Health and Care Visa Application Guide

What is the Health and Care Visa?

The Health and Care Visa is a specialised visa category designed for overseas nationals with medical and care skills who wish to work in the UK. It provides a fast-track route for eligible individuals to enter and work in the UK. The visa is part of the Skilled Worker visa category, which has replaced the previous Tier 2 visa.
Successful applicants under the Health and Care Visa can live and work in the UK for a period of up to five years. They also have the option to settle in the UK permanently after five years, known as indefinite leave to remain. This offers significant advantages, including the ability to switch employers, access to benefits, and the freedom from applying for further visas. The Health and Care Visa is specifically for medical professionals and those in eligible health and care professions. It is designed to meet the specific needs of the healthcare sector in the UK. The visa recognises the importance of overseas professionals in providing essential healthcare services and support in the UK.
To be eligible for the Health and Care Visa, applicants must meet the requirements set out in the Skilled Worker visa category and the specific requirements for the Health and Care Visa. This includes having a job offer from a UK employer, meeting the minimum salary requirement, and demonstrating English language proficiency. The visa is subject to the UK’s immigration rules and regulations.

Who is eligible for the Health and Care visa?

The Health and Care Visa is available to qualified doctors, nurses, health professionals, and adult social care professionals. The visa is open to individuals in specific occupations as listed in the Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) codes.

This includes healthcare managers, care managers, scientists, practitioners, therapists, social workers, laboratory technicians, paramedics, and care workers. To be eligible, applicants must have a job offer from an NHS organisation, an approved organisation providing medical services to the NHS, or an organisation providing adult social care.

Eligible job roles

The Health and Care Visa is open to individuals in various job roles in the healthcare and social care
sectors. Some of the eligible job roles include:

Care workers and home carers
Senior care workers
Nurses
Social workers
Paramedics

These job roles play a crucial role in providing essential healthcare and social care services in the UK.
The Health and Care Visa recognises their importance and offers a specialised route for individuals in these professions to work in the UK. The visa provides a fast-track process, reduced application fees, and exemption from the Immigration Health Surcharge for eligible individuals. Care workers and home carers play a vital role in providing care and support to individuals in their homes. Senior care workers have additional responsibilities and play a key role in managing and coordinating care services. Nurses provide essential healthcare services and play a crucial role in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare settings. Social workers provide support and assistance to individuals and families in need, ensuring their well-being and safety. Paramedics are trained medical professionals who provide emergency medical care in a pre-hospital setting. These job roles require specific skills and qualifications, and individuals in these professions can apply for the Health and Care Visa to work in the UK.

Health and Care visa or Skilled Worker visa?

The Health and Care Visa is a specialised visa category within the Skilled Worker visa route. While both visas fall under the Skilled Worker category, they have some key differences.

The Health and Care Visa is specifically for medical professionals and those in eligible health and care professions. It provides a fast-track route for individuals in these professions to work in the UK. The visa offers advantages such as fast-tracking, reduced application fees, and exemption from the Immigration Health Surcharge.

On the other hand, the Skilled Worker visa is for individuals in professions and jobs outside of health and care. It is a general visa category that covers a wide range of skilled occupations.

The Health and Care Visa is designed to meet the specific needs of the healthcare sector in the UK. It recognises the importance of overseas professionals in providing essential healthcare services and support. The visa offers specialised benefits and support for individuals in the healthcare and social care sectors.

The Skilled Worker visa, on the other hand, is applicable to a broader range of skilled occupations across various industries. It has its own set of requirements and criteria.

When choosing between the Health and Care Visa and the Skilled Worker Visa, individuals in medical and health professions should consider their specific eligibility and the advantages offered by the Health and Care Visa.

What are the Health and Care Worker visa requirements?

To apply for the Health and Care Visa, applicants must meet specific requirements. These include:

Having a job offer and a Certificate of Sponsorship from a UK employer in the healthcare or social care sector
Meeting the minimum salary requirement, which varies depending on the specific job role
Meeting the English language requirements by either passing an approved language test or having relevant qualifications
Having sufficient personal savings to support oneself in the UK
Meeting the specific job offer requirements, depending on the occupation code

These requirements ensure that applicants have the necessary qualifications, skills, and support to work in the healthcare or social care sector in the UK.

Health and care worker visa minimum salary

The Health and Care Visa has specific minimum salary requirements based on the type of job role. The minimum salary can vary depending on the going rate for the specific occupation. Some key points regarding the minimum salary requirement are:

The minimum salary requirement is typically at least £29,000 per year or the going rate for the job role, whichever is higher.
The going rate is determined by the government and reflects the typical salary or hourly rate for each profession.
If the going rate is higher than £29,000, applicants must be paid at least the going rate to meet the minimum salary requirement.
In some cases, applicants may still be eligible for the Health and Care Visa if their salary is less than the minimum requirement, but they meet certain conditions such as having a job offer in a shortage occupation or having relevant qualifications.

It is important for applicants to consider the specific minimum salary requirements for their job role and ensure that they meet the criteria to be eligible for the Health and Care Visa.

Option

The Health and Care Visa offers a fast-track option for eligible applicants in the healthcare and social care sectors. This means that applications for the Health and Care Visa are handled as a priority and processed within three weeks from the time the applicant provides their biometric information.

The fast-track option ensures that eligible applicants can start working in the UK quickly and efficiently. It reduces the processing time compared to other work visas, which can take between eight and twenty weeks.

To apply for the Health and Care Visa, eligible applicants must follow the application process, which involves obtaining a Certificate of Sponsorship from a UK employer and submitting the application online with the required supporting documents.

The application process is straightforward and streamlined, allowing eligible individuals to apply efficiently and get their Health and Care Visa approved in a timely manner.

Minimum Salary Threshold from 4 April 2024

From 4 April 2024, the minimum salary threshold for the Health and Care Visa will change. The new minimum salary requirement will be in effect for all applications submitted after this date.

The minimum salary threshold will depend on the specific job role and the going rate for that occupation.

Applicants must be paid at least the going rate for their occupation or at least £29,000 per year, whichever is higher, to meet the minimum salary requirement. The going rate is determined by the government and reflects the typical salary or hourly rate for each profession.

The minimum salary threshold ensures that applicants are adequately compensated for their skills and qualifications in the healthcare and social care sectors.

Applicants must ensure that they meet the minimum salary threshold to be eligible for the Health and Care Visa.

Points Available

The Health and Care Visa falls under the Skilled Worker visa category, which is a points-based system. To be eligible for the Health and Care Visa, applicants must accumulate a certain number of points based on various criteria, including having a job offer, meeting the minimum salary requirement, and meeting the English language requirements.

The points-based system ensures that applicants have the necessary qualifications, skills, and support to work in the healthcare or social care sector in the UK. By meeting the specific requirements and accumulating the required number of points, applicants can successfully obtain the Health and Care Visa and begin working in the UK.

Applicants should carefully review the points system and ensure that they meet the necessary criteria to be eligible for the Health and Care Visa.

Maintenance requirement

Applicants for the Health and Care Visa must also meet the maintenance requirement set by the Home Office. This requirement ensures that applicants have sufficient funds to support themselves while in the UK.

Applicants must demonstrate that they have enough personal savings to support themselves in the UK. This typically involves having £1,270 held in their bank account for 28 days. However, this requirement may not apply if the applicant has already been in the country for one year or more on a valid visa.

The maintenance requirement is in place to ensure that applicants are self-sufficient and will not rely on public funds during their stay in the UK. By meeting this requirement, applicants can demonstrate their financial stability and eligibility for the Health and Care Visa.

English language requirement

To be eligible for the Health and Care Visa, applicants must meet the English language requirement. There are several ways to meet this requirement:

Passing an approved language test for reading, writing, speaking, and understanding English at least at level B1 on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) scale. Having a GCSE, A level, Scottish National Qualification level 4 or 5, Scottish Higher or Advanced Higher in English. Having a degree-level academic qualification that was taught in English.
Being from an exempt country, where the applicant’s first language is English or they have completed a degree in a majority English speaking country.

Meeting the English language requirement ensures that applicants have the necessary language skills to communicate effectively in their professional roles in the UK healthcare or social care sectors. It is a crucial requirement to demonstrate proficiency in the English language and eligibility
for the Health and Care Visa.

How to apply for the Health and Care Worker visa

To apply for the Health and Care Visa, eligible applicants must follow a specific application process. Here are the steps to apply for the Health and Care Visa:

Obtain a job offer from a UK employer in the healthcare or social care sector who is licensed to employ overseas workers with Health and Care Visas. The UK employer will provide a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) to the applicant. The CoS contains information about the job role, employer, and sponsorship details.
Complete the online application form for the Health and Care Visa on the Home Office website.
Ensure that all the required information is provided accurately.
Pay the application fee, biometric fee, and any other applicable fees. The fees can be found on the UK Visa fees page.
Upload the required supporting documents, including the CoS, proof of job offer, English language proficiency evidence, and evidence of personal savings.
Schedule a biometric appointment to have your fingerprints and photo taken. This can be done at a visa application centre or through the Home Office’s mobile app for biometric data submission.
Submit the application and wait for a decision. The processing time for Health and Care Visa applications is typically within three weeks.

By following these steps and submitting a complete and accurate application, eligible applicants can apply for the Health and Care Visa and start the process of working in the UK healthcare or social care sector.

Health and Care Worker visa supporting documents

When applying for the Health and Care Visa, applicants must provide certain supporting documents to demonstrate their eligibility and qualifications. Here are some of the key supporting documents required for the Health and Care Visa:

Passport: Applicants need to provide a valid passport with a blank page for the visa.
Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS): This document is provided by the UK employer and contains information about the job role, employer, and sponsorship details.
Job offer details: Applicants must provide information about their job title, annual salary, occupation code, and the name of their employer.
English language proficiency evidence: This can include test results from an approved language test or evidence of relevant qualifications.
Biometric information: Applicants need to provide their biometric data, including fingerprints and a photograph, which can be done at a visa application centre or through the Home Office’s mobile app.
Academic qualification evidence: If the applicant’s academic qualification is relevant to the job role, they need to provide evidence of their degree-level academic qualification that was taught in English.

These are some of the key supporting documents required for the Health and Care Visa application. It is important to ensure that all documents are provided accurately and meet the specific requirements outlined by the Home Office.

Can my partner or dependants join me in the UK?

If you are granted a Health and Care Worker Visa, your partner or dependants can join you in the UK. This means that your spouse and children can come with you and live in the UK during your stay.

However, it is important to note that there have been recent changes to the regulations regarding dependants of Care Workers. From 11 March 2024, Care Workers and Senior Care Workers will no longer be allowed to bring dependants to the UK. This change does not apply to other Health and Care Visa holders, only to those in the Care Worker route.

It is also worth mentioning that the definition of a dependant includes children under the age of 18 or over 18 if they are currently in the UK as a dependent. If your dependants are not already in the UK, they will need to apply for a visa to join you. The process for applying for a visa for your dependants is similar to the process for applying for the Health and Care Visa, and they will need to meet the same eligibility requirements.

What are the Health and Care Worker visa costs?

The Health and Care Worker Visa fees vary depending on the length of the visa. For a visa of up to three years, the application fee is £284 per person. For a visa of more than three years, the application fee is £551 per person.

These fees apply to both applications made outside the UK and applications made within the UK. In addition to the application fee, there is also a biometric fee of £19.20 per person. It is important to note that these fees are subject to change and it is always best to check the latest fees on the UK Visas and Immigration website.

Fees for Health and Care Worker visa applications made outside the UK

When applying for a Health and Care Worker Visa from outside the UK, there are certain fees that you will need to pay. The application fee for a visa of up to three years is £284 per person. For a visa of more than three years, the fee is £551 per person. These fees are lower than the fees for other work visas, making the Health and Care Worker Visa a more affordable option. In addition to the application fee, there is also a biometric fee of £19.20 per person.

It is important to note that these fees are subject to change and it is always best to check the latest fees on the UK Visas and Immigration website. However, it is worth mentioning that from 11 March 2024, applicants for the Health and Care Visa, and their family members, are exempt from paying the Immigration Health Surcharge. This is a significant cost-saving benefit for Health and Care Visa applicants.

Fees for Health and Care visa applications made within the UK

If you are already in the UK and wish to apply for a Health and Care Visa, the fees are the same as those for applications made outside the UK. The application fee for a visa of up to three years is £284 per person, and for a visa of more than three years, the fee is £551 per person. These fees apply to both the main applicant and any dependants applying with them. In addition to the application fee, there is also a biometric fee of £19.20 per person. It is important to note that these fees are subject to change and it is always best to check the latest fees on the UK Visas and Immigration website. When applying within the UK, you will need to complete the online application form and submit all the required documents. The application process is similar to applying from outside the UK and it is important to ensure that you meet all the eligibility requirements.

What are the Health and Care visa processing times?

One of the advantages of the Health and Care Visa is the faster processing time compared to other work visas. UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) has a specialist team dedicated to processing Health and Care Visa applications. The aim is to process the majority of applications within three weeks from the point the applicant has provided their biometric information. This is significantly faster than the processing times for some other work visas, which can take between eight and twenty weeks.

The fast processing time of the Health and Care Visa is beneficial for applicants who want to start working in the UK as soon as possible. It allows them to begin their employment and settle into their new life without unnecessary delays. The dedicated support provided by UKVI’s specialist team ensures that Health and Care Visa applications are given priority and processed efficiently.

It is important to note that the processing time may vary depending on individual circumstances and the volume of applications being processed at the time. However, the aim is to provide a faster and more streamlined process for Health and Care Visa applicants, allowing them to start their work in the UK without unnecessary delays.

Taking on additional work or a second job

As a holder of a Health and Care Visa, you have the flexibility to take on additional work or a second job in the UK. This means that if you find another job opportunity or wish to work for a different employer, you can do so without affecting your visa status.

In order to take on additional work or a second job, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, you will need to ensure that your current job or employer is not affected by the additional work or new job. This means that your current employer should not have any objections to you taking on additional work or working for a different employer. It is also important to note that your current Certificate of Sponsorship should still be valid and applicable to the new job or employer.

When taking on additional work or a second job, it is advisable to inform your current employer and seek their consent. This will help maintain a good working relationship and ensure that there are no conflicts of interest or contractual obligations that may arise.

It is worth mentioning that if you do decide to change your employer, you will need to update your visa accordingly. This means applying for a new Certificate of Sponsorship from your new employer and ensuring that all the necessary visa requirements are met. Updating your visa is important to ensure that you have the correct documentation and legal status to work in the UK.

When you don’t need to update your visa

In some cases, you may not need to update your visa when changing jobs as a Health and Care Visa holder. If you are changing jobs within the same occupation code and your new employer is in the same sector (for example, moving from one NHS trust to another), you may not need to update your visa. This means that you can start working for your new employer without applying for a new Certificate of Sponsorship or updating your visa.

It is important to note that this exemption only applies if you are changing jobs within the same occupation code and the new employer is in the same sector. If you are changing to a different occupation code or moving to a different sector, you will need to update your visa and apply for a new Certificate of Sponsorship from your new employer. This ensures that you have the correct documentation and legal status to work in the UK.

When you do need to update your visa

In most cases, as a Care Worker Visa holder, you will need to update your visa if you change jobs and move to a new employer. This means that if you decide to work for a different sponsor or if your current sponsor is not able to offer you a new job, you will need to update your visa.

When changing jobs and updating your visa, you will need to apply for a new Certificate of Sponsorship from your new sponsor. This ensures that your new employer is able to employ you as a Care Worker Visa holder and that you meet all the necessary visa requirements.

It is also important to note that if you are currently outside the UK and wish to change employers, you will need to apply for a new visa and obtain entry clearance before you can start working for your new employer. This ensures that you have the correct documentation and legal status to work in the UK. It is advisable to start the visa application process as soon as possible to avoid any delays in starting your new job.

Changing jobs with a Health and Care visa

As a Health and Care Visa holder, you have the flexibility to change jobs and work for a new employer in the UK. This means that if you receive a new job offer from a different employer, you can accept the offer and start working for the new employer without affecting your visa status. When changing jobs with a Health and Care Visa, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, you will need to ensure that your new employer is licensed to employ overseas workers with Health and Care Visas. This means that they should have a valid sponsor license and be authorised to issue Certificates of Sponsorship.

Once you have accepted a job offer from a new employer, they will need to provide you with a new Certificate of Sponsorship. This document is essential for your visa application and will confirm that your new employer is sponsoring your visa.

It is important to note that when changing jobs, you may need to update your visa and apply for a new Certificate of Sponsorship. This ensures that you have the correct documentation and legal status to work for your new employer. It is advisable to start the visa application process as soon as possible and inform your current employer of your intention to change jobs.

Can you extend your Health and Care Visa?

Yes, you can extend your Health and Care Visa as long as you continue to meet the eligibility requirements. The Health and Care Visa allows you to live and work in the UK for up to five years, and you have the option to extend your visa multiple times. This means that you can continue working in the UK and enjoy the benefits of the Health and Care Visa for an extended period of time.

To be eligible for a visa extension, you will need to meet the same requirements as when you initially applied for the Health and Care Visa. This includes having a job offer from a UK employer in an eligible occupation, being paid the minimum salary or the going rate for your job, and meeting the English language requirements.

It is also worth mentioning that after five years of holding a Health and Care Visa, you may be eligible to apply for indefinite leave to remain in the UK. Indefinite leave to remain, also known as settlement, allows you to live and work in the UK without any time restrictions. This is a significant benefit of the Health and Care Visa, as it provides a pathway to permanent residency in the UK.

Applying for ILR with a Health and Care visa

After five years of holding a Health and Care Visa, you may be eligible to apply for indefinite leave to remain (ILR) in the UK. Indefinite leave to remain, also known as settlement, allows you to live and work in the UK without any time restrictions. It is a significant milestone in your immigration journey and provides a pathway to permanent residency in the UK.

To be eligible for ILR with a Health and Care Visa, you will need to meet certain requirements. These requirements include:

Having held a Health and Care Visa for at least five years
Meeting the minimum salary or going rate requirements for your job
Meeting the English language requirements
Providing evidence of continuous residence in the UK

Once you have obtained ILR, you will have the freedom to live and work in the UK without any visa restrictions. You will also be eligible to access public funds, such as healthcare and benefits, just like any other UK resident.

It is important to note that ILR is not automatic and you will need to apply for it separately. The application process for ILR can be complex, and it is advisable to seek professional immigration advice to ensure that you meet all the requirements and submit a successful application.

Do you have a question about the Health and Care Visa?

If you have any questions or queries about the Health and Care Visa, we are here to help. Our team of immigration experts can provide you with the information and guidance you need to navigate the visa application process and ensure that you meet all the requirements.

Whether you have questions about the eligibility criteria, visa fees, processing times, or any other aspect of the Health and Care Visa, we can provide you with accurate and up-to-date information.

Who is eligible for health and care visa?

The Health and Care Visa is available to qualified doctors, nurses, health professionals, and adult social care professionals who work in eligible occupations. The visa is open to individuals with job offers from the NHS, approved organisations providing medical services to the NHS, or organisations providing adult social care.

Does the NHS offer visa sponsorship?

Yes, the NHS offers visa sponsorship for qualified doctors, nurses, and health professionals. To work in the NHS, you will need a job offer and a Certificate of Sponsorship from an NHS employer or an approved organisation providing medical services to the NHS. The NHS is a major employer in the UK and provides many job opportunities for healthcare professionals.

How much is UK health care visa?

The costs of the UK Health and Care Visa vary depending on the length of the visa. For a visa of up to three years, the application fee is £284 per person. For a visa of more than three years, the fee is £551 per person. These fees are lower than the fees for other work visas, making the Health and Care Visa a more affordable option. In addition to the application fee, there is also a biometric fee of £19.20 per person. It is important to note that these fees are subject to change, so it is always best to check the latest fees on the UK Visas and Immigration website.

What is the minimum salary for health and care visa UK?

The minimum salary for the Health and Care Visa in the UK varies based on the job role and the specific SOC code. It is essential to ensure that the salary meets the required threshold set by the UK government for this visa category.

Can a dependent apply for a health care visa in UK?

Dependents of Health and Care visa holders can apply to join them in the UK. The application process involves meeting specific requirements and providing necessary documentation to support their visa application. This option allows family members to accompany the main visa holder during their stay in the UK.

Do health workers pay the healthcare surcharge?

Health workers are exempt from paying the healthcare surcharge. This exemption applies to health and care workers who have been assigned a Certificate of Sponsorship in Tier 2 (General) or Tier 2 (Intra-Company Transfer) visa categories.

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