UK Health and Care Worker Visa

What is the Health and Care Worker Visa?

The Health and Care Worker Visa allows qualified healthcare professionals who have been trained to a recognised standard and possess good working English to work in the UK, specifically in roles aimed at addressing workforce shortages within the NHS, NHS suppliers, and adult social care sectors. This visa provides several advantages, such as lower application fees and an exemption from the Immigration Health Surcharge. It is initially valid for up to five years and can be extended as many times as necessary, provided the visa holder remains eligible.

You must have secured a qualifying job offer from an approved UK employer within the health or adult social care sectors to apply. Eligible roles range from doctors and nurses to allied health professionals and adult social care workers.

Successful applicants can work in the UK for up to five years and may extend their visa indefinitely as long as they continue to meet the eligibility requirements.

QC Immigration can only support clients who have already secured a qualifying job offer. Your application can then move forward. If you are looking for a job, consider contacting a recruitment agent or viewing the list of companies with a sponsor licence to find a suitable job first.

Benefits

The Health and Care Worker Visa offers several advantages compared to other visa routes, such as the Skilled Worker route:

• Lower Application Fees: More affordable than other visa options.
• Reduced Fees for Partners and Dependents: Cost-effective for families.
• Exemption from Immigration Health Charge: No health surcharge is required.
• Fast-Tracked Processing: Quicker decisions, allowing for faster migration and job start.
• Dedicated UKVI Support: Specialized support for application issues and eligibility, including assistance for sponsoring companies through a dedicated UKVI NHS team.

Recent Changes

As of March 11, 2024, social care workers (under occupation codes 6145 and 6146) can no longer bring dependents to the UK and must be registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC). Children who qualify under the exceptions may still apply, see Dependents below.

This rule is not applied retroactively; therefore, care workers and senior care workers who were granted a Health and Care Worker Visa before this date can still be accompanied by dependents, even if they change jobs to another sponsor that complies with the CQC registration requirement.

Visa Pathway

The Health and Care Worker Visa offers a clear route to ILR (Indefinite Leave to Remain) through 5 years of continuous residency in the UK. This will provide migrants with the eligibility to pursue British Citizenship later on.

As your visa lasts up to 5 years before needing to be extended, it is an excellent option for health and care workers seeking Indefinite Leave to Remain. As you have met the requirement of a 5-year stay, you can work towards further requirements such as passing the Life in the UK Test.

If you are a health or care professional seeking a path towards ILR or eventual British Citizenship, the Health and Care Worker Visa offers a clear and achievable route. The Health and Care Work Visa allows holders to bring certain dependents to the UK, including partners over 18 and children under 18, ensuring families can stay together. In contrast, the primary visa holder works in the UK healthcare sector.

Switching to the Health & Care Worker visa

If you have leave to remain under a different immigration category in the UK, you may be eligible to switch to a Health and Care Worker Visa. However, certain visa holders are not permitted to make this switch, including those on:

• Visit visa
• Short-term student visa
• Parent of a Child's Student visa
• Seasonal worker visa
• Domestic worker in a private household visa
• Immigration bail
• Permission granted outside the immigration rules

Switching Requirements

To switch to a Health and Care Worker Visa, you must:

• Complete your application online before your visa expires and remain in the UK while your application is processed.
• Hold an eligible job that meets the salary requirements.
• Meet the English language requirements.

Additional Requirements for Student Visa Holders

If you are in the UK on a student visa, you must also meet one of these additional conditions:

• Ccompleted the course for which you were sponsored.
• Have a job offer with a start date after your course has finished.
• Studied for at least 24 months if you were studying for a PhD.

If you have, or previously had, permission as a student, you can only switch to a Health and Care Worker Visa if:

• You have completed your course of study for which your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CoS) was issued, or
• Your course finished before the start date listed on your CoS.

Dependents

Health & Care Worker Visa holders can bring dependents to the UK, except care workers (SOC 6145) or senior care workers (SOC 6146) from 11 March 2024. However, there are exceptions:

1. This change does not apply to a Worker who has held or applied for the Skilled Worker Visa or Health and Care Visa before 11 March 2024
2. Certain Child Dependents may still apply under any of the below:

• the Child was born in the UK
• for Leave to Remain application, the Health and Care Worker Visa holder is the sole surviving parent or has sole responsibility for the applicant
• for Leave to Remain application, the Health and Care Worker Visa holder has joint responsibility for the Child with another Skilled Worker Visa holder who is also sponsored as care workers (SOC 6145) or senior care workers (SOC 6146)

If these exceptions apply, you may still apply for the Dependent Visas during your Visa sponsorship for a partner or child to join you on the Health & Care Worker Visa route.

Dependents have the right to work (in the NHS or elsewhere) and study whilst they are in the UK.

Requirements & Eligibility Criteria

To apply for a Health and Care Worker visa at a high level, you must have:

• Aged 18 years or over
• You are a qualified health or social care professional working in an eligible job within specified SOC codes.
• You have a job that meets the salary requirements.
• A level of English that meets or exceeds level B1 on the CEFR scale (doctors, dentists, nurses and midwives exempt if you’ve already passed an English Language assessment that is accepted by the relevant regulated professional body).
• Proof of available finances to support yourself and any dependents you wish to bring along.
• Proof that your relationship with any dependents you wish to bring along is legitimate.

Job Requirements

The Health and Care Visa is part of the Skilled Worker route, and you must meet specific criteria before applying. To be eligible, you must:

• Be a qualified doctor, nurse, health professional, or adult social care professional.
• Secure work in an eligible health or social care job.
• Have a UK employer in the health and care sector that the Home Office approves.
• Have a ‘Certificate of Sponsorship’ from your employer with information about the role you’ve been offered in the UK.

Eligible Occupations

Once you receive a job offer, it will include an "occupation code." You must verify that this code is listed as eligible under the Home Office rules for the Health and Care Worker visa route.

Employment requirements

You must be employed or have a job offer from an approved UK health and care sector employer to apply for the Health and Care Worker Visa successfully. Your employment should fall into one of the three following categories:

• You are employed by the NHS.
• You are employed by an organisation providing medical services to the NHS.
• You are employed by a CQC-registered organisation providing adult social care,
• Only Care Quality Commission registered providers in England will be able to sponsor Health and Care Visa applicants (care providers with existing sponsored workers in non-regulated activities before 11 March 2024 should be able to continue to extend the Visa sponsorship of these employees)

Your employer should also be approved to provide you with a Certificate of Sponsorship.

Salary Requirement

The salary requirements for a Health and Care Worker Visa depend on your specific health or care role. Generally, you will need to earn at least £29,000 per year or the 'going rate' for your job, whichever is higher.

However, there are exceptions. You may qualify for a lower salary requirement if you:

• Are under 26, studying, a recent graduate, or in professional training.
• Have a STEM PhD relevant to your job (you can earn 80% of the going rate) or a non-STEM PhD (90% of the going rate), provided you meet the minimum salary requirements.
• Are in a postdoctoral scientific role.

Eligible Occupations and Salary Bands

If your job falls under one of the occupation codes listed in the table below, your salary will be determined by your band and location.

Relevant Salary Bands for Occupation Codes

Medical and Dental Practitioners

There is a different pay scale for medical and dental practitioners, where salaries vary based on experience, location, and the specific job. Pay structures across the UK differ by region (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland) and role.

For example, junior doctors (Foundation Year 1 and 2) earn less than those in more senior positions, such as Specialty Registrars, Specialty Doctors, and Consultants, with pay rates varying significantly across the UK. Similarly, dental practitioners' pay scales differ by region and role, from Dental Foundation trainees to Consultants, with variations depending on the specific hours worked per week. Overall, pay rates reflect the level of experience and responsibility, with adjustments made according to regional NHS policies.

A full breakdown of the salary requirements is provided by the Home Office.

Financial requirements

You must be able to demonstrate that you can financially support yourself without relying on public funds. Specifically, you need to show that you have had at least £1,270 in your bank account for 28 consecutive days, with the final day of this period falling within 31 days of your visa application.

If you have dependents, you will need to show additional funds for each:

• £285 for your partner
• £315 for one child
• £200 for each additional child

These financial requirements may not apply if:

• You have been in the UK on a valid visa for 12 months or more
• Your employer can cover your costs for the first month in the UK (up to £1,270)

If your employer is covering your costs, the relevant section of your Certificate of Sponsorship must clearly state this.

English Language Requirements

Proficiency in English is a crucial requirement for the Health and Care Worker Visa. Applicants must demonstrate at least a B1 level of English, which is considered intermediate. A B1 level signifies an intermediate ability to read, write, speak, and understand English effectively in a UK work environment.

English proficiency can be demonstrated through several approved tests, such as the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or Secure English Language Test (SELT), LanguageCert, Pearson PTE Academic UKVI, and Trinity College London exams. These test certificates are valid for two years and must be included in the visa application.

Alternatively, applicants can meet the language requirement if they have one of the following:

• A GCSE, A Level, Scottish National Qualification level 4 or 5, Scottish Higher, or Advanced Higher in English
• A degree-level academic qualification taught in English

Applicants based on their nationality or previous education in a majority English-speaking country may be exempt from this requirement.

Required Documentation

When applying online, you will need to provide the following:

Certificate of Sponsorship

• A valid Certificate of Sponsorship, issued by your authorized employer, is required for your visa application. This digital document contains a unique reference number that you must use. It includes important details about your job, such as:
  • Job title
  • Work dates
  • Annual salary
  • Sponsor details
• An employer must issue the certificate with a valid sponsor license, such as the NHS or a registered medical or social care organization. Care providers in England must be registered with the Care Quality Commission.

Employer Information

• You will need to provide your employer's name and sponsor license number.

Job Details

• Include your job title and annual salary.
• Provide the Standard Occupation Code (SOC) for your job.

Financial Evidence

• Proof that you meet the financial requirements is necessary.

Passport

• You must have a valid passport or another document that verifies your identity and nationality. Ensure your passport has a blank page if you are:
  • From outside the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, or Liechtenstein.
  • From the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, or Liechtenstein but do not have a biometric passport with a chip.

Biometric Information

• You must visit a visa application centre to provide your biometric data, including fingerprints and a digital photo.

Criminal Record Certificate

In most cases, a criminal record certificate will be required for the Health and Care Worker Visa application. Applicants must obtain an overseas criminal record certificate from the relevant authorities in countries where they have lived for 12 months or more in the past decade.

The only jobs where this is not required are those with the following occupation codes:

• 2113: biochemists and biomedical scientists
• 2114: physical scientists
• 3111: laboratory technicians
• 6132: ambulance staff (excluding paramedics)

Additional Documentation

• Proof of English proficiency.
• TB (tuberculosis) test results if you are from a listed country.
• Evidence that you meet financial requirements and have sufficient savings to support yourself in the UK.
• Proof of relationship with your partner or children if they apply as dependents. Dependents will need to meet additional requirements as part of their visa application.
• A valid ATAS certificate if your work involves researching a sensitive subject at the PhD level or higher.
• UK PhD certificate or your unique Ecctis reference number, if applicable.

Processing Times

The UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) department prioritizes Health and Care Worker visa applications, aiming to process the majority within three weeks after the applicant provides their biometric information. This processing time is generally faster than that of other visa routes.

However, these timeframes are only guidelines, and there may be delays. The Home Office might contact you if your application requires additional steps, such as:

• Verifying supporting documents
• Attending an interview
• Providing more information, especially if you have a criminal conviction

For assistance, sponsors (not applicants) can contact UKVI’s dedicated NHS team at UKVINHSteam@homeoffice.gov.uk.

Health and Care Visa costs

The application fee for this visa depends on your intended period of stay. The application for up to 3 years will cost £284 per person, while the application for more than 3 years will be £551 per person.

Immigration Health Surcharge

When applying under this route, you are exempt from paying the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS fee) under this route.

Other Potential Costs

Additional costs must also be considered, such as fees for legal assistance. You should receive your Health and Care Worker Visa on the first attempt. However, the administrative review or Appeal Process can be extremely time-consuming and costly.

How to Apply for the Health and Care Worker Visa

The process of applying for a Health and Care Worker visa varies depending on whether you're applying from outside the UK or from within the UK to extend or switch to this visa. Here's a general outline of the steps involved:

1. Secure a Job Offer: Obtain a job offer from a qualifying UK employer with a valid sponsorship licence.
2. Verify Job Eligibility: Ensure that the job meets the eligibility criteria and is listed among the eligible occupations for Health and Care workers.
3. Obtain a Certificate of Sponsorship: Your employer will provide you with a Certificate of Sponsorship, which is required for your visa application.
4. Prepare Supporting Documentation: Gather all necessary documents, including identification, proof of meeting financial requirements, evidence of English language proficiency, and other relevant documentation. Ensure everything is in the required format.
5. Complete the Online Application: Submit your application through the Home Office website. This can be done up to three months before your job start date.
6. Pay the Required Fees: Applicants pay a lower fee than the Skilled Worker visa and are exempt from paying the Immigration Health Surcharge.
7. Provide Biometric Information: Depending on your location, visit a visa application centre to provide biometric information or use the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app.
8. Submit Your Application: Ensure that all required documents are submitted along with your application.
9. Await a Decision: Once your application is submitted, wait for a decision from the Home Office.

Health and Care Worker visa Refusal

Some of the common reasons for a visa refusal when applying for the Health and Care Worker visa include the Skilled Worker visa category, which frequently faces refusals due to several common issues:

• Failing to meet the required salary thresholds.
• Lacking sufficient funds to support themselves.
• Providing documents in an incorrect format.

In our experience, one of the primary reasons for refusal is providing incorrect or incomplete information on the application form. Another common issue is submitting documents in the wrong format, such as failing to include certified translations.

If your application is refused, it's crucial to carefully review the reasons provided and determine the best course of action. Immigration lawyers, like those at QC Immigration, have extensive experience in assisting clients after a refusal. We can help in the following ways:

• Apply for an administrative review: Request UKVI to reassess the decision if an error was made.
• Prepare and submit a fresh application: Address the issues that led to the refusal and reapply.

Post Approval

Once your Health and Care Worker visa is approved, you can take on additional paid work as long as you continue in your sponsored job. You may also do unpaid voluntary work, study, and travel abroad with the ability to return to the UK to resume your work.

Restrictions

While on a Health and Care Worker visa, you must update your visa to access most public funds or change jobs.

Switching Jobs

You can switch jobs under this visa, but you must apply to update your visa if you:

• Change employers.
• Change to a job with a different occupation code, and you’re not in a graduate training program.
• Move from a job on the immigration salary list to one that is not on the list.

When switching jobs, you will need to pay application fees and meet all the requirements outlined by the Home Office.

Extensions

Visa holders can apply for an extension as long as they continue to meet the eligibility criteria. Applications for an extension can be submitted up to three months before the visa expires, which helps prevent any gap in legal status while in the UK. It's important to consistently meet the eligibility requirements throughout the extension process.

Get Support with a Health and Care Worker visa

The Health and Care Worker visa offers access to fulfilling career opportunities and allows you to contribute to essential healthcare services in the UK. However, navigating the application process can be challenging and time-consuming, particularly when meeting various financial requirements, which may vary depending on your role and eligibility for any exemptions. For tailored advice on your Work Visa, we recommend contacting our experienced lawyers, who can ensure your application meets all the necessary criteria.

QC Immigration is here to provide clear, reliable advice and comprehensive support to help you fully understand the immigration rules and requirements. Our team can precisely manage every aspect of your application, helping you avoid common mistakes and streamline the process for a smoother experience.

Our services include initial consultations to assess your eligibility and assistance with gathering and submitting all required documents.

By following expert guidance and potentially seeking assistance from immigration specialists, you can significantly improve your chances of a successful application. Take the first step today and begin your journey in the UK’s healthcare sector.

With a proven track record of successful visa applications, QC Immigration offers in-depth knowledge of immigration law and is ready to provide pragmatic, practical guidance.