UK sets out to launch a health and care Visa on 4th August

The Home Secretary and Secretary of State for Health and Social Care have taken a remarkable decision to start a new fast-track visa route for foreign medical workers. 

The new Health and Care Visa will open for applications on 4th August 2020. This post-Brexit Immigration Plan is not a new route as such, but inclusion in Tier 2 (General) Visa– newly added to the Tier 2 Policy guidance on 14th July.

Applicants will only be eligible for this new visa if their roles in the UK fall under the exhaustive list of eligible occupations which include:
Biological Scientists and Biochemists (2112), Physical Scientists (2113), Medical Practitioners (2211), Physiologists (2213), Ophthalmic Opticians (2214), Dental Practitioners (2215), Medical Radiographers (2217), Podiatrists (2218), Health Professionals not elsewhere classified (2219), Physiotherapists (2221), Occupational Therapists (2222), Speech and Language Therapists (2223), Therapy Professionals not elsewhere classified (2229), Nurses (2231), Midwives (2232), Social Workers (2442), and Paramedics (3213). 

Under the new scheme, the applicant must also satisfy all the customary Tier 2 (General) criteria. On that account, applicants still need a Certificate of Sponsorship from an employer holding a Tier 2 Sponsor licence. The sponsoring employers must be with an NHS Trust, NHS-commissioned service providers, or other eligible occupations in the Social Care Sector.  

This new Health and Care Visa will levy a reduced visa application fee along with an exemption from the Immigration Health Surcharge. Creating this fast-track visa route will also be processed within three weeks. This initiative will undoubtedly welcome the best overseas health and care professionals. 

Do you want to know more about UK immigration opportunities in the healthcare sector? Get in touch with our team of specialists at A Y & J Solicitors. A Y & J Solicitors is a multi-award winning, 10+ years experienced, recommended by Legal 500, a boutique UK immigration law firm based in Central London. You can contact us on +02036662811, email us at  [email protected] or use our live chat.