UK Health and Care Worker Visa

Here is the full list of occupations eligible under the Health and Care Worker Visa route:

Benefits of the Health and Care Worker Visa

1. Healthcare Surcharge Exemption
   • Visa holders and their dependants are exempt from paying the annual Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), significantly reducing costs.
2. Faster Processing
   • Applications are typically processed faster than the standard three weeks, allowing for quick relocation.
3. Route to Settlement
   • After five years, visa holders can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), granting permanent residency - if all the requirements are met at the time.
4. Work Flexibility
   • Visa holders can take on additional work under specific conditions.

How to Apply for the UK Health and Care Worker Visa

The UK Health and Care Worker Visa application process requires careful preparation to ensure success.

1. Steps to Apply

• Step 1: Secure a Job Offer
  • Obtain a job offer from an approved employer in the UK (e.g., NHS or adult social care providers).
  • Ensure the employer provides a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS).
• Step 2: Gather Your Supporting Documents
  You’ll need the following:
  • Passport or other valid travel document.
  • Certificate of Sponsorship reference number.
  • Proof of English language proficiency.
  • Evidence of sufficient personal funds (unless your sponsor certifies maintenance).
  • Tuberculosis test results (if applicable, based on your country of residence).
  • Criminal record certificate (if required for roles in health and social care).
• Step 3: Submit Your Application Online
  • Apply through the official UK Government website. Applications can be made from within the UK (if switching from a different visa) or from outside the UK.
• Step 4: Pay the Application Fee
  • The visa fee depends on the length of your stay:
    • Up to 3 years: £284.
    • More than 3 years: £551.
  • Dependants pay the same fees as the primary applicant.
• Step 5: Biometric Appointment
  • Attend a biometric appointment to provide fingerprints and photograph or use the UK Immigration: ID Check app if eligible.
• Step 6: Await a Decision
  • Most decisions are made within 3 weeks for applications submitted outside the UK or 8 weeks for in-country applications.

Working with Ethical Recruiters

When seeking jobs in the UK healthcare sector, it’s highly recommended to work with ethical recruitment agencies listed on the World Health Organization’s Code of Practice on International Recruitment of Health Personnel.

Key Points About Ethical Recruitment:

• Ethical recruiters should:
  • Not charge you any recruitment fees.
  • Not charge for a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
  • Provide clear information about the job role, salary, and working conditions.
  • Ensure compliance with UK employment laws and immigration regulations.
• Red Flags:
  • Agencies demanding fees for job placement.
  • Promises of employment without a formal job offer or Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), or trying to charge you for a CoS.

You can find a list of ethical recruiters and learn more about ethical recruitment practices on the UK Government website.

What Employers Must Pay

Employers are required to cover the following costs:

• The Sponsor licence application fee and any associated administrative costs.
• The Certificate of Sponsorship fee.
• The Immigration Skills Charge (ranging from £364 to £1,000 per year, depending on the employer's size).

What Employers Cannot Make You Pay

Employers are not allowed to ask you to pay for:

• The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) (although you are exempt from this charge as a Health and Care Worker Visa holder).
• Any costs associated with the visa application (not sponsorship).

Employers may require you to pay your own visa application fee, but they cannot legally deduct these costs from your salary in a way that breaches National Minimum Wage laws.

Rights at Work

• You are entitled to the same rights as UK employees, including:
  • Minimum wage.
  • Paid holidays.
  • Safe working conditions.
• You should report these rights to the relevant UK authorities if an employer breaches them.

How Immtell Can Help You with Your Health and Care Worker Visa

Immtell offers expert support to ensure your visa application is accurate, complete, and compliant with Home Office rules. Here’s how we assist:

1. Eligibility and Documentation
   • We’ll confirm your eligibility, guide you through salary thresholds, English requirements, and financial maintenance, and review all supporting documents.
2. Application Submission
   • Assistance with completing and submitting your online application, ensuring everything is correct to avoid delays or refusals.
3. Dependants Guidance
   • Clear advice on whether your dependants can join you and support with their applications where eligible.
4. Troubleshooting
   • Help with addressing Home Office queries or resolving application issues promptly.

Our expertise simplifies the process and gives you confidence that your application meets all requirements.