In 2023, over 281 millon people around the world decided to migrate to a new country. The UK remains among the top five destinations for Indians due to its rich culture and abundant job opportunities, particularly within the STEM & Healthcare fields.
If you are considering moving to the UK and want to learn more about job opportunities for Indians, eligibility, required documents, and available support, read on.
Available Jobs in the UK for Indians
According to the latest data, the UK continues to face a significant number of job vacancies. As of the three months leading to November 2023, approximately 200,000 job vacancies were reported from enterprises with 250 or more employees. Medium-sized enterprises, employing 50 to 249 people, saw around 85,000 vacancies in the same period.
The UK’s job market is experiencing a shortage of workers for many roles, especially those listed on the Shortage Occupation List (SOL). These positions often go unfilled by UK citizens, creating opportunities for skilled foreign workers to fill the gap.
The increasing demand for SOL jobs in the UK makes these positions some of the easiest to receive visa sponsorship for.
Top Job Fields on the SOL in 2024
The following are some of the top job fields currently in high demand on the SOL:
- IT & Tech: Software engineers, data scientists, web designers, and more.
- Creative: Film editors, graphic designers, etc.
- Healthcare: Doctors, paediatricians, nurses, veterinarians, etc.
- Secondary Education: Math and Mandarin teachers.
Young Indians Rush to the UK for Jobs and Study Abroad
Required Documents For UK Job Applications
1. CV or Resume
Your CV is the foundation of your job application. It showcases your skills, experience, and achievements. Make sure it follows the UK format, including personal details, a summary, work history, education, skills, and references (if needed). Use relevant keywords and action verbs to stand out to employers.
What to Include in Your UK CV?
When applying for jobs in the UK, your CV should include your personal details, a tailored personal statement, education history, detailed work experience, relevant skills, and any professional memberships or language skills. Present this information clearly using bullet points.
2. Cover LetterWhile not always required, a cover letter lets you personalize your application. Use it to explain why you're a great fit for the job and showcase your enthusiasm for the role and company. Customize each cover letter to the specific job and company you're applying to.
3. Academic QualificationsEmployers in the UK often ask for proof of your education. Gather your degree certificates, transcripts, and any relevant certifications. Make sure they're in the right format and language, and consider translating them officially if needed.
4. Work Experience DocumentsProvide evidence of your past work experience, such as reference letters or employment contracts. These documents demonstrate your skills and reliability to potential employers.
5. Passport and VisaIf you're not from the UK, you'll need a valid passport and the right visa to work legally. Make sure your passport is up to date and check the visa requirements for your situation. You might need a work visa like the Skilled Worker Visa or Tier 5 (Youth Mobility Scheme) Visa.
6. National Insurance Number (NINo):Getting a National Insurance Number (NINo) is essential for working in the UK. It's used for tax and social security purposes. You can apply through the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) following their application process. Having a NINo ensures you're properly registered for taxes and national insurance contributions.
Types of UK work visas for Indians
Visa Type |
Description |
Requirements |
Duration |
Settlement |
Tier 2 (General) Visa |
For skilled workers with a job offer in the UK. |
Certificate of Sponsorship, English language proficiency |
Specific period, extendable |
Possible route to settlement |
Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) Visa |
For individuals with exceptional skills in science, humanities, arts, engineering, or digital technology. |
Endorsement from a competent body, evidence of achievements, recommendation letter |
Up to 5 years and 4 months, extendable |
Possible route to settlement |
Tier 5 (Temporary Worker) Visa |
For temporary work in categories like creative, charitable, religious, or government exchange. |
Certificate of Sponsorship, relevant documents |
Up to 12 or 24 months, depending on subcategory |
Not a route to settlement |
UK Work Visa for Indians {+Requirements}- Kansas®
How to Apply for a UK Work Visa?
Step 1: Find the Right Visa:
- Identify the appropriate visa for the work you plan to do in the UK.
- Ensure the visa category is applicable to individuals from India.
- Apply at least 3 to 6 months before your job start date.
Step 2: Online Application:
- Complete the online application form.
- Pay the required visa application fee and healthcare surcharge.
Step 3: Medical Test:
- Undergo a tuberculosis (TB) test.
- Submit the TB test results with your visa application.
Step 4: Prove Your Identity: Schedule and attend an appointment at a visa application centre to verify your identity.
Step 5: Submit Supporting Documents: Provide necessary documents that prove your eligibility for the visa. These may include:
- Passport
- Certificate of sponsorship from your UK employer
- Proof of English proficiency
- Financial evidence
- Other relevant documents specific to your visa type
Step 6: Await Decision:
- You will receive an email with the result of your visa application.
- Typically, the decision is communicated within three weeks from the date of application submission.
UK work visa cost/fees
Visa Type |
Application Fee (Standard) |
Healthcare Surcharge (Per Year) |
Total Cost (Standard) |
Skilled Worker Visa |
£625 - £1,423 |
£624 |
£1,873 - £3,095 |
Shortage Occupation |
£479 - £943 |
£624 |
/as applicable |
The Ultimate Guide for UK Visas in 2024 - Kansas®
Popular Visa Options Available
Health and Care Worker Visa
A Health and Care Worker visa allows medical professionals to work in the UK for the NHS, NHS suppliers, or in adult social care.
Eligibility
Job Requirements
To qualify, you must:
- Be a qualified doctor, nurse, health professional, or adult social care professional
- Have a job offer in an eligible health or social care role
- Work for a Home Office-approved UK employer
- Have a 'certificate of sponsorship' from your employer
- Meet the minimum salary requirements
For care workers in England, employers must be registered with the Care Quality Commission. Check if your job is eligible and have a confirmed job offer before applying.
English Proficiency: You must prove your ability to speak, read, write, and understand English when applying.
Duration of Stay: The visa lasts up to 5 years. You can extend it if you meet eligibility requirements. After 5 years, you may apply for indefinite leave to remain.
Processing Time: Apply up to 3 months before your job start date. After submitting your application and documents, you usually get a decision within 3 weeks. Faster decisions are available for a fee.
Costs
Each applicant must:
- Pay the application fee
- Prove sufficient personal savings
- You and your dependents won't pay the healthcare surcharge.
Skilled Worker Visa
A Skilled Worker visa allows you to come to or stay in the UK to work for an approved employer in an eligible job. This visa has replaced the Tier 2 (General) work visa and also permits work in UK waters.
Eligibility
Job Requirements:
- You must work for a UK employer approved by the Home Office.
- Obtain a 'Certificate of Sponsorship' (CoS) from your employer.
- Your job must be on the list of eligible occupations.
- Meet the minimum salary requirement, which varies by job type and CoS date.
English Proficiency: You must prove your ability to speak, read, write, and understand English.
Duration and Extensions
- The visa lasts up to 5 years.
- You can apply to extend or update your visa if it expires or if you change jobs/employers.
- Extensions are unlimited if eligibility criteria are met.
- After 5 years, you may apply for permanent settlement (indefinite leave to remain).
Application Process
How to Apply:
Apply online.
- The process varies if you are outside the UK, extending your current visa, or switching from another visa.
- Update your visa if changing jobs/employers.
- Dependants (partner and children) can apply to join or stay with you if eligible.
Timeline:
- Apply up to 3 months before your job start date (as listed on your CoS).
- Prove your identity and submit documents; appointments may be needed.
Decision Time:
- 3 weeks for applications from outside the UK.
- 8 weeks for applications from inside the UK.
- Faster decisions may be available for an additional fee.
Costs:
- Pay the application fee and healthcare surcharge for each year of stay.
- Prove sufficient personal savings.
- Check specific financial requirements.
Visas You Can Apply for Without a Job Offer
1. British National (Overseas) Visa
- Available to Hong Kong residents with British National (Overseas) status.
- Allows residence, work, and study in the UK.
- No job offer needed.
2. Graduate Visa
- o For international students who have completed a degree in the UK.
- o Permits staying in the UK for up to 2 years (3 years for PhD graduates) to work or look for work.
- o No job offer required.
- o Open to young people aged 18-30 from participating countries (like Australia, Canada, Japan).
- o Allows living and working in the UK for up to 2 years.
- o No job offer needed.
- For Indian citizens aged 18-30.
- Allows living and working in the UK for up to 2 years.
- No job offer required.
- For individuals recognized as leaders or potential leaders in fields like academia, research, arts, and digital technology.
- Endorsement from a relevant UK body is required.
- No job offer is needed.
- For Commonwealth citizens with a grandparent born in the UK.
- Allows living and working in the UK for up to 5 years.
- No job offer is required.
- For graduates from top global universities.
- Allows living and working in the UK for up to 2 years (3 years for PhD holders).
- No job offer needed.
Permanent Residence UK - Process, Requirements & ...
What is the UK’s Shortage Occupation List?
The UK’s Shortage Occupation List identifies jobs that are in short supply within the UK labour market. Under the UK’s points-based immigration system, most non-UK resident workers need a visa to work in the UK. The main visa route is the Skilled Worker visa, which replaced the Tier 2 (General) visa.
To sponsor non-UK workers, employers must meet strict requirements for the job role. Workers must also meet eligibility criteria, including skills, language, and salary requirements.
The Shortage Occupation List is detailed in Appendix Skilled Occupations of the UK Immigration Rules. Jobs on this list have lower application fees for sponsored work visa applications.
The independent Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) recommends roles for the list, which the UK Government can then approve. This ensures the list meets the needs of UK businesses and reflects the selective nature of the UK Points-Based System.
Shortage Occupations Allowing 80% of the Going Rate for Entry Clearance or Permission to Stay
Occupation Code |
Job Types Included |
Areas with Shortage |
Annual Salary (80% of Going Rate) |
1181 |
Health services and public health managers and directors – all jobs |
UK-wide |
£33,040 (£16.94/hour) |
1242 |
Residential, day and domiciliary care managers and proprietors – all jobs |
UK-wide |
£22,640 (£11.61/hour) |
2111 |
Chemical scientists – only jobs in the nuclear industry |
Scotland only |
£22,800 (£11.69/hour) |
2112 |
Biological scientists and biochemists – all jobs |
UK-wide |
£24,480 (£12.55/hour) |
2113 |
Physical scientists – engineering geologist, hydrogeologist, geophysicist (construction-related ground engineering) |
UK-wide |
£26,080 (£13.37/hour) |
2113 |
Physical scientists – geophysicist, geoscientist, geologist, geochemist, technical services manager (nuclear decommissioning and waste), senior resource geologist, staff geologist (mining) |
UK-wide |
£26,080 (£13.37/hour) |
2114 |
Social and humanities scientists – archaeologists |
UK-wide |
£20,480 (£10.50/hour) |
2121 |
Civil engineers – all jobs |
UK-wide |
£27,760 (£14.24/hour) |
2122 |
Mechanical engineers – all jobs |
UK-wide |
£26,400 (£13.54/hour) |
2123 |
Electrical engineers – all jobs |
UK-wide |
£31,440 (£16.12/hour) |
2124 |
Electronics engineers – all jobs |
UK-wide |
£27,120 (£13.91/hour) |
2126 |
Design and development engineers – all jobs |
UK-wide |
£27,280 (£13.99/hour) |
2127 |
Production and process engineers – all jobs |
UK-wide |
£25,600 (£13.13/hour) |
2129 |
Engineering professionals not elsewhere classified – all jobs |
UK-wide |
£26,720 (£13.70/hour) |
2135 |
IT business analysts, architects and systems designers – all jobs |
UK-wide |
£30,080 (£15.43/hour) |
2136 |
Programmers and software development professionals – all jobs |
UK-wide |
£27,200 (£13.95/hour) |
2137 |
Web design and development professionals – all jobs |
UK-wide |
£21,440 (£10.99/hour) |
2139 |
IT and communications professionals not elsewhere classified – cyber security specialists |
UK-wide |
£25,680 (£13.17/hour) |
2216 |
Veterinarians – all jobs |
UK-wide |
£26,960 (£13.83/hour) |
2425 |
Actuaries, economists and statisticians – bio-informaticians and informaticians |
UK-wide |
£26,880 (£13.78/hour) |
2431 |
Architects – all jobs |
UK-wide |
£26,320 (£13.50/hour) |
2461 |
Quality control and planning engineers – all jobs |
UK-wide |
£25,280 (£12.96/hour) |
3111 |
Laboratory technicians – all jobs |
UK-wide |
£15,120 (£7.75/hour) |
3411 |
Artists – all jobs |
UK-wide |
£16,400 (£8.41/hour) |
3414 |
Dancers and choreographers – skilled classical ballet or contemporary dancers (endorsed by UK industry body) |
UK-wide |
£16,960 (£8.70/hour) |
3415 |
Musicians – skilled orchestral musicians (Association of British Orchestras member) |
UK-wide |
£24,960 (£12.80/hour) |
3416 |
Arts officers, producers and directors – all jobs |
UK-wide |
£23,360 (£11.98/hour) |
3421 |
Graphic designers – all jobs |
UK-wide |
£18,400 (£9.44/hour) |
5119 |
Agriculture and fishing trades not elsewhere classified – jobs in the fishing industry |
UK-wide |
£17,600 (£9.03/hour) |
5215 |
Welding trades – high integrity pipe welders (3+ years’ experience) |
UK-wide |
£18,480 (£9.48/hour) |
5312 |
Bricklayers and masons – all jobs |
UK-wide |
£18,640 (£9.56/hour) |
5313 |
Roofers, roof tilers and slaters – all jobs |
UK-wide |
£16,160 (£8.29/hour) |
5315 |
Carpenters and joiners – all jobs |
UK-wide |
£18,000 (£9.23/hour) |
5319 |
Construction and building trades not elsewhere classified – all jobs |
UK-wide |
£17,760 (£9.11/hour) |
5321 |
Plasterers – all jobs |
UK-wide |
£19,200 (£9.85/hour) |
6145 |
Care workers and home carers – private households cannot sponsor |
UK-wide |
£20,960 (£10.75/hour) |
6146 |
Senior care workers – all jobs |
UK-wide |
£14,880 (£7.63/hour) |
9119 |
Fishing and other elementary agriculture occupations not elsewhere classified – deckhands on large fishing vessels (3+ years’ experience) |
UK-wide |
£14,400 (£7.38/hour) |
Shortage Occupations in Eligible Health and Education Codes Based on National Pay Scales
Occupation Code |
Job Types Included |
Areas with Shortage |
2211 |
Medical practitioners – all jobs |
UK-wide |
2212 |
Psychologists – all jobs |
UK-wide |
2213 |
Pharmacists – all jobs |
UK-wide |
2217 |
Medical radiographers – all jobs |
UK-wide |
2219 |
Health professionals not elsewhere classified – all jobs |
UK-wide |
2221 |
Physiotherapists – all jobs |
UK-wide |
2222 |
Occupational therapists – all jobs |
UK-wide |
2223 |
Speech and language therapists – all jobs |
UK-wide |
2231 |
Nurses – all jobs |
UK-wide |
2314 |
Secondary education teaching professionals – teachers in maths, physics, science, computer science, modern foreign languages |
UK-wide |
2314 |
Secondary education teaching professionals – teachers in Gaelic |
Scotland only |
2315 |
Primary and nursery education teaching professionals – Gaelic medium teachers |
Scotland only |
2442 |
Social workers – all jobs |
UK-wide |
3213 |
Paramedics – all jobs |
UK-wide |
6141 |
Nursing auxiliaries and assistants – all jobs |
UK-wide |
How Can Kansas Help With Visas?
Kansas Overseas Careers specializes in visa services for countries like Canada, UK, USA, Germany, and Hong Kong, including Permanent Residency, Work, Study, Temporary, and Dependent Visas.
Services Provided:
- Profile Evaluation: Professional guidance based on a thorough assessment of your profile to determine your visa success prospects.
- Documents & Review: Detailed, error-free documentation tailored to meet specific visa requirements.
- Dedicated Case Officer: Personalized assistance from a dedicated consultant throughout the visa process.
- Visa Filing: Ensuring that visa applications meet all standard requirements of immigration authorities.
- Test Preparations: Free online courses to help improve language proficiency for exams like IELTS, French, TOEFL, and PTE.
- Visa & Interview: Guidance and verified documents for visa interviews.
- Post-Landing Service: Assistance in settling down comfortably in the new country after receiving the visa.
Additional Services for Job-Seekers:
- Resume Writing: Crafting tailored resumes to meet immigration authorities' and potential employers' prerequisites.
- Profile Marketing: Creating top-notch portfolios to enhance job-seekers' profiles on job portals, provided as a complimentary service.
Other FAQs
1. What job would suit me?
Assess your skills, interests, values, and personality. Consider taking career assessment tests or consulting a career advisor.
2. What do you want to do?
Reflect on your passions, goals, and preferred work environment. Research careers that align with your interests and aspirations.
3. Who can be a reference for a job in the UK?
Former employers, managers, colleagues, professors, or mentors who can attest to your skills and character.
4. Who is the best nose job surgeon in the UK?
Reputable surgeons include those affiliated with leading hospitals and clinics. Research and consult reviews or professional medical boards.
5. How many jobs are there in the UK?
As of the latest data, there are millions of jobs across various sectors. Specific numbers can be found on government or labor market websites.
6. How many job vacancies are in the UK?
As of the latest data, job vacancies fluctuate but are generally around 1 million.
7. How many hours is a full-time job in the UK?
Typically, a full-time job in the UK is 35-40 hours per week.
8. How many jobs are in the software industry UK?
There are hundreds of thousands of jobs in the software industry, with the exact number varying over time.
9. How many hours is a part-time job in the UK?
Part-time jobs usually involve fewer than 30 hours per week.
10. How many graduate jobs are there in the UK?
There are Tens of thousands of graduate jobs are there in the UK, varying by industry and time of year.
11. How many applicants per job in the UK?
It depends greatly on industry and role. But on average, there are dozens of applicants per job posting.
12. How many jobs are available in the UK?
Approximately 1 million vacancies, subject to change.
13. How many job applications to get a job in the UK?
On average, it can take around 10-20 applications to secure a job, but this varies by industry and individual circumstances.
14. How many hours is a full-time job in the UK?
Typically, 35-40 hours per week.