UK Health and Care Worker Visa
UK Health and Care Worker Visa
Overview of the UK Health and Care Worker Visa
The UK Health and Care Worker Visa is tailored for qualified doctors, nurses, health professionals, and adult social care professionals who have secured a job offer in the UK. This visa enables professionals to work with the National Health Service (NHS), NHS suppliers, or organizations in the adult social care sector. Key benefits of this visa include reduced application fees, exemption from the Immigration Health Surcharge, and expedited processing times. More information- https://www.gov.uk/health-care-worker-visa?utm_source=chatgpt.com
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the UK Health and Care Worker Visa, applicants must meet the following requirements:
Job Offer: Secure a confirmed job offer from a UK employer approved by the Home Office. The employer must be either the NHS, an organization providing medical services to the NHS, or an organization providing adult social care. About Job offer- https://www.gov.uk/health-care-worker-visa?utm_source=chatgpt.com.
Eligible Occupation: The job must fall within the eligible health or social care occupation codes. Some of the eligible occupation codes include:
2211: Medical practitioners
2231: Nurses
2232: Midwives
2213: Pharmacists
2217: Medical radiographers
2221: Physiotherapists
2222: Occupational therapists
2223: Speech and language therapists
2235: Registered mental health nurses
2237: Other registered nursing professionals
A comprehensive list of eligible occupation codes can be found on the official UK government website. https://www.gov.uk/health-care-worker-visa?utm_source=chatgpt.com
Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS): Obtain a valid CoS from the prospective employer detailing the role offered in the UK- https://www.gov.uk/health-care-worker-visa?utm_source=chatgpt.com
Salary Requirements: The applicant must be offered a salary of at least £23,200 per year or the “going rate” for the specific occupation, whichever is higher. Each occupation code has its own annual going rate, which can be found in the official guidelines- https://www.gov.uk/health-care-worker-visa?utm_source=chatgpt.com
English Language Proficiency: Demonstrate the ability to read, write, speak, and understand English to at least level B1 on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) scale. This can be proven by:
Passing a Secure English Language Test (SELT) from an approved provider.
Having a GCSE, A level, Scottish National Qualification level 4 or 5, Scottish Higher, or Advanced Higher in English, gained through study at a UK school that began when the applicant was under 18.
Holding a degree-level academic qualification that was taught in English. If the degree is from a non-majority English-speaking country, applicants will need to apply through Ecctis (formerly UK NARIC) for confirmation that their qualification is equivalent to a UK bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, or PhD. https://www.gov.uk/health-care-worker-visa?utm_source=chatgpt.com.
Application Process
The application process for the UK Health and Care Worker Visa involves the following steps:
Online Application: Submit an online application through the official UK government website. Online application- https://www.gov.uk/health-care-worker-visa/apply-from-outside-the-uk?utm_source=chatgpt.com
Identity Verification: As part of the application, applicants will need to prove their identity. This can be done by either:
Using the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app to scan their identity document.
Attending a visa application center to have their fingerprints and photograph taken.
The method of identity verification depends on the applicant’s nationality and the type of passport they hold.
Supporting Documents: Gather and provide the necessary supporting documents, which include:
Certificate of Sponsorship reference number.
Proof of English language proficiency.
A valid passport or other document that shows identity and nationality.
Job title and annual salary.
Job’s occupation code.
Name of the employer and their sponsor license number.
Depending on individual circumstances, additional documents may be required, such as evidence of personal savings, proof of relationship with dependents, tuberculosis test results, and a criminal record certificate
Application Fee: Pay the application fee, which is £284 per person for visas up to 3 years and £551 per person for visas more than 3 years. Applicants are exempt from the Immigration Health Surcharge. Fees Portal- https://www.gov.uk/health-care-worker-visa?utm_source=chatgpt.com
Financial Requirements: Demonstrate that they have at least £1,270 in their bank account to support themselves in the UK. This amount must have been held for at least 28 consecutive days, with day 28 being within 31 days of applying for the visa. Alternatively, if the employer can cover the applicant’s costs during the first month in-