How to Get UK Health and Care Worker Visa With Family Without Agent

For healthcare workers who want to live and work in the UK with their families with them, the UK Health and Care Worker Visa is a great option. This visa specifically aims to recruit professionals from the health and social care sectors, including doctors, nurses, and other allied health professionals. Fast-track processing for this visa is one of its main benefits; it expedites the process of moving to and starting a job in the UK.

Furthermore, this visa provides a route to permanent residency, allowing you and your family to settle down permanently in the UK after a few years of living and working there. Probably most importantly, you can save hundreds or even thousands of dollars by applying for this visa without the assistance of an immigration agent. In this post, we’ll walk you through the requirements and procedures so that you can enter the UK on a Health and Care Worker Visa without having to pay for expert assistance.

How to Get UK Health and Care Worker Visa With Family Without Agent

Eligibility Criteria

In order to be eligible for the Health and Care Worker Visa, there are a few requirements that must be fulfilled. These are simple rules that need to be adhered very closely.

  • Occupation: You must work in a health or social care-related field to be able to apply for this visa. Doctors, nurses, paramedics, health care assistants, senior care workers, and medical practitioners are among the professionals on the list; however, they are not the only ones.
  • Job Offer: An authorized UK employer’s legitimate job offer is an essential prerequisite. Your employer will provide you with a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) that includes information on your job role, salary, and employment terms. You must recognize the employer as an approved sponsor. This certificate is a vital document for your visa application.
  • English Language Proficiency: You must demonstrate that you can communicate in English at the intermediate Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) Level B1. The following are the approved English language tests, along with the minimum score required to pass them:
    • IELTS for UKVI: Minimum overall score of 4.0 in reading, writing, speaking, and listening.
    • TOEFL iBT: Minimum score of 42 overall, with at least 10 in reading, 9 in listening, 17 in speaking, and 12 in writing.
    • Pearson PTE Academic: Minimum score of 43 in all four skills (reading, writing, speaking, and listening
  • Salary Requirements: The minimum wage for your position must be £10.10 per hour or £20,480 per year, whichever is higher. Lower compensation may be acceptable in some healthcare positions and shortage occupations, albeit there are exceptions.
  • Financial Requirements: Upon arrival in the UK, you must demonstrate that you have the funds to sustain your family and yourself. You must provide proof of at least £1,270 for the primary applicant and additional funds for any dependents. Before applying for the visa, these funds had to be in your account for 28 days. Your sponsor can, as an alternative, attest that they will cover the costs of your first month.
  • Health and Character Requirements: If you are traveling from a country where TB screening is required for UK visas, you will need to take a tuberculosis (TB) test. A criminal background check from every country in which you have lived for 12 months or longer within the last ten years is also required.

Simple Visa Application Process (Step-by-Step)

Applying for a Health and Care Worker Visa is manageable by following these steps:

  1. Gather Required Documents
    Ensure you have the following ready before starting your application:
    • Valid Passport: Your travel identification.
    • Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS): From your UK employer.
    • Proof of English Language Proficiency: Documented evidence of meeting the required level.
    • Proof of Funds or Sponsor Certification: Showing you have the necessary financial support.
    • Tuberculosis Test Results: Required if applicable.
    • Criminal Record Certificate(s): From countries where you’ve lived for 12 months or more in the last decade.
    • Job Offer Details: Including salary and contract duration.

Complete the Online Application Form

Visit the official UK Visas and Immigration website at https://www.gov.uk/health-care-worker-visa to start the application process. Enter all of your information precisely, making sure it corresponds with the data in your documents. Ensure accuracy, as errors can lead to the delay of your application.

Pay the Application Fee


Compared to other visas, the application fee for the Health and Care Worker Visa is less, at approximately £232 for stays up to three years, or £464 for longer stays. You will also be required to pay the £624 annual Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS). This enables you to receive National Health Service (NHS) benefits for you and your family.

Book and Attend a Biometric Appointment

You must show up for a biometric appointment at your home country’s Visa Application Center (VAC). During this visit, we will take your picture and fingerprints for the UK residency permit. This is an in-person appointment that you must make and keep in advance.

Bringing Your Family

For healthcare workers who have dependents, the UK Health and Care Worker Visa is a desirable choice because it permits you to travel with your immediate family.

Eligibility for Dependents

Dependents include your partner or spouse, children under 18, and children over 18 if they live in the UK. Every dependent must fulfill the requirements for the visa and provide their own supporting documentation. This typically consists of birth certificates for children and marriage or civil partnership certificates for your partner.

Including Dependents in the Application

If you fill out an online form with information about your family members, you can include them in your visa application. You must pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) and visa application fee for each dependent. The following documents are required for each dependent:

Passport or Travel Document
Ensure you have a valid passport or travel document for each dependent.

Birth or Marriage Certificate
Provide original certificates to establish relationships (e.g., marriage or birth certificates).

Proof of Relationship with the Main Applicant
Include documents such as:

  • Marriage certificate (for spouses)
  • Birth certificate (for children)

Proof of Funds
Show evidence that you can financially support your dependents, including:

  • Bank statements
  • Pay slips
  • Sponsor’s certification (if applicable)

Conclusion

By following these three easy steps, you can apply for a UK Health and Care Worker Visa for yourself and your family without the assistance of an agency. This will provide you with more control over your application in addition to financial savings. This visa is an ideal starting point for healthcare professionals who wish to establish a new life in the UK with their families, as the UK provides a well-defined route to permanent residency.

FAQ

  1. How much does the application cost?

    The application fee is approximately £232 for up to three years and £464 for longer stays, plus a £624 annual Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) per applicant.

  2. What is the minimum salary requirement?

    The job must offer at least £10.10 per hour or £20,480 per year, whichever is higher. Some roles may have different salary thresholds.

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