Top Guide On The UK Health and Care Worker Visa In 2023 – Tips, Guidance, and Cost

1. 1. Eligibility Criteria: To be eligible for the Health and Care Worker Visa, you must meet certain criteria, including relevant qualifications, job offers from UK employers, and English language proficiency.
   2. Employer Sponsorship: You will need a job offer from a UK employer recognized as a licensed sponsor by the UK government. The employer will act as your sponsor for the visa applicatio.
   3. Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS): Once you have a job offer, your sponsoring employer will provide you with a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), a unique reference number required for your visa application.
   4. English Language Requirement: Applicants must demonstrate proficiency to a specified level, typically proven through recognized language tests.
   5. Application Submission: Submit your visa application online, providing all required documents, including the CoS, proof of qualifications, and other supporting evidence.
   6. Healthcare Surcharge: As part of the application process, you must pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) or healthcare surcharge, which provides access to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) during your stay.

UK Health and Care Worker Visa – Costs Involved

The Health and Care Worker Visa application entails several costs, which include the visa application fee, the Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) fee paid by the sponsoring employer, and the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) for access to NHS services.

It’s important to note that the visa application process and associated costs may be subject to changes, so it’s advisable to refer to the official UK government website or consult with a qualified immigration advisor for the most up-to-date information.

The UK Health and Care Worker Visa is a part of the Skilled Worker Visa program and caters specifically to professionals in the health and caregiving sectors. Following the application process and meeting the eligibility criteria, you can pursue a rewarding career in the UK and contribute to its vital healthcare system.

The cost of a UK Health and Care Worker Visa varies based on the duration of the visa and whether you are applying from outside the UK. As of now, the standard application fees for the UK Health and Care Worker Visa are as follows:

• For a visa duration of up to 3 years: £247 per person
• For a visa duration of more than three years: £479 per person

Compared to the UK Skilled Worker Visa, the Health and Care Worker Visa application fee is relatively lower, making it an attractive option for eligible applicants in the healthcare and caregiving fields.

UK Health and Care Worker Visa – Eligible Occupations and their Codes

Suppose you are interested in applying for the Health and Care Worker Visa. In that case, your occupation must fall under one of the following eligible occupation codes, all of which are part of the list of Shortage Occupations:

1. 1181: Health Services and Public Health Managers and Directors
2. 1242: Residential, Day, and Domiciliary Care Managers and Proprietors
3. 2112: Biological Scientists and Biochemists
4. 2113: Physical Scientists
5. 2211: Medical Practitioners
6. 2212: Psychologists
7. 2213: Pharmacists
8. 2214: Ophthalmic Opticians
9. 2215: Dental Practitioners
10. 2217: Medical Radiographers
11. 2218: Podiatrists
12. 2219: Health Professionals Not Elsewhere Classified (e.g., Audiologists and Occupational Health Advisers)
13. 2221: Physiotherapists
14. 2222: Occupational Therapists
15. 2223: Speech and Language Therapists
16. 2229: Therapy Professionals Not Elsewhere Classified (e.g., Osteopaths and Psychotherapists)
17. 2231: Nurses
18. 2232: Midwives
19. 2442: Social Workers
20. 3111: Laboratory Technicians
21. 3213: Paramedics
22. 3216: Dispensing Opticians
23. 3217: Pharmaceutical Technicians
24. 3218: Medical and Dental Technicians
25. 3219: Health Associate Professionals Not Elsewhere Classified
26. 6141: Nursing Auxiliaries and Assistants
27. 6143: Dental Nurses
28. 6145: Care Workers and Home Carers
29. 6146: Senior Care Workers

To confirm the eligibility of your occupation, you can use the ONS (Office for National Statistics) occupation coding tool. Copy the relevant occupation code from the list above and paste it into the ONS tool. It will provide an overview of the work type associated with that occupation code, helping you verify if your job qualifies for the Health and Care Worker Visa.

Approved Companies Sponsoring UK Health and Care Worker Visa

To apply for the UK Health and Care Worker Visa, you must have a job offer from an approved UK employer. The approved sponsors include:

1. The NHS (National Health Service)
2. Organizations providing medical services to the NHS
3. Organizations providing adult social care

To find the list of approved UK employers, search for the “Health” keyword in the updated list available on the UK government website. It’s essential to ensure that the job you apply for is with one of these approved sponsors, as they sponsor your work visa and allow you to come to or stay in the UK.

UK Health and Care Worker Visa – Salary Requirements

As a Health and Care Worker Visa applicant, you must generally be paid at least £20,960. However, each occupation code has its annual going rate, which you can check to determine the specific salary requirement for your job.

UK Health and Care Worker Visa – Shortage Occupation

If your job is on the shortage occupation list, which includes skilled jobs with a shortage of workers in the UK, you may be paid 80% of the job’s usual going rate. Checking if your eligible occupation is on the shortage occupation list can increase your chances of getting a job and visa approval.

UK Health and Care Worker Visa – English Language Requirement

You usually need to prove your proficiency in English to apply for the Health and Care Worker Visa. However, some countries are exempt from this requirement. You can check the list of exempt countries on the UK government website.

Eligibility for the UK Health and Care Worker Visa 2023:

– A job offer from an approved UK employer

– Certificate of Sponsorship reference number provided by your employer

– Valid passport

– Job’s occupation code

– Clean criminal record

– Must be paid according to the UK government guidelines

– Sufficient funds in your bank account to support yourself during the first month in the UK

Visa Duration and Settlement

Once granted, your Health and Care Worker Visa allows you to stay in the UK for up to 5 years before needing to extend it. After this period, you may be eligible to apply for settlement (permanent residency) in the UK.

Apply for the UK Health and Care Worker Visa in 2023

1. Gather the Required Documents: Before starting your application, ensure all the necessary documents are ready. This includes your valid passport, job offer letter from an approved UK employer, Certificate of Sponsorship reference number, and evidence of meeting the English language requirements.
2. Apply Online: The Health and Care Worker Visa application process is done online. Visit the official UK government website for visa applications and complete the application form. You must create an account, provide your personal information, and upload the required documents.
3. Pay the Visa Fee: You must pay a visa application fee as part of the application process. The fee may vary depending on your nationality and the type of visa you are applying for. Check the current fee on the UK government website before paying.
4. Biometric Appointment: Sometimes, you may need to attend a biometric appointment at a Visa Application Center to take your fingerprints and photograph. This is typically required if you are applying from certain countries.
5. Wait for the Decision: If you submit your application and attend the biometric appointment, you will need to wait for the UK Visa and Immigration to process your application. The processing time for a decision is usually around three weeks if you are applying from outside the UK.
6. Receive Your Visa: If your application is approved, you will receive your Health and Care Worker Visa. The visa will specify the duration of your stay in the UK and any other conditions or restrictions.
7. Plan Your Travel: Once you have your visa, you can plan your travel to the UK. Make sure to comply with any requirements or conditions mentioned in your visa.

It is essential to read the detailed information and guidelines provided by the UK government’s Immigration and Visas department before applying. This will help you understand the requirements, application process, and any recent updates or changes related to the Health and Care Worker Visa in 2023.