The Health and Care Visa is a specialized visa category designed for healthcare professionals and workers from around the world who wish to work in the UK health and social care sector.
This visa offers various benefits, including fast-tracked entry to the UK, reduced visa fees, and exemption from the Immigration Health Surcharge.
It also provides dedicated support from the UKVI team during the visa application process.
Who is Eligible for the Health and Care Visa?
The Health and Care Visa is open to specific healthcare professionals and workers with specialized skills.
This includes doctors, registered nurses, pharmacists, and adult social care workers.
The visa is intended to address skill shortages within the UK healthcare sector by providing a pathway for foreign nationals to work in the UK and potentially settle permanently.
Health and Care Visa or Skilled Worker Visa?
While the Skilled Worker Visa encompasses a broader range of occupations, the Health and Care Visa is specifically tailored for medical professionals and individuals working in eligible health and care roles.
If your job falls under the prescribed occupations and you meet the visa criteria, the Health and Care Visa offers advantages such as faster processing times, lower application fees, and exemption from the Immigration Health Surcharge.
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Health and Care Worker Visa Requirements?
To be eligible for the Health and Care Worker Visa, applicants need to meet certain criteria. These include having a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from a licensed UK sponsor, receiving a job offer that meets the relevant salary threshold, demonstrating a good command of the English language, and showing proof of financial support if applying from overseas.
Additionally, applicants may need to provide valid tuberculosis test results and a criminal record certificate if required by their job role.
Health and Care Worker Visa Minimum Salary
One of the key requirements for the Health and Care Worker Visa is meeting the minimum salary threshold.
Applicants are generally required to earn at least £26,200 per year or £10.75 per hour, whichever is higher.
If the going rate for the specific role is higher than these amounts, the applicant must be paid at least the going rate.
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However, there are exceptions for certain cases, such as a shortage of occupation roles, recent graduates, or those with relevant STEM PhDs.
Maintenance Requirement
Applicants for the Health and Care Worker Visa may need to demonstrate their ability to support themselves financially while in the UK.
This is known as the maintenance requirement. For example, if applying from overseas, they might need to show they have had a minimum of £1,270 in their bank account for at least 28 consecutive days.
Some exemptions apply, such as for those who have held a valid UK visa for 12 months or whose sponsor can cover their costs.
English Language Requirement
To meet the English language requirement for the Health and Care Worker Visa, applicants usually need to prove their proficiency in English.
This can be achieved by passing an approved English language test with at least CEFR level B1 in reading, writing, speaking, and listening.
Alternatively, having an academic qualification taught in English and recognized by UK NARIC as equivalent to a UK degree can also fulfill this requirement.
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Certain medical professionals may have their language ability assessed by their professional body.
How to Apply for the Health and Care Worker Visa
Applying for the Health and Care Worker Visa involves several steps. First, applicants need to secure a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from a licensed UK sponsor.
With the CoS, they can then proceed to apply online on the Home Office website. During the application process, applicants need to provide various documents to support their application, such as their passport, employer details, salary information, English language test results, and more.
Once the application is submitted, it will be assessed by the Home Office, and applicants may be required to provide biometric information or attend a biometrics appointment if necessary.
Health and Care Worker Visa Supporting Documents
Applying for the Health and Care Worker Visa requires providing various documents to support your application.
These documents help verify your eligibility and qualifications for the visa. Some of the important documents you may need to provide include:
- Valid passport or travel document
- Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from your employer
- Job details, including title, SOC code, and salary
- Proof of personal savings or financial support, if applicable
- Proof of English language proficiency
- Tuberculosis test results, if required
- Criminal record certificate, if applicable
- Relationship proof for dependents, such as marriage certificates and birth certificates
These documents play a crucial role in demonstrating your qualifications, eligibility, and readiness to work in the UK’s health and social care sector.
Health and Care Worker Visa Costs
The cost of the Health and Care Worker Visa varies depending on factors such as where you are applying from and the duration of the visa.
Here is an overview of the visa application fees for different scenarios:
Applications Made Outside the UK:
- Certificate of sponsorship issued for three years or less: £247
- Certificate of sponsorship issued for over three years: £479
Applications Made Within the UK:
- Certificate of sponsorship issued for three years or less: £247
Certificate of sponsorship issued for over three years: £479
It’s important to note that these fees also apply to dependents applying under the Health and Care Visa, and eligible applicants and dependents are exempt from paying the Immigration Health Surcharge.
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FAQs
What are the costs associated with the Health and Care Visa application?
The application fee varies depending on factors such as the duration and location of the application. For example, for applications made outside the UK, the fee ranges from £247 to £479 based on the duration of the CoS issued. These fees also apply to dependents and are exempt from the Immigration Health Surcharge.
What is the processing time of the Health and Care Visa application?
The processing times for the Health and Care Visa are relatively expedited, with decisions often being made within around 3 weeks after biometric information is provided. However, processing times can be influenced by factors such as application volume and unforeseen circumstances, so staying informed and seeking expert advice is recommended.
Conclusion
It’s worth noting that processing times can be influenced by various factors, including the volume of applications and any potential delays due to unforeseen circumstances.
Therefore, it’s advisable to keep track of the latest processing time information and seek advice from immigration experts to ensure accurate and up-to-date information during your application process.