If you are a qualified doctor, nurse, or healthcare worker from Nigeria, you can contribute to the British healthcare system through the UK Health and Care Worker Visa. This visa allows foreign medical professionals to advance their careers in the UK. And it helps the country address critical staffing needs in the NHS and private health sector.
However, to qualify for the Health and Care Worker Visa, you must meet certain requirements by the UK Home Office. As of 2024, new changes have been implemented to the health and care route. These changes could impact your qualification for the visa.
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It’s essential to understand these changes, and the visa application process, which we have discussed in this article. It will enable you to have a smooth and successful application.
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What are the New Changes to the Health and Care Visa Route?
Over the years, the UK government has raised concerns about the number of immigrants in the immigration system and its impact on public service. The Health and Care route, in particular, accounts for most of all work and dependent visas granted to foreign nationals.
Thus, the new changes to the UK Health and Care Worker Visa route aim to reduce the country’s net migration levels. Here are the reforms:
Increase in the Minimum Income Threshold
The minimum income threshold, an essential requirement to qualify for a Health and Care Visa, was increased on 4 April 2024.
The new threshold for occupations on the NHS band (national pay scales) is now £23,200 annually. This is a slight increase from the old requirement of £20,960. Healthcare occupations not on national pay scales are now set at £29,000.
If you intend to work in a health and care role in the UK, your earnings must meet the minimum income requirement or the occupation-specific rate for the role, whichever is higher.
Introduction of the Immigration Salary List
As of 4 April 2024, the UK government has phased out the Shortage Occupation List (SOL). In its place, the UK government introduced the Immigration Salary List (ISL). This abolishes the 20% discount on the income threshold for sponsoring foreign workers.
Health and care roles on the SOL were discounted at £20,960. However, for roles on the ISL, employers must pay a new minimum income of at least £23,200 or the occupation-specific threshold for the role, whichever is higher.
Ban on Care Worker Dependents
Care workers and senior care workers have been restricted from bringing their dependents to the UK. This ban came into effect on March 11, 2024, and aims to reduce the high number of dependent visa grants in the country.
If you’re applying for a care worker role and have a spouse and dependent children in Nigeria, you might want to consider how this new rule will affect your family unit.
Registration with the Care Quality Commission
As part of measures to regulate the care system, the UK government announced that starting 11 March 2024, all care providers must register with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) in England before they can sponsor foreign workers.
Is the UK Still Recruiting Care Workers From Nigeria?
The UK government understands that the recent changes might discourage care workers with families from entering the country. As such, it has created new measures to attract more domestic workers into the care sector.
However, the care sector still has a high demand for workers. Interestingly, recruiting professionals from abroad, including Nigeria, remains one of the government’s strategies to fill the gaps. Therefore, Nigerian care workers seeking opportunities in the UK can continue to apply for the Health and Care Visa as long as they meet the requirements.
Who Qualifies for a UK Health and Care Visa From Nigeria?
In addition to the new requirements for the health and care route, you must also meet the following criteria to qualify for the visa:
- You must be a qualified doctor, nurse, health professional, or adult social care professional.
- You must have a job offer from an employer approved by the UK Home Office.
- Your job must be on the list of eligible occupations for the health and care route.
- You must have a certificate of sponsorship from your employer.
- You must have sufficient knowledge of the English language.
- You must have at least £1,270 to support yourself in your first month in the UK.
How to Apply for the UK Health and Care Worker Visa
Once you’re ready to apply for your visa, visit the UK government website to apply. The online application process involves filling out the application form, uploading your supporting document, and paying the visa application fee.
Additionally, you’ll need to book an appointment with the UK Visa Application Centre (VAC). The VACs in Nigeria are located in Abuja, Ikeja, Victoria Island, Enugu, and Port Harcourt. You will be required to submit your biometrics and documents during your appointment.
What is the Cost of Applying for a Health and Care Worker Visa?
The Health and Care Worker Visa costs depend on how long you’ll be in the UK. If you’re staying for up to three years, you’ll pay an application fee of £284, but if you intend to live in the UK for more than three years, you’ll pay £551.
The Processing Time for the Health and Care Worker Visa
You’ll usually get a decision on your application within three weeks of submitting your biometrics.
Conclusion
Before you apply for the Health and Care Visa, you should ensure that your job offer matches the new income threshold and that you meet other eligibility requirements for the visa.
If you’re applying to work as a care or senior care worker, you should note that you cannot bring your family members with you. However, your partner may be able to apply for a UK visa to join you if they qualify.
