This visa extension is an exciting opportunity for doctors and healthcare workers worldwide to come and work in the UK. Being a licensed professional in the field of health, the article illustrates what items you need and how to apply.
What is the Health and Care Worker Visa?
The Health and Care Worker Visa is a visa category reserved for foreign healthcare workers who are keen to work outside the NHS in the UK or in adult social care. This visa provides the straightforward process of international migration needed to retain qualified health workers from every corner of the world for the UK.
How Does it Differ from the Skilled Worker Visa?
However, both are different paths, as the Health and Care Worker Visa and Skilled Worker Visa make available the opportunity to live and work in the UK, whereas they deal with a wide range of different professional areas. The latter is solely offered to a group of medical personnel and workers in health and social services who are enabled by criteria that have been preset. Further, Health and Care Visa holders are redacted from visa fees and immune to the Immigration health surcharge tariff.
Eligibility for a Health and Care Visa For Health and Care Worker Visa
To embark on your journey with the Health and Care Worker Visa, you need to meet specific eligibility criteria:
Professional Qualifications
You must hold qualifications as a doctor, nurse, health professional, or adult social care professional.
Eligible Occupation
You’ll be working in one of the approved occupations in the health or social care sector.
Employer Approval
Your prospective employer in the UK should be approved by the Home Office.
Certificate of Sponsorship
You must possess a Certificate of Sponsorship from your UK employer, outlining the details of your role.
Salary Requirements
Salary thresholds vary based on your job type. Typically, you should earn at least £25,600 per year or £10.10 per hour. However, some exceptions apply, such as shortage of occupation roles, age, academic qualifications, and STEM PhD qualifications.
English Proficiency
You need to demonstrate proficiency in English, equivalent to at least level B1 on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). Exceptions apply to citizens from majority English-speaking countries and those with eligible English-taught academic qualifications.
Salary Requirements Demystified
Understanding salary requirements is crucial. The minimum salary for the Health and Care Worker route is £25,600 per year or £10.10 per hour, but it can be higher depending on your occupation’s going rate. In certain cases, you can qualify with a lower salary if you meet specific criteria like being on the Shortage Occupation List, being a student or recent graduate, or possessing a relevant STEM PhD qualification.
Certificate of Sponsorship Essentials
To secure your Health and Care Worker Visa, a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from a government-approved UK employer is essential. Unlike the standard CoS, the Health and Care Worker CoS must also include an explanation of how you meet the specific requirements for this visa.
Application Process For Health and Care Worker Visa
Now, let’s navigate through the application process, ensuring you understand every step:
- Online Application: Initiate your application on the official gov.uk website, specifically using the Skilled Worker route.
- Identity Verification: Prove your identity either through the UK Immigration: ID Check app or by visiting a visa application center for biometric information capture (photograph and fingerprints).
- Submission: Complete the application form, attach supporting documents, and pay the application fee.
- Timing: Apply up to 3 months before your intended UK work start date, and expect a decision within 3 weeks.
Required Documents For Health and Care Worker Visa
Prepare the following documents to substantiate your eligibility:
- Certificate of Sponsorship reference number
- Proof of English proficiency (e.g., Secure English Language Test results or eligible academic qualification)
- Valid passport or national identity document
- Occupation code for your job
- Job title and annual salary
- Employer details and sponsor license number (available on your CoS)
- Tuberculosis test results (if applicable)
- Proof of personal savings to support yourself in the UK
- For select roles, a criminal record certificate may be necessary. If bringing family, provide documents establishing your relationship.
Financial Considerations For Health and Care Worker Visa
Applying for a Health and Care Visa entails costs that vary based on your intended stay duration. For up to 3 years, the application fee is £247, while stays exceeding 3 years incur a fee of £479. In addition to the application fee, you should demonstrate financial stability with at least £1,270 in your bank account for self-support.
Embracing Opportunities on a Health and Care Worker Visa
Once in the UK on a Health and Care Visa, you gain access to several privileges:
- Working in eligible roles
- Volunteering
- Potential for additional work (under specific circumstances)
- Pursuing studies
- Reuniting with your partner and dependent children
- Travelling in and out of the UK
- Applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after 5 years
However, it’s essential to bear in mind certain restrictions. You won’t have access to most public funds or the state pension, and changing employers necessitates updating your visa.
In conclusion, the Health and Care Worker Visa opens doors to a fulfilling career in the UK’s healthcare and social care sectors. Whether you’re a doctor, nurse, health professional, or adult social care expert, this visa offers a streamlined pathway to contribute your skills to the well-being of the UK population. As you embark on this journey, ensure you meet the eligibility criteria, prepare the necessary documents, and embrace the opportunities that await you in the United Kingdom.
Remember, a bright future in the UK’s healthcare sector begins with a Health and Care Worker Visa.