportunities in terms of job,
lifestyle, pollution-free environment, safety, and more. Lately, most of the people chose UK
migration due to better employment prospects. The labour market and economy are two most
important factors encouraging migration from all over world.
Additionally, UK is a hub of some of the world’s best colleges and universities. In fact, many
people who migrate to the UK for study, find jobs and stay back here forever. Also, the fact
the English is the first language in the country, most people find it easy to settle here
permanently.
The United Kingdom also boasts a very strong and vibrant economy, backed by lower
employment rates. Many large companies also prefer to invest in the UK due to its favourable
labour laws, and thus create more jobs for its citizens.
Different Ways to Migrate to UK?
There are many different types of visa options available for people seeking immigration to
UK from India. The type of visa suitable for you depends entirely on what you want to do in
the UK and how long you plan to stay in the country.
How ever, to put broadly, UK visa can be classified into Tier 1 and Tier 2 Visas.
The
eligibilities for both visas are assessed through a point-based system. So, let’s discuss them in
detail:
Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) Visa
If you are a high net-worth entrepreneur dreaming of investing in the UK, then this visa is for
you. The UK Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa allows investors to set up a company or buy an
existing business in the country. The Visa category may also be divided into- Start-up
Visa and Innovator Visa.
You can apply for a Start-up Visa if:
● You wish to establish a new business in the UK;
● You are from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland
● You satisfy the other eligibility requirements for the visa.
Who is Eligible?
● The applicant must be at least 18 years old or more
● Meet the English language requirement
● Be able to demonstrate enough source of funds or personal savings to support
themselves during initial days in the UK.
Processing Time
Innovator Visa
As per the UK immigration rules, you are eligible to apply for the Innovator Visa if:
● you want to set up a new business or buy an already existing business in the UK. And,
you have your business or business idea endorsed by an approved body
● You must be able to invest at least £50,000 if you want to set up a new business.
● you’re from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland
● you meet the other eligibility requirements
Who is Eligible?
● Candidates who are from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) and
Switzerland
● Applicants who are 18 years of age or above at the time of application.
● be able to demonstrate enough source of funds or personal savings to support
themselves during initial days in the UK.
Tier 2- General Work Visa
This UK visa category is designed for skilled workers who wish to migrate to the UK
permanently and address the labour skill shortage needs of the country. Candidates under the
Tier 2 visa are selected through the point-based system and is only issued to highly skilled
individuals who have been offered a job in the UK.
To be eligible, you must:
● Have a valid job offer or a job in the occupation list.
● You are from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland
● You also need to get sponsored from a legitimate UK employer before you apply to
live permanently in UK.
Processing Time for UK Tier 2 Visa
All candidates are advised to apply for the tier 2 visa 3 months before the day you’re due to
start work in the UK. Your profile will be processed within 3 weeks in case you are applying
from outside the UK.
What is Highly Skilled Migrant Program (HSMP UK)?
Introduced in January 2002, the Highly Skilled Migrant Program was designed to cope with
the demand for skilled labours in the UK. The visa category is designed for skilled workers
who can come to live and work in the UK. The program was a huge success at the time of its
launch; however, it was later replaced by General Tier 1 skilled migration visa, which
includes all work, study, and training immigration routes into the UK.
What Documents you need to apply for UK Migration?
Every visa is different, therefore has unique requirements in terms of document submission.
Prospective candidates must carefully analyse each requirement before making the final
submission. Below is just a general list of documents that you must have while filing the
application for UK immigration:
● A copy certificate of sponsorship reference number (in case of Tier 1 General Visa).
● Proof of English language proficiency
● Copy of bank statement to demonstrate that you have sufficient funds or personal
savings to support yourselves in UK.
● a current passport or travel document to prove you can travel - you need a blank page
in your passport for your visa
● Copy of expired passports or travel related documents to show your travel history.
● Medical test results, especially tuberculosis, in case you come from a listed country
● Copy of criminal record certificates.
