How to Apply for the UK Health and Care Worker Visa: A Detailed Guide for Immigrants

Understanding the UK Health and Care Worker Visa

The UK Health and Care Worker visa is designed for medical professionals such as nurses, doctors, and support workers who wish to work in the UK’s healthcare sector. This visa allows you to work in the NHS, an NHS supplier, or in adult social care. One of its significant benefits is the exemption from the Immigration Health Surcharge, making it a cost-effective route for healthcare professionals.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the Health and Care Worker visa, you must:

1. Have a job offer from a licensed UK employer in the health or care sector.
2. Be a qualified doctor, nurse, health professional, or adult social care professional.
3. Have a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from your employer with details about the role you’ve been offered.
4. Meet the specific salary requirements: The minimum salary requirement is usually at least £20,480 per year or the “going rate” for the job, whichever is higher.
5. Demonstrate your knowledge of English. This can be shown through an approved English language test, a degree taught in English, or being a national of a majority English-speaking country.

Steps to Apply for the Health and Care Worker Visa

Step 1: Receive a Job Offer

Ensure you have a confirmed job offer from a licensed UK employer in the health or care sector. Your employer must provide you with a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS).

Step 2: Prepare Your Documents

Gather the necessary documents for your application:

• A valid passport or travel document.
• Your CoS reference number.
• Proof of your knowledge of English.
• A tuberculosis test result if you’re from a listed country.
• A criminal record certificate if you’re working with vulnerable people.

Step 3: Complete the Online Application

Visit the UK government’s official website to start your online application. Create an account and fill in the required details. Ensure all information is accurate and complete.

Step 4: Pay the Application Fee

The application fee for the Health and Care Worker visa is:

• £247 per person for up to 3 years.
• £479 per person for more than 3 years.

If you’re applying with dependents, you’ll need to pay the fee for each person.

Step 5: Book and Attend Your Biometrics Appointment

After submitting your online application and paying the fee, you’ll need to book an appointment at a visa application center to provide your biometrics (fingerprints and photograph).

Step 6: Submit Your Supporting Documents

At your biometrics appointment, you will need to submit your supporting documents. Ensure you have all the required documents as mentioned in Step 2.

Step 7: Wait for a Decision

The processing time for the Health and Care Worker visa is typically up to 3 weeks if you’re applying from outside the UK. You may be able to pay for a faster decision, depending on your location.

Step 8: Collect Your Biometric Residence Permit

If your application is approved, you’ll receive a vignette (sticker) in your passport, allowing you to travel to the UK. Once you arrive, you must collect your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) within 10 days.

Detailed Guide for the Application

1. Receiving a Job Offer and CoS

Your journey starts with securing a job offer from a licensed UK employer in the healthcare sector. The employer will provide you with a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), which includes your job role, salary, and sponsorship details.

2. Document Preparation

• Prepare the following documents:
• A valid passport or travel document.
• CoS reference number.
• Proof of your English proficiency (IELTS, degree taught in English, or equivalent).
• Tuberculosis test results (if applicable).
• Criminal record certificate (if applicable).

3. Online Application Process

Access the UK government’s official visa application website. Create an account and follow the prompts to fill in your personal details, job information, and other required fields.

4. Application Fee Payment

Pay the application fee online:

• £247 for visas up to 3 years.
• £479 for visas longer than 3 years.

Remember, each dependent will also incur an additional fee.

5. Biometrics Appointment

Schedule an appointment at a visa application center to provide your fingerprints and photograph. This step is crucial for identity verification and issuing your BRP.

6. Submission of Supporting Documents

At your biometrics appointment, submit all the required documents. Ensure they are well-organized and easily accessible.

7. Processing and Decision

After submitting your application and attending your biometrics appointment, wait for a decision. The standard processing time is up to 3 weeks, but you may opt for a priority service for a faster decision.
You can explore more support and guide here.

8. Collection of Biometric Residence Permit

Upon receiving your visa approval, you will get a vignette in your passport. Use this to travel to the UK. Collect your BRP within 10 days of arrival to finalize your immigration status.

Key Points to Remember

The Health and Care Worker visa is exempt from the Immigration Health Surcharge, reducing overall costs.
Ensure all your documents are accurate and complete to avoid delays.
The IHS will increase from £624 to £1,035 per year from January 31, 2024. Plan your application accordingly.

Final Thoughts

Applying for the UK Health and Care Worker visa can be a straightforward process if you follow the steps outlined above. This visa not only offers a pathway to work in the UK’s healthcare sector but also provides significant financial benefits through the IHS exemption. For personalized assistance, consider consulting immigration advisors or relevant support services to ensure a smooth application process.

Explore alternative visa application: UK Unmarried Partner Immigration Visa