A new UK Health and Care Visa for overseas medical workers will open for applications from 4 August 2020. The announcement is good news for foreign medical workers who would like to work in the UK, as the new visa has many advantages. It will also be possible for the dependents of the medical worker to join him or her in the UK.
How the new Health and Care Visa will work
The UK Government has announced that it will not be a new migration route. The new visa will be part of the current Tier 2 (General) visa route.
To qualify to apply for the health visa the overseas medical worker must be offered a job by the National Health Service (NHS) or health board or by a medical and social care organisation specified by the Home Office.
The person will also have to meet all the other usual Tier 2 (General) immigration route criteria. The criteria will include meeting the English language requirement, meeting the relevant salary threshold, sufficient personal savings, and a valid Certificate of Sponsorship.
The list of jobs that are eligible for the new health and care visa are;
2112 – Biological scientists and biochemists
2113 – Physical Scientists
2211 – Medical Practitioners
2212 – Psychologists
2213 – Pharmacists
2214 – Ophthalmic Opticians
2215 – Dental practitioners
2217 – Medical Radiographers
2218 – Podiatrists
2219 – Health Professionals not elsewhere classified
2221 – Physiotherapists
2222 – Occupational Therapists
2223 – Speech and Language Therapists
2229 – Therapy professionals not elsewhere classified
2231 – Nurses
2232 – Midwives
2442 – Social Workers
3213 – Paramedics
Unfortunately, care home workers are excluded from the new health and medical visa. It was first believed that the UK Government will specifically include care home workers.
Other advantages of the Health and Medical Visa
The UK Government has included a range of benefits in order to make it more attractive and easier for overseas medical workers to come to the UK. The benefits include;
- Exemption from having to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge by the main applicant, as well as for dependents on the application.
- The Home Office visa application fees are reduced. There will also be a reduced visa fee for the partners and dependents of the main applicants.
- The decision on the Health and Medical visa application will be fast-tracked. The Home Office hopes to gives a decision on an application within three weeks.
How Breytenbachs can help you
Breytenbachs Immigration Consultants have a dedicated team of consultants that specifically deal with Tier 2 applications and sponsorship licenses. If you are interested in applying for this new Health and Medical Visa, or which to find out more, you are welcome to email them at [email protected]
