Health and Care Worker Visa
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A quick look
This visa is valid for five years, and comes with the option to extend.
Yes, and the sponsor needs to be registered to do so by the UK Home Office.
You are allowed to:
- Work in an eligible job
- Have a second role in the same sector and at the same level as your main position for up to 20 hours per week
- Have a second role on the Skilled Worker Shortage Occupation List for up to 20 hours per week
- Do voluntary work
- Study
- Bring your partner and/or children with you, if eligible
- Travel abroad and return to the UK
- Apply for permanent settlement in the UK after 5 years – Indefinite Leave to Remain
You are not allowed to:
- Apply for most public funds/benefits, including State Pension
- Change jobs until you update your visa
Health and Care Worker Visa
The Health and Care Worker Visa was introduced in 2020 and aims to provide foreign care workers with a passage into the UK workforce.
It allows all healthcare professionals who are qualified in their profession to work in the UK healthcare industry for up to 5 years.
The Health and Care Worker Visa is a subcategory of the Skilled Worker Visa, which encourages high-skilled individuals to come and work in the UK.
Requirements
There are no formal academic entry requirements for this visa. It is likely, however, that you will be expected to be working towards an appropriate qualification for the job, or have experience of working in a care environment.
To be eligible for the Health and Care Worker Visa, you must have already been offered a job in the UK. The job in question must meet the minimum salary requirement; this is usually £29,000, but it can go down to £23,200 if you meet certain criteria. For example, you will meet the lower requirement if you are under 26 and are studying, a recent graduate, or in professional training.
We recommend that you check the salary requirements before you apply.
Certificate of Sponsorship
A Certificate of Sponsorship is a reference number that holds information on the job and your own personal details. It is not an actual certificate or paper document. It is a number that corresponds to the job you have been offered.
As well as the reference number, your sponsor will also give you information to help you to apply for the visa, for example how much you will be paid. This helps to prove you meet the job and salary requirements for the visa.
How long can you stay?
Entry into the UK is for five years. However, you can apply to extend this visa for another two years. You will also need to update your visa if you change jobs or employer.
How much does a Health and Care Worker Visa cost?
Application fees depend on how long you intend to stay in the UK. If you intend to stay for 0-3 years, visas will cost £284 per person. If you plan to stay more than three years the cost is £551 per person. In the event that you are applying from an eligible country, you are liable for a £55 discount on your application.
You also need to have at least £1,270 in savings to support yourself once you are in the UK. However, you are exempt from this if your sponsor has stated they will cover your costs.
Unlike other visas, you will not need to pay for the immigration health surcharge on this visa.
assessment
Complete our questionnaire to see if you are eligible for a UK visa. Then claim your free 10-minute appointment with one of our immigration experts.
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Ready for assistance?
If you have any questions, or want to book an appointment with one of our legal experts, contact Woodcock Law today. Call us on +44 (0)20 7712 1705 or email info@woodcocklaw.co.uk.
