The UK Health & Care Worker visa, launched in 2021, is a dedicated immigration scheme aimed at addressing the shortage of healthcare professionals in the United Kingdom’s National Health Service (NHS). This visa streamlines the entry process for qualified doctors, nurses, and allied health professionals from across the globe, making it easier for them to work in the UK. It offers reduced visa fees and a simplified application process, attracting skilled healthcare workers to contribute their expertise to the country’s healthcare system. Successful applicants are granted a visa for up to five years initially, with the option to extend their stay and eventually apply for settlement in the UK, providing long-term career opportunities.

To be eligible for this visa, you must hold a valid job offer from the NHS, an NHS supplier or within adult social care, before you apply for your visa.

The Home Office has stringent requirements for applicants seeking to gain a Health & Care Worker visa. While each applicant’s situation may differ slightly, the requirements can be summarised as follows:

• You meet the suitability requirements – good immigration history and acceptable criminal record.
• You are a qualified doctor, nurse, health professional or adult social care worker.
• You must hold a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) for your job, issued by a Home Office-approved sponsor.
• You are applying for your visa within 3 months of getting your CoS.
• Your job meets the minimum salary requirements, which vary according to occupation and your qualifications.
• You meet the English language requirements for your occupation.
• You have at least £1270 to cover your first month’s expenses in the UK.

Please note that the specific requirements for the UK Health & Care Worker visa can vary and are subject to change. It’s always a good idea to get professional advice before starting your application.

At a minimum you will need to provide the following evidence as part of your application. Your lawyer will advise of any further documents you need to supply to enhance the quality of your application.

• Your passport
• Your Certificate of Sponsorship reference number – your employer will give you this
• Bank statements
• English language test certificate
• Professional registration information, if applicable
• A valid TB certificate, if required
• Proof of your relationship with your partner or children, if they are applying as dependents
• Criminal record certificate, if you are working with vulnerable people

Yes, your family members (‘dependants’) might be able to apply to join or remain with you in the UK. Your dependants can include your partner and children under 18. Each dependant must apply separately and they must meet certain eligibility requirements. We can add dependents to your application for a fee of £250 per person.

The application fee for a UK Health & Care Worker visa depends on your situation. Broadly speaking, it costs £247 if you are applying to stay in the UK for up to 3 years, and £479 for applicants looking to stay for over 3 years. Your lawyer will advise you of the total Home Office fees at the outset of our work with you, so you can ensure you have the funds available at the point of submitting your application. 

The processing time for a UK Health & Care Worker visa can vary. However, it typically takes around 3 weeks (15 working days) from the date you submit your application. Please note that processing times can be longer during peak periods or if additional documentation is required.

We offer a comprehensive range of services to assist with your UK Health & Care Worker visa application. This includes a free initial consultation, detailed advice for your personal immigration lawyer, evidence checklist and document collection, application preparation and submission, handling interactions with immigration authorities, and guidance on visa decision and next steps. We aim to make the visa application process as smooth and stress-free as possible for you.

We can also offer you advice on training on passing the IELTS and OET exams via our partner organisation, Fast Track IELTS. 

If your UK Health & Care Worker visa is refused, it could be due to various reasons, such as errors in the application form, misunderstanding Home Office guidelines, incomplete details on the Certificate of Sponsorship, not meeting financial requirements, or applying at the wrong time.

If your application is refused, review the Refusal Notice from the Home Office which describes the reasons your application has been denied. Most importantly, seek professional advice from an immigration lawyer to understand your options and increase your chances of success.