Overview
The Health and Care Worker visa is designed for medical professionals who wish to work in the UK in eligible positions within the NHS, an NHS supplier, or the adult social care sector.
If you or your family are citizens of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, or Liechtenstein, and you began residing in the UK before December 31, 2020, you may be eligible to apply for the EU Settlement Scheme at no cost. The application deadline for most individuals was June 30, 2021. However, certain circumstances may allow you to submit an application after this date. For example, if you have a later deadline, such as joining a family member in the UK who was already living there by December 31, 2020, or if you have “reasonable grounds” for being unable to apply by June 30, 2021, such as experiencing illness or being a victim of domestic abuse, you may still be eligible. It is recommended to verify your eligibility by checking if you can apply to the EU Settlement Scheme.
If you do not meet the criteria for the EU Settlement Scheme, you will need to obtain a visa to work in the UK. However, Irish citizens are exempt from the requirement to apply for a visa or the EU Settlement Scheme and can freely work in the UK.
Eligibility
To be eligible for a Health and Care Worker visa, several criteria must be met:
- You must hold qualifications as a doctor, nurse, health professional, or adult social care professional.
- Your employment must be in an eligible health or social care position.
- Your UK employer must have received approval from the Home Office.
- You need a ‘certificate of sponsorship’ from your employer, which provides details about the role you have been offered in the UK.
- The minimum salary you must receive varies depending on the nature of your work. The specific amount can be determined by referring to the relevant guidelines. It is advisable to check if your job is eligible for this visa.
Before applying for the visa, it is essential to have a confirmed job offer in place.
English language proficiency is another requirement. You must be able to speak, read, write, and understand English. Typically, you will need to provide evidence of your English language skills when submitting your application.
If you do not meet the eligibility criteria for a Health and Care Worker visa, there may be other visa options available for you to work in the UK. It is advisable to explore alternative visa routes that align with your circumstances.
How long can you stay
The initial duration of your visa can be up to 5 years, after which you will need to apply for an extension or update if your visa expires or if you change jobs or employers.
If you wish to prolong your stay in the UK beyond the initial period, you have the option to apply for visa extensions multiple times, as long as you continue to meet the eligibility criteria.
Upon completing 5 years of continuous residence, you may have the opportunity to apply for settlement in the UK, also known as ‘indefinite leave to remain.’ This status grants you the right to live, work, and study in the UK indefinitely, and it allows you to apply for eligible benefits, if applicable.
How long it takes
The timing of your visa application is important. You can submit your application up to 3 months before the intended start date of your work in the UK, as indicated on your certificate of sponsorship.
During the application process, you will be required to provide proof of your identity and submit the necessary documents. It’s important to note that additional time may be needed if you have to schedule an appointment for this purpose. The application will inform you whether an appointment is required.
Process time and cost
Once you have completed the online application, verified your identity, and submitted the required documents, you can generally expect a decision on your visa within 3 weeks. If you wish to expedite the decision, you may have the option to pay for a faster processing service, depending on whether you are outside or inside the UK.
Regarding the costs, both you and your partner or children will need to pay the application fee. Additionally, you must demonstrate that you have sufficient personal savings to support yourself and your dependents. The specific amount of funds required can be verified in the relevant guidelines.
Good news is that you and your family members will be exempt from paying the healthcare surcharge, which covers access to the UK’s healthcare system.