Health and care worker visas: Answering your FAQs

Scotland is home to one of the best health and social care systems in the world – the NHS – and the good news is – they are hiring!

Q. What is the Health and Care Worker visa?

The Health and Care Worker visa allows medical professionals to live and work in the UK. To be eligible, you must have been offered an eligible job within the NHS, an NHS supplier or in adult social care.

Q. Why was it introduced?

The visa opened to applications in 2020 and was designed to encourage health professionals from around the world to come to the UK and work in the health sector. This category was created after health care professionals were added to the Shortage Occupation Shortlist (SOL).

Q. Who can apply for the visa?

Your role must fall within one of the following occupation codes to qualify for the Health and Care Worker visa:

• 1181: health services and public health managers and directors
• 1242: residential, day and domiciliary care managers and proprietors
• 2112: biological scientists and biochemists
• 2113: physical scientists
• 2211: medical practitioners
• 2212: psychologists
• 2213: pharmacists
• 2214: ophthalmic opticians
• 2215: dental practitioners
• 2217: medical radiographers
• 2218: podiatrists
• 2219: health professionals that are ‘not elsewhere classified’, such as audiologists and occupational health advisers
• 2221: physiotherapists
• 2222: occupational therapists
• 2223: speech and language therapists
• 2229: therapy professionals that are ‘not elsewhere classified’, such as osteopaths and psychotherapists
• 2231: nurses
• 2232: midwives
• 2442: social workers
• 3111: laboratory technicians
• 3213: paramedics
• 3216: dispensing opticians
• 3217: pharmaceutical technicians
• 3218: medical and dental technicians
• 3219: health associate professionals not elsewhere classified
• 6141: nursing auxiliaries and assistants
• 6143: dental nurses
• 6145: care workers and home carers
• 6146: senior care workers

Q. What are the requirements?

• work in an eligible health or social care job;
• work for a UK employer that’s been approved by the Home Office;
• have a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from a UK-licenced sponsor;
• be paid a minimum salary.

Q. Can my partner and/or dependents join me in the UK?

Yes, immediate family members can accompany or join you, including a spouse or partner, and any dependent children.

Q. How long is the visa valid?

The visa is valid for five years. You will need to apply to extend or update your visa when it expires, or if you change jobs or employer. You can extend it as many times as you like provided you meet the eligibility requirements.

Q. Does the visa lead to settlement in the UK?

Yes, once you have completed five years you can apply to settle permanently in the UK, also known as “indefinite leave to remain”. This gives you the right to live, work and study indefinitely, and apply for benefits if eligible.

Q. Is the Health and Care Worker visa the same as a Skilled Worker visa?

No, the Health and Care Worker visa is a subcategory of the Skilled Worker visa. A Skilled Worker visa covers a wide range of occupations whereas the Health and Care Worker visa which only applies to health care workers.

Q. What are the main benefits of a Health and Care Worker visa?

The benefits of the Health and Care Worker visa include fast-tracked entry to the UK, reduced visa fees, and exemption from the Immigration Health Surcharge.

Q. What are the application processing times?

Applications are normally processed within three weeks from the date you provide your biometrics (fingerprints and picture).

Q. How much are the visa fees?

• visa up to three years = £247 per person;
• more than three years = £479 per person.

Q. Are there any financial requirements?

Yes, you must be able to support yourself when you arrive in the UK and have at least £1,270 available.

Q. Do I need speak fluent English?

You must prove that you have a good working knowledge of the English language, however there are some exemptions to this rule.

Q. Will I need to provide my criminal record?

A criminal record certificate may be required for certain jobs.

Q. Any other requirements?

You will also need to provide a tuberculosis test result if you are from a ‘listed country’.

Interested in applying or have any questions on the Health and Care Worker visa? Contact our specialist immigration team today and let them help you embark on a career in the world’s leading health sector!