The Health and Care Visa is an exceptional opportunity for healthcare professionals looking to work in the UK. With its streamlined process, reduced costs, and exclusive benefits, this visa aims to attract top talent in the health and care sectors. As a trusted partner in visa advisory services, 1 Absolute Advisor has created this comprehensive guide to help you understand the application process, requirements, and benefits of this visa.
Whether you’re a nurse, doctor, or care worker, this guide covers everything you need to know, ensuring a stress-free path toward your career in the UK.
IN THIS SECTION
- Section A: What is the Health and Care Visa?
- Section B: Who Can Apply for a Health and Care Visa?
- Section C: Health and Care Worker Visa Eligibility Requirements
- Section D: How to Apply for a Health and Care Worker Visa
- Section E: Health and Care Worker Visa Costs and Processing Times
- Section F: Health and Care Visa Dependants
- Section G: Visa Conditions
- Section H: Extending a Health and Care Visa
- Section I: Applying for ILR with a Health and Care Visa
- Section J: Need Assistance?
- Section K: Health and Care Visa FAQs
Section A: What is the Health and Care Visa?
The Health and Care Visa was introduced to address skill shortages in the UK’s healthcare and social care sectors. It offers a pathway for qualified professionals worldwide to work in roles critical to the country’s well-being.
Key features of the visa include:
- Reduced fees compared to other work visas.
- Fast-tracked processing, typically within three weeks.
- Exemption from the Immigration Health Surcharge, significantly lowering costs.
This visa also provides dependants with a route to join applicants in the UK, making it a family-friendly solution.
Section B: Who Can Apply for a Health and Care Visa?
1. Eligible Occupations
The visa is open to professionals working in roles on the Shortage Occupation List or designated by the UK government as critical to health and care sectors. These include:
- Medical practitioners (doctors).
- Nurses.
- Paramedics.
- Social workers.
- Care assistants.
- Allied health professionals (e.g. physiotherapists, radiographers).
2. Sponsor Requirements
Applicants must secure a job offer from a UK-licensed sponsor, such as:
- National Health Service (NHS) trusts.
- Private healthcare providers.
- Social care organizations.
Sponsors must issue a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), which forms the backbone of your visa application.
Section C: Health and Care Worker Visa Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the Health and Care Visa, you need to meet specific criteria:
1. Health and Care Worker Visa Minimum Salary
Eligibility requires earning at least the minimum salary threshold, which varies by role and work experience.
Minimum Salary Threshold from 4 April 2024
- £26,200 annually or £10.75 hourly, or
- 80% of the going rate for your specific job.
Points Available
Points are allocated based on salary, job role, and other factors to meet the 70-point requirement for visa eligibility.
2. Maintenance Requirement
You must demonstrate financial stability by showing sufficient funds to support yourself or securing maintenance certification from your sponsor.
3. English Language Requirement
Proficiency in English is essential. You can meet this requirement through:
- Passing an approved English language test.
- Holding a degree taught in English.
- Being from an English-speaking country.
Section D: How to Apply for a Health and Care Worker Visa
Applying for the Health and Care Visa involves these steps:
- Get your CoS from your employer.
- Prepare your documentation, including passport, proof of English proficiency, and financial evidence.
- Submit your application online through the UK Home Office portal.
- Attend a biometric appointment to provide fingerprints and photographs.
Section E: Health and Care Worker Visa Costs and Processing Times
1. Visa Fee
Processing Time and Fees for Health and Care Worker visa applications made outside the UK
- Shortage Occupation Roles: £232 for visas up to three years.
- Other roles: £464 for visas up to three years.
Fees for Health and Care Worker visa applications made within the UK
The same fees apply for extensions or new applications.
2. Processing Times
- Outside the UK: 3 weeks.
- Inside the UK: 8 weeks.
Section F: Health and Care Visa Dependants
Your dependants, including your spouse or partner and children, can join you on this visa. They must meet basic eligibility requirements, such as providing proof of relationship and financial stability.
Section G: Visa Conditions
1. Taking on Additional Work or a Second Job
Visa holders can take on extra work under specific conditions:
- The job must be within the same sector and skill level.
- You can work up to 20 hours per week outside your primary job.
2. Changing Jobs with a Health and Care Visa
To switch employers, you must obtain a new CoS and update your visa.
Section H: Extending a Health and Care Visa
Visa extensions are available if you meet eligibility criteria and maintain a valid sponsorship. Extensions allow you to continue working in the UK without interruptions.
Section I: Applying for ILR with a Health and Care Visa
After five years in the UK, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), granting permanent residency. ILR applicants must:
- Meet residency requirements.
- Prove continued employment in eligible roles.
- Pass the Life in the UK test.
Section J: Need Assistance?
At 1 Absolute Advisor, we pride ourselves on simplifying complex immigration processes. Our experts Immigration Lawyers provide tailored advice and hands-on support for your Health and Care Visa application.
- Expert knowledge of immigration laws.
- Personalized document checks and application reviews.
- Timely and transparent communication.
Contact us today to get started on your visa journey.
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Section K: Health and Care Visa FAQs
What is the Health and Care Visa?
The Health and Care Visa is a UK work visa designed for healthcare and social care professionals.
Who qualifies for the Health and Care Visa?
Qualified professionals in eligible roles, such as nurses, doctors, and care workers, who hold a valid job offer from a UK sponsor.
Can I bring my family to the UK?
Yes, your dependants can join you on this visa, provided they meet the requirements.
How long does it take to process the visa?
Most applications are processed within three weeks if made outside the UK and eight weeks for those inside the UK.