The UK Government has stated that the new Health and Care Visa for foreign medical workers will be open for applications from 4 August 2020.
This visa targets “qualified doctors, nurses and allied health professionals who have been trained to a recognised standard” and who wish to come to work in the UK. A selection of professions eligible for this visa include biological scientists and biochemists, Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists, Occupational Therapists, Nurses, and Paramedics.
Those wishing to apply for this visa must have been offered a job in one of the listed professions, with an NHS trust or health board or with one of the other medical and social care organisations outlined in the guidance. This visa is an offshoot of the general worker visa and thus follows the usual Tier 2 (General) criteria.
Whilst no Home Office fee has yet been officially published, potential applicants have been promised ‘reduced fees’. It is also expected that applicants will be exempt from paying the Immigration Health Surcharge. The Government has further stated that decisions under this visa route will be fast-tracked, aiming to provide a decision within a three–week timeframe.
Gherson will continue to monitor the opening of this visa route as the Home Office provides further information.
Should you be interested in the Health and Care Visa route, please feel free to contact us with your questions and to discuss your circumstances in further detail.
The information in this blog is for general information purposes only and does not purport to be comprehensive or to provide legal advice. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the information and law is current as of the date of publication it should be stressed that, due to the passage of time, this does not necessarily reflect the present legal position. Gherson accepts no responsibility for loss which may arise from accessing or reliance on information contained in this blog. For formal advice on the current law please don’t hesitate to contact Gherson. Legal advice is only provided pursuant to a written agreement, identified as such, and signed by the client and by or on behalf of Gherson.
©Gherson 2020