With continued pressures on the NHS, the Home Office on the 14th of July 2020 introduced the current Health and Care Work Visa to enable individuals from overseas to join the brilliant NHS Services as well as Independent Care Providers to upkeep the demands of health and care services required in the UK. This announcement was made by Rt Hon Priti Patel, at the time she was the Home Secretary.
The health service has been a constant debate, being used as a political topic by both the Conservative and Labour Ministers respectively. We have seen unfortunate scenarios of cancellation of major required surgery, prolonged waiting times, delays in receiving appropriate appointments as well as adequate care being available.
So how does the current Health and Care Work Visa work?
As part of a process, an employer in the UK, whether an NHS Trust or an Independent Care Provider, they would need to hold a Sponsor License. More information on the sponsor licence can be found here:
https://www.icslegal.com/sponsorship-licence-applying-for-a-licence.php.
- Under the sponsorship license, the organisation is required to demonstrate the business established in the UK.
- Followingly, the organisation would assign an allocation to the individual, where this generates the Certificate of Sponsorship.
- Thereafter, the individual can use the Certificate of Sponsorship to apply for the Health and Care Visa.
Note the length of time an individual can remain in the UK is generally 5 Years, before qualifying to settle. Although, an application to extend can be made.
Also, to confirm dependents can enter the UK as direct family members, partner’s, spouse’s, children 18 or under.
How can I be eligible for the visa?
This is a common question that we always are raised with, your eligibility is purely based on meeting a job criteria. Where you feel you are adequate for the job role, you simply apply and be considered.
However, as an alternative you can study for a prospective course in the UK to provide you with the opportunity to gain exposure where you can improve on your skillset. This can increase your chances to be eligible for a role, as normally you would be versed with how the systems and procedures work in the UK.
How effective is the Health and Care Visa?
In 2022 the Home Office granted 268,000 Work Visas where a significant proportion (54%) is based on main applicants relocating to the UK.
Under the Home Office Statistics published, it states the majority of entrants are from India.
The support of entrants to the UK allows to ease pressures within the UK labour market. It will most certainly aid the health and care sector with improved services.
At ICS Legal, we work with a number of providers along with recruiters where sponsorships are offered to talented individuals to relocate to the UK, supporting the work force.
Send us feedback at info@icslegal.com, whether you have seen any significant changes when visiting your GP or Hospital, share your stories with us.
Our Immigration Lawyers work with both the employer and the prospective individual in supporting the relocation to the UK. Speak to an ICS Legal Visa Expert today for immigration advice.
Tel: 020 7237 3388
Website: www.icslegal.com