How to Get a Health & Care Worker Visa in the UK in 2024
If you are a healthcare professional aiming to work in the UK long-term, the Health and Care Worker visa remains one of the most streamlined and advantageous routes to start your career in the UK. This visa is designed for skilled professionals in healthcare roles, making it easier to work in the NHS, adult social care, or other health-related services. Here’s the updated guide for obtaining a Health and Care Worker visa in 2024.
What Is the Health and Care Worker Visa?
The Health and Care Worker visa was introduced to attract healthcare professionals from around the globe to work in the UK’s healthcare sector. This visa is intended specifically for qualified individuals in roles such as doctors, nurses, paramedics, and healthcare support staff.
How to Quality for This Visa?
To qualify for a Health and Care Worker visa in 2024, you must meet the following criteria:
1. Qualified Healthcare Professional: You need to hold qualifications relevant to healthcare roles, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, paramedics, or similar professions.
2. Job Offer: You must have a confirmed job offer from a UK-based employer who is licensed to sponsor international workers.
3. English Language Requirement: Proficiency in English is required. You will need to pass an approved English language test or provide evidence of education in English-speaking countries. You can read more about how to prove your English language skills here.
4. Visa Fee Payment: You must be able to cover the visa application fee.
5. Salary Requirements: You must meet the minimum salary threshold set for your profession, which varies depending on the role and region.
Your prospective employer in the UK must hold a valid sponsorship licence from the Home Office. If they do not already have one, they must apply for it. The employers listed on platforms such as UK Visa Jobs already possess these licences, simplifying the process for overseas applicants.
On UK Visa Jobs, we only post healthcare jobs from valid sponsorship licence holders who actively hire foreign nationals. You can apply for those jobs easily on our jobs board.
How Much You Need to Be Paid in 2024?
When applying for the Health and Care Worker visa in 2024, your salary must meet specific requirements. Typically, you will need to earn at least £23,200 per year to qualify. However, if the “going rate” for your job is higher than this amount, you will need to be paid at least that higher rate.
Each occupation within the healthcare sector has its own annual going rate. These rates vary depending on your job role, and it’s important to know the rate associated with your occupation code. If the going rate for your specific job is higher than £23,200, your employer will need to pay you at least the going rate for your role.
How to Apply for the Health and Care Worker Visa in 2024
Here are the steps to apply for the Health and Care Worker visa:
1. Find a Job: First, secure a job offer from a licensed UK employer. It is essential to have this job offer before you can begin the visa application process. To secure a job, you can start applying for visa-sponsored healthcare jobs on UK Visa Jobs.
2. Complete the Online Application: Once you have your job offer, you will need to fill out an application form on the UK government’s official website. Sometimes, your employer will assist you in completing this process.
3. Submit Documents: You will need to provide your passport and other supporting documentation, including proof of qualifications and sponsorship from your employer.
4. Pay the Visa Fee: The Health and Care Worker visa application fee is generally lower than other work visas, and you may also be exempt from paying the annual Immigration Health Surcharge, depending on your role. Some employers will cover the visa fees.
5. Biometric Appointment: Attend an appointment to have your fingerprints and photo taken at a visa application centre.
6. Processing Time: The typical processing time is up to 3 weeks, although this could be longer during peak times or if your application is complex.
If your visa is approved, you will receive a visa allowing you to live and work in the UK for up to 5 years. After 5 years, you may apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), which is the first step toward UK citizenship.
Benefits of the Health and Care Worker Visa
The Health and Care Worker visa offers several advantages, including:
- Lower Visa Fees: Healthcare professionals benefit from reduced visa fees compared to other types of work visas.
- No Health Surcharge: Most applicants will be exempt from the NHS surcharge, making healthcare access free.
- Pathway to Settlement: After 5 years of continuous residence, you can apply for permanent settlement in the UK.
Important Policy Changes in 2024
On 11th March 2024, the UK government implemented new policies affecting the Health and Care Worker visa:
1. Family Dependants: After 11th March 2024, care workers on this visa will no longer be able to bring dependants, such as spouses or children, to the UK. However, if you are granted the visa before this date and have already brought dependants, this change will not affect you.
2. Care Quality Commission: Employers or care providers in England must now be registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) to sponsor overseas care workers. This additional requirement aims to ensure that sponsors meet UK healthcare standards.
Despite these changes, the Health and Care Worker visa remains a highly attractive option for those seeking healthcare roles in the UK.
Jobs Eligible for the Health and Care Worker Visa in 2024
If you are a healthcare professional, the following roles are typically eligible for this visa:
- Doctors
- Nurses
- Pharmacists
- Paramedics
- Allied Health Professionals (e.g., physiotherapists, radiographers)
- Healthcare Support Workers
- Social Care Workers (including senior care assistants)
It’s crucial to search for jobs that specifically mention Health and Care Worker visa sponsorship. Using platforms like UK Visa Jobs can simplify the process, as we list only visa-sponsored jobs.
Conclusion
The Health and Care Worker visa continues to be an excellent opportunity for qualified healthcare professionals to live and work in the UK. While some changes to the rules will take effect in 2024, the benefits of this visa - including reduced visa fees, exemption from the NHS surcharge, and a clear path to permanent settlement - make it a strong choice for those seeking to contribute to the UK’s healthcare system.
To get started, ensure you secure a job offer from a licensed sponsor and begin your journey to a fulfilling career in the UK’s healthcare sector.
