The UK Health and Care sector is in high demand, and many UK employers are looking for qualified workers. Health and Care jobs are also on the UK Shortage Occupation List. If you are a qualified health or care worker, you may be eligible for a UK Health and Care Worker Visa. This visa allows you to work in the UK for up to five years, and you may be able to extend your stay. To apply for a UK Health and Care Worker Visa, you will need a job offer from a UK Approved Sponsor. You can find a list of UK Approved Sponsors on the UK government website.
Once you have a job offer, you can apply for a UK Health and Care Worker Visa online. The application process is straightforward, and you can usually expect to receive a decision within a few weeks. If you are granted a UK Health and Care Worker Visa, you will be able to work in the UK and enjoy all the benefits of living in a world-class country.
Health and Care Worker Visa Eligible Occupations
The following jobs qualify for Health and Care Worker visa sponsorship:
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
Health and Care Worker Visa Salaries
You will typically require a minimum salary of £20,960, however each occupation has its own annual going rate.
If your occupation is one of these:
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
3111: laboratory technicians
3216: dispensing opticians
3217: pharmaceutical technicians
6145: care workers and home carers
6146: senior care workers
If your occupation is one these:
2212: psychologists
2213: pharmacists
2214: ophthalmic opticians
2217: medical radiographers
2218: podiatrists
2219: health professionals not elsewhere classified
2221: physiotherapists
2222: occupational therapists
2223: speech and language therapists
2229: therapy professionals not elsewhere classified
2231: nurses
2232: midwives
2442: social workers
3213: paramedics
3218: health associate professionals not elsewhere classified
3219: health associate professionals not elsewhere classified
6141: nursing auxiliaries and assistants
6143: dental nurses
Health and Care Worker Visa Qualification
The Health and Care Worker Visa, a specialised category within the Skilled Worker Visa (Tier 2 Visa) program, operates under a point-based system. To be eligible for this visa, you must achieve the stipulated minimum points, which necessitate securing a job offer, fulfilling the minimum salary criteria, and meeting the English language proficiency standards.
Check if you qualify for a Health and Care Worker Visa using our points calculator
Health and Care Worker Visa Costs
The cost for the Health and Care Worker visa increased on the 4th October 2023. The good news is that Health and Care Worker visa is still by far the cheapest of the Skilled Worker visas. A 3 year visa will cost £284 and a 5 year visa will cost £551. Health and Care Worker visa applicants do not have to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) making it the most affordable work visa.
Check how much money you will need, including savings, to apply for a Health and Care Worker visa
Registration with professional body
In the United Kingdom, registration with the appropriate professional body is a crucial requirement for individuals working in various medical professions. These professional bodies are established to ensure that healthcare practitioners adhere to high standards of competence, ethics, and patient care. Whether you're a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, radiographer, or any other medical professional, registration is more than just a formality; it's a fundamental aspect of ensuring the safety and well-being of patients and the credibility of healthcare services.
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