A new shortage occupation list has just been released by the UK government’s Migration Advisory Committee (MAC), and it includes several key roles in the healthcare industry, including nurses and care workers. This comes at an important time in the United Kingdom, which has seen a growing demand for medical services as an aging population requires more care. The shortage occupation list is created to encourage companies to fill these positions through skilled migrant workers from outside of the UK. With this new addition, however, there will likely be more options available to employers looking to hire care workers.
A statement detailing changes to immigration rules was published on 24 January 2022, confirming that Care Workers will be added to the UK’s shortage occupation list. As a result, Care Workers will be eligible to apply for Skilled Worker visas under the new Points-Based Immigration System. The measures are designed to help address the chronic lack of qualified carers and reduce reliance on low-skilled migrant labour from within the UK.
Cost for Health and Care Visa Application
The latest list of shortage occupations from the Home Office now includes care workers and will make it easier for them to live and work in the UK. The government has recognised that there is a lack of qualified workers available to fill these roles.
A subcategory of Skilled Worker visa called the Health and Care Visa exempts eligible applicants from paying the Immigration Health Surcharge, and also requires a lower visa application fees. In order to be considered an eligible applicant they must be nominated by an approved health or social care organisation, have successfully completed any necessary training, hold qualifications needed and meet all other requirements of their category including English language skills.
The application fees vary depending on how long you will be in the UK:
Staying in the UK for up to 3 year visa costs £232 per person
Staying in the UK for up to 5 year visa costs £464 per person
The application fee is the same no matter where you apply either in the United Kingdom or from outside the UK.
How to apply for a Care Worker Visa
You can apply for a shortage occupation visa if you’re from outside of the UK but want to work as a care worker in one of the following areas:
- Adult social care (e.g. personal care)
- Childcare and early years
- Health and social care support workers (e.g. nurses, therapists, health visitors)
- School nursing roles will also be added to the list later this year
- Care workers are needed across England, Scotland and Wales
In order to qualify as an applicant, you must meet other eligibility requirements such as having the necessary English language qualification and the fitness needed for your job.
As a foreign national, you may apply from outside of the UK or from within the UK in order to switch or extend your visa for most routes.However, visitors in the UK cannot apply to switch their visas. If you’re currently in the UK, you cannot switch to this visa:
- Visitor visa
- Short-term student visa
- Parent of a Child Student visa
- Seasonal Worker Visa
- Domestic worker in a private household visa
- Immigration bail
- If you got a visa outside the immigration rules, for example because of compassionate reasons
If you fall into one of these categories, you will be required to leave the UK and apply for a Health and Care Worker visa from outside the UK.
In a situation where you are already sponsored by an employer in the UK, you can submit a Skilled Worker application from inside the UK in order to change your current employer to work as a Health and Care worker .
Can the Care Worker apply for settlement?
You can apply for settlement as a care worker if you have been living and working in the UK for five years of continuous residence under the skilled worker route. This is called an Indefinite leave to remain ILR . It allows you to be lawfully resident in the UK without any restrictions on your stay, provided that your continued presence does not threaten national security or public order. There are also other routes available, such as applying for citizenship or permanent residency. However it is best you always check in with a legal advisor/ immigration solicitor before making any decisions on your immigration status.
What are the documents needed?
During your application for a Care worker visa, you will be required to submit the required documents needed for your application. They include;
- You will also be required to submit a certificate of sponsorship (Issued by your sponsor)
- Letters of acceptance (For all the relevant schools or colleges you will attend)
- Current passport
- Tuberculosis test result (If applicable)
- Criminal record certificate
- English Language qualification B1 level (CEFR)
- Financial evidence
- Health care insurance
It is important to note that this is not an exhaustive list of all the documents that may be required, and some may not apply to you depending on your individual circumstances.
What are the visa processing times?
The Health and Care route should take a period of 3 weeks to process from within or outside the UK. Applicants can opt for priority services which may attract extra charges. With the priority service faster decision on your application within 5 days or 24 hours after your visa appointment.
How can we help?
We are partnered with the best immigration solicitors and lawyers who specialise in all aspects of corporate global mobility. If you’re looking for assistance with a skilled worker visa application or assistance with a sponsor licence, contact us today. Register with us to get free DIY packs to assist you with your applicant and immigration compliance.
