Salary Threshold Requirement
General Salary Requirements for Health and Care Worker Visa
Employers looking to hire under the Health and Care Worker Visa route must typically offer a salary of at least £20,960 per year or the 'going rate' for the specific job role, whichever is higher.
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Each occupation code has its own set ‘going rate,’ and these vary according to the job role and location. For healthcare roles within the NHS, salary scales are based on the NHS pay bands, which differ across the UK, including England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.
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Nurses Trained Outside the UK and EEA
Nurses who have trained outside the UK and EEA may apply to join the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) Register, provided they meet the NMC's standards. The NMC will assess the training from the applicant's country of origin and compare it to the UK's requirements.
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Note: Registration with the NMC does not automatically grant the right to work in the UK. Additional immigration requirements must be met.
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The registration process and requirements differ for nurses trained in the UK and EEA compared to those trained outside these regions.
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Financial Maintenance Requirement
Most applicants will need to demonstrate they have sufficient funds to support themselves in the UK. You must have at least £1,270 in savings, which must have been held for at least 28 consecutive days, with the end of that period no more than 31 days before submitting your Health and Care Worker Visa application.
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However, there are some exemptions to this requirement, such as if your sponsor can certify your maintenance or if you have been in the UK for a certain period.
Health and Care Worker Visa
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The Health and Care Worker Visa enables qualified medical professionals to come to or remain in the UK to work in eligible roles within the NHS, with NHS suppliers, or in adult social care. This visa is open to doctors, nurses, and other professionals in the health and adult social care sectors.
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A major benefit of the Health and Care Worker Visa is the opportunity to apply for permanent settlement in the UK after 5 years of continuous residence. Additionally, applicants can bring their dependent partners and children with them as part of their visa application.
Eligibility for a Health and Care Worker Visa
To qualify for a Health and Care Worker Visa, you must meet the following criteria set by UK Visas and Immigration:
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Age Requirement: You must be aged 18 or over.
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Professional Qualification: You must be a qualified doctor, nurse, health professional, or adult social care professional.
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Eligible Job: You must work or have a job offer in an eligible health or social care role listed under approved occupation codes.
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Approved Employer: You must be employed or have a job offer from a UK health and care sector employer that is approved by the Home Office.
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Certificate of Sponsorship: You must have a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from your employer, detailing the role you have been offered.
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English Language Proficiency: You must demonstrate English language proficiency at CEFR Level B1 (equivalent to IELTS 4.0 or higher).
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Salary Requirement: You must be offered a salary that meets the minimum threshold or the 'going rate' for your job, whichever is higher.
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Financial Requirement: You must have enough money to support yourself without relying on public funds.
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Criminal Record Certificate: If working with vulnerable people, you must provide a criminal record certificate.
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TB Certificate: If you're from a country where a TB test is required, you must provide a valid TB certificate.
Additional Considerations
The exact requirements may vary depending on your individual circumstances.
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Before applying for a Health and Care Worker Visa, you must have a job offer from a Home Office-approved sponsor. As visa consultants, we are unable to arrange job offers or sponsor visa applicants.
