Work & Study visas in UK
If you are an NRI residing in the UK, you may need to apply for a UK visa for family members visiting you, or for your own UK visa extension, work visa, or residence permit. Here is a summary.
UK Work & Study Visas – Quick Reference Table (as of May 2025)
You can find more information about each of the above types of visas below.
| Visa Type | Purpose | Who Can Apply | Eligibility | Key Benefits | Fees (GBP) | Application Link |
| Student Visa | Study at a UK institution | International students aged 16+ with a course offer | CAS from a licensed institution, English proficiency, financial proof | Part-time work, extendable, route to Graduate visa | £524 + £776/year IHS | Apply |
| Graduate Visa | Stay in the UK post-graduation | Graduates of eligible UK degrees | Must have completed degree under Student Visa in the UK | Work without sponsorship, up to 2 years (3 for PhDs) | £880 + £1,035/year IHS | Apply |
| Skilled Worker Visa | Long-term work in a skilled role | Professionals with a UK job offer from a licensed sponsor | Job offer in eligible occupation, CoS, salary threshold, English proficiency | Path to settlement, family allowed, job stability | £719 (≤3 yrs), £1,420 (>3 yrs) + £1,035/year IHS | Apply |
| Health & Care Visa | Work in NHS or adult social care sector | Healthcare and social care professionals | Job offer in eligible role, CoS, English, salary threshold | Fast-tracked, reduced fees, no IHS | £247–£479 (IHS waived) | Apply |
| Innovator Founder Visa | Start and run an innovative business in the UK | Entrepreneurs with endorsed business ideas | Endorsement, viable business plan, English proficiency, maintenance funds | Can work on own business, path to settlement | £1,590 + £1,000 endorsement + £500 meetings | Apply |
| Start-up Visa | Set up a new business in the UK without needing initial investment | Entrepreneurs with innovative ideas | Endorsement from an approved body, no funding requirement, English proficiency | Allows you to work on your business, path to Innovator Visa if successful | £363 + £1,000 endorsement fee | Apply |
| Visa Switching | Change from one visa type to another while in the UK | Individuals on a valid visa in the UK wishing to switch to another visa type | Eligibility depends on visa type you’re switching from and to (e.g., from Student to Skilled Worker, etc.) | Flexibility to switch between visa types as career goals change | Varies by visa type | Switch Visa |
For more details you can refer
UK Home office – https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/home-office
UK visa & immigration – https://www.gov.uk/browse/visas-immigration