Health and Care Worker visa: rules, £324 fee and timings

The Health and Care Worker visa is a separate, cheaper route to the UK for medical and care staff. It was created to attract doctors, nurses and adult social care professionals. Here are the conditions, the cost, the timings and why it beats the ordinary work visa.

Who is the visa for?

It is for qualified doctors, nurses, other health professionals and adult social care professionals who have an eligible job with the NHS, an NHS supplier or in adult social care. You need a confirmed job offer and a Certificate of Sponsorship from an employer approved by the Home Office. You can apply no earlier than 3 months before the job start date shown on your certificate.

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How much does it cost?

The application fee is £324 per person for a visa of up to 3 years and £628 for more than 3 years; the amount is the same whether you apply from outside or inside the UK. You must also show at least £1,270 in savings held for at least 28 days in a row, with day 28 falling within 31 days of your application. This requirement is dropped if you have already held a UK visa for at least 12 months or your employer covers your first month's costs.

Why is it better than the ordinary work visa?

The big saving is that you do not pay the Immigration Health Surcharge, which on other visas runs to hundreds of pounds a year for each person. For a family of several that is thousands of pounds saved over the life of the visa. You can use the NHS from the first day the visa starts.

What salary is required?

There is a minimum salary threshold, but it depends on the specific job, so the exact figure must be checked for your role. A decision is usually made in about three weeks after you apply and give your biometrics.

How long does it last and what next?

The visa is granted for up to 5 years and can be extended as many times as you like while you still qualify. You can bring a partner and children as dependants. After 5 years in the country you may apply for indefinite leave to remain. On this visa you cannot claim most public funds or the State Pension, and you cannot change employer or job without updating your visa.