Visa for Health and Care: A Health Professionals’ Guide to Visa Application
Health and Care Visa – is a special form of Skilled Worker Visa for healthcare and care workers to work in important jobs outside the UK. Benefits such as reduced application costs and exemption from the immigration health surcharge, due to the importance these workers bring to the UK’s health system.
Here we cover eligibility, application, fees, and processing time of a Health and Care Visa.
What is a Health and Care Visa?
The Health and Care Visa for overseas workers in key health and care occupations — doctors, nurses, care workers, etc. The plan is to make staffing needs in the UK’s health and care sectors easier to fill by making it easier for skilled workers to apply for a visa.
How Do I Apply for a Health and Care Visa?
Applying for a Health and Care Visa follows the same process as applying for a Skilled Worker Visa. Here’s how to apply:
- Complete an Online Application: You’ll need to fill out the online visa application form.
- Certificate of Sponsorship: Your employer must provide you with a valid Certificate of Sponsorship, confirming your job role.
- Meet the Eligibility Requirements: You must meet the English language and financial (maintenance) requirements.
- Visa Fees: The application fee depends on the length of your visa. For a visa up to 3 years, the cost is £232; for a visa up to 5 years, it costs £464.
- Submit Documents: After completing the online form and paying the fees, you’ll need to upload your documents and attend a visa appointment to give biometric details (photo and fingerprints).
Once your visa is approved, you can start working in the UK under the new visa.
Who Can Qualify for the Health and Care Visa?
To qualify for the Health and Care Visa, your job must be in one of the specific roles listed under the Standard Occupational Code (SOC) system. Here are some examples of eligible roles:
- Doctors (SOC Code 2211)
- Nurses (SOC Code 2231)
- Dentists (SOC Code 2215)
- Care Workers (SOC Code 6146)
- Pharmacists (SOC Code 2213)
- Senior Care Workers (SOC Code 6146)
Your employer will need to confirm that your job meets the required SOC code and that you are eligible for the visa.
In some cases, you may need to be registered with a regulatory body, such as:
- GMC for doctors
- NMC for nurses
- GDC for dentists
- CQC for care homes in England
How Long Does It Take to Process the Health and Care Visa?
The standard processing time for a Health and Care Visa is 3 weeks. You can apply for your visa up to 3 months before your job start date.
If you need a quicker decision, you can apply for the priority service (5 working days) or super priority service (24 hours) for an additional fee.
What About Dependents?
Your spouse, unmarried partner, and children under 18 can apply for a dependent visa. They can also benefit from the reduced visa fees and exemption from the immigration health surcharge, as dependents of a Health and Care Visa holder.
The Health and Care Visa is a great opportunity for health and care workers to work in the UK. If you’re eligible, this visa offers lower fees and the chance to bring your dependents along with you.
At Law and Visas, we can help guide you through the application process and ensure your visa application is completed correctly. We provide end-to-end support to help you get your Health and Care Visa and start your new role in the UK. If you have questions or need assistance, contact us today!
