Visa Options for Hiring Healthcare Professionals (UK)

When hiring healthcare professionals from overseas, employers in the UK can choose from several visa options, each designed to meet specific needs within the healthcare sector. Below are the primary visa routes available for healthcare professionals:

1. Health and Care Worker Visa
The Health and Care Worker Visa is specifically tailored for medical professionals, including doctors, nurses, and other healthcare workers. It offers a streamlined path for healthcare professionals to live and work in the UK. This visa allows applicants to work for an approved UK employer in an eligible health or social care role. It also comes with benefits such as reduced visa fees and exemption from the Immigration Health Surcharge.

2. Skilled Worker Visa
The Skilled Worker Visa allows healthcare professionals with a job offer in a skilled occupation to come to the UK. This visa is not limited to healthcare roles, but it is widely used by healthcare employers to recruit skilled professionals. Applicants must meet specific criteria, including a job offer from a licensed sponsor and meeting the required salary threshold for their occupation.

3. Global Talent Visa
The Global Talent Visa is for highly skilled professionals in the healthcare sector, including researchers and specialists, who have demonstrated exceptional talent or promise in their field. Unlike the Health and Care Worker Visa and Skilled Worker Visa, the Global Talent Visa does not require a job offer, providing more flexibility for healthcare professionals seeking to work in the UK. This visa is ideal for those who wish to contribute to research, innovation, or leadership in healthcare.

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Each visa route for healthcare professionals in the UK has its own set of requirements, benefits, and limitations. Understanding the key differences between these options can help employers and professionals determine the best pathway for working in the UK’s healthcare sector.

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Following the UK's departure from the European Union, the recruitment landscape for healthcare professionals has undergone significant changes. The end of free movement between the UK and EU countries has affected how healthcare employers recruit professionals from Europe, but it has also opened up new opportunities. Here’s a look at the key changes impacting healthcare recruitment in the post-Brexit era:

1. End of Free Movement for EU Nationals: Before Brexit, healthcare professionals from the EU could come to the UK to work without needing a visa. 

2. Introduction of the Points-Based Immigration System: Under this system, applicants must meet a set number of points based on criteria such as job offer, skill level, and salary. 

3. Healthcare-Specific Visa Routes: The UK has introduced specific visa routes such as the Health and Care Worker Visa, which allows healthcare workers to come to the UK with a lower salary threshold and reduced fees. 

4. Impact on EU Workforce Availability: Post-Brexit, the number of healthcare professionals from the EU coming to the UK has decreased, which has led to a shortage of workers in some areas of the healthcare sector. 

5. Immigration Health Surcharge: Under the new immigration rules, all visa applicants, including healthcare professionals, are required to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge, which provides access to the National Health Service (NHS). 

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Although the new visa options help healthcare professionals come to the UK, there are still some challenges both employers and workers need to be aware of:

• More Paperwork and Rules
  Employers must manage additional visa paperwork and ensure they meet specific requirements.

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• Shortage of Workers and More Competition
  Healthcare worker shortages have become more pronounced, leading to tougher competition for talent.

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•  Understanding the Points-Based System
  The system can be complicated, with strict salary and skill requirements that may limit eligible candidates.

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• The Immigration Health Surcharge
  International workers may face extra costs through the Immigration Health Surcharge, unless exempt.

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• Uncertainty for EU Nationals
  Some EU workers may still be unsure about their status, particularly if they arrived after the transition period.

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How Tech Nomads Can Help?

For healthcare professionals seeking relocation to the UK and need expert advice on visas, UK life, and the application process, we provide tailored consultancy to guide them every step of the way.

Tech Nomads is a global mobility platform that provides services for international relocation. Established in 2018, Tech Nomads has a track record of successfully relocating talents and teams. Our expertise in adapting to regulatory changes ensures our clients’ satisfaction and success.

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To explore your UK relocation options, you may:

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• Assess your chance with a Tech Nomads Global Mobility Expert
• Read guides and articles on the Tech Nomads website

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