UK Health & Care Worker Visa

To qualify for a Health and Care Worker visa, you must:

• be a qualified doctor, nurse, health professional or adult social care professional
• work in an eligible health or social care job
• work for a UK employer that’s been approved by the Home Office
• have a ‘certificate of sponsorship’ from your employer with information about the role you’ve been offered in the UK
• be paid a minimum salary – how much depends on the type of work you do
• you must have a confirmed job offer before you apply for your visa

Can Health care workers visa holders apply to settle in the UK?
You can apply to extend your visa as many times as you like as long as you still meet the eligibility requirements. After 5 years, you may be able to apply to settle permanently in the UK (also known as ‘indefinite leave to remain’). This gives you the right to live, work and study here for as long as you like, and apply for benefits if you’re eligible.

How long is the Health care workers visa valid for?
You will be able to come to the UK for a maximum time of five years. It is also possible to extend the visa for up to another five years. As long as the total stay is not more than six years.

New requirement for visa customers wishing to stay in the UK for more than 6 months, to get a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) on arrival. you will receive a 30 day travel visa in your passport.

You should be aware that:

• you must travel within this 30 day period or your visa will expire
• if your 30 day travel visa expires before you travel, you will need to apply for a replacement and pay another fee in order to travel to the UK
• once you arrive in the UK you must collect your BRP from the Post Office you chose when you applied for your visa within 10 days
• you will receive a letter with your visa decision providing instructions on what you need to do once in the UK

Your BRP is an important document. It provides proof of your permission to be in the UK, for how long and the conditions attached to your stay, and can also be used as identification. View example of BRP.

You must be tested for tuberculosis (TB) if you are going to the UK for more than 6 months. Children under 11 years don’t need an x-ray but will also get a certificate. This is a mandatory requirement when applying for your UK visa. You’ll be given a certificate which is valid for 6 months from the date of your x-ray.

SA Travelbug will secure your TB appointment on your behalf with a clinic approved by the UK visa offices. They won’t accept a TB test certificate from a clinic they haven’t approved. Example of TB Certificate here. TB Screening for the UK Factsheet here.

There is no Immigration Health Surcharge payable. This concession is a huge saving for migrants on the Health & Care Worker Visa route.

SA Travelbug will assist you with the processing of South African Police Clearance Certificates (PCC) which is a mandatory requirement for your visa application. Request PCC here.

Travel Insurance including medical cover is required when travelling. It must cover the duration of the requested visa. Request Travel Insurance here.

With each Visa there is a different cost based in the foreign currency of the Country you are visiting, which together with our volatile South Africa Rand, results in the costs of Visas fluctuating.  In order for us to provide you with a quote, reflecting the current cost for the Visa you require, please click here for a detailed quote.

1. A thorough and detailed information gathering process ensuring you are provided with the latest current information.
2. Guidance as to the best submission process and submission centre regarding such applications.
3. Counselling throughout the preparation process, providing you with checklists and templates for the supporting documents required for your application.
4. Completing and submitting your online application.
5. Arranging the couriering of your documents.
6. Assisting in liaising and obtaining where possible supporting documentation and accreditation from the required 3rd parties. Noting that in some instances the time frame of such documentation is beyond the control of SA Travelbug.
7.  Arranging for the translation of required supporting documents.
8. Preparation of a complete application dossier for presentation to Immigration Authorities, as required.
9. If required we will also arrange your Consular appointment.
10. To maintain the confidentiality of the client’s information and documents and to only release these details to the noted Government officials and those required by law or in order to expedite the application, unless the Applicant provides the authority to release information or documents to any other party.

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

Note: We cannot guarantee visa processing times in advance. All processing periods quoted are estimates only and subject to change.