UK Visa for Indians: Everything You Need to Know (2026 Guide)

Do Indian Citizens Need a Visa for the UK?

Yes, Indian passport holders require a visa to enter the United Kingdom for any purpose. India is not part of the UK's visa-free countries list, which means you must obtain a visa in advance before traveling.

The good news? The UK actively welcomes Indian students, skilled workers, and tourists. In 2023, over 140,000 Indian students received UK student visas, making India the largest source country for international students in the UK.

Types of UK Visas Available for Indians

1. Student Visa (Most Popular for Indians)

If you've been accepted to a UK university, college, or boarding school, you'll need a Student visa (formerly Tier 4).

• Requirement: Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from your institution
• Proof of funds: Course fees + £1,334/month (London) or £1,023/month (outside London) for living costs (9 months)
• Cost: £490 + Immigration Health Surcharge (£776/year for students)
• Processing time: 3 weeks
• Validity: Duration of course + 2-4 months (depending on course length)

Work rights: You can work up to 20 hours/week during term time and full-time during holidays. After graduation, you can apply for the Graduate Route visa (2 years for bachelor's/master's, 3 years for PhD).

2. Standard Visitor Visa

For tourism, business meetings, short courses (up to 6 months), or visiting family and friends.

• Maximum stay: 6 months per visit
• Validity options: 6 months, 2 years, 5 years, or 10 years
• Cost: £115 (6 months), £432 (2 years), £771 (5 years)
• Processing time: 3 weeks

What you can do: Tourism, attend business meetings/conferences, short-term study (not for degree), receive private medical treatment, visit family/friends

What you cannot do: Work, access public funds, marry (need Marriage Visitor visa), stay longer than 6 months

3. Skilled Worker Visa

If you have a job offer from a UK employer with a sponsor license.

• Requirement: Certificate of Sponsorship from UK employer
• Minimum salary: £38,700/year (or "going rate" for your job, whichever is higher)
• Cost: £719 (up to 3 years) or £1,420 (more than 3 years) + Immigration Health Surcharge (£1,035/year)
• Processing time: 3 weeks
• Validity: Up to 5 years (renewable)

Path to settlement: You can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after 5 years.

4. Graduate Route Visa

For Indian students who have completed a degree in the UK and want to work or look for work.

• Requirement: Completed bachelor's, master's, or PhD at a UK institution
• Duration: 2 years (bachelor's/master's) or 3 years (PhD)
• Cost: £822 + Immigration Health Surcharge (£1,035/year)
• Work rights: No restrictions (can work any job, be self-employed, switch jobs)

5. Family Visa (Spouse, Partner, Child)

If you're joining a family member who is a UK citizen or has settled status.

• Requirement: Proof of relationship + sponsor's income of at least £29,000/year
• Cost: £1,846 (from outside UK) + Immigration Health Surcharge
• Processing time: 12 weeks
• Validity: 2.5 years (renewable)

Step-by-Step: How to Apply for a UK Visa from India

Here's the complete process for applying for a UK visa (we'll focus on Student and Visitor visas as they're most common for Indians).

Step 1: Determine Which Visa You Need

• Accepted to UK university? → Student Visa
• Tourism or visiting family? → Standard Visitor Visa
• Job offer from UK employer? → Skilled Worker Visa
• Joining spouse/partner in UK? → Family Visa

Step 2: Gather Your Documents

For Student Visa:

1. Valid Indian Passport (at least 6 months validity)
2. CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) from your UK institution
3. Tuberculosis (TB) Test Certificate (mandatory for all Indians—get tested at approved clinic)
4. Financial Evidence:
   • Course fees (as stated on CAS)
   • Living costs: £1,334/month × 9 months (London) = £12,006 OR £1,023/month × 9 months (outside London) = £9,207
   • Funds must be in your account for at least 28 consecutive days before applying
   • Bank statements (last 28 days, stamped by bank)
5. Academic Documents:
   • Degree certificates and transcripts (all previous education)
   • English language test results (IELTS, TOEFL, PTE—if required by your CAS)
6. Passport-sized photographs (45mm × 35mm, color, white background)

For Visitor Visa:

1. Valid Indian Passport
2. TB Test Certificate
3. Bank Statements (6 months)
   • Should show regular income and sufficient funds (minimum ₹3-5 lakhs recommended)
   • Must be original, stamped by bank
4. Employment Letter (on company letterhead, stating position, salary, leave approval)
5. Travel Itinerary:
   • Flight reservations (don't buy tickets until visa approved)
   • Hotel bookings or invitation letter from UK host
   • Detailed travel plan
6. Proof of Ties to India:
   • Property documents (if you own land/house)
   • Family ties (marriage certificate, children's birth certificates)
   • Business ownership documents (if self-employed)

Step 3: Complete the Online Application

Go to gov.uk/apply-uk-visa and create an account. The form will ask about:

• Personal details (name, date of birth, passport number)
• Travel plans (dates, purpose of visit, accommodation)
• Employment and financial situation
• Travel history (previous visas, trips abroad)
• Family in India and UK

For Student Visa: You'll need your CAS number and details from your CAS letter.

Step 4: Pay the Visa Fee and Immigration Health Surcharge

• Student Visa: £490 + £776/year (Immigration Health Surcharge)
• Visitor Visa: £115 (no health surcharge for short visits)
• Skilled Worker Visa: £719-£1,420 + £1,035/year (IHS)

Payment is made online via debit/credit card.

Step 5: Book Your Biometrics Appointment

After paying, you'll book an appointment at a VFS Global Visa Application Centre in India. Major cities include:

• Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Pune, Ahmedabad, Chandigarh, Cochin, Goa, Jalandhar

At your appointment, you'll:

• Have your fingerprints and photograph taken (biometrics)
• Submit your supporting documents (or upload them online)
• Hand over your passport (unless you paid for "Keep My Passport" service)

Step 6: Wait for a Decision

Standard processing time is 3 weeks (15 working days). Priority services available:

• Priority Service: £212 (decision in 5 working days)
• Super Priority Service: £1,000 (decision in 24 hours—limited availability)

Step 7: Collect Your Passport

Once approved, your passport will be returned with a visa vignette (sticker) valid for 30 days. You must travel to the UK within this 30-day window to collect your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) card.

Common Mistakes That Lead to UK Visa Rejections (And How to Avoid Them)

1. Insufficient Financial Evidence (Student Visas)

The problem: You don't show enough money to cover course fees + living costs, or the funds haven't been in your account for 28 days.

How to avoid it:

• Calculate exact amount needed: Course fees + £12,006 (London) or £9,207 (outside London)
• Ensure funds are in your account for at least 28 consecutive days before applying
• Use a single bank account (don't split across multiple accounts)
• If using parent's funds, include consent letter + proof of relationship

2. Missing or Invalid TB Test Certificate

The problem: You didn't get a TB test, or you got it from a non-approved clinic.

How to avoid it:

• Book appointment at approved clinic (check gov.uk for list)
• Get tested at least 2 weeks before your visa appointment
• Upload the certificate with your application

3. Incorrect CAS Details (Student Visas)

The problem: The information you provide doesn't match your CAS letter exactly.

How to avoid it:

• Double-check your CAS number (must be exact)
• Ensure course start date, fees, and institution name match your CAS
• Don't apply before your CAS is issued

4. Weak Ties to India (Visitor Visas)

The problem: The consular adjudicator thinks you might overstay because you have no strong reason to return to India.

How to avoid it:

• Show stable employment (long-term job, not just started)
• Provide property ownership documents
• Demonstrate family ties (spouse, children, parents in India)
• Highlight previous international travel (you've returned from other countries)

Processing Times & Fees for Indians (2026)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do I need a sponsor to get a UK visitor visa?

No, a sponsor is not required. However, if someone in the UK is inviting you, their invitation letter and proof of UK status can strengthen your application.

Can I work on a UK student visa?

Yes, you can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during holidays. After graduation, you can apply for the Graduate Route visa (2-3 years) to work without restrictions.

How much money do I need for a UK student visa?

You need to show: Course fees (as stated on CAS) + £12,006 (if studying in London) or £9,207 (outside London) for living costs. Funds must be in your account for 28 consecutive days.

Can I bring my family on a student visa?

Yes, if you're studying a postgraduate course (9+ months) or a government-sponsored course. Your spouse/partner and children can apply as dependents. You'll need to show additional funds (£845/month for partner + £680/month per child in London, or £680/month for partner + £565/month per child outside London).

What if my UK visa is rejected?

You'll receive a refusal letter explaining the reasons. You can:

• Reapply: Address the issues and submit a new application (pay fee again)
• Request Administrative Review: If you believe the decision was wrong (£80 fee, must request within 28 days)

Do I need travel insurance for a UK visa?

Travel insurance is not mandatory, but it's highly recommended. It shows you're prepared for emergencies and can cover medical expenses.

Final Thoughts: Your Path to the UK Starts Here

The UK welcomes Indian students, workers, and visitors—but only if you follow the rules and submit a complete application. The 15% rejection rate is largely due to preventable mistakes: missing TB certificates, insufficient funds, or inconsistent documentation.

If you're applying for a student visa, start early (at least 3 months before your course starts). If you're applying for a visitor visa, make sure you can prove you'll return to India. And regardless of visa type, always double-check your documents before submitting.

Last updated: January 2026 | Sources: UK Home Office, GOV.UK, VFS Global India