Health and Care Worker Visa

AUS (UK) Immigration’s

Overview of the Health and Care Worker Visa

The Health and Care Worker Visa offers a fast-track pathway for foreign nationals with medical and care skills to relocate to the UK for employment in eligible roles within the NHS, an NHS supplier, or the adult care sector, including positions like senior carers. Successful applicants can reside and work in the UK for a five-year period, with the option to extend their visa indefinitely. After five years, individuals with a Health and Care Worker Visa can pursue settlement in the UK, commonly known as indefinite leave to remain. This status comes with significant advantages, including the freedom to change employers, access benefits, and the absence of the need for further visa applications.

Importance of the NHS and Demand for Health Workers

The UK’s National Health Service (NHS) is the world’s fifth-largest employer, boasting a workforce of nearly 1.9 million individuals. Consequently, there is consistently high demand for clinical staff at various levels from international sources. Approximately 14% of the NHS workforce comprises overseas nationals, and there are roughly 100,000 vacancies within the service. The UK Health and Care Worker Visa is the ideal option for professionals in the global health and care sector seeking employment opportunities in the UK.

Comparison Between Health and Care Worker Visa and Skilled Worker Visa

Targeted Professions:

Health and Care Worker Visa: Tailored for medical professionals and individuals engaged in eligible health and care professions.
Skilled Worker Visa: Caters to professionals in diverse fields beyond health and care.

Application Processing:

Health and Care Worker Visa: Fast-tracked process by UKVI, typically processed within three weeks from the point the applicant provides their biometric information.
Skilled Worker Visa: Processing can take between eight and twenty weeks.

Application Fee:

Health and Care Worker Visa: £464.
Skilled Worker Visa: £1,220 for a period exceeding three years.

Healthcare Immigration Surcharge:

Health and Care Worker Visa: Exempt from the surcharge.
Skilled Worker Visa: Subject to a surcharge of £624 per year.

Eligibility for the Health and Care Worker Visa

The UK Health and Care Worker Visa caters to accomplished professionals in medicine, nursing, healthcare, and adult social care. It is open to individuals specialising in various occupations identified by a unique four-digit standard occupation code (SOC). These include roles such as health services managers, residential care managers, biological scientists, medical practitioners, psychologists, pharmacists, dental practitioners, medical radiographers, and many others.

To qualify for a UK Health and Care Worker Visa, applicants must:

Have a Job Offer and Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS): From a UK employer affiliated with the NHS, an approved organisation providing medical services to the NHS, or an organisation involved in adult social care.
Meet the Minimum Salary Requirement: Generally, a salary of at least £25,600 per year or £10.10 per hour, whichever is higher.
Job Offer Requirements: Secure a job offer aligned with one of the specified occupation codes.
Employer (Sponsor) Licensing: Ensure the sponsoring employer holds the necessary licence.
English Language Proficiency: Meet the English language requirements.
Evidence of Savings: Demonstrate sufficient personal savings (£1,270 held in the bank for 28 days).

For personalised advice on your Health and Care Worker Visa application, consult with our knowledgeable immigration solicitors. Call us at +44 (0) 121 572 8126 or via email at immigrations@ausuk.co.uk.

Application Process for the Health and Care Worker Visa

The application process for a Health and Care Worker Visa involves several steps:

Check Eligibility: Ensure you meet the criteria for the Health and Care Worker Visa.
Secure a Job Offer from a Licensed Sponsor in the UK: Obtain a job offer from a sponsor who holds the necessary licence.
Receive Certificate of Sponsorship: Obtain the Certificate of Sponsorship from your employer.
Prepare Required Documents: Gather necessary documents to substantiate your eligibility.
Complete Online Application Form: Fill out the application form on the Home Office website.
Pay Fees: Pay the application fee, biometric fee, and healthcare surcharge.
Upload Supporting Documents: Upload the required documents.
Arrange Biometric Appointment: Schedule a biometric appointment if necessary.
Receive Decision: Anticipate a decision within three weeks from the date of your application.

Required Documents for the Health and Care Worker Visa Application

To substantiate your application, you will need to provide:

Passport: A valid passport with at least one blank page.
Certificate of Sponsorship Reference Number: From your Certificate of Sponsorship.
Job Details: Including job title, annual salary, and occupation code.
Employer Information: Name and sponsor licence number of your employer.
Financial Documentation: Evidence of personal savings.
Family Relationship Proof: Marriage and birth certificates.
Criminal Record Certificate: If applying from outside the UK.
English Language Proficiency: Proof of meeting the requirements.
TB Test Results: If required based on your country of origin.
UK PhD Certificate or Ecctis Reference: If applicable.

Extension of the Health and Care Worker Visa

You can extend your Health and Care Worker Visa if you continue to meet the eligibility criteria, such as maintaining the same job, employer, and salary requirements. Your partner or children also have the option to extend their visas.

Dependants on the Health and Care Worker Visa

Health and Care Worker Visa holders can bring eligible family members to the UK, including:

Spouse, Civil Partner, or Unmarried Partner: Must have cohabited for at least two years.
Children Under 18: Eligible to accompany you.
Children Over 18: May join you if they meet specific criteria, such as living with you and being financially dependent.