Health and Care Visa Solicitors
The UK’s Health and Care Visa provides a vital pathway for healthcare professionals worldwide to contribute to the UK’s health and social care sector. At Slater Heelis, we understand the importance of attracting skilled medical professionals to the UK and the challenges faced by both employers and applicants in navigating the immigration process. Our expert team is here to provide comprehensive legal support to ensure a smooth application process.
Talk to one of our team members on 03300297347
The Health and Care Visa is a specific category within the UK’s Skilled Worker visa route. It is designed to help qualified healthcare professionals relocate to the UK to work in eligible roles within the NHS, the care sector, and organisations providing commissioned healthcare services. This visa offers several advantages over standard work visas, including:
- Fast-tracked visa processing
- Reduced application fees
- Exemption from the Immigration Health Surcharge
- Dedicated support from UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI)
The visa not only supports UK employers in addressing staffing shortages but also offers applicants a pathway to permanent settlement in the UK.
At Slater Heelis, we are committed to providing trusted, professional, and results-driven legal support. Whether you are an employer looking to recruit international healthcare staff or a professional seeking guidance on your visa application, our immigration team is here to help.
Our specialist Immigration and Visa Solicitors, based in Manchester and Sale and supporting clients nationwide, can assist both individuals and healthcare providers through the application process.
If you’d like to contact our solicitors, fill out the adjacent contact sheet on this page or call 03301 732 339.
Contact Us Today
Who Is Eligible for the Health and Care Visa?
To qualify for a Health and Care Visa, applicants must meet the requirements under the Skilled Worker visa route and have a job offer from a UK-licensed sponsor in an eligible healthcare role. These can include doctors, nurses, paramedics, care workers and social workers, among many more healthcare professions.
Applicants must be employed by an approved health and care organisation, which includes NHS trusts, social care providers, and private healthcare organisations commissioned by the NHS.
Health and Care Visa Requirements
To be eligible for this visa, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Hold a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from a UK-licensed employer
- Have a confirmed job offer that meets the minimum salary threshold
- Demonstrate proficiency in English
- Have sufficient personal savings to support themselves upon arrival
- Provide a criminal record certificate if working with vulnerable people
- Provide tuberculosis test results if required based on the country of residence
The minimum salary threshold varies based on the role and is subject to government regulations. From 4 April 2024, most health and care workers must earn at least £23,200 or the national pay scale for their role, whichever is higher. Workers in roles not covered by a national pay scale must meet a general salary threshold of £29,000 per year.
How to Apply for a Health and Care Visa
Applying for a Health and Care Visa involves several steps:
- Obtain a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS): Your UK employer must issue a CoS detailing your job role and salary.
- Submit an Online Application: Complete the visa application on the UK Home Office website.
- Pay the Application Fee: Fees depend on the length of the sponsorship:
- Up to three years: £284
- Over three years: £551
- Provide Supporting Documents: These may include:
- Valid passport
- Job offer details
- Bank statements to prove financial stability
- Proof of relationship to dependants (if applicable)
- Biometric Enrolment: Attend an appointment or use an ID verification app to submit biometric details.
Applications benefit from priority processing, with most decisions made within three weeks of biometric submission.
Settling in the UK: Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)
After five years of continuous residence under the Health and Care Visa, individuals can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). This grants permanent resident status, removing visa sponsorship restrictions and allowing greater flexibility in employment.
Recent Changes to the Health and Care Visa
As of 11 March 2024, care providers in England must be registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) to sponsor migrant workers. This requirement does not affect existing visa holders seeking extensions or settlement. Additionally, family members can no longer apply as dependants under this visa, meaning they must explore alternative visa routes to join their loved ones in the UK.
Get in Touch
If you need assistance with a Health and Care Visa application, contact Slater Heelis today. Our expert team is ready to provide the guidance you need to navigate the process with confidence. Reach out to us to discuss your case and take the next step towards your future in the UK healthcare sector.
Meet the Team
If you need expert advice on UK immigration and visa matters, we’re here to help. Contact us today to discuss your situation with one of our experienced immigration solicitors.
