UK’s health & care visa: In response to a severe shortage of healthcare workers, the UK has approved 77,700 long-term work visas for care workers, marking a substantial six-fold increase compared to the previous year, 2022.
The United Kingdom (UK) is grappling with a shortage of health and care workers. As reported by Skills for Care, an industry body, by the conclusion of March 2023. There were over 150,000 openings within the adult social care sector. Constituting 9.9% of the total vacant positions in the country.
In an effort to address the increasing number of job vacancies. The government included senior care workers in the Shortage Occupation list in 2021, followed by care workers in February 2022. By June 2023, authorities had allocated 77,700 long-term work visas to care workers. Indicating a substantial six-fold increase from the 12,300 granted in the previous year, 2022. Health and care visas now constitute 40% of all skilled work visas issued in the UK.
Indians show significant preference for this visa category, surpassing all other nationalities in choosing the UK on this visa route. In the period ending June 2022, 24,348 Indians received health and care worker visas, a number that rose to 45,943 in the current year.
In a specialized interview, Yash Dubal, Director & Senior Immigration Associate at A Y & J Solicitors in London, provides comprehensive insights into the health and care visa in the UK.
What is a Uk’s Health & Care visa?
The UK introduced the Health and Care Worker visa in August 2020. Enabling medical professionals to come to or remain in the country for eligible roles within the British National Health Service (NHS), an NHS supplier, or in adult social care.
What is the eligibility criteria?
Health and care worker visas in the UK are exclusively available to adults and pertain to positions within NHS clinics, hospitals, community services, and private health and care providers authorized to hire international workers.
To be eligible, applicants must be qualified doctors, nurses, health professionals, or adult social care professionals. Additionally, they must possess a job offer from a UK employer that has received approval from the UK Home Office.
Prospective applicants need to obtain a ‘certificate of sponsorship’ from their British employer. Which should contain details about the offered role in the UK. The salary associated with the job must align with the minimum salary requirements specified on the UK Government website.
Are degrees from Indian universities recognised?
Individuals who have pursued their education abroad must go through the application process via Ecctis (formerly UK NARIC) to obtain confirmation that their qualifications are equivalent to a UK bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, or PhD.
What about English language proficiency?
Candidates must also demonstrate proficiency in reading, writing, speaking, and understanding English at a minimum level of B1 on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) scale.
Applicants can meet this requirement through various means. Including successfully completing a Secure English Language Test (SELT) from an authorized provider. Having a UK GCSE, A level, Scottish National Qualification level 4 or 5, Scottish Higher, or Advanced Higher in English. Attained through studies at a UK school initiated before turning 18. Or holding an academic qualification at degree level taught in English.
Where & how can one apply for this visa?
Indian applicants applying from outside the UK must submit their applications online via the official UK government website. As a component of the application procedure, applicants must provide evidence of their identity. Typically, this involves undergoing fingerprinting and having a photograph taken at a visa application center in India to obtain a biometric residence permit.
What is the fee?
The Health and Care Visa entails various fees, and applicants must demonstrate their ability to financially support themselves in the UK. Typically, proof of this involves having a minimum of £1,270 available.
The standard application fee varies based on the visa duration. For up to three years, it amounts to £284 per person, while for durations exceeding three years, the fee is £551 per person.
What is the processing time?
Upon submitting an online application, providing necessary documents, and verifying identity, authorities typically make a decision within three weeks.
In some instances, the process may prolong if, for example, authorities need to verify supporting documents, applicants must attend an interview, or there are exceptional personal circumstances, such as a criminal conviction on the part of the applicant.
How long is the visa valid? Can it be renewed?
The visa has a maximum validity of 5 years and is eligible for extension. Visa holders must submit applications for extensions or updates in cases where their visas expire or if there are alterations to their job or employer.
What benefits are the dependants of the visa holder entitled to?
A dependent partner or child includes a spouse, civil partner, unmarried partner, a child under 18 or a child over 18 currently residing in the UK.
Applicants must provide evidence of these relationships during the application process. In 2022, the health and care worker visa route saw 30,000 Indian nationals relocating to the UK. With more than half (18,000) bringing dependents along with them.
Can one transition from this work visa to UK citizenship?
Following a period of five years. Individuals holding health and care visas may have the opportunity to apply for permanent settlement in the UK through the ‘indefinite leave to remain’ scheme.
This status grants individuals the right to reside, work, and study in Britain indefinitely. And they can apply for specific benefits if they meet the eligibility criteria. Before achieving indefinite leave to remain. Visa holders are not eligible for benefits but can access health treatment through the NHS.
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