UK Health and Care Worker Visa

The UK Health and Care Worker Visa: Your Pathway to a Rewarding Career in the UK Healthcare Sector

Are you a healthcare professional planning to work in the UK? You’re in the right place. The UK Health and Care Worker Visa is a dedicated visa category specifically designed to facilitate international health professionals in providing their invaluable services across the UK’s healthcare sector.

The Health and Care Worker Visa serves as a lifeline to the healthcare sector, allowing it to function effectively and efficiently, bolstering the delivery of critical healthcare services to the population. The UK government recognises the vital contribution of overseas healthcare professionals and has made the application process more straightforward.

However, to apply for this visa, you must meet specific criteria. This includes having a job offer from an approved sponsor, such as an NHS trust, and demonstrating your proficiency in English. Additionally, you must show that you have the required maintenance funds to support your stay in the UK.

Criteria for the UK Health and Care Worker Visa

You must usually receive a minimum annual salary of £23,200 (£11.90 per hour) - assuming your role is eligible for the reduced salary, i.e. care workers.

You are a qualified doctor, nurse, health professional or adult social care professional

You work in an eligible health or social care job (see the list below)

You must meet the English language requirement of CEFR level B1 in reading, writing, speaking and listening, or be from an ‘English speaking country’

You must obtain work sponsorship from an employer registered as a Home Office sponsor. Upon sponsorship, you will be issued with a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), this is like an online UK work permit

You must have held £1,270 in savings for 28 days prior to the date of application, or an A-Rated Home Office sponsor may certify that they will provide this on the CoS. Further funds must be held for each dependant family member applying

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Eligible Professions for the Health and Care Visa: An Updated Overview

The dynamic nature of healthcare necessitates regular updates to the list of professions eligible for the Health & Care visa. Here are the professions currently included:

1181

Health services and public health managers and directors

1242

Residential, day and domiciliary care managers and proprietors

2112

Biological scientists and biochemists

2113

Physical scientists

2211

Medical practitioners

2212

Psychologists

2213

Pharmacists

2214

Ophthalmic opticians

2215

Dental practitioners

2217

Medical radiographers

2118

Podiatrists

2219

2219 Health professionals not elsewhere classified eg audiologists and occupational health advisers

2222

Occupational therapists

2223

Speech and language therapists

2229

Therapy professionals not elsewhere classified eg osteopaths and psychotherapists

2231

Nurses

2232

Midwives

2442

Social workers

3111

Laboratory technicians

3213

Paramedics

3216

Dispensing opticians

3217

Pharmaceutical technicians

3218

Medical and dental technicians

3219

Health associate professionals not elsewhere classified

6141

Nursing auxiliaries and assistants

6143

Dental nurses

6145

Care workers & home carers

6146

Senior care workers

FAQs

How long will the Health & Care visa be valid for?

Health & Care visas are usually granted for an initial period of either up to 3 years or up to 5 years. This is usually in line with the work duration indicated on the Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) assigned to you, in effect your UK work permit.

Can you extend a Health & Care work visa?

If your Health & Care sponsorship continues, it is possible to apply for UK work visa extensions from within the UK indefinitely.

Can you switch into this visa from within the UK?

It is possible to apply to switch visa category from within the UK into this visa type, if you are not currently in the UK holding one of the following visa types:

Visitor visa
Short-Term Student visa
Parent of a Child visa
Seasonal Worker visa
Domestic Worker visa
Any Discretionary visa

Please however note that you may still need to meet the requirement to have worked for your employer outside of the UK for the required period, unless exempt.

Do UK Health & Care UK work visas lead to ILR?

Following 5 years continuous residence, you may qualify for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in the UK, effectively permanent residence providing all the requirements are met at that time.

Can you bring your family as dependents?

Spouses or partners and children under the age of 18 may apply for visas to accompany you to the UK as your ‘dependants’. Your spouse or partner should be permitted to work.

Where should you apply for a UK Health & Care visa?

It is permitted to switch into the Health & Care visa type from within the UK if you were last granted a visa under certain visa categories. In all other circumstances, initial Skilled Worker visa applications must be from abroad, either from your country of nationality or legal residence.

How long does it take for the visa to be processed?

UKVI aim to process visas as follows:

Visa applications submitted outside of the UK:

Standard processing: 15 working days
Priority Service processing: 5 working days

Visa applications submitted inside the UK:

Standard processing: 8 weeks
Priority Service processing: 5 working days

Important: UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) do not guarantee processing times and delays do occur. We advise that you do not book any non refundable travel until your visa has been approved and your work visa is in your possession. Priority services can be suspended without notice and may not be available at the time of application.

How much does the visa cost?

The Home Office application fee is as follows:

Applying outside or inside of the UK:

Visa up to 3 years duration: £284; or
Visa more than 3 years (max 5) duration: £551

Do you have to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)?

No, those who qualify for the Health & Care visa are exempt from the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).

Pricing

At Immtell, we understand healthcare professionals’ critical role in our community. To assist those applying for the Health and Care Worker Visa, we have crafted two specialised service packages catering to different needs and stages of the application process.

🌟 Full End-to-End Support: Our comprehensive package offers in-depth support and guidance throughout your visa application journey. From the initial eligibility assessment to the final submission, our team of experts ensures that every aspect of your application is meticulously handled, providing you with the best chance of success.

📝 Application Review and Feedback: Our review service is the perfect choice for applicants who prefer managing the process themselves but seek a professional touch. We thoroughly examine your completed application, offering constructive feedback and expert advice to enhance its quality and compliance.

💡 Transparent and Tailored Pricing: We believe in clear and upfront pricing, allowing you to understand our fees from the outset. This approach helps you decide based on your specific needs and budget.

📘 Further Questions? Please visit our FAQ section for more details about the Health and Care Worker Visa, including the government fees and other related queries.

📞 Embark on Your Visa Application with Confidence: Our services are designed to match your requirements whether you require full support or expert review. Contact us to discuss how we can assist you in securing your Health and Care Worker Visa.

Immtell's Typical Professional Fees

£ 1,500 + VAT

Eligibility assessment
CoS (Certificate of Sponsorship) drafting and assigning
Advice on English language and TB test requirements (if applicable)
Application preparation and online submission
Appointment booking
Responding to queries from the Home Office
Review of issued documents
Post-arrival Biometric Residence Permit accuracy check

Best Value

£ 500 + VAT

Specialist review of your prepared application
Assess application against the relevant rules and legislations
Provide feedback and recommendations for improvement (if applicable)

Let Immtell Guide Your Journey to a Healthcare Career in the UK

Choosing a healthcare career in the UK can be a rewarding experience. The process of applying for a Health and Care Worker Visa, however, can be overwhelming. At Immtell, we understand the intricacies of the visa application process and are here to guide you every step of the way.

Our team of experienced immigration advisors will ensure your application is as strong as possible, increasing your chances of success. We’ll provide expert advice and guidance, helping you navigate the often complex terrain of UK immigration rules. Reach out to us today to start your journey towards a fulfilling healthcare career in the UK.