UK Health and Care Worker Visa

The Health and Care Worker Visa is a fast-track immigration route for overseas professionals with skills in healthcare and adult care. It allows individuals to work in eligible roles within the NHS, NHS suppliers, or adult social care sector. Successful applicants can live and work in the UK for up to five years and renew their visa as many times as needed. After five years, visa holders may apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), granting them permanent residency and additional rights, such as switching employers and accessing benefits without requiring further visas.

The National Health Service (NHS) is among the largest employers globally, with nearly 1.9 million staff, and consistently seeks skilled professionals. Around 14% of NHS staff come from overseas, with approximately 100,000 job vacancies at any time. The Health and Care Worker Visa is an ideal choice for skilled professionals looking to work in the UK healthcare sector.

New Rules for the Health and Care Worker Visa (2024)

• From 11 March 2024, Care Workers (SOC code 6145) and Senior Care Workers (SOC code 6146) can no longer bring dependents (spouse or children) to the UK.
• From 4 April 2024, the minimum salary requirement has increased to £29,000 per year.

Health and Care Worker Visa vs. Skilled Worker Visa

The Health and Care Worker Visa is specifically for medical and adult care professionals, whereas the Skilled Worker Visa applies to a broader range of occupations. The Health and Care Worker Visa offers several benefits over the Skilled Worker Visa, including:

• Faster processing times: Applications are typically processed within three weeks after biometric submission (compared to 8-20 weeks for other work visas).
• Lower application fees: £551 for applications exceeding three years (compared to £1,420 for the Skilled Worker Visa).
• Exemption from the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which is normally £1,035 per year.

Eligible Occupations for the Health and Care Worker Visa

Qualified professionals can apply under the following Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) codes:

• Medical & Health Practitioners:
  • 2211: Medical practitioners
  • 2212: Psychologists
  • 2213: Pharmacists
  • 2214: Ophthalmic opticians
  • 2215: Dental practitioners
  • 2217: Medical radiographers
  • 2218: Podiatrists
  • 2219: Other health professionals (e.g., audiologists, occupational health advisers)
  • 2231: Nurses
  • 2232: Midwives
  • 3213: Paramedics
• Care & Therapy Professionals:
  • 1181: Health services and public health managers
  • 1242: Residential and domiciliary care managers
  • 2221: Physiotherapists
  • 2222: Occupational therapists
  • 2223: Speech and language therapists
  • 2229: Therapy professionals (e.g., osteopaths, psychotherapists)
  • 6141: Nursing auxiliaries and assistants
  • 6143: Dental nurses
  • 6146: Senior care workers

Eligibility Requirements for the Health and Care Worker Visa

To qualify, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Job Offer & Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS): The job offer must come from the NHS, an NHS supplier, or an approved adult social care provider.
• Salary Requirement: The minimum salary is £29,000 per year or the going rate for the job role (whichever is higher).
• English Language Requirement: Applicants must demonstrate proficiency in English.
• Financial Requirement: Applicants must have sufficient personal savings to support themselves in the UK.

Job Offer Requirements

Applicants must secure a role with an employer who is licensed to sponsor Health and Care Worker Visa holders. The employer must be:

• The NHS or an NHS Trust
• An organization providing medical services to the NHS
• An approved adult social care provider

A Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) is required before applying. Employers will confirm the job title, salary, and SOC code in the CoS.

Salary Requirements

The minimum salary threshold is £29,000 per year, but certain conditions allow applicants to qualify with a lower salary. You may be eligible if you earn between 70-90% of the going rate and:

• Your job is on the Shortage Occupation List
• You are under 26, a recent graduate, or undergoing professional training
• You hold a STEM Ph.D. relevant to the job
• You have a postdoctoral research position

English Language Requirement

Applicants must meet the English proficiency requirement by:

• Passing an approved language test (CEFR Level B1 or higher)
• Holding a UK school qualification in English (GCSE, A-Level, etc.)
• Having a degree-level qualification taught in English
• Being from an English-speaking exempt country

Financial Requirement

Applicants must provide evidence of having at least £1,270 in personal savings, held for at least 28 days before applying. This is not required if they have been in the UK for over a year on a valid visa.

Application Process for the Health and Care Worker Visa

1. Check eligibility for the Health and Care Worker Visa.
2. Secure a job offer from a licensed UK employer.
3. Obtain a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from the employer.
4. Prepare supporting documents.
5. Complete the online visa application.
6. Pay the application fee and biometric fee.
7. Upload required documents.
8. Attend a biometric appointment at a Visa Application Centre or use the UK Immigration: ID Check app.

Processing times are around three weeks for applications made outside the UK.

Required Documents for the Health and Care Worker Visa

Applicants must submit:

• Valid passport with a blank page
• Certificate of Sponsorship reference number
• Job title, salary, and occupation code
• Employer’s name and sponsor license number
• Evidence of financial savings
• Proof of relationship for dependents (if applicable)
• Criminal record certificate (for certain job roles)
• TB test results (if required)

Visa Fees

Health and Care Worker Visa Extension

Visa holders can extend their stay if they:

• Remain in the same job role with the same employer
• Continue to meet the salary requirements

Dependents must apply separately for extensions.

For expert guidance on the Health and Care Worker Visa, contact Visa Solutions UK at info@visasolutions.uk.