The Health and Care visa represents a fresh expedited visa option for qualified overseas health and care practitioners, including doctors, nurses, and affiliated healthcare professionals who have received training to an acknowledged level and satisfy the criteria for a visa in the United Kingdom. The revamped procedure provides swift decisions, lowered visa charges, and exemption from the Immigration Health Surcharge.
What drove the government to implement the Health and Care Visa?
The introduction of the Health and Care visa by the UK Government aims to address the scarcity of medical practitioners in the country. This visa is specifically designed to streamline and expedite the application process for exceptional overseas health professionals who wish to contribute their expertise to the National Health Service (NHS) and other qualifying occupations.
Nevertheless, the independent Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) has consistently emphasized that immigration alone cannot resolve the shortage of medical professionals. Instead, there should be a greater emphasis on investing in the domestic workforce and encouraging UK employers to prioritize recruitment within the country.
What advantages does applying for a Health and Care visa offer?
If you meet the eligibility criteria for the newly introduced Health and Care visa, you can take advantage of the streamlined application process and reduced visa fees (outlined below). The Home Office aims to reach a decision within just 3 weeks from the date of biometric enrolment, rather than the usual 8 to 20 weeks. Additionally, you will be exempt from paying the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS). Currently, the IHS fee stands at £400 per year, but it is set to increase to £624 in October 2020. This exemption also applies to dependents. Furthermore, the Home Office has established a dedicated support team ready to assist with any issues that may arise during the application process.
What are the revised visa fees for the Health and Care Visa?
The Home Office has implemented reduced visa fees for the Health and Care visa. The fees vary depending on whether the application is submitted from outside the UK or within the UK.
For applications made outside the UK:
Tier 2 – Health and Care visa – Under 3 years – £232 (previously £610)
Tier 2 – Health and Care visa – Over 3 years – £232 (previously £464)
For applications made within the UK:
Tier 2 – Health and Care visa – Under 3 years – £232 (previously £704)
Tier 2 – Health and Care visa – Over 3 years – £232 (previously £704)
What are the prerequisites for the Health and Care visa?
The Health and Care visa is open to applicants who:
Apply under Tier 2 (General) for Entry Clearance or Leave to Remain
Intend to work in one of the occupations specified within the list of Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) codes (refer to the list below)
Will be employed by an NHS trust/foundation trust in England or another eligible practice
In addition, you must meet the following Tier 2 criteria:
Possession of a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
Meeting the appropriate salary requirement
Proficiency in the English language
Maintenance of financial resources
Submission of travel history and/or overseas criminal record check, if applicable
As part of the application, the employer must provide a brief explanation of the CoS, outlining how the applicant meets the requirements of the Health and Care visa. For more detailed information on the responsibilities of your employer as a sponsor, please review the official guidance provided by the Home Office.
How our immigration solicitors can assist with the new Health and Care visa
In London, our team of immigration solicitors specializes in handling visa applications and meticulously prepares them to the highest standard. With a proven track record of successfully submitting visa applications for various clients, we possess the expertise necessary for a smooth and effective application process. The key to a successful Health and Care visa application lies in understanding the relevant Immigration Rules and ensuring the submission of accurate supporting documents.
Our immigration solicitors in London will guide applicants through these requirements and diligently prepare comprehensive legal submissions to support their case. Beyond providing legal representation, our solicitors also conduct thorough reviews of the application bundle on multiple occasions to ensure the inclusion of all necessary documentary evidence. Additionally, we offer invaluable assistance in preparing and submitting the application, ensuring a streamlined and efficient process.
Leveraging the expertise of our Immigration Solicitors for the submission of the new Health and Care visa
Qualified legal professionals, such as our specialist immigration and visa law firm, possess the necessary knowledge to offer guidance on immigration law and assist with immigration matters. By engaging one of our experienced immigration and visa solicitors, you can receive effective support in submitting your visa application. Our team, which includes solicitors and barristers, will ensure compliance with the requirements set by the Home Office and the Immigration Rules.
Home Office caseworkers are trained to reject applications that are inadequately prepared, often due to insufficient supporting evidence. To maximize the likelihood of a successful application, our solicitors and barristers will ensure that all the specified documents are accurately provided. The UK Immigration Rules are intricate, and seeking assistance from a legal representative can help ensure that your application aligns with these rules.
Achieve a successful submission of the new Health and Care visa
Our team of specialist solicitors and barristers are dedicated immigration lawyers who always prioritize your best interests. We adopt a personalized approach right from the beginning. Starting from our initial meeting, we offer expert advice on the prospects of submitting a visa application even before it reaches the Home Office’s UK Visa & Immigration department.
We provide comprehensive assistance in preparing and submitting your visa application, ensuring full compliance with the Immigration Rules. Situated in the legal hub of London, just a stone’s throw away from the Royal Courts of Justice, we strive to achieve optimal results for our clients. Our offices are conveniently located within minutes of the Immigration and Asylum Tribunal, the Royal Courts of Justice, and other central London courts.
Thorough preparation is the key to successful immigration applications, and our team of UK immigration and visa solicitors is here to guide you through the intricate immigration rules and requirements. If you wish to arrange a meeting with one of our lawyers, please contact our Immigration Team. We will assess your case and schedule a legal consultation to discuss your visa application in detail.