Planning your medicine career in the UK? Here’s what you need to know about health and care visa

Career

Read an introduction to the UK Health and Care Worker Visa for overseas medical professionals, including eligibility criteria, fees, and how to apply.

So, you’re a medical professional who would like to live and work in the UK. Your first step should be to research the Health and Care Visa, which allows overseas healthcare workers to work for the NHS, an NHS supplier or an adult social care provider in the UK.

Before submitting the online visa application, meet with an immigration lawyer to better understand your options. Once you know this visa is right for you, the immigration lawyer will be able to coach you through the application from beginning to end.

Overview of the Health and Care Worker Visa

The UK Health and Care Worker Visa helps foreign medical professionals to establish a life in the UK while keeping their career. It has allowed the UK to welcome many skilled workers who may have had a harder time entering the UK otherwise.

Once an individual has secured the Health and Care Worker Visa, they may live and work in the UK for up to 5 years, provided that they continue to meet the visa requirements (e.g., they do not switch industries or lose their sponsorship). After a period of 5 years, the visa can be extended an unlimited amount of times.

Who qualifies for Health Care Worker Visa UK?

Only medical professionals can apply for the Health Care Worker Visa UK, which includes qualified doctors, nurses, health professionals or adult social care professionals. However this is not the only requirement – applicants must also:

  • Work for a UK employer that’s been approved by the Home Office
  • Be paid a minimum salary
  • Be able to speak, read, write and understand English
  • Work in an eligible health or social care job 
  • Have a certificate of sponsorship from their employer with information about the UK job offer and job role

How to apply for Health Care Worker Visa UK

As with all UK Visas, the Health Care Worker Visa application is available to complete online. If you’re currently living in the UK, you will need to apply to switch your current visa to the Health and Care Worker Visa.

The online application shouldn’t take long to complete, but the time between submitting the application and getting a decision can be up to 3 weeks. 

In order to receive the visa in time, you must apply as early as possible. It’s possible to apply up to 3 months before the official first day of work, which will be stated on the certificate of sponsorship.

It’s also recommended to gather your supporting documents ahead of filling out the application, as this will save time and reduce the chances of errors on the form. You will need:

  • Job’s occupation code
  • Proof of knowledge of English
  • Job title and annual salary
  • Certificate of sponsorship reference number
  • Employer’s name and sponsor licence number
  • Valid passport 

Some applicants must also provide:

  • Proof of relationship with partner or children (if bringing dependants)
  • Criminal record certificate
  • Proof of sufficient personal savings
  • UK PhD certificate or unique Ecctis reference number
  • Tuberculosis test results 

Fees for Health Care Worker Visa UK

The Health Care Worker Visa UK costs £284 per person for up to 3 years and £551 per person for over 3 years. 

All applicants must also prove that they have had at least £1270 in their bank account over a minimum of 28 days. If this is not possible, the employer may decide to provide financial support, but they must complete the ‘sponsor certifies maintenance’ section of the certificate of sponsorship.

Are Ddependants allowed on the Health and Care Worker Visa?

Yes, dependants are allowed, but the main applicant must provide evidence of a genuine relationship with the dependant partner or child.

For partners, this involves proving one of the following:

  • The relationship has lasted at least 2 years so far, with cohabitation also lasting this long (unless there is a genuine justification for nor living together, in which case proof of a long-term relationship must be given)
  • The relationship is a civil partnership or marriage that is legally recognised in the UK

Those with children must prove their child:

  • Is not married or in a civil partnership
  • Lives with them or is living in full-time education

Dependants will be asked to prove their identity by scanning an identity document or attending a biometrics appointment at a visa application centre.

In terms of finances, each partner needs £285 to support themselves, while each child needs £315.

Get help with your application

If you’d like to live in the UK and you meet the eligibility criteria for the Health and Care Visa, applying for this visa is a no-brainer. 

However, don’t be too hasty in your application – it’s best to reach out to an immigration solicitor to develop an excellent understanding of how to approach the application process with professionalism and accuracy.