Visa and Sponsorship Information for Healthcare Candidates
Whether you are a healthcare professional looking to work in the UK or planning to join a family member, there are several visa options available. Each route has different benefits and requirements, so it’s important to check the details carefully to find the best option for you.
Skilled Worker Visa (Tier 2)
This is the most common visa for healthcare professionals who have secured a job offer in the UK. It allows you to work in a healthcare role where there is a demand for skilled professionals.
Eligibility Criteria:
Your job must meet the minimum skill level of RQF Level 3 or above (equivalent to A-levels).
The role must meet the salary requirement of £26,200 per year or £10.75 per hour, unless your job is on the Shortage Occupation List.
Your role must be listed on the Shortage Occupation List, which includes many healthcare jobs, such as nurses, senior care workers, and healthcare assistants.
Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR):
After 5 years of sponsorship on a Skilled Worker Visa, you may be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), which allows you to live and work in the UK permanently without sponsorship.
To qualify, you must meet certain requirements, such as:Meeting the residency requirement.
Having continuous lawful residence.
Passing the Life in the UK Test.
Proving English language proficiency.
To apply, and for more details, please visit HERE.
Student Visa/Graduate Visa
If you're studying in the UK on a Student Visa, you may be able to work part-time during your studies—up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during holidays, depending on your visa conditions.
Graduate Visa:
Once you complete your studies, you can apply for a Graduate Visa, which allows you to work in the UK for up to 2 years (3 years for PhD graduates) without requiring sponsorship.
However, the time spent on a Graduate Visa does not count toward the 5 years required for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).
Alternatively, you can switch to a Skilled Worker Visa, which allows you to work full-time and contributes to your ILR application.
Spousal Visa (For Spouses of UK Residents)
Purpose: For those married to a UK resident or citizen to live and work in the UK.
Work Rights: No employer sponsorship is required. You can take up any job or start a business.
Requirements:
Proof of marriage or civil partnership.
Meet financial requirements (usually a minimum income of £18,600 per year for the UK-based sponsor, or savings in some cases).
Pass an English language test (unless exempt).
Accommodation arrangements showing you’ll live together in the UK.
Duration: Typically granted for an initial period of 2.5 years, with the possibility of extension.
Path to Settlement: After completing 5 years on a Spousal Visa, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), which is a step toward UK citizenship.
Dependent Visa for Skilled Worker (Tier 2) Holders
Purpose: Allows dependents of Skilled Worker visa holders to join them in the UK and live, work, or study without separate sponsorship. This category includes:
Spouse or Civil Partner.
Unmarried Partner (if in a durable relationship, typically proven by cohabitation of at least 2 years).
Children under 18 (at the time of application) who are financially dependent on the primary visa holder.
Children over 18 if they are already in the UK as dependents and remain financially dependent on the primary visa holder.
Work Rights: Dependents aged 18 or over can work freely for any employer or be self-employed. No employer sponsorship is required.
Study Rights: Dependents can also pursue studies in the UK, potentially accessing home fee status or other benefits depending on their circumstances.
Your Path to a Career in the UK
Working in the UK healthcare sector offers exciting opportunities, but before applying for jobs, you need to ensure you meet all the necessary requirements for obtaining a work visa. Below is a step-by-step guide for candidates wishing to apply for sponsorship.
What You Need to Apply for Sponsorship
To apply for a Skilled Worker Visa (or another relevant visa), you need to meet certain criteria:
Qualifications
Ensure your qualifications align with UK standards. For example, if you’re applying for a nursing role, you will need to be registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC).
Some qualifications may need to be verified or converted to UK standards through services like NARIC (National Recognition Information Centre) or ENIC. This ensures that your qualifications are recognised by UK employers.
Some healthcare roles may require specific UK certification or registration, depending on your area of expertise—such as registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) for allied health professionals, or the General Medical Council (GMC) for doctors.
Professional CV
Tailor your CV to focus on relevant healthcare experience, certifications, and any extra training you have received. Make sure to highlight specific roles, skills, and achievements that showcase your qualifications and suitability for the job you’re applying for.
It is important to demonstrate relevant experience in the role you’re applying for, such as care worker, registered nurse, or healthcare assistant. Highlight your responsibilities, achievements, and any required skills, qualifications, or certifications specific to the position.
English Language Proficiency
To qualify for a Skilled Worker Visa, you must prove your English proficiency by passing an approved test like IELTS or the OET (for healthcare professionals). You typically need to achieve a minimum of CEFR level B1 in reading, writing, speaking, and listening.
Experience and References
Provide proof of your relevant work experience by including references from previous employers that outline the skills and responsibilities you have undertaken in similar roles. This can include job descriptions, performance reviews, or any other supporting documents that demonstrate your qualifications for the role.
Confirm Sponsorship Availability
Before applying for jobs in the UK, confirm that the employer is a registered sponsor. You can verify this by checking the list of approved sponsors on the UK Government’s website.
It is important to apply only to employers that can offer a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) for your visa
How We Support Candidates
Visa Guidance and Support: We offer expert advice on the most appropriate visa options for your situation, including the Skilled Worker and Graduate Visas. Our team helps you understand the full requirements and supports you throughout the application process to ensure everything is in order.
Document Preparation: We assist you in gathering and reviewing all necessary documents, ensuring they are complete, accurate, and comply with UK Home Office guidelines, making your application process smoother and quicker.
Sponsorship Matching: We connect you with trusted UK employers who are licensed sponsors, ensuring that your job role is eligible for sponsorship and that you have the necessary support to secure a valid work visa.
Eligibility Assessment: We assess your qualifications, work experience, and English language proficiency to ensure you meet the specific requirements for the visa and role before you apply, saving you time and effort.
Application Assistance: From preparing your documents to submitting your application, we guide you through every step of the process, making it as straightforward and stress-free as possible.
Training and Certification: We advise you on any additional UK-specific certifications or registrations you may need for your healthcare role, such as NMC registration for nurses, ensuring you're fully qualified to work in the UK.
Career Advice: We provide tailored advice on how to succeed in the UK healthcare sector, from navigating the job market to progressing in your career and adapting to the UK healthcare system.
Why Work with Willing Care?
Expertise in Healthcare Recruitment: With years of experience in healthcare recruitment, we understand the specific challenges and requirements of both clients and candidates.
Comprehensive Support: From visa applications to securing your job offer, we manage the entire process to ensure a smooth and efficient transition as you start your career in the UK healthcare sector.
Ethical Recruitment Practices: We adhere to the highest ethical standards and comply with all UK immigration regulations to ensure a transparent, fair recruitment process.
Take the Next Step with Us
Whether you're a healthcare professional looking to advance your career in the UK or seeking guidance on the visa process, we're here to make your journey seamless and efficient. Our expert team offers full support, from visa assistance and document preparation to career advice, ensuring you have the resources you need to succeed in the UK healthcare sector.
Contact us today to learn more about how we can support your career journey.