If you’ve recently moved to the UK and are considering a career in healthcare or social care, understanding the visa options available is crucial. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the UK’s sponsorship visa system, focusing on roles within the NHS and the care sector.*
What Is a Sponsorship Visa?
A sponsorship visa allows non-UK nationals to work in the UK, provided they have a job offer from an approved employer who holds a sponsor licence. The most common route for healthcare and care workers is the Skilled Worker visa, which includes a sub-category known as the Health and Care Worker visa.
Health and Care Worker Visa
The Health and Care Worker visa is tailored for individuals in eligible health or social care jobs. To qualify, you must:
- Have a job offer from an approved UK employer, such as the NHS, an organisation providing medical services to the NHS, or an organisation providing adult social care.
- Be assigned a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from your employer.
- Meet the required salary threshold, which varies depending on your occupation and role.
Key Requirements
- Salary Threshold: As of April 2025, the minimum salary for most health and care roles is £25,000 per annum or £12.82 per hour. However, some roles may have higher salary requirements based on national pay scales or occupation-specific thresholds.
- English Language Proficiency: You must demonstrate proficiency in the English language, typically by passing an approved English language test.
- Job Role: Your job must be on the list of eligible occupations for the Health and Care Worker visa.
Eligible Roles
Eligible roles under this visa include:
- Doctors and Nurses: General practitioners, specialist medical practitioners, and registered nurses.
- Allied Health Professionals: Physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech and language therapists, and paramedics.
- Social Workers: Qualified social workers in various settings.
- Care Workers: Health care assistants and senior care workers.
For a detailed list of eligible occupations and their corresponding codes, refer to the official UK government publication on eligible healthcare and education jobs.
Benefits
- Reduced Application Fees: Applicants pay lower visa application fees compared to other visa routes.
- Exemption from Immigration Health Surcharge: Applicants are exempt from the standard immigration health surcharge.
- Family Members: In most cases, you can bring your dependents with you to the UK.
Skilled Worker Visa
The Skilled Worker visa is a broader category that encompasses various professions, including healthcare and care roles. To be eligible:
- You must have a job offer from an approved sponsor.
- Your job must be on the list of eligible occupations.
- You must meet the required salary threshold.
Salary Requirements
- General Threshold: The general salary threshold for the Skilled Worker visa is £25,000 per annum or £12.82 per hour.
- Occupation-Specific Thresholds: Some roles have higher salary requirements based on national pay scales or occupation-specific thresholds.
Eligible Roles
Eligible roles under the Skilled Worker visa include:
- Healthcare Professionals: Doctors, nurses, and allied health professionals.
- Care Workers: Health care assistants and senior care workers.
For a comprehensive list of eligible occupations and their corresponding codes, consult the official UK government publication on eligible healthcare and education jobs.
Employer Sponsorship
To apply for either visa, your employer must be approved by the Home Office and hold a sponsor licence. The process involves:
- Employer Application: Your employer applies for a sponsor licence, providing details about their organisation and the roles they wish to sponsor.
- Certificate of Sponsorship: Once approved, your employer assigns you a Certificate of Sponsorship, which is a unique reference number required for your visa application.
- Visa Application: With the Certificate of Sponsorship, you can apply for your visa.
Employer Responsibilities
Employers are responsible for:
- Ensuring that the role meets the eligibility criteria.
- Assigning a valid Certificate of Sponsorship.
- Complying with all sponsor duties, including record-keeping and reporting obligations.
Application Process
The application process involves:
- Receiving a Job Offer: Secure a job offer from an approved sponsor.
- Obtaining a Certificate of Sponsorship: Your employer provides you with a Certificate of Sponsorship.
- Visa Application: Submit your visa application online, providing necessary documents such as proof of identity, job offer, and financial means.
- Decision: Await a decision on your visa application. Processing times vary.
Recent Changes and Considerations
Recent updates to immigration policies have impacted the care sector:
- Salary Thresholds: The minimum salary for care workers has increased, affecting eligibility for the Health and Care Worker visa.
- Dependents: New rules restrict care workers from bringing dependents under the Health and Care Worker visa route.
- Employer Requirements: Employers must now demonstrate attempts to recruit resident workers before hiring from overseas.
These changes aim to balance the need for skilled workers with the government’s immigration objectives.
Conclusion
Navigating the UK’s sponsorship visa system can be complex, but understanding the requirements and processes is the first step toward a successful application. Whether you’re aiming for a role within the NHS or the broader care sector, ensuring that both you and your employer meet the necessary criteria is essential. For the most current information and guidance, always refer to official resources such as the UK government’s website.
Please note that a CoS should always be free. You should never pay for a CoS. It is a visa fraud offence to be involved in any arrangement involving payment for a CoS or providing a CoS for a fee when there is no actual job available. If you are caught involved in fraud, your visa will be revoked and you will be required to go back to your country of original residence.
In summary, for detailed information on eligible healthcare and education jobs, visit the official UK government publication on eligible healthcare and education jobs.
**Nothing in this article is immigration, visa or employment advice. Please contact a lawyer or qualified advisor for advice.
