UK Visa Fees and Entry Requirements for Indian Citizens 2023

UK Visa Fees and Entry Requirements for Indian Citizens 2023

UK Visa Fees for Indian Citizens

– The UK visa fees for Indian citizens in 2023 vary based on the type of visa being applied for.
– For instance, the visa fee for a UK tourist visa is INR 10,388, while the fees for a student visa and spouse visa are INR 37,707 and INR 159,761, respectively.

UK Visa Processing Time in India

– The processing time for non-settlement visit, study, and work visa applications in India is usually 3 weeks in 2023.
– The priority visa service fee in India for non-settlement visit, study, and work applications is INR 25,969 and the processing time is normally 5 working days.
– The processing time for spouse, partner, and family settlement visa applications in India is usually within 12 weeks. The priority service processing time for spouse settlement visa is 6 weeks, and the additional cost for this service is INR 59,521.
– UKVI has suspended settlement priority service for new family visa applications.
– For urgent cases, super-priority service fee in India is INR 99,305 to process UK visa applications by the next working day.

Duration of Stay in the UK for Indian Citizens

– Visitors on a tourist visa can stay up to 180 days per visit.
– Indians on a spouse, student, and work visa in the UK can stay up to the validity of the visa.
– Indians on a valid spouse, work, and student visa can extend their duration of stay in the UK by meeting the relevant leave to remain (LTR) requirements.
– Family and some work routes such as Skilled Worker, Innovator etc. also enable Indian migrants in the UK to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) and subsequently Naturalisation and British Citizenship.

Types of UK Visas for Indian Citizens

– Indian citizens need to apply for a visa if they intend to visit, work, study, or settle in the UK.
– The type of UK visa requirements for Indians varies based on the purpose of their visit, work, study, or settlement.
– Some popular UK visa types for Indian citizens include tourist visas, study visas, work visas, family visas, and settlement visas.

Appendix V Requirements for UK Visitor Visa

– For Indian passport holders applying for UK visit or tourist visa, they need to meet the requirements of Appendix V for Visitors, Immigration Rules.
– This includes providing necessary documentation, attending a biometric appointment, and paying the visa fee of INR 10,388 for London/England tourist visa price in India.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the UK visa requirements and fees for Indian citizens in 2023 vary based on the type of visa being applied for. It’s important for Indian citizens to understand the visa process and requirements before applying to ensure a successful outcome. By providing comprehensive information on visa types, fees, and processing times, this guide aims to help Indian citizens navigate the UK visa application process with confidence.

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Can Indians Travel to the UK?

Indian nationals and passport holders can travel to the UK if they have a valid visa.

Indians having citizenship of non-visa countries such as USA, Australia, New Zealand, EU do not require a visa for visiting the UK for up to 6 months. However, Indians having a Permanent Residence (PR) in a non-visa country do require a visa for travelling to the UK.

Types of UK Visit Visas for Indians

The most popular visa for visiting UK from India is the standard visitor visa. However, depending on the purpose of visiting the UK, Indian Citizens can apply for other types of visitor visas such as marriage, private medical treatment, permitted paid engagement.

What is UK Visit Visa Success Rate for Indians?

In the year ending September 2022, a total of 466,629 Indians applied for visitor visa UK. 436,460 applications resolved, 383,083 visit visas granted to Indian nationals, and 50,421 applications rejected. Therefore, the UK visitor visa success and refusal rate from India are 87.77% and 11.55%, respectively.

Standard Visitor Visa

Indian nationals can apply for standard visitor visa for tourism (holidays), visiting family in the UK, business meetings, study (courses up to 6 months), and other permitted activities.

Indians can apply for either short term (6 months) or long term (2, 5 and 10 years) standard visitor visa.

The UK multiple entry visa rules are same for all types of standard visitor or tourist visa. Therefore, Indians on standard visitor or tourist visa can stay in the UK up to 180 days per visit.

How Much is UK Visit Visa Fee in India?

In 2023, the 6 months visit visa fee UK in India is INR10,388.

Frequent travellers from India to UK can apply for long-term visitor visa for tourism, visiting family, and permitted business activities.

The UK visa fees in India for long term 2, 5, and 10 years visit visa applications are INR39,057, INR69,597, and INR86,944, respectively.

How Much is UK Priority Visit Visa Fee in India?

UK priority visa fees in India for 6 months, 2, 5 and 10 years tourist or visitor applications are INR36,357, INR65,026, INR95,566 and INR112,913, respectively.

How much is super priority visa in India?

The cost of UK super priority service in India is INR99,305 for tourist or visitor visa.

UK super-priority 6 months, 2, 5 and 10 years visitor or tourist visa fees from India are INR109,693, INR138,362, INR168,902, and INR186,249, respectively.

How Much is London or England Visa Price in India?

The application fee of 6 months standard visitor visa UK from India is commonly known as England or London tourist visa price.

The 6-months London or England tourist visa price in India is INR10,388 per applicant.

To get a London or England visa for tourism Indians need to prove that they have ample funds for the trip and will leave the UK at the end of the visit.

Use of false documents for London or England visa from India may lead to 10-year deception ban.

How much is Child Visit Visa UK Fees from India?

UK child visitor visa fees in India for 6 months, 2, 5, and 10 years are INR10,388, INR39,057, INR69,597, and INR86,944, respectively.

Infants and children under 5 years of age are not exempt from application fee payment.

Other Visitor Visas UK from India

Marriage Visitor Visa

Indians need to apply for marriage visitor visa if they are travelling to the UK for getting married, forming a civil partnership, or giving a notice of marriage or civil partnership.

UK marriage visitor visa fees in India are INR10,388.

Indians can stay in the UK up to 180 days on a marriage visitor visa.

Private Medical Treatment Visitor Visa

Indians need to apply for a medical visitor visa if they are travelling to the UK for getting private medical treatment and check-up for more than 6 months but not more than 11 months.

The UK Private Medical Treatment Visitor Visa Fees in India are INR20,775.

Indians can stay in the UK up to 11 months on private medical treatment visa.

Please note, there is no provision in the Immigration Rules for a family member, friend, or nurse to accompany a visitor, who is coming to the UK for private medical treatment. Therefore, any attendant needs to apply as a visitor and satisfy the requirements.

Visiting Academics

For research and formal exchange arrangements, Indians can apply for academic visitor visa UK up to 12 months.

The UK Academic Visitor visa cost for Indians is INR20,775.

Indian academics (and their accompanying partner or child) can stay in the UK up to 12 months on academic visitor visa.

Permitted Paid Engagement (PPE)

The Permitted Paid Engagement (PPE) visitor visa is for those Indian experts who are coming to the UK for undertaking specific paid engagements up to one month.

Accordingly, as per Appendix 3 of Appendix V of the Immigration Rules, Indian professionals such as visiting examiners, assessors, lecturers, designated air pilot examiners, qualified lawyers, artists, entertainers, and sportspersons can apply for Permitted Paid Engagement visitor visa up to 30 days.

UK Permitted Paid Engagement visit visa fees requirements in India are INR10,388.

Parent of a Child Student Visa

Indians can apply for a Parent of Child Student visa up to 12 months if their child is attending an independent fee-paying day school in the UK.

Parent of Tier 4 Child Student visa cost in India is INR55,158.

Transit

The transit visa is for those Indians who intend to transit the UK on route to another country outside the Common Travel Area (CTA) and who will enter the UK for up to 48 hours by crossing the UK border unless Appendix Visitor: Transit Without Visa Scheme applies.

Please note Indians citizens having a valid standard, marriage, or medical visitor visa are allowed to transit the UK. Therefore, such passengers do not need to apply for the transit visa.

How much is Transit Visa Fees in India?

Cost of Direct Airside Transit (DATV) visa in India is INR3,636.

The application charges for ‘Visitor in Transit’ and for ‘Joining a Ship or Aircraft as a Member of Crew of that Ship or Aircraft’ are INR6,648.

UK Student Visa Fees and Requirements for Indian Citizens

As of October 5, 2020, UK student visa under Immigration Rules Appendix Student has replaced Tier 4 (General) Student route.

To study English Language in the UK, Indians can also apply for Short-term Student (English language) visa.

If Indians intend to study a course for 6 months or less in the UK, then can do so on visitor visa.

Student Visa (aka Tier 4)

If Indians intend to study with a UK sponsor on a course of further or higher education, a pre-sessional English course, a recognised foundation programme or to take an elected post as a Student Union Sabbatical Officer then need to apply for Student Visa as per Immigration Rules Appendix Student.

To get a UK student visa an Indian need to score 70-points for study, financial, and English requirements.

What is UK Student Visa Success Rate for Indians?

In the year ending September 2022, a total of 163,608 Indians applied for student visa UK. 162,844 applications resolved, 160,970 student visas granted to Indians, and 1,674 applications rejected. Therefore, the UK student visa success and refusal rate for Indians are 98.85% and 1.03%, respectively.

How Much is UK Student Visa Fees in India?

UK student visa fees in India are INR37,707 to study in London or elsewhere in England or Britain.

Student dependants (spouse, partner, children) visa UK fees in India are also INR37,707.

UK student visa processing time in India is usually 3 weeks

Priority Student Visa Fee in India 2023

To accelerate processing time within 5 working days, the cost of priority student visa UK in India is INR63,676 i.e. application fee INR37,707 plus priority service charges INR25,969.

Super Priority Student Visa Fee in India 2023

Indians can use super priority (premium) service to expedite student visa processing by next working day.

The cost of super priority student visa UK in India is INR137,012 i.e. application fee INR37,707 plus super priority service charges INR99,305.

IHS Fees for UK Student Visa India

The study visa Immigration Health Charge (aka Immigration Health Surcharge or IHS) requirements for Indian students are @ £624 per year for each year of stay in the UK.

IHS for student dependent visa from India is also @ £624 per year for each year of stay in the UK.

Can Indian Students Work in the UK?

Indian students on degree level course in the UK can work for 20 hours per week during term-time.

Indian students on below degree level course in the UK can only work for 10 hours per week during term-time.

During semester break, Indian students on degree or below degree course can work fulltime.

Dependent spouse of Indian student studying below degree level course cannot work in the UK. However, a dependent spouse of Indian students studying degree level course can work (including self-employment and voluntary work) in the UK.

Does UK Give Post Study Work Visa to Indians?

Yes, under the Graduate route Indian students, who have completed bachelor’s degree or above in the UK, can apply for 2-Year post study work visa.

If Indians have completed PhD in the UK, then can get 3-Year post study work visa.

Short Term Student (English Language) Visa

If Indians intend to study English language in the UK for more than 6 months but not more than 11 months at an accredited institution, then needs to apply for Short-term Student (English language).

English Language study visa fees requirements for Indian students are INR20,775.

If Indians intend to study a course for 6 months or less without student sponsor but with an accredited provider, then can apply under Appendix V for Visitor.

Therefore, if English Language course is up to 6 months, then application charges are INR10,388.

UK Family Visa Fees and Requirements for Indian Citizens 2023

The family route is for those Indians who can apply for a UK visa because of their relationship to a person settled in the UK or a British citizen. This includes spouse settlement visa, adult dependant relative, parent of a British Child visa etc.

UK Family Visa Success Rate for Indians

In the year ending September 2022, a total of 4,188 Indians applied for family settlement visa UK. 2,829 applications resolved, 2,576 family settlement visas granted to Indians, and 203 applications rejected. Therefore, the UK family (spouse) settlement visa success and refusal rate from India are 91.06% and 7.18%, respectively.

Spouse or Partner Visa UK for Indians

In terms of Appendix FM of the Immigration Rules, Indians can apply for spouse (partner) visa under the 5-year route.

To get spouse visa Indian need to meet genuine and subsisting relationship, intentions to live together permanently, financial, accommodation and English Language requirements.

If an Indian meet these requirements, then get an entry clearance for an initial period of 33 months with a condition of no recourse to public funds. 

After 30 months Indians need to make spouse visa extension application for a further leave to remain in the UK.

Indians may qualify for ILR (indefinite leave to remain) after completing 60 months (5 years) in the UK under the family settlement route Appendix FM.

ILR under the 5-year route is for those who meet all the suitability and eligibility requirements of the Immigration Rules at every stage.

If Indian spouse fails to meet the financial, English language or lawful immigration status requirements then cannot apply for settlement under the 5-year route.

If exceptional circumstances under Appendix FM apply, then Indians may be considered for settlement under the 10-year route.

How Much is UK Spouse Visa Fees in India?

In 2023, UK spouse, civil, unmarried, or same-sex partner visa fees in India are INR159,761.

To fast track UK spouse settlement visa within 6 weeks the fee in India is INR219,282 i.e. application cost INR159,761 plus the priority settlement service charges INR59,521.

Can Indians Apply for Fiancé(e) Visa UK?

Indians can apply for fiancé(e) or proposed civil partner visa if the purpose is getting married or entering a civil partnership in the UK.

The duration of fiancé(e) visa is six (6) months.

After the marriage or civil partnership in the UK, Indians can apply for leave to remain as a spouse or civil partner.

Fiancé(e) visa fee in India is INR159,761.

Other Family Visa UK Fees and Requirements in India

Parent of a British Child

Indians can apply for Parent of a British Child Visa if they have the sole responsibility for or direct access to the child following the breakdown of their relationship with the child’s other parent.

Parent of British Child visa application charges are INR159,761.

Adult Dependant Relative

Indians can apply for Adult Dependant Relative Visa if they are parents (or other adult dependent relatives such as brothers, sisters etc) and need long-term personal care due to illness, age or disability and the UK sponsor is their only relative, who can provide such long-term personal care without recourse to public funds.

UK Adult Dependant Relative visa fees in India are INR337,597.

Dependants joining or accompanying

The ‘joining or accompanying’ route is for those Indians who are applying for visa based on their relationship to another migrant who is not settled in the UK or a British citizen, and who is on a route without a specific visa for dependants.

The UK spouse or partner visa fees in India under Dependant Joining or Accompanying route are INR159,761.

Returning Residents

Indians may be able to live permanently in the UK as a ‘returning resident’ if they were previously settled in the UK.

UK visa application cost in India for Returning residents is INR55,158.

EEA Family Permit

Due to Brexit, the EEA family permit route under EEA Regulations 2016 has ended on June 30, 2021.

EU Settlement Scheme Family Permit

In terms of Appendix EU (Family Permit), Indians can apply for EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) Family Permit as a non-EEA family member such as spouse, civil partner, child, child above 21 years of age, and parent of an EEA national living in the UK.

There are no application charges for EUSS Family Permit in India.

UK Work Visa Fees and Requirements for Indian Citizens 2023

The most popular route for getting a job in the UK from India is the Skilled Worker visa.

Indians can also apply for other types of UK work visa such as Innovator, Startup, Global Business Mobility, Health and Care Worker etc.

UK Work Visa Success Rate for Indians

In the year ending September 2022, a total of 132,169 Indians applied for work visa UK. 129,939 applications resolved, 127,987 work visas granted to Indian nationals, and 1,532 applications rejected. Therefore, the UK work visa success and refusal rate from India are 98.50% and 1.18%, respectively.

Skilled Worker (aka Tier 2 General)

If Indians are sponsored to do a specific skilled job for a Home Office licensed sponsor, then can apply for Skilled Worker visa.

Skilled Worker visa has replaced the Tier 2 General (aka work permit) in 2020. However, unlike Tier 2 General, this new route for skilled workers can lead to permanent settlement (ILR) in the UK. Therefore, Indian citizens can move to UK from India through the Skilled Worker visa route.

How Much is Skilled Worker Visa Fee in India?

UK Skilled Worker visa fees depends on the duration of the Certificate of Sponsorship (COS) for main applicant and dependants.

If the COS is for 3-years or less, then the UK Skilled Worker Visa Fees in India are INR64,922.

If the COS is for 3-years or more then the fee is INR128,287.

Skilled Worker (Shortage Occupation) Visa UK Fees for Indians

Skilled Worker Shortage Occupation visa fees depends on the duration of the Certificate of Sponsorship (COS).

If the COS is for three years or less, then the fee is INR49,757.

If the COS is for three years or more then the fee is INR97,955.

Health and Care Work Visa UK

If Indians are sponsored to work in the UK as a qualified doctor, nurse, or allied health professional for Home Office licensed sponsor, then can apply for Health and Care Visa.

Health and Care work visa route for skilled workers can lead to permanent settlement (ILR) in the UK. Therefore, Indian citizens can move to UK from India through Health and Care Worker visa route.

How Much is Health and Care Visa UK Fee in India?

The UK Health and Care visa fees depends on the duration of the Certificate of Sponsorship (COS).

If the COS is for 3-years or less, then application cost is INR25,657.

If the COS is for 3-years or more, then application charges are INR49,757.

Start-up

If Indians intend to set up an innovative business for the first time in the UK, then can apply for the Start-up visa.

UK Start-up Visa Fees in India are INR39,265 for main applicant and dependants.

Please note, Start-up visa has replaced the Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur route in March 2019.

Successful applicants may get up to 2-year leave. Start-up is not a route to settlement. However, Indian may be eligible to move permanently to UK if they progress from start-up to innovator, which is a route to settlement.

Innovator

If Indians intend to do innovative, viable, and scalable business in the UK then can apply for the Innovator visa.

UK Innovator visa fees in India are INR107,615 for main applicant and dependants.

Please note, Innovator visa has replaced the Tier 1 Entrepreneur route in March 2019.

To apply for innovator visa UK (aka tier 1 or t1 business visa), Indian usually need to have an endorsement letter, £50,000 of investment funds, B2 level of IELTS or equivalent for proving English language ability and at least £1,270 for maintenance funds.

The initial duration of innovator visa is 3 years. After 3 years, Indian on innovator visa route can apply for an ILR i.e. permanent settlement in the UK. Therefore, if Indian businesspersons or entrepreneurs intend to emigrate (move permanently) to UK from India then Innovator route is a workable option.

Investor

Investor visa is for high value Indians, who intend to make an investment in the UK.

UK Investor Visa fees in India are INR170,149.

Global Business Mobility Visa UK from India

Global Business Mobility Visa route consists of several new sponsored categories for businesses to establish presence in the UK, transfer overseas staff, or come to the United Kingdom for a specific business purpose.

The five sub-categories to Global Business Mobility Visa UK are:

1. Senior or Specialist Worker
2. Graduate Trainee
3. UK Expansion Worker
4. Service Supplier
5. Secondment Worker

Indians can get the Global Business Mobility visa if the UK employer sponsor the worker to come to the UK for specific job.

The Global Business Mobility visa is points based.

Indians need to score 40 to 60 points depending on the sub-category of Global Business Mobility Visa UK.

All five sub-categories of Global Business Mobility visa do not lead to settlement (ILR) in the UK. Therefore, Indian citizens cannot emigrate (permanently move) to UK from India through Global Business Mobility route.

Senior or Specialist Worker Visa

This route is for senior managers or specialist employees who are assigned to a UK business which is linked by common ownership to the overseas employing company.

Senior or Specialist Worker visa has replaced the Intra-company Transfer route.

Senior or Specialist Worker visa fees in India depends on the duration of application.

If the application is for 3-years or less, then the fees are INR64,922.

If the application is for three years or more then the fee is INR128,287.

Graduate Trainee

This route is for workers on a graduate training course which leads to a senior management or specialist position and who are required to undertake work placement in the UK.

Graduate Trainee visa has replaced the Intra-Company Graduate Trainee route.

UK Graduate Trainee visa fees in India are INR26,904.

UK Expansion Worker

Indians can apply for Expansion Worker visa if they are specialist or senior employees who are assigned for business expansion in the UK.

UK Expansion Worker visa has replaced the Sole Representative of an Overseas Business route. However, the Sole Representative visa will remain open for Media Representatives and those already on Sole Representative visa extending or applying for ILR in the UK.

UK Expansion Worker visa fees from India are INR26,904.

Service Supplier

The Service Supplier Visa is for overseas workers coming to the UK to provide a service that is in line with UK trade commitment.

UK Service Supplier visa fees in India are INR26,904.

Service Supplier visa has replaced contractual service providers and independent professional persons in the T5 Temporary Worker – International Agreement route.

Secondment Worker

The UK Global Business Mobility Secondment Worker Visa is new route.

Secondment Worker route is for those Indian workers who are seconded to the UK as part of a high value contract or investment by their employer overseas.

Secondment Worker visa fees in India are INR26,904.

High Potential Individual (HPI)

High Potential Individual visa is for Indian graduates from the top-50 Universities across the world who wish to come to the UK to undertake full-time employment or self-employment work or seek employment opportunities.

The High Potential Individual visa fees in India are INR74,271.

Indian citizens having Bachelor’s or Master’s degree will get a 2-year non-extendable High Potential Individual Visa UK. Applicants having a PhD qualification can get a 3-year High Potential Visa.

Indian need to meet the English language and financial requirements for scoring 70 points. High Potential Individual Visa route does not lead to settlement (indefinite leave to remain – ILR) but Indian citizens can switch to other routes if they intend to work, emigrate, or move to UK.

Scale-up

The Scale-up visa is those Indians who have a sponsored job offer from an authorised UK scale-up company to qualify for a ‘fast-track visa’.

Scale-up Visa UK Fees in India are INR74,271.

Indian citizens will initially get a Scale-up Visa for 2-years – the first six months of which they need to work for the sponsor. Afterwards, Indian citizens may be eligible to extend the Scaleup visa in the UK for up to 3 years.

Indian migrants in the UK on a Scale-up visa can apply for settlement (indefinite leave to remain – ILR) after a period of 5 years. Therefore, Indian citizens can emigrate (permanently move) to UK from India through Scale-up visa route.

Global Talent

Indians can apply for Global Talent visa if they are a leader or potential leader in academia or research, arts and culture, and digital technology.

Global Talent visa UK fees in India are as under:

• Approval Letter from a competent body in respect of an initial application INR47,367
• Main Applicant – where Approval Letter is required INR17,347
• Main Applicant – where Approval Letter is not required INR64,715
• Dependants INR64,715

Please note, Global Talent visa has replaced the Tier 1 Exceptional Talent route.

T2 Minister of Religion

The T2 Minister of Religion route is for those Indian Citizens who intend to undertake preaching and pastoral work, Missionary, or Member of a Religious Order in the UK.

The T2 Minister of Religion visa fees in India are INR64,922.

T2 Sportsperson

The T2 Sportsperson route is for an elite Indian sportsperson or coach whose employment will make a significant contribution to the development of sport at the highest level in the UK.

T2 Sportsperson visa fees depends on the duration of the Certificate of Sponsorship (COS).

If the COS is up to 12 months, then application charges are INR26,904.

if the COS is for more than 12 months then application cost is INR64,922.

T5 (Temporary Worker)

T5 (Temporary Worker) visa is for:

• Seasonal Worker
• Religious Worker
• Charity Worker
• Creative and Sporting Worker
• Government Authorised Exchange Worker
• Youth Mobility Scheme.

The T5 (Temporary Worker) visa fees in India are INR26,904 for main applicant and dependants.

Startup Visa for Indians

The United Kingdom (UK) offers a Startup Visa for non-European Economic Area (EEA) nationals, including Indians, who are looking to establish a business in the UK. The UK government aims to attract talented and ambitious entrepreneurs from across the globe to set up their innovative businesses in the UK. In this blog post, we will discuss how Indians can get a Startup Visa UK.

What is a Startup Visa UK?

A Startup Visa UK is a type of visa that allows non-EEA nationals, including Indians, to set up and run a business in the UK. The visa is valid for two years and can be extended for another three years. After five years, Startup Visa holders can apply for settlement in the UK.

What are the Eligibility Criteria for a Startup Visa UK?

To apply for a Startup Visa UK, Indians must meet the following eligibility criteria:

1. Have an innovative, viable, and scalable business idea that has been assessed and supported by an approved endorsing body in the UK.
2. Be able to demonstrate sufficient proficiency in the English language (minimum level B2 CEFR).
3. Have enough personal savings to support themselves without relying on public funds.

How to Apply for a Startup Visa UK?

To apply for a Startup Visa UK, Indians must follow these steps:

1. Find an approved endorsing body in the UK that will assess and support their business idea. The endorsing body will issue a letter of endorsement, which is required for the visa application.
2. Prepare the necessary documents, including a valid passport, a business plan, a letter of endorsement from the endorsing body, and proof of funds.
3. Complete the online application form and pay the visa fee (currently £363).
4. Book and attend a biometric appointment at a visa application center in India.
5. Submit the visa application and supporting documents.

What are the Benefits of a Startup Visa UK?

A Startup Visa UK offers the following benefits to Indians:

1. Ability to establish and run a business in the UK.
2. Access to the UK market and customers.
3. Ability to bring family members to the UK.
4. Opportunity to apply for settlement after five years.

Conclusion

The UK Startup Visa is an excellent opportunity for Indians who have innovative and scalable business ideas to establish their businesses in the UK. The process of getting a Startup Visa UK involves finding an approved endorsing body, preparing the necessary documents, and submitting a visa application. By following these steps, Indians can make their dream of setting up a business in the UK a reality.

How to Apply for UK Visitor Visa from India?

The visa application process starts with the purpose of visiting the UK and ends with passport collection.

Indians can apply UK visa online and no paper application form is required.

Indians can apply UK visitor visa 3 months prior to the intended visit.

For instance, if Indian passport holder wishes to visit the UK for tourism from Feb 15, 2023, to 5 March 2023, then can apply from Nov 15, 2022, onwards.

Indian nationals usually submit a UK visitor visa application 4-6 weeks prior to the scheduled visit as the processing time for most of the applications from India is within 15-30 working days!

Purpose of Visiting the UK from India

The first step is to specify the purpose of visiting the UK and start gathering supporting documents.

Indians can travel to the UK for holidays, short term study, limited business activities or family visits.

Indians visiting the UK can do following permitted activities:

1. Tourism and leisure
2. Volunteering
3. Private medical treatment
4. Transit
5. Permitted Business Activities such as attending conference, seminar, meetings etc.
6. Conversion of a civil partnership into a marriage
7. Short Term Study
8. Participation in an exchange program
9. Educational visit

Can Indians Work on Visiting Visa in the UK?

Indians visiting the UK are not allowed to do work.

Indians travelling on a visitor visa needs to abide the conditions of stay in the UK.

If the Home Office finds a visiting Indian breaching their conditions of stay, then may cancel the visitor visa with a re-entry ban.

How Indians Can Meet UK Visitor Visa Requirements?

To meet the visitor or tourist visa requirements, Indians need to provide reasonable evidence (supporting documents) that they:

• will leave the UK at the end of the visit
• will not stay in the UK for extended periods through frequent and successive visits
• are genuinely seeking entry as a visitor only for a permitted activity
• will not make the UK their main home
• have sufficient funds to cover all reasonable expenses
• if applicable, have a Third-Party sponsor such as a genuine family member, friend, business partner, who will bear the trip expenses
• will not undertake any prohibited activity set out in Immigration Rules Appendix V for Visitors such as doing work, intentions to marry or form a civil partnership etc.

Fill Online Application Form for Visiting the UK

Indians can read questions in languages other than English but can only fill the online visa application form in English.

After selecting a language for reading the questions, applicants need to select India as the country of application if an applicant is applying from inside India.

If Indian passport holder is applying from some other country, then needs to select that country. And need to provide the details of the permission to reside in that country.

After reviewing and finalising the online application, Indians can select the service type (standard or priority) and schedule an appointment at UKVACs in India.

How to pay for UK visa fee in India?

Indians for UK visa from India need to pay the onine application cost in US Dollars. Accordingly, Indians can pay for UK visa fee online by a debit or credit card. after completing the application form.

Required Documents UK Visit Visa from India

Indians need to upload/submit the required supporting documents for UK visit visa such as:

1. Print out of the UK visa online application form
2. Current valid Indian passport
3. Previous Indian passport, if applicable
4. Translation of documents, which are not in English/Welsh
5. Invitation letter, if applicable
6. A UK address for staying during the visit
7. Residential address in India
8. Telephone or mobile number
9. Marriage certificate, if applicable
10. Family certificate, if applicable
11. Business/Employer details
12. Tax registration certificate
13. Tax returns
14. Bank statements
15. Salary slips (for employed persons)
16. Conveyance/Mortgage Deed or Rental Agreement of the address in India
17. Evidence of assets

Please note, this is not an exhaustive checklist of UK visit visa supporting documents from India, as the actual supporting documents may differ due to the personal circumstances of an applicant.

Indians can provide UK sponsor’s supporting documents for visit visa application.

If Indians provide false or forged supporting documents, then may get a 10 Year Deception Ban under General Grounds for UK visa refusal.

Identity Verification (Biometrics) UK Visa from India

Indians are not eligible to use the Immigration App to verify their identity. Therefore, for biometrics and application submission they need to book an appointment at UK Visa Application Centre (UKVAC) in Mumbai, Kolkata, New Delhi, Chennai etc.

Staff of the application centre takes electronic photograph and biometrics (scanning of fingers + thumbs).

If the application is successful British HC or Embassy uses the electronic photograph taken at UKVAC for visa vignette.

Visit Visa UK Waiting Time in India 2023

The UK visa processing time from India for all the short and long-term visitor visa application is usually within 10-15 working days i.e. 2 to 3 weeks.

Priority visitor visa processing time from India is normally within 5-7 working days.

At times tourist visa processing time for Indians may escalate up-to 12 weeks due to documents verification, interview, administrative bottlenecks etc.

UKVI Decision Email for Indians

Once applicants visit application centre in India to prove their identity, then UK visa processing time starts from the appointment day after biometrics (fingerprints and a photograph).

The UK visa processing time ends when Indians receive email from UKVI.

UKVI’s decision email usually states that visa application has been processed and the application centre (TLS Contact) will inform the applicant when passport is ready from collection.

Passport Collection

Once the UKVI makes the decision on the application then the UKVAC will inform the applicant for passport collection.

If application remains unresolved even after 12 weeks or sixty working days, then applicants may need to contact UKVI.

How to know if the UK visa is approved from India?

Indians only come to know about the UK visa approval (or refusal) after passport collection.

How to Track UK Visa Application in India?

A few years ago, Indians were able to track UK visa application after biometrics. However, now it is not possible to track UK visa application after biometrics from India.

If for any reason Indians intend to know the application status, then can contact UKVI by phone or email:

Telephone: +44 (0)300 790 6268 – select option 1 – If you cannot contact UK 0300 numbers, use +44 (0) 203 875 4669.
Monday to Friday, 24 hours
Calls cost INR72 per minute on top of your standard network charges.

Email enquiries cost INR285. You will not be charged for any follow-up emails about the same enquiry.

Please note, Indians may contact UKVI for:

• general queries about applying for a visa to come to the UK
• questions about the progress of their UK visa application from India
• technical problems with their UK visa application
• a mistake in their online application
• problems logging into their account or with their password
• problems with making a payment to UKVI online or pending payments

However, UKVI contact centre staff cannot give advice to Indians about their personal circumstances

What Indians can do if UK Visit Visa is Refused?

Indians can either reapply or file Judicial Review after UK visitor or tourist visa rejection.

There is no right of appeal or administrative review against UK visitor visa denial.

If Indians have applied for UK visa on human rights grounds, then can file appeal after refusal.

Please note, common reasons for visitor or tourist visa refusal for Indians includes but not limited to doubtful intentions and large unexplained transactions in the bank statement.