The United Kingdom is one of the most captivating countries in the world. People from all around the world want to visit this country for various reasons. Individuals from India also want to join this country for several benefits. This country is one of the ideal places for Indians as well; thousands of Indians apply for various visa routes to visit the UK every year. Their purpose can be study, work, family visit and other specific reasons. Undoubtedly, it can be exciting and adventurous to move to a country like the United Kingdom, but the excitement comes along with challenges as well. It can be really challenging for Indian expats, mainly to adjust to British culture and their societal values. Different countries, different languages, different values, and different foods are all differences that can impact an Indian’s life in the United Kingdom. It can be quite tricky for first-timers to adjust to the UK; thus, getting familiar with the UK culture is essential.
This peculiar article aims to navigate life in the United Kingdom as an Indian expat. Here, we have mentioned what are the cultural differences you may experience while being in the United Kingdom. Moving to the UK from India can be challenging, but with a bit of understanding of cultural differences, you can surely overcome those differences. Apart from that, if you experience difficulties with immigration, you can get help from solicitors in London.
Which visa routes can you take to move to the UK from India?
Before discussing cultural differences, knowing the visa routes that can take you to the United Kingdom is essential. The UK Government offers several visa routes to non-UK citizens; you can choose any of these visa categories as per your eligibility to visit the UK.
- Skilled Worker Visa: This visa route is especially suitable for individuals with a job offer from a UK employer. You can apply for this route if you have a genuine UK sponsor you can apply for this visa route. A skilled worker visa can remain valid for four years; hence, it’s crucial to understand UK culture clearly.
- Spouse Visa: The UK government offers this visa route to individuals married to a British citizen or someone with settled status in the United Kingdom. It is valid for married couples and civil partners alike. The initial spouse visa remains valid for two and a half years. After this period of time, you can even extend the validity of this visa route for another two and a half years.
- Global Talent Visa: If you are a highly skilled professional in the field of medicine, arts, culture, technology, or science, you can apply for this visa. This year, the success of this visa route is estimated to be around 75%. To obtain this visa route, it is essential that you meet the eligibility criteria and fulfil all the requirements of the UK visas and immigration.
These are three major categories of UK visas, but as per your requirements, you can go for other visa routes as well. You can choose a family visit visa, student visitor visa, or other routes. Now, let’s go to the next section and understand the cultural differences between India and the UK.
Cultural Differences an Indian Expat Needs to Understand
Here, in this specific section, we will discuss some significant cultural differences that an Indian expat may experience while being in the United Kingdom. So what are we waiting for? Let’s find out what are those differences that you need to understand.
- So, first of all, it is crucial to understand that British people are way too polite in nature and strictly follow queueing. So make sure that if you are moving to the UK, you keep in mind that you must follow queueing wherever it is required.
- The United Kingdom values time; being on time should be your utmost priority. If you are not on time, you may miss out on some significant things. Timing is vital during travelling, at work, banks, hospitals, or anywhere you are moving in the city.
- The work environment in the United Kingdom is pretty formal and beholds a defined hierarchy. So it is essential that you must keep this factor in your mind and follow the hierarchy rule.
- The United Kingdom has one of the world’s most balanced work cultures. UK employers offer a balanced and defined work-life with ample employee benefits. It can benefit you if you plan to work in the United Kingdom.
- If we talk about cultural differences, we can forget about the food. For Indian expats, it can be challenging for them to adjust to foods in the United Kingdom. In British culture, they are used to eating non-spicy food; on the other hand, Indians are used to having spicy foods. It can take some time for you to adjust to the foods.
- Apart from cultural differences, there are weather differences, so adjusting to climatic changes may take some time. UK weather can be much colder for you, and it can be challenging to live in minus degrees.
UK Adjustment Tips for Indian Expat
Moving to the UK from India can be difficult for Indian expats, especially when you are all aware of the challenges. In this section, we have mentioned a few tips that can help you adjust better to life in the United Kingdom.
- For Indian expats living in the United Kingdom, it can be difficult. You may feel homesick, but to overcome such a challenge, you must keep connected with your family over the phone and Facetime.
- To avoid food-related challenges, it can help if you start trying UK dishes for a month before moving to the UK. Start trying new dishes and try to adjust your taste buds with UK cuisine.
- The UK living style is relatively higher than the Indian living style, and it is essential that you must start saving at least a year before. To live an exquisite life in the UK, it is essential that you have a sufficient amount in your bank account.
In this way, it can be easier for you to adjust to the United Kingdom. Apart from that, if you experience challenges in terms of visa applications and immigration status, you can get help from solicitors in London. There are several legal immigration firms in the United Kingdom, such as A Y & J Solicitors. They have a team of experienced and knowledgeable immigration solicitors. Their assistance can help you streamline visa processes and ensure a positive outcome from the UKVI.
