HEALTH AND CARE WORKER VISA
A Health and Care Worker visa enables medical professionals to enter or remain in the United Kingdom in order to work in an eligible position with the NHS, an NHS supplier, or in adult social care.
ELIGIBILITY YOUR JOB
To be eligible for a Health and Care Worker visa, you must meet the following requirements:
- be a qualified doctor, nurse, health professional, or adult social care professional;
- work in an eligible health or social care position;
- work for a UK employer who has been approved by the Home Office; and possess a ‘certificate of sponsorship’ from your employer outlining the role you have been offered in the UK.
- be compensated with a minimal wage – How much you earn is determined on the type of work you perform.
ENGLISH PROFICIENCY
You must be able to communicate in English through speaking, reading, writing, and comprehending. When applying, you will typically be required to demonstrate your proficiency in English.
HOW LONG YOU MAY REMAIN
Your visa is valid for up to five years before it must be extended. When your visa expires or if you move jobs or employers, you must apply to extend or amend it.
If you wish to extend your stay in the United Kingdom, You may extend your visa indefinitely as long as you continue to meet the eligibility requirements. After five years, you may be eligible to apply for permanent residence in the UK (often referred to as ‘indefinite leave to remain’). This entitles you to live, work, and study in the country for as long as you choose, as well as to apply for benefits if you are eligible.
HOW MUCH TIME IT TAKES
You can apply for a visa up to three months before the start date of your employment in the UK. This date is specified on your sponsorship certificate. You will be required to verify your identity and provide supporting documentation as part of your application. Allow additional time if you require an appointment to complete this. You’ll discover whether you require one when you begin your application.
OBTAINING A DETERMINATION
After you apply online, verify your identity, and submit your documents, you should receive a decision on your visa within three weeks. You may be able to pay to expedite the decisionmaking process. How you do this varies according to whether you are outside or inside the UK.
WHAT YOU ARE PERMITTED TO DO AND WHAT YOU ARE NOT PERMITTED TO DO YOU ARE PERMITTED TO: If your application is approved, you will receive a detailed list of everything you are and are not permitted to perform with a Health and Care Worker visa.