UK Visa

A Guide to the UK Skilled Worker Visa and Health and Care Worker Visa Application Process in 2024

The UK continues to attract global talent through various visa routes, including the Skilled Worker Visa and the Health and Care Worker Visa. These two visa categories allow skilled professionals from across the globe to work in the UK, filling gaps in key industries such as health, technology and engineering and accounting for 80% of all work visa applications. This guide will explain the main eligibility criteria, application processes, and essential documents needed for both visas.

1. Skilled Worker Visa

The Skilled Worker Visa is one of the most popular visa routes for non-UK nationals seeking employment in the UK. It allows individuals to live and work in the UK, provided they have an offer of a job that meets certain skill and salary thresholds.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for a Skilled Worker Visa, you must meet the following criteria:

- Job Offer: You must have a confirmed job offer from a UK employer who is a licensed sponsor. The job should be on the list of eligible occupations, which includes roles in industries such as IT, engineering, teaching, and healthcare. You can apply for jobs from visa-sponsoring employers here.

- Skill Level: The job must meet the required skill level, typically RQF level 3 (equivalent to A-level). As jobs on UK Visa Jobs are pre-filtered, you do not need to worry about the skill level requirement when applying for jobs.

- Salary Threshold: The job must meet the salary threshold, which is at least £38,700 annually or the ‘going rate’ for the specific occupation (whichever is higher). Some exceptions apply based on roles, such as shortage occupations. We have pre-filtered jobs based on salaries, so you do not need to worry about the requirements when applying for jobs.

- English Language Requirement: You must prove your proficiency in English (at least at level B1 on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages), either by passing a recognised English language test or through an academic qualification taught in English.

You can learn more about the Skilled Worker visa here.

Application Process

1. Sponsorship Certificate: Your UK employer must provide you with a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), which is an electronic document containing a reference number that you will need for your visa application.

2. Gather Documents: Essential documents include:

Your Certificate of Sponsorship
Proof of your knowledge of English
A valid passport or other travel identification
Evidence of sufficient savings (unless your employer agrees to certify your maintenance)
Tuberculosis test results (if applicable, based on your country of residence)

3. Submit the Application: Applications can be submitted online, whether you are applying from inside or outside the UK. The standard fee for a Skilled Worker Visa ranges from £719 to £1,693 depending on the length of stay and whether the job is on the shortage occupation list.

4. Pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): This mandatory surcharge allows you to access the NHS and currently costs £1,035 per year.

5. Wait for a Decision: Processing times vary, but most applicants receive a decision within 3 weeks if applying from outside the UK or 8 weeks if applying from within the UK.

Visa Duration and Extension

The Skilled Worker Visa is generally valid for up to 5 years. You can apply to extend your visa or settle permanently in the UK (Indefinite Leave to Remain) after 5 years, provided you continue to meet the eligibility requirements.

2. Health and Care Worker Visa

The Health and Care Worker Visa is a specific category within the Skilled Worker Visa route designed for medical professionals. This visa allows qualified healthcare workers to come to the UK to work in eligible health or social care roles for an approved employer.

Eligibility Criteria

To apply for the Health and Care Worker Visa, you must:

- Job Offer: Have a job offer from the NHS, an NHS supplier, or a registered care home. On UK Visa Jobs, you can apply for visa-sponsored health care jobs from multiple organisations in one place.

- Eligible Role: Work in an eligible occupation, such as doctors, nurses, health professionals, or senior care workers. The government maintains a list of eligible roles.

- Salary Requirements: Meet the salary requirement of at least £20,960 annually or the ‘going rate’ for the role, whichever is higher.

- English Language Requirement: As with the Skilled Worker Visa, you need to demonstrate English proficiency at level B1.

You can learn more about the Health and Care Worker visa here.

Application Process

1. Certificate of Sponsorship: Similar to the Skilled Worker Visa, your employer must provide you with a Certificate of Sponsorship, which confirms your job offer and details.

2. Document Preparation: You will need:

A valid Certificate of Sponsorship
Proof of your knowledge of English
A valid passport or travel document
Evidence of sufficient savings (if applicable)
Tuberculosis test results (if required)

3. Submit the Application: Applications are done online. You can apply from either outside the UK or within the UK. The application fee for the Health and Care Worker Visa is lower than the Skilled Worker Visa and ranges from £284 to £551 depending on the duration of your stay and whether your job is on the shortage occupation list.

4. No Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): One significant advantage of the Health and Care Worker Visa is that applicants are exempt from paying the Immigration Health Surcharge, which can save hundreds or even thousands of pounds.

5. Wait for a Decision: You will usually receive a decision within 3 weeks if applying from outside the UK or 8 weeks if applying from within the UK.

Visa Duration and Extension

The Health and Care Worker Visa can be valid for up to 5 years and can be extended. After 5 years, applicants may be eligible for Indefinite Leave to Remain, provided they still meet the visa requirements.

Key Differences Between the Two Visas

While both the Skilled Worker Visa and the Health and Care Worker Visa share similar application processes, the latter is tailored specifically for healthcare professionals and offers several advantages:

Lower Fees: The Health and Care Worker Visa has reduced application fees compared to the Skilled Worker Visa.
No Immigration Health Surcharge: Health and care workers are exempt from paying the IHS, making this visa more cost-effective.
Priority for Healthcare Roles: The Health and Care Worker Visa is designed to fast-track visa approvals for roles critical to the UK’s healthcare system.

How UK Visa Jobs Make the Process Easier

Navigating the UK visa application process begins with securing a job offer from a licensed sponsor, which can often be the most challenging part. This is where platforms like UK Visa Jobs come into play. UK Visa Jobs is a dedicated platform that simplifies the job search for individuals seeking visa sponsorship, listing only roles from employers who are able and willing to sponsor visas. Whether you are applying for a Skilled Worker Visa or a Health and Care Worker Visa, UK Visa Jobs can help you find suitable roles across multiple industries, such as healthcare, IT, engineering, and more. By using the platform, you can save time and effort, ensuring that you focus on job opportunities that align with your qualifications and visa requirements.

Conclusion

Both the Skilled Worker Visa and Health and Care Worker Visa provide excellent opportunities for skilled professionals to work and live in the UK. By meeting the eligibility criteria and following the application process carefully, you can obtain the right to work in the UK in a variety of sectors, from healthcare to engineering, with the potential to settle permanently after 5 years.

Whether you are a general skilled worker or a healthcare professional, these visa routes provide a clear path to launching your career in the UK.