The UK Health and Care Worker Visa is specifically designed for foreign healthcare professionals wishing to work in eligible health and social care roles within the United Kingdom.
This visa provides a streamlined, fast-track route to UK employment for qualified healthcare workers, supporting the UK’s vital healthcare and social care sectors.
This guide explains eligibility criteria, the step-by-step application process, required documents, and key visa conditions for 2024.
1. Understanding the Health and Care Worker Visa
The Health and Care Worker Visa enables eligible healthcare professionals to work for the NHS, NHS suppliers, or within adult social care in the UK. This visa is a part of the Skilled Worker Visa category, with added benefits such as reduced application fees and exemption from the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS). The visa also offers a pathway to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after five years, provided the eligibility criteria are continuously met.
Eligible Roles for the Health and Care Worker Visa
To qualify, applicants must be employed or have a job offer in one of the following healthcare roles:
- Doctors
- Nurses
- Healthcare professionals (such as radiographers, physiotherapists, or paramedics)
- Adult social care workers and social workers
- Laboratory technicians, pharmacists, and similar health professionals
A full list of eligible roles is available on the UK government’s website, and the position must align with the roles specified in the UK’s Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) codes for healthcare.
2. Health and Care Worker Visa Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet a series of eligibility criteria related to employment, salary, qualifications, and English language proficiency.
A. Job Offer from a Licensed UK Sponsor
- The applicant must have a confirmed job offer from an employer that is a licensed sponsor under the Health and Care Worker Visa scheme.
- The employer must be one of the approved institutions, such as the NHS, an organization providing medical services to the NHS, or an adult social care organization.
B. Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
- The employer must provide a Certificate of Sponsorship, which includes a reference number that applicants need for their visa application.
- The CoS confirms the applicant’s job role, salary, and employment duration.
C. Salary Requirement
- The applicant’s annual salary must meet the minimum threshold set for health and care roles. The current minimum is generally £20,960 per year or the “going rate” for the specific occupation, whichever is higher.
- The exact salary threshold may vary based on the specific role and hours worked.
D. English Language Proficiency
- Applicants must demonstrate proficiency in English at a minimum of CEFR level B1 (intermediate level) through an approved English language test, a relevant UK degree, or an equivalent qualification taught in English.
E. Qualifications and Licensing (If Required)
- Depending on the role, applicants may need to hold specific qualifications or licenses (e.g., nursing registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council).
- Employers or regulatory bodies can provide guidance on required credentials.
3. Application Process for the Health and Care Worker Visa
The application process for the Health and Care Worker Visa is completed online. Applications can be submitted from outside or within the UK, and it typically takes around three weeks for a decision if applying from outside the UK, and eight weeks if applying from within.
Read Also: UK Dependant Visa Requirements and Application Guide
Step-by-Step Guide to the Health and Care Worker Visa Application:
- Prepare Required Documents
- Confirm and collect all necessary documentation before starting the online application. Required documents are outlined in the next section of this guide.
- Complete the Online Application Form
- Visit the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) website to fill out the application form, selecting the Health and Care Worker Visa option.
- Ensure all information provided is accurate, as inconsistencies may lead to delays or rejections.
- Pay the Application Fee
- The application fee is reduced for health and care workers compared to other visa types. As of 2024, it is £247 if applying for a stay of up to three years, or £479 for more than three years.
- Applicants are exempt from the Immigration Health Surcharge, saving additional costs associated with other visa categories.
- Schedule Biometric Appointment
- After submitting the online application, applicants will be prompted to schedule a biometric appointment at a visa application center to provide fingerprints and a digital photograph.
- Submit Supporting Documents
- Upload all supporting documents electronically, following UKVI guidelines for clear and accurate document submission.
- Wait for a Decision
- Once the application and biometric details are submitted, UKVI will process the application. Priority processing options may be available for an additional fee.
4. Document Checklist for the Health and Care Worker Visa
Ensuring that all required documents are accurately provided is essential for a smooth application process. Below is a comprehensive checklist of required documents:
- Passport or Valid Travel Identification
- Ensure your passport is valid for the duration of your intended stay and has at least one blank page for the visa.
- Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from the Employer
- Provided by the licensed UK employer, this document confirms job details and sponsorship.
- Proof of English Language Proficiency
- Approved English test results, or documents confirming a degree taught in English or other proof accepted by UKVI.
- Evidence of Qualifications and Professional Registration (if applicable)
- Documentation of specific qualifications and any required licenses or registrations for the role.
- Proof of Financial Means (if applicable)
- If the sponsor will not certify maintenance for the applicant, applicants must show financial capability with evidence of personal savings (£1,270 held for at least 28 consecutive days).
- TB Test Results
- Required for applicants from countries where tuberculosis testing is mandatory.
- Additional Documents (for Family Members)
- For any dependants applying alongside the main applicant, documents such as marriage certificates or birth certificates must be provided.
5. Rights and Conditions of the Health and Care Worker Visa
A successful Health and Care Worker Visa grants the holder the right to work in their approved healthcare role, study, and bring dependants to the UK under certain conditions. Key conditions include:
Employment Rights
- The visa holder may work in their specified role and engage in additional employment under specific guidelines, such as secondary employment in a role on the UK Shortage Occupation List.
Dependants
- The visa holder’s spouse or partner and children under 18 can apply as dependants. Dependants can work and study in the UK but may have to fulfill specific visa requirements.
Pathway to Settlement
- After five years of continuous residence in the UK on the Health and Care Worker Visa, the holder may apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). ILR enables permanent residency and ultimately the opportunity to apply for British citizenship, provided residency and employment conditions are met.
6. Common Reasons for Visa Refusal and How to Avoid Them
Health and Care Worker Visa applications may be refused if eligibility requirements or documentation are incomplete or incorrect. Common reasons for refusal include:
- Incomplete or incorrect financial documents (e.g., lack of evidence of financial maintenance),
- Missing or insufficient proof of English language proficiency,
- Inaccurate information on the Certificate of Sponsorship,
- Failure to provide mandatory tuberculosis test results (if applicable).
Avoiding Refusals:
Applicants are encouraged to carefully review all application details and ensure documentation is complete, clearly scanned, and translated into English where necessary. Engaging a licensed immigration advisor or solicitor may also help applicants navigate complex cases and avoid common pitfalls.
Contacting an Immigration Advisor for Additional Support
The UK Health and Care Worker Visa offers a unique opportunity for healthcare professionals to contribute to the UK’s essential services. Given the detailed requirements and responsibilities of this visa, applicants may find it helpful to seek advice from a qualified immigration advisor.
If you require assistance or have specific queries about your Health and Care Worker Visa application, our immigration support team is ready to guide you through each step of the process and ensure your documentation meets all necessary standards.
References:
- Office For National Statistics: ONS occupation coding tool.
- Home Office Website: Online Application
- GOV.UK: Health and Care visa: guidance for applicants
- GOV.UK: Skilled Worker visa: going rates for eligible occupations
- GOV.UK: Skilled Worker visa: shortage occupations
- Home Office Website: Online Application
