The UK is actively welcoming skilled healthcare professionals from around the world, with one of the most popular immigration pathways being the Health and Care Worker Visa. Designed for professionals eager to make a difference, this visa route opens doors to work within the NHS, adult social care, or other healthcare roles across the UK.
What Is the Health and Care Worker Visa?
Introduced in October 2021, the UK Health and Care Worker Visa is part of the Skilled Worker route but is tailored specifically for healthcare professionals. This visa provides a streamlined process and various benefits for qualified individuals who wish to contribute to the UK’s healthcare sector.
If you are a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, paramedic, or another healthcare professional, this visa allows you to work with licensed employers in the UK. After five years of residence, it also provides a path to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) and, eventually, UK citizenship.
Learn more about the official requirements and guidelines for the Health and Care Worker Visa on the UK Government’s Health and Care Visa page.
Also read How to Apply for UK Skilled Worker Visa?
Who Is Eligible for the Health and Care Worker Visa?
To apply for this visa, you must meet specific requirements:
- Qualified Healthcare Professional: You must be a qualified professional such as a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, paramedic, or allied health worker.
- Job Offer from a Licensed UK Sponsor: Your UK employer must be licensed to sponsor international workers. If your employer does not already have a sponsorship license, they must apply for one through the Home Office.
- English Language Proficiency: You must demonstrate English language skills at B1 level or above, either through an approved test or an eligible qualification.
- Meet the Salary Requirement: The minimum salary varies based on your role. You must earn at least £23,200 or the going rate for your occupation, whichever is higher.
- Ability to Cover Visa Application Fee: This fee is reduced for healthcare workers, but you still need to cover the cost of the visa application.
For help finding jobs that meet sponsorship requirements, check platforms like UK Visa Jobs, which list openings with sponsorship licenses.
How to Apply for the Health and Care Worker Visa?
Here’s a step-by-step guide to applying:
- Secure a Job Offer: Obtain a confirmed job offer from a UK employer with a valid sponsorship license. You’ll need your employer to provide a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS).
- Complete the Online Application Form: Fill out the application on the Home Office website.
- Submit Required Documents:
- Passport or valid travel document.
- Certificate of Sponsorship from your employer.
- Proof of English proficiency.
- Financial evidence (if required) of £1,270 in savings, unless exempt.
- Criminal record certificate if your role involves working with vulnerable individuals.
- Pay the Application Fee: £284 for applications up to three years; £551 for longer durations.
- Attend a Biometric Appointment: Complete a biometrics appointment for fingerprinting and photographs at a visa application center.
Also read Want to Work in the UK? Here’s Everything You Need to Know About UK Work Visas in 2024
Processing Time: Generally, applications are processed within three weeks. For updates, visit UK Visas and Immigration Processing Times.
Benefits of the Health and Care Worker Visa
The Health and Care Worker Visa offers several advantages:
- Streamlined Processing: Applications are fast-tracked, with most decisions within three weeks.
- Reduced Visa Fees: Compared to the Skilled Worker Visa, the fees for this visa are lower.
- Immigration Health Surcharge Exemption: Health and Care Visa holders are exempt from the Immigration Health Surcharge, significantly reducing costs.
- Path to Permanent Residency: After five years, visa holders can apply for ILR, allowing for permanent residency and, ultimately, UK citizenship.
- Dependents Can Join: In most cases, your spouse/partner and children under 18 can join you on a dependent visa, although recent rule changes impact certain roles.
For more information, refer to the UK Government’s Health and Care Worker Benefits.
Policy Changes for Health and Care Visa Dependents
New Rules for Care Workers: As of March 11, 2024, care workers applying for the Health and Care Worker Visa can no longer bring dependents. This affects roles under SOC codes 6135 (Care workers and home carers) and 6136 (Senior care workers). Existing visa holders who brought dependents before this date remain unaffected.
Care Quality Commission (CQC) Requirement: Employers or social care firms sponsoring healthcare workers must be registered with the CQC, which ensures compliance with health and safety standards. For further guidance, consult the Care Quality Commission’s website.
Eligible Professions for the Health and Care Worker Visa
To apply for a Health and Care Worker Visa, your occupation must be on the eligible roles list. Below are some key eligible roles:
- Doctors: General and specialist practitioners
- Nurses: Registered nurses, including mental health and children’s nurses
- Pharmacists: Community and hospital pharmacists
- Paramedics: Including those in emergency medical roles
- Social Care Workers: Senior care workers, nursing auxiliaries, and assistants
- Allied Health Professionals: Physiotherapists, radiographers, and occupational therapists
Also read UK Visitor Visa: Types, Cost, Application Process
Use job boards like NHS Careers and search for job titles to find sponsored positions in the healthcare sector.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I apply for this visa without a job offer?
- No, you must secure a job offer from a licensed UK employer before applying for the Health and Care Worker Visa. The application requires a Certificate of Sponsorship.
2. What is the minimum salary requirement?
- The minimum salary requirement is £23,200 or the going rate for your specific job. For non-national pay scale roles, the threshold is £29,000.
3. Can family members join Health and Care Visa holders?
- Yes, dependents can join most Health and Care Visa holders, but recent rule changes prevent care workers from bringing dependents.
4. Do Health and Care Visa holders pay the Immigration Health Surcharge?
- No, Health and Care Visa holders are exempt from the Immigration Health Surcharge, saving significant fees.
5. Is there a pathway to citizenship with this visa?
- Yes, after five years on a Health and Care Worker Visa, holders can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). One year after ILR, you can apply for UK citizenship.
The UK Health and Care Worker Visa is an exceptional pathway for skilled healthcare professionals looking to work in a world-class healthcare system. This visa provides a fast-track route, exemption from the health surcharge, and the chance to apply for UK settlement and citizenship. While recent policy changes impact some dependents, the visa remains highly beneficial for those in eligible healthcare roles.