Health and Care Worker Visa

The Health and Care Worker Visa is a specialised UK visa designed to attract international healthcare professionals to work in the UK’s health and social care sectors. This visa, part of the Skilled Worker Visa framework, enables eligible doctors, nurses, allied health professionals, and care workers to live and work in the UK while addressing critical staffing shortages in the NHS and other healthcare settings. It offers a streamlined application process, reduced fees, and a pathway to settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain) after 5 years.

Who Qualifies for the Health and Care Worker Visa?

The Health and Care Worker Visa is available to non-UK citizens who meet specific eligibility criteria. Below are the key requirements:

• Job Offer: You must have a confirmed job offer from a Home Office-approved sponsor, such as an NHS trust, private healthcare provider, or adult social care organisation, in an eligible occupation (e.g., doctor, nurse, midwife, radiographer, or care worker).

• Eligible Occupations: Your role must be listed in the UK’s Immigration Rules (Appendix Skilled Occupations), with Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) codes such as 2231 (nurses), 2211 (doctors), or 6145 (care workers).

• Salary Threshold: The minimum salary is typically £23,200 for most roles, though higher thresholds apply for senior positions (e.g., £38,700 for consultants). Roles on the Immigration Salary List may have lower thresholds.

• English Language Proficiency: You must demonstrate English language skills at CEFR Level B1 or higher (e.g., through IELTS, OET, or equivalent), unless exempt (e.g., nationals of majority English-speaking countries).

• Qualifications: You need relevant professional qualifications recognised by UK regulatory bodies, such as the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) or General Medical Council (GMC).

• Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS): Your employer must issue a CoS, confirming your job details and compliance with visa requirements.
  

What the Health and Care Worker Visa Offers

The Health and Care Worker Visa provides significant benefits for healthcare professionals and their families:

• Work Authorisation: Work full-time in your sponsored role within the UK’s health and social care sectors, with flexibility to take supplementary employment in certain cases.

• Stay Duration: Typically granted for up to 5 years, with the option to extend or apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after 5 years of continuous residence.

• Family Inclusion: Bring dependants (spouse/partner and children under 18), who can live, work, or study in the UK (note: as of March 2024, care workers cannot bring dependants).

• Access to NHS: Full access to the UK’s National Health Service for you and your dependants.

• Path to Settlement: Eligible to apply for ILR after 5 years, leading to permanent residency and potential British citizenship.

• Cost Savings: Reduced visa fees (£304 for up to 3 years, £590 for over 3 years) and exemption from the Immigration Health Surcharge (£1,035 per year), unlike other Skilled Worker Visas.
  

Health and Care Worker Visa Requirements and Eligibility

To successfully apply for the Health and Care Worker Visa, applicants must meet the following conditions:

• Genuine Vacancy: The job offer must be genuine and meet UKVI’s skills and salary requirements. Sponsors must hold a valid Sponsor Licence.

• Financial Maintenance: You may need to show funds to support yourself (typically £1,270 for 28 days), unless your sponsor certifies maintenance.

• Criminal Record Check: Applicants in certain roles (e.g., nurses, doctors) must provide a criminal record certificate from any country where they resided for 12 months or more in the last 10 years.

• Tuberculosis (TB) Test: Required for applicants from listed countries (e.g., India, Philippines), unless exempt.

• Continuous Employment: You must remain employed in an eligible role with a licensed sponsor throughout the visa period to maintain status.
  

Health and Care Worker Visa Application Process

Applying for the Health and Care Worker Visa involves several straightforward steps:

1. Secure a Job Offer: Obtain a job offer from an approved sponsor and receive a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) with a unique reference number.

2. Prepare Documents: Gather required documents, including:

   • CoS reference number

   • Proof of qualifications and professional registration (e.g., NMC or GMC)

   • English language test results (if applicable)

   • Passport and travel history

   • TB test certificate (if required)

   • Criminal record certificate (if required)

   • Proof of maintenance funds (if not certified by sponsor)

3. Submit Application: Apply online via the UKVI website, completing the visa application form and paying the visa fee (£304 or £590, depending on duration).

4. Biometric Appointment: Attend a biometric appointment at a UK Visa Application Centre to provide fingerprints and a photograph.

5. Processing Time: Standard processing takes approximately 3–8 weeks. Priority services (5 working days) or super-priority services (next working day) are available for additional fees.

6. Decision and Arrival: Once approved, you’ll receive a visa vignette or digital status, allowing you to enter the UK and start work.
   

Benefits of the Health and Care Worker Visa

The Health and Care Worker Visa offers unique advantages for international healthcare professionals:

• Career Opportunities: Work in world-renowned institutions like the NHS or leading private healthcare providers, gaining valuable experience.

• Cost-Effective: Lower application fees and no Immigration Health Surcharge, reducing financial barriers.

• Family Support: Dependants (where permitted) can join you, with access to education and employment opportunities.

• Settlement Pathway: Achieve permanent residency (ILR) after 5 years, paving the way for British citizenship.

• Fast-Track Processing: Expedited visa decisions compared to other work visas, ensuring quicker relocation.
  

Maintaining Your Health and Care Worker Visa Status

To maintain your visa status and progress toward settlement, you must:

• Stay Employed: Remain in an eligible role with a licensed sponsor. Notify UKVI of any significant changes (e.g., job change or employer).

• Adhere to Conditions: Comply with visa conditions, such as not accessing public funds (unless eligible) and maintaining lawful residence.

• Absence Limitations: Avoid excessive absences from the UK (typically no more than 180 days per year) to qualify for ILR later.

• Compliance with Laws: Maintain a clean criminal record and adhere to UK immigration and employment laws.
  

Alternatives to the Health and Care Worker Visa

If the Health and Care Worker Visa isn’t suitable, other visa routes may lead to work in the UK’s healthcare sector or settlement:

• Skilled Worker Visa: For non-healthcare roles or where the Health and Care Worker Visa criteria aren’t met, with higher fees and IHS requirements.

• Global Business Mobility Visa: For intra-company transfers to the UK, suitable for senior healthcare professionals.

• Graduate Visa: For international students completing UK degrees, allowing 2 years to work (including in healthcare) before switching to another visa.

Each visa category has its own eligibility and pathway to settlement, so consult an immigration expert to determine the best option.

Contact Us

Our experienced immigration advisers provide tailored support to ensure a smooth Health and Care Worker Visa application process. If you need guidance on your application or would like to explore your eligibility please reach out to discuss.