Health & Care Worker Visa
Health & Care Worker Visa
The Health and Care Visa offers a streamlined route for eligible healthcare professionals to live and work in the UK. This visa is designed for qualified doctors, nurses, and social care workers. You will need a job offer from an approved UK employer within a specified healthcare role.
Important Note: From Spring 2024, a significant change comes into effect. Dependant family members will no longer be able to accompany Health and Care Visa holders to the UK.
Health and Care Worker Visa Overview
The Health and Care Worker Visa offers a streamlined immigration route for skilled healthcare professionals to work in the UK’s health and social care sector. It is designed to attract qualified individuals from around the world to address the ongoing staffing shortages in the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) and related care services.
For UK employers, particularly within the NHS and care sector, the visa provides a crucial recruitment tool to fill key roles. Applicants benefit from fast-tracked entry, reduced visa fees, and exemption from the Immigration Health Surcharge. Additionally, the visa offers the support of a dedicated UKVI application processing team, ensuring a smoother application process.
Features of the Health and Care Worker Visa
- Eligibility: Open to qualified professionals, including doctors, nurses, social care workers, and others in specified health roles.
- Application Benefits: Fast-tracked visa processing, lower fees compared to other work visas, and no requirement to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge.
- UK Residency: Visa holders can work in the UK for up to five years with the potential for extensions. After five years, they may be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).
Application Process and Requirements
To apply, candidates must have:
- A valid job offer from a licensed UK employer in a qualifying healthcare role.
- A Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from the employer.
- Proof of sufficient English language proficiency.
- Evidence of meeting the relevant salary thresholds, which, as of 4 April 2024, stand at a minimum of £23,200 or £29,000, depending on the role.
Candidates may also need to meet financial maintenance requirements and provide documentation such as criminal record certificates and tuberculosis test results (if applicable).
Our Services
Axis Solicitors is here to guide you through the Health and Care Worker Visa application process. We offer expert advice on eligibility, sponsor requirements, and application procedures to ensure a smooth transition to working in the UK’s health sector.
For help with your application, contact us today.
Health and Care Visa Eligibility
The Health and Care Visa is a UK immigration route specifically designed for qualified healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, and social care workers. It offers a streamlined path to live and work in the UK.
To be eligible, you must have:
- A qualifying job offer: You must secure a job offer from a UK employer licensed to sponsor Health and Care Visa applicants. The role must fall within specific Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) codes, covering a wide range of essential healthcare positions.
- The required qualifications: You must possess the necessary qualifications and experience for your chosen profession, as recognised by the relevant UK regulatory body.
- English language proficiency: You will need to demonstrate your English language skills to the required level.
If you meet these criteria, the Health and Care Visa provides a fast-tracked and cost-effective way to relocate to the UK and contribute your skills to the National Health Service (NHS) and the wider healthcare sector.
Important Change to Dependant Rules for Health and Care Visas
Please note that as of Spring 2024, a significant change has been implemented to the Health and Care Worker Visa. Dependant family members are no longer permitted to accompany the main visa holder to the UK.
This is a major departure from the previous rules and highlights the importance of staying up-to-date with the latest immigration regulations. If you are considering applying for a Health and Care Visa and have questions about how this change may affect you, we strongly recommend seeking professional legal advice from our solicitors.
Health and Care Visa Requirements
To be eligible for the Health and Care Worker Visa, applicants must meet certain requirements set by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). This visa aims to attract qualified healthcare professionals to fill critical roles in the UK’s health and social care sectors.
Below is an outline of the main requirements:
1. Age Requirement
- Applicants must be at least 18 years of age.
2. Qualified Healthcare Professional
- You must be a qualified professional, such as a doctor, nurse, allied health professional, or an individual working in the adult social care sector.
3. Eligible Job Role
- The role you are offered must be in an eligible health or social care job that falls within the specified Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) codes. This includes positions such as doctors, nurses, social workers, care workers, and other healthcare professionals.
4. Employment with a Licensed UK Sponsor
- You must have a valid job offer from a UK employer in the health or social care sector, who is approved by the Home Office and holds a valid sponsor licence.
- If your role is under SOC codes “6145 – Care workers and home carers” or “6146 – Senior Care Workers”, your employer must be regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).
5. Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
- Your UK employer must provide you with a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), which contains essential information about the job role, such as the SOC code and salary. This is required for your visa application.
6. Salary Requirements
- You must be paid a salary that meets both the general salary threshold and the ‘going rate’ for the job, according to your SOC 2020 occupation code.
- From 4 April 2024, the minimum salary threshold is £23,200 or the national pay scale for your role, whichever is higher. Roles not on a national pay scale may have higher thresholds, with a general minimum of £29,000.
7. English Language Requirement
- You will need to demonstrate proficiency in the English language at CEFR Level B1 (equivalent to IELTS 4.0). This can be evidenced through an approved English language test or an academic qualification taught in English.
8. Immigration Skills Charge
- Your employer must pay the Immigration Skills Charge, which supports the training of UK workers. This fee must be covered by your sponsor.
9. Financial Requirement
- You must have enough funds to support yourself without relying on public funds. If applying from outside the UK, you may need to show that you have had at least £1,270 in your bank account for 28 consecutive days prior to your application.
10. Criminal Record Certificate
- If you are working with vulnerable people, you will need to provide a criminal record certificate from any country where you have lived for 12 months or more in the last 10 years.
11. Tuberculosis (TB) Certificate
- If you are from a country where tuberculosis testing is mandatory, you must provide a valid TB test certificate as part of your application.
12. Additional Considerations
- The specific requirements you must meet may vary depending on your personal circumstances, including your occupation, salary, and employer’s status.
For advice tailored to your situation or assistance with your application, please contact Axis Solicitors. Our team is ready to guide you through the process and ensure you meet all necessary criteria for a successful visa application.
Eligible Jobs
To qualify for a Health and Care Worker Visa, your job must fall within one of the following Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) codes:
Managers and Directors:
- 1171 Health services and public health managers and directors
- 1231 Health care practice managers
- 1232 Residential, day and domiciliary care managers and proprietors
Scientists and Practitioners:
- 2113 Biochemists and biomedical scientists
- 2114 Physical scientists
- 2211 Generalist medical practitioners
- 2212 Specialist medical practitioners
- 2221 Physiotherapists
- 2222 Occupational therapists
- 2223 Speech and language therapists
- 2224 Psychotherapists and cognitive behaviour therapists
- 2225 Clinical psychologists
- 2226 Other psychologists
- 2229 Therapy professionals not elsewhere classified
- 2231 Midwifery nurses
- 2232 Registered community nurses
- 2233 Registered specialist nurses
- 2234 Registered nurse235 Registered mental health nurses
- 2236 Registered children’s nurses
- 2237 Other registered nursing professionals
- 2251 Pharmacists
- 2252 Optometrists
- 2254 Medical radiographers
- 2255 Paramedics
- 2256 Podiatrists
- 2259 Other health professionals not elsewhere classified
- 2461 Social workers
Technicians and Assistants:
- 3111 Laboratory technicians
- 3211 Dispensing opticians
- 3212 Pharmaceutical technicians
- 3213 Medical and dental technicians
- 3219 Health associate professionals not elsewhere classified
- 6131 Nursing auxiliaries and assistants
- 6132 Ambulance staff (excluding paramedics)
- 6133 Dental nurses
- 6135 Care workers and home carers
- 6136 Senior care workers
This list is exhaustive. You must have a job offer in one of these occupations to be eligible for a Health and Care Worker Visa.
Sponsor Requirements
To qualify for a Health and Care Worker Visa, your job offer must not only be in an eligible role under the Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) codes, but it must also come from an employer who holds a valid sponsor licence. Approved employers include NHS bodies, organisations providing adult social care, and other medical and social care organisations that meet the Home Office’s requirements.
Your sponsor must be one of the following:
- NHS Trusts or NHS bodies.
- Private healthcare providers delivering services commissioned by the NHS.
- Care providers, including those registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) for England, Social Care Wales, the Scottish Social Services Council, or the Northern Ireland Social Care Council.
- Medical or dental service contractors, delivering regulated care and health services in the UK.
Additionally, your employer may be required to be registered with or affiliated to a recognised industry body. These include:
- General Chiropractic Council
- General Dental Council
- General Medical Council
- General Optical Council
- General Osteopathic Council
- General Pharmaceutical Council
- Health and Care Professions Council
- Northern Ireland Social Care Council
- Nursing and Midwifery Council
- Pharmaceutical Society of Northern Ireland
- Scottish Social Services Council
- Social Care Wales
If your employer is a private organisation providing healthcare services commissioned by the NHS, they may need to provide supporting documentation demonstrating their contractual relationship with the NHS. This serves as proof of their eligibility to sponsor workers under the Health and Care Worker Visa route.
New Rules for Care Providers
From 11 March 2024, new rules come into effect, requiring all care providers in England that wish to sponsor migrant workers to be registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC). This requirement does not apply to care workers already on the visa route before this date, who will be able to extend their permission with the same sponsor without the need for CQC registration.
Minimum Salary Requirements
As part of the eligibility criteria for the Health and Care Worker Visa, applicants must meet a specific salary threshold. This means that you need to be paid either the minimum salary requirement or the ‘going rate’ for your job, whichever is higher, as determined by the Home Office. Each eligible occupation has a designated ‘going rate’ based on its Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code.
New Salary Thresholds (Effective from 4 April 2024)
From 4 April 2024, the following minimum salary thresholds will apply for Health and Care Worker Visa applications:
- A minimum of £23,200 (an increase from £20,960) or the national pay scale for your role, whichever is higher.
- For roles that do not fall under a national pay scale, the minimum salary requirement is £29,000.
These thresholds are applicable whether you are applying for your first Health and Care Worker Visa or extending an existing visa.
Exceptions to the Minimum Salary Requirement
In some cases, you may still be eligible for a Health and Care Worker Visa even if your salary is below the standard requirement. The Home Office allows for certain roles to be paid between 70% and 90% of the ‘going rate’, provided that you meet specific conditions. These exceptions are outlined below:
- Option G: If you hold a relevant PhD, a reduced minimum salary of £26,100 applies.
- Option H: If you have a STEM PhD (science, technology, engineering, or mathematics) relevant to your job, the minimum salary is £23,200.
- Option I: If your role is on the Immigration Salary List (formerly the Shortage Occupation List), the minimum salary required is £23,200.
- Option J: If you qualify as a ‘new entrant’ (for example, individuals under 26, recent graduates, or those in professional training), the minimum salary is £23,200.
Summary of Salary Options (Effective 4 April 2024)
| Option | Minimum Salary Threshold | Points Available |
|---|---|---|
| F | £29,000 and the ‘going rate’ for the SOC code | 20 points |
| G | £26,100 and 90% of the ‘going rate’ for the SOC code (PhD) | 20 points |
| H | £23,200 and 80% of the ‘going rate’ for the SOC code (STEM PhD) | 20 points |
| I | £23,200 and the ‘going rate’ for a job on the Immigration Salary List | 20 points |
| J | £23,200 and 70% of the ‘going rate’ for new entrants | 20 points |
| K | £23,200 and the ‘going rate’ for health or education occupations | 20 points |
For those applying for the Health and Care Worker Visa, meeting the salary threshold is an essential part of the eligibility process. The exact amount required will depend on your role, qualifications, and any applicable exceptions.
Benefits of the Health and Care Visa
The Health and Care Visa offers a range of advantages compared to other UK work visas, making it a compelling option for healthcare professionals:
- Faster Processing: Benefit from expedited processing times, allowing you to start your UK career sooner.
- Reduced Fees: Save on application costs compared to other visa categories.
- Immigration Health Surcharge Exemption: Avoid additional healthcare fees, saving you hundreds of pounds each year.
With Axis Solicitors’ expertise in UK immigration law, we can help you through every step, from eligibility assessment to visa submission, all to increase your chances of a positive outcome.
Application Requirements & Processing Times
To successfully apply for a Health and Care Visa, you’ll need to meet key criteria:
- Valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS): This crucial document is issued by your UK employer, confirming your job offer and eligibility for the visa.
- Salary Threshold: Your offered salary must meet the minimum requirements set for your specific role.
- English Language Proficiency: You’ll need to provide evidence of your English language skills, typically through an approved test.
The application process involves submitting various supporting documents, including your passport, CoS details, and proof of your financial stability.
Processing Times
The Health and Care Visa benefits from prioritised processing by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI), typically resulting in decisions within three weeks. However, processing times can vary, so it’s important to stay updated on the latest information
Supplementary Work
Great news for Health and Care Visa holders! Recent changes have increased the flexibility for taking on supplementary employment. The previous 20-hour weekly cap on additional work has been lifted.
This means you can now take on extra hours in a role related to your main sponsored job without needing to inform the Home Office. It offers greater opportunities to expand your experience and income within the UK healthcare sector.
Remember: It’s essential that any supplementary work you undertake is directly related to your sponsored occupation.
Need advice on permissible supplementary work or any other Health and Care Visa matters? Contact Axis Solicitors today.
Changing Jobs & Extending Your Visa
If you are on a Health and Care Visa and considering a job change or looking to extend your stay in the UK, there are important steps to follow:
Changing Jobs or Employers:
- It’s mandatory to inform the Home Office whenever you change jobs or employers.
- You’ll need a new Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from your new employer.
- Your new role must still fall within the eligible Health and Care Visa occupations.
Extending Your Visa:
- The Health and Care Visa can be extended for up to five years.
- You will need to meet certain requirements, including maintaining the same occupation and meeting the minimum salary threshold.
- After five years, you may be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), allowing you to settle permanently in the UK.
Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)
After five years on a Health and Care Visa, you may be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). This grants you the right to live and work in the UK permanently, without any restrictions on your stay.
Key Requirements for ILR:
- Continuous Residence: You must have lived in the UK for a continuous period of five years on your Health and Care Visa.
- Life in the UK Test: Pass the Life in the UK test, demonstrating your knowledge of British culture and customs.
- English Language Proficiency: Meet the required standard of English language skills.
- Continuous Sponsorship: Maintain your sponsored employment throughout the five-year qualifying period.
Achieve Settlement with Axis Solicitors
Navigating the ILR application process can be complex. Our team of dedicated immigration experts at Axis Solicitors can help you every step of the way.
- Eligibility Assessment: We’ll assess your circumstances and confirm your eligibility for ILR.
- Application Preparation: We’ll help you gather the necessary documents and complete your application accurately.
- Representation: We can represent you throughout the process, ensuring your application is handled efficiently and professionally.
Contact us today to discuss your ILR application.
Summary
The Health and Care Worker Visa offers a streamlined route for overseas healthcare professionals and workers to join the UK’s health and social care sector.
Benefits:
- Fast-tracked Processing: Receive a decision on your visa application within three weeks of providing your biometric information.
- Reduced Fees: Benefit from lower application fees compared to other skilled worker visas.
- Exemption from Immigration Health Surcharge: Avoid paying the Immigration Health Surcharge, saving you additional costs.
- Dedicated UKVI Support: A specialised team is available to assist applicants and sponsors throughout the process.
Eligibility:
- Occupation: Your job offer must be in an eligible healthcare or adult social care role.
- Sponsorship: You must have a Certificate of Sponsorship from a UK employer licensed to sponsor Health and Care Visa applicants.
- Minimum Salary: As of 4 April 2024, earn at least £23,200 or the ‘going rate’ for your occupation (whichever is higher). Some exceptions may apply.
- Other Requirements: You must also meet English language, maintenance funds, and other relevant criteria.
Visa Features:
- Duration: Initially granted for up to five years.
- Extensions: Can be extended multiple times if you remain eligible.
- Path to Settlement: After five years, you may be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).
Dependants:
- Changes from March 2024: Dependants are no longer permitted to join Health and Care Visa holders who applied after 11 March 2024.
- Existing Visa Holders: Dependants of Health and Care Visa holders who applied before 11 March 2024 can still join or remain in the UK.
Need Assistance?
Axis Solicitors provides expert legal advice and support for Health and Care Worker Visa applications. Contact us today for a consultation.
Take the First Step towards Your UK Career
If you are a healthcare professional aspiring to work in the UK, contact Axis Solicitors today. Our immigration solicitors can guide you through the process.
FAQ: Health & Care Worker Visa
Qualified healthcare professionals such as doctors, nurses, midwives, paramedics, social workers, and other eligible healthcare roles. You must have a valid job offer from a UK employer licensed to sponsor this visa and meet the required English language and salary thresholds.
The initial visa is granted for up to 5 years. After this period, you may be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), allowing you to settle permanently in the UK.
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