Why apply for UK Immigration?

• 1.3 million job vacancies in over 20 sectors
• 3.38 million visas issued in 2024
• High demand for skilled international professionals
• High quality of living
• 1.2 million Immigrated to the UK by June 2024.

*Want to migrate overseas? Let Y-Axis guide you with the process?
 

UK Visas & Immigration 

The UK is among the most popular countries for individuals migrating overseas. The country offers a high quality of life and multicultural environment, making it lucrative for international professionals wanting a better life. It has a robust economy and renowned institutions involved in global trade, which leads to multiple job opportunities with high salaries. The most popular cities in the UK for immigrants include London, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Manchester, and Reading.

In the year ending June 2024, approximately 1.2 million international individuals migrate to the UK.

Types of UK Visas

The UK offers various visa options, catering to different activities and durations. The various types of UK visas are given below.

• Visitor Visa
• UK Student Visa
• Work Visa – Skilled Worker
• Business Visa
• Innovator Visa
• HPI Visa
• Youth Mobility Visa
• GAE Visa
   

New UK Immigration Rules

The UK government has announced significant changes to immigration policies affecting skilled workers, international students, and employers. These updates will take effect from July 22, 2025.

Updated Rules for UK Skilled Worker Visa

1. Higher Skill Level Requirement

Applicants must now apply for positions at RQF Level 6 or above to qualify for a Skilled Worker visa.

2. Increased Salary Thresholds

The minimum salary requirements for Skilled Worker visa applicants have been raised. These updated thresholds will also apply to applications for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) submitted after July 22, 2025:

Applicant Type New Salary Threshold	Updated salary requirement
General Skilled Worker	£41,700
PhD in relevant field	£37,500
STEM PhD / ISL / New Entrant	£33,400
Workers pre-4 Apr 2024	£31,300
PhD holders pre-4 Apr 2024	£28,200

3. Restrictions on Second Jobs

Skilled Worker visa holders may only take on a second job if:

• The role is listed on the Immigration Salary List (ISL), or
• It meets the RQF Level 6 requirement.

4. Transitional Arrangements

Applicants who registered for the Skilled Worker route before July 22, 2025, can continue in roles below RQF Level 6 if they are listed in the Appendix Skilled Occupations.

Existing visa holders and those with pending applications can renew their visas, change employers, or work in lower-skilled roles as long as they meet the updated salary criteria.

Changes to UK Student Visa

Reduced Graduate Route Duration

• The Post-Study Work Visa (Graduate Route) has been shortened from 2 years to 18 months.

New Tuition Fee Tax

• A 6% tax will now apply to tuition fees paid by international students.
• English Requirement for Adult Dependents
• Adult dependents of skilled workers must meet the A1 English language proficiency level.
• Stricter University Compliance Rules
• UK universities are now required to adhere to enhanced compliance standards. Failure to comply may result in the loss of a sponsorship license.
• These changes are expected to lead to a reduction of over 31,000 international student enrolments annually.

Revised UK Sponsorship Visa Rules

1. Higher Skill Level for Sponsorship

The minimum skill level for sponsorship has increased from RQF Level 3 to RQF Level 6.

2. Updated Salary Requirements for Employers

Employers must meet the new salary thresholds when sponsoring workers:

Visa Applicant	Updated salary threshold
General threshold	£41,700
PhD (relevant field)	£37,500
STEM PhD / ISL role / New Entrants	£33,400

3. Changes for Care Worker Sponsorship

From July 22, 2025, employers will no longer be able to sponsor Care Workers and Senior Care Workers from overseas. Sponsorship will only be permitted within the UK if:

• The employee has worked for the sponsor for at least three months, and The Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) is issued before July 22, 2028, or the worker holds a valid Skilled Worker Leave.

4. Transitional Provisions for Sub-RQF 6 Roles

Employers registered before July 22, 2025, may continue sponsoring workers in roles below RQF Level 6. These workers may renew their visas or change employers under transitional arrangements.

5. Temporary Shortage List (TSL)

The Immigration Salary List (ISL) will be replaced by the Temporary Shortage List (TSL), which includes RQF Level 3 to 5 roles. Workers filling TSL roles will not be allowed to bring dependents.

 

Jobs in the United Kingdom

The UK issued over 210,090 work visas in 2024. Some of the top in-demand jobs in the UK are given below.

Occupation	Salary
IT & Software	£41,124
Marketing & Sales	£36,049
Engineering	£40,921
Hospitality	£30,339
Healthcare	£45,961
Accounting & Finance	£32,773
Human Resources	£30,000
STEM	£42,851
Teaching	£34,616
Nursing	£34,125

 

Benefits of UK Immigration

The UK comprises England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. It is one of the most popular overseas immigration destinations. The UK offers multiple options for foreign nationals wanting to settle abroad. International individuals must live in the UK temporarily and later apply for UK ILR or Indefinite Leave to Remain. Some of the pathways for UK immigration are given below. You can migrate to the UK with:

• UK work visa
• UK student visa
• UK spouse/fiancé visa
• UK Entrepreneur Visa
• UK investor visa

For UK immigration, candidates must obtain a good IELTS score and fulfill the eligibility criteria for professional, legal, and financial requirements. The criteria are based on your selected migration path. Y-Axis helps you identify the best immigration path and guides you at every step of the UK immigration process. Our more than 20 years of immigration experience make us your best choice to enhance your chances of migrating to the UK.
 

UK Immigration Points Calculator

The UK visa applicants must obtain the required points for UK immigration. The applicant must get 50 points if they have a job offer from a UK-based employer. Points are given to proficiency in the English language. Any of the following factors can be used to gain the 20 points required to qualify for the visa:

• A UK job offer with an annual salary of at least 26,000 pounds.
• A relevant PhD
• A job role in a skill shortage sector

*Want to know if you are eligible for UK immigration? Avail the Y-Axis UK Immigration Points Calculator for FREE and instant results.
 

Eligibility for UK Immigration from Canada

The general eligibility criteria for UK immigration are given below. You must:

• Be above 18 years old
• Have adequate funds to support themselves in the UK
• Have the required level of English language proficiency
• Have no criminal records
• Have fulfilled other requirements of the specific UK visa
   

UK Immigration Requirements

The documents required to apply for UK visas are given below. You must have:

• A duly filled UK visa application form
• Required number of photographs
• A valid passport
• Proof adequate funds
• Proof of accommodation in the UK
• Detailed travel itinerary to the UK
• A negative result for Tuberculosis Test Results
• Biometric information
• UK visa invitation letter (If applicable)
• UK cover letter (If applicable)
• Receipt of UK visa fees
   

UK Visa Fees

Detailed information about the processing fees for UK visas is given in the table below.

Visa Type	Processing Fee (in British pounds)
UK Visitor Visa	£127 to £1,059
UK Student Visa	£490
UK Skilled Worker Visa	£719
UK Innovator Founder Visa	£1,191
UK Expansion Worker Visa	£298
UK Spouse Visa	Application fee: £1,846
	Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): £315
UK Naturalization (British Citizenship)	£1,500

 

UK Visa Processing Time

The standard processing time for UK Visas is approximately 3 weeks.

Detailed information about the processing time for the UK visas is given in the table below.

UK Visa category	Processing time
Visit visa	8 weeks
Student visa	8 weeks
Child student visa	8 weeks
Family visas	12 weeks
Skilled worker visa	8 weeks
Health and care worker visa	8 weeks
Global talent route	8 weeks
Graduate route	8 weeks
High Potential Individual (HPI) visa	8 weeks
India Young Professionals Scheme	3 weeks
Innovator Founder	8 weeks
Start-up	8 weeks
Creative Worker	8 weeks
Scale-up Worker	8 weeks
Standard Visitor	3 weeks

 

How to Migrate to the UK from Canada?

 

The step-by-step procedure to migrate to the UK is given below.

Step 1: Check your eligibility for UK immigration.

Step 2: Arrange the documents required for the specific UK visa application.

Step 3: Submit the complete UK visa application form.

Step 4: Obtain your UK Visa.

Step 5: Fly to the UK with the visa.
 

How can Canadian Immigrants migrate to the UK?

Immigrants in Canada can migrate to the UK through a UK visa. They must fulfill the eligibility conditions of the visa they have applied for. The application process includes an online application for the UK visa, attending a biometric interview, and submitting the related documents.

You can apply for:

• UK Student Visa
• UK Work Visa
• UK Youth Mobility Scheme
• UK Skilled Worker Visa
• UK Dependent Visa
   

How can Canadian Citizens migrate to the UK?

Canadian citizens can migrate to the UK using various visa routes. They can apply for:

• UK Ancestry Visa
• UK Youth Mobility Scheme Visa
• UK Work Visa
• UK Student Visa:
• UK Investor visa
• UK Innovator visa
• UK Global Business Mobility visa

Eligible candidates can also apply for UK ILR or Indefinite Leave to Remain after living and working in the UK for 5 years. The UK ILR holders can reside in the UK indefinitely and apply for British citizenship after fulfilling the eligibility conditions.
 

How Can Y-Axis Help You?

Y-Axis is the leading immigration consultancy service with over 25 years of experience. Our team of expert professionals will help you with the following:

• Identify the best strategy to obtain a UK visa
• Advise you on finances to be provided
• Guide you in the documentation for your UK visa application.
• Help you in filling the UK visa application forms
• Review your documents before submission
• Get guidance in every step to work in the UK. Y-Path is a customized approach that supports you in making a life-changing decision.
• Y-Axis Coaching services helps you ace the immigration tests.