The UK Health and Care Visa is a specialized immigration route designed to attract qualified healthcare professionals from around the world to work in the United Kingdom’s health and social care sectors. This visa aims to address staffing shortages within the NHS (National Health Service) and other healthcare providers by facilitating the entry of skilled workers.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for a Health and Care Worker visa, applicants must meet several specific criteria:

1. Job Offer: Applicants must have a confirmed job offer from a UK employer that holds an approved sponsor license from the Home Office. The job must be in an eligible health or social care role.
2. Professional Qualifications: Candidates must be qualified doctors, nurses, health professionals, or adult social care professionals. This includes various roles such as pharmacists, physiotherapists, and social workers.
3. Certificate of Sponsorship: A valid certificate of sponsorship (COS) from the employer is required, detailing the job role offered.
4. Minimum Salary Requirement: Applicants must meet a minimum salary threshold, which varies depending on the specific occupation. For instance, most healthcare roles require a minimum salary of £26,200 per year or the “going rate” for that occupation, whichever is higher.
5. English Language Proficiency: Proficiency in English is mandatory; applicants typically need to demonstrate their ability through standardized tests or qualifications recognized by UK authorities.
6. Care Quality Commission Registration: If applying for roles as a care worker or senior care worker in England, the employer must be registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

Application Process

The application process for the Health and Care Worker visa involves several steps:

1. Online Application: Applicants must complete an online application form specific to their situation—whether they are applying from outside the UK or extending their stay within it.
2. Identity Verification: Applicants will need to prove their identity as part of the application process, which may involve biometric appointments.
3. Documentation Submission: Required documents include proof of identity, CoS details, evidence of English language proficiency, and any other relevant qualifications or certifications.
4. Decision Timeline: Typically, applicants receive a decision within three weeks after submitting their application; expedited processing may be available for an additional fee.
5. Visa Duration and Extensions: The initial visa can last up to five years. Holders can apply for extensions indefinitely as long as they continue to meet eligibility requirements.
6. Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR): After five years on this visa, individuals may apply for ILR status in the UK if they meet all necessary conditions.

Benefits of the Health and Care Visa

The Health and Care Worker visa offers numerous advantages:

1. Fast-Tracked Processing: Applications are prioritized compared to other visa types.
2. Reduced Fees: The application fees are lower than those associated with standard Skilled Worker visas.
3. Exemption from Immigration Health Surcharge: Visa holders do not need to pay this surcharge that typically applies to other visa categories.
4. Pathway to Permanent Residency: Successful applicants can transition smoothly towards permanent residency after fulfilling residency requirements.

Limitations

While there are many benefits associated with this visa type, there are also restrictions:

• Visa holders cannot access most public funds or benefits.
• Changing jobs requires updating your visa application.
• There are limitations on working outside of your specified role unless permitted under certain conditions.

For more enquiries on a UK health and care visa, book a consultation with a consultant with e-lhr