The Health and Care Worker Visa allows qualified healthcare professionals to live and work in the UK within the National Health Service (NHS), in eligible adult social care roles, or for other approved health and care organizations. This visa is specifically designed for doctors, nurses, allied health professionals, and adult social care workers who meet the necessary qualifications and requirements.

 

Health and Care Worker Visa Requirements

To apply for this visa, you must meet the following criteria:

• Qualified Profession: You must be a qualified doctor, nurse, health professional, dentist, physiotherapist, midwife, pharmacist, healthcare assistant, or adult social care worker. (See the full list of eligible roles and codes below.)
• Job Offer: You must have a job offer in health or social care that aligns with your profession.
• Approved Employer: Your employer must be approved by the UK Home Office and issue a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) detailing your role.
• Salary Requirements: Your offered salary must meet the minimum threshold for the visa.
• Financial Proof: You must have at least £1,270 in your bank account for 28 consecutive days before applying (plus additional funds for dependents).
• English Language Proficiency: You must demonstrate a minimum B1 level of English through an approved test such as IELTS for UKVI or IELTS Life Skills.

 

How Long Can You Stay on This Visa?

The Health and Care Worker Visa is valid for up to 5 years. At the end of this period, you can:

• Extend your visa.
• Switch to another visa category.
• Apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), provided you meet the eligibility requirements.

You can apply for this visa up to 3 months before the start date of your job in the UK. Standard processing times are 21 days for most applications.

 

What Can You Do on a Health and Care Worker Visa?

With this visa, you can:

• Work in your qualified profession.
• Bring your spouse/partner and children with you.
• Access free education for your children in UK public schools.
• Study or engage in voluntary work.
• Travel in and out of the UK without restrictions.

Additionally, you can work up to 20 hours per week in a secondary job that is in the same profession or occupation code as your primary job. If you wish to work more than 20 hours or switch roles, you must update your visa to include a second sponsor.

 

Financial Requirements for Dependents

If your family is joining you, you must show additional funds in your bank account:

• £285 for your spouse/partner.
• £315 for your first child.
• £200 for each additional child.

 

Visa Fees and Costs

The application fees for a Health and Care Worker Visa vary based on the length of your stay:

• Up to 3 years: £247 per applicant.
• More than 3 years: £479 per applicant.

Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): Healthcare professionals benefit from a reduced IHS of £0, although this may vary depending on circumstances.

 

Profession-Specific Information

For Dentists:

• Dentists must register with the General Dental Council (GDC) and pass the Overseas Registration Exam (ORE).
• If unable to gain full licensure, dentists can work as Dental Hygienists or Therapists in private or public hospitals while pursuing further qualifications to obtain full licensure.

For Doctors:

• Doctors must register with the General Medical Council (GMC) and pass the PLAB 1 and 2 exams unless exempt.
• Experienced specialists can directly contact the GMC for specialist registration without taking the PLAB exams.

Exemptions to the PLAB exams apply to professionals with recognized qualifications from countries such as the USA, Canada, or Australia (e.g., USMLE, AMC, MCCQE).

For Nurses:

• Nurses must register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) and obtain a PIN number.
• Complete the CBT test (Computer-Based Test) in your home country and pass the OSCE exam after arriving in the UK.
• Many hospitals provide training and support for the OSCE exam, including paid preparatory periods.

 

How Muya Consultancy Can Help

At Muya Consultancy, we provide expert assistance for Health and Care Worker Visa applications, ensuring you meet all requirements and complete your application successfully. Our services include:

1. Eligibility Assessment: Determining your qualifications and readiness for the visa.
2. Application Guidance: Assisting with the preparation and submission of your application.
3. Document Support: Ensuring all required documents, including sponsorship certificates and English test results, are accurate and complete.
4. Post-Visa Support: Helping you transition smoothly to your new role in the UK.

Start Your Journey with Muya Consultancy
Ready to take the next step in your healthcare career? Contact us today for personalized guidance and expert support in securing your Health and Care Worker Visa.