UK Visa’s explained: Skilled Worker/Health and Care Worker (Previously Tier 2)

If you are moving to the UK from overseas, you will need a visa to live and work in the country. As a doctor, you can work on a Skilled Worker or Health and Care Worker visa as you will be in an eligible, skilled job. In this guide, we explain the differences between these visas, their eligibility criteria, how to apply, the UK’s points-based immigration system, and the full cost of each application.

What’s the difference between a Skilled Worker visa and a Health and Care Worker visa?

A Health and Care Worker visa allows medical professionals to come to or stay in the UK to do an eligible job with the NHS, an NHS supplier, or in adult social care.

A Skilled Worker visa allows you to come to or stay in the UK to do an eligible job with an approved employer.

A doctor can work in the UK on either of the above visas. It is worth taking the time to check if you’re eligible for the Health and Care Worker visa, as it is cheaper to apply for and you won’t need to pay the annual immigration health surcharge.

Are the Health and Care Worker and Skilled Worker visas the same as the Tier 2 visa?

The UK’s Tier 2 (General) visa has been replaced by the Skilled Worker visa. With effect from 1 December 2020, visa applications from skilled workers are to be made under the new route which forms part of the UK’s new points-based immigration system.

The UK’s Tier 2 Health and Care Visa has been replaced by the Health and Care Worker visa and this visa allows medical professionals to come to or stay in the UK to do an eligible job with the NHS, an NHS supplier, or in adult social care.

Am I eligible for a Skilled Worker or Health and Care Worker visa?

Under the Skilled Worker visa, you will need to demonstrate that:

• You have a job offer from a home office licensed sponsor
• Your job offer is at the required skill level
• You speak English to the required standard

The only additional criteria for the Health and Care Worker visa are that you will need to demonstrate:

• You are a qualified doctor, nurse, health professional, or adult social care professional

In addition to this, for both visas, the job you are being offered must meet the applicable minimum salary threshold. This is the higher of either:

• The general salary threshold of £25,600, or
• The specific salary requirement for their occupation, known as the ‘going rate’

Applicants are required to score at least 70 points in total to successfully apply for a UK Skilled Worker visa. A full breakdown of points is as follows: 

Maintenance for Dependants: You will need to show an extra £285 for your spouse, £315 for your first child, and £200 for each additional dependent child if you intend to bring them to the UK. Your sponsor will also be able to certify the dependants for maintenance purposes.

More information can be found on the UK Government’s website regarding the UK’s points-based immigration system for the Skilled Worker visa.

More information can be found on the NHS Employers website  regarding the UK’s point-based immigration system for the Health and Care Worker visa.

How long does the visa last?

Both Skilled Worker and Health and Care Worker visas can last for up to 5 years. You can extend your visa if you’re still eligible. After 5 years, you may be able to apply to settle permanently in the UK.

How do I apply?

As part of your application, you’ll need to prove your identity and provide your documents. The documents you will need in order to apply include:

• Your Certificate of Sponsorship reference number which your employer will give to you
• Proof of your knowledge of English
• A valid passport or other documents that show your identity and nationality
• Your job title and annual salary
• Your job’s occupation code
• The name of your employer and their sponsor licence number - this will be on your certificate of sponsorship

Other documents you may need to provide depending on your circumstances include:

• Evidence that you have enough personal savings to support yourself in the UK, for example, bank statements (unless your Certificate of Sponsorship shows your employer can support you)
• Proof of your relationship with your partner or children if they’re applying with you
• Your tuberculosis test results if you’re from a listed country
• A criminal record certificate from each country you’ve lived in, depending on your age and how long you stayed in each country

You should make sure that you have your Certificate of Sponsorship provided by your sponsor to hand when you apply, as it has the information you will need to complete the form. Your application is likely to be rejected if you do not have a Certificate of Sponsorship.

If you are applying from outside the UK, you can apply online for your visa and review the documents you will need to provide here:

How long does it take to get a Skilled Worker or Health and Care Worker visa?

You can apply for a visa up to 3 months before the day you are due to start work in the UK. This date is listed on your Certificate of Sponsorship.

Once you’ve applied online, proven your identity, and provided your documents, you’ll usually get a decision on your visa within 3 weeks if you’re outside the UK.

How much do they cost?

The total cost of your visa is more than just the application fee. You need to factor in additional costs including bringing dependents over on your visa and a yearly healthcare surcharge. Depending on whether you apply for a Skilled Worker visa or a Health and Care Worker visa, the breakdown of costs is as follows:

At A&E Agency, we’re passionate about the quality of our people and proud of the services we provide. If you need information or guidance with your UK Visa Application, register today with A&E Agency. Our team is here to help international doctors find great work opportunities in the UK. 

Resources

GOV.UK. 2021. Health and Care Worker visa. [online] Available at: <https://www.gov.uk/health-care-worker-visa> [Accessed 02 May 2023].

GOV.UK. 2021. Skilled Worker visa. [online] Available at: <https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa> [Accessed 02 May 2023].