UK Visa’s explained: Skilled Worker/Health and Care Worker (Previously Tier 2)
If you are moving to the UK from overseas, you will need a visa to live and work in the country. As a doctor, you can work on a Skilled Worker or Health and Care Worker visa as you will be in an eligible, skilled job. In this guide, we explain the differences between these visas, their eligibility criteria, how to apply, the UK’s points-based immigration system, and the full cost of each application.
What’s the difference between a Skilled Worker visa and a Health and Care Worker visa?
A Health and Care Worker visa allows medical professionals to come to or stay in the UK to do an eligible job with the NHS, an NHS supplier, or in adult social care.
A Skilled Worker visa allows you to come to or stay in the UK to do an eligible job with an approved employer.
A doctor can work in the UK on either of the above visas. It is worth taking the time to check if you’re eligible for the Health and Care Worker visa, as it is cheaper to apply for and you won’t need to pay the annual immigration health surcharge.
Are the Health and Care Worker and Skilled Worker visas the same as the Tier 2 visa?
The UK’s Tier 2 (General) visa has been replaced by the Skilled Worker visa. With effect from 1 December 2020, visa applications from skilled workers are to be made under the new route which forms part of the UK’s new points-based immigration system.
The UK’s Tier 2 Health and Care Visa has been replaced by the Health and Care Worker visa and this visa allows medical professionals to come to or stay in the UK to do an eligible job with the NHS, an NHS supplier, or in adult social care.
Am I eligible for a Skilled Worker or Health and Care Worker visa?
Under the Skilled Worker visa, you will need to demonstrate that:
- You have a job offer from a home office licensed sponsor
- Your job offer is at the required skill level
- You speak English to the required standard
The only additional criteria for the Health and Care Worker visa are that you will need to demonstrate:
- You are a qualified doctor, nurse, health professional, or adult social care professional
In addition to this, for both visas, the job you are being offered must meet the applicable minimum salary threshold. This is the higher of either:
- The general salary threshold of £25,600, or
- The specific salary requirement for their occupation, known as the ‘going rate’
Applicants are required to score at least 70 points in total to successfully apply for a UK Skilled Worker visa. A full breakdown of points is as follows:
| Characteristics | Mandatory/Tradeable (points) |
| Offer of the job by an approved sponsor | Mandatory (20 points) |
| Job at appropriate skill level | Mandatory (20 points) |
| Speaks English at the required level | Mandatory (10 points) |
| Salary criteria – one can be chosen from the following: | |
| Salary of £20,480 to £23,039 or at least 80% of the going rate for the profession (whichever is higher) | Tradeable (0 points) |
| Salary of £23,040 to £25,599 or at least 90% of the going rate for the profession (whichever is higher) | Tradeable (10 points) |
| Salary of £25,600 or above or at least the going rate for the profession (whichever is higher) | Tradeable (20 points) |
| Other Criteria – one can be chosen from the following: | |
| Job in a shortage occupation as designated by the Migration Advisory Committee | Tradeable (20 points) |
| Education qualification: PhD in a subject relevant to the job | Tradeable (10 points) |
| Education qualification: PhD in a STEM subject relevant to the job | Tradeable (20 points) |
Maintenance for Dependants: You will need to show an extra £285 for your spouse, £315 for your first child, and £200 for each additional dependent child if you intend to bring them to the UK. Your sponsor will also be able to certify the dependants for maintenance purposes.
More information can be found on the UK Government’s website regarding the UK’s points-based immigration system for the Skilled Worker visa.
More information can be found on the NHS Employers website regarding the UK’s point-based immigration system for the Health and Care Worker visa.
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