The United Kingdom’s healthcare sector is one of the most significant contributors to the nation’s well-being. With a comprehensive healthcare system in place, the UK is always in need of skilled professionals. The Health and Care Worker Visa provides overseas healthcare workers a pathway to live and work in the UK. This visa is applicable to various healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, and paramedics. However, the visa process can seem daunting, especially for those unfamiliar with the system. This guide aims to elucidate the requirements, fees, and other vital information about the healthcare visa in the UK.
Health Care Visa UK Requirements from Inside and Outside UK
From Inside the UK:
1. Proof of Job Offer: You should have a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from an approved employer.
2. Salary Requirement: Your job must pay the appropriate salary rate, as specified by the UK government for your specific job type.
3. Proof of Knowledge of English: Depending on the nature of the role, you may need to prove your English language proficiency, typically through an approved test or a degree taught in English.
4. Maintenance Requirement: You might need to show you have enough funds to support yourself unless your sponsor can provide this guarantee.
From Outside the UK:
In addition to the above requirements:
1. Tuberculosis Test: If you’re coming from certain countries, a tuberculosis (TB) test result might be necessary.
2. Criminal Record Certificate: For some roles, especially those involving vulnerable people, you’ll need a criminal record certificate from any country where you’ve stayed for 12 months or more in the past 10 years.
Health Care Visa Fee from Inside and Outside UK
- From Inside the UK:
- Extension or switch: £704 per person.
- From Outside the UK:
- Main applicant: £232.
Note: The fees are subject to change, and it’s recommended to always check the official UK government website for the most up-to-date information.
Health Care Visa Standard and Priority Service
Standard Service: The processing time is generally within 8 weeks for applications from within the UK and 3 weeks for applications from outside the UK.
Priority Service: For an additional fee, the application can be expedited. From within the UK, the processing time is typically within 5 working days. From outside the UK, it is generally 1 to 2 working days.
Health and Care Worker Visa Refusal Reasons
1. Incomplete Documentation: Failing to submit all the required documents.
2. Insufficient Funds: Not meeting the maintenance requirement.
3. False Documentation: Submitting fraudulent or misleading information.
4. Failing the English Language Test: Not meeting the required level of English proficiency.
5. Criminal Record: Having a criminal background that’s considered a threat to the UK’s public.
Carer Visa UK Checklist
For those aiming to move to the UK as carers (not directly under the Health and Care Worker Visa):
1. Proof of Relationship: To the person being cared for, such as birth or marriage certificates.
2. Proof of Requirement: Medical documents showing the need for personal care due to illness, disability, or age.
3. Financial Evidence: Showing the ability to maintain and accommodate oneself without public funds.
4. Proof of Living Arrangement: Documents showing where you and the person being cared for will live.
Skilled Worker Visa UK Fees
Main applicant: Approximately £1,523 if applying from outside the UK and around £1,033 if extending or switching from inside the UK.
Care Visa UK Lawyer Cost Vs KQ Solicitors Cost
Hiring a lawyer to assist with the visa application is advisable for clarity and efficiency. Fees can vary based on the complexity of the case and the lawyer’s experience but generally range between £800 – £2,500. Furthermore, in KQ Solicitors we only charge £700 for this care visa UK application.
Carer Visa UK Processing Time
The standard processing time for a Carer Visa application is about 8 to 12 weeks, depending on the nature of the case and the completeness of the documentation provided.
Read also: 5 Tips for Success Rate of Health and Care Dependent Visa UK
Conclusion
The UK’s Health and Care Worker Visa, as well as the Carer Visa, have specific requirements and processes that applicants must adhere to. Whether you’re a medical professional looking to work in the UK or aiming to provide care for a loved one, it’s crucial to understand the requirements, fees, and potential pitfalls in the application process. Consulting with a knowledgeable immigration lawyer can also provide valuable guidance throughout the journey.
