If you need help with any type of UK visa, settlement (ILR), or British citizenship application, give us a call at 0203 959 7755 (Mon - Fri - 09:30 - 17:30) to schedule a consultation today.

Health and Care Worker visa holders must apply to extend their Health and Care visa before it expires to continue their employment with the same sponsor.

If you require immigration advice or legal assistance with your Health and Care Worker visa extension application, contact our UK work visa solicitors in London at 0203 959 7755. Alternatively, fill in our online contact form to discuss your case.

Table of Contents

What is the Health and Care Worker visa?

Introduced in August 2020, the Health and Care Worker visa is part of the UK's points-based immigration system. 

The Health and Care Worker visa lets healthcare workers come to the UK to work in an eligible job with the NHS, an NHS supplier, or in adult social care.

What is the Health and Care Worker visa extension?

Applying for an extension before your current Health and Care Worker visa expires is essential to maintain your legal status in the UK and avoid any complications or disruptions in your employment.

The Health and Care Worker visa extension allows you to extend your stay in the UK if you are currently on a Health and Care Worker visa and wish to continue working in an eligible role with the same employer. 

Holders of the Health and Care Worker visa may also have a path to settlement (indefinite leave to remain) in the UK after 5 years of continuous and lawful residence, provided they meet all the necessary criteria, including minimum salary requirements and absence limits from the UK.

When should you apply for a Health and Care Worker visa extension?

It is advisable to apply for a Health and Care Worker visa extension before your current visa expires. Ideally, you should begin the application process at least 2-3 months before the expiration date.

Health and Care Worker visa extension requirements

To extend a Health and Care Worker visa, you must:

  • hold a valid Health and Care Worker visa at the time of your application.
  • apply for the extension before your current visa expires.
  • be employed by a Home Office-approved sponsor.
  • continue working in an eligible occupation.
  • have a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS).
  • meet the salary threshold.
  • enough money to support yourself without relying on public funds.
  • demonstrate proficiency in English.
  • not have any serious criminal convictions that could affect your visa status.

You must also meet all the other eligibility requirements depending on your circumstances. Please contact us for an initial assessment to determine your eligibility, and to discuss the options.

Minimum salary for Health and Care Worker visa

The minimum salary requirement for the UK Health and Care Worker visa generally must meet either the general salary threshold or the "going rate" for the specific job, whichever is higher. The specific salary requirements are:

  • General Salary Threshold: The minimum salary for most Health and Care Worker visa applicants is £23,200 gross per year. However, this is the basic threshold and might be higher depending on the job.
  • Going Rate: Each occupation code has a specific "going rate", which is determined based on national pay scales for that profession. The job you are offered must pay at least this rate.

The salary must be the applicant's basic gross pay (before taxes) and cannot include allowances, bonuses, or any other additional payments. This is to ensure that the applicant is guaranteed a stable income that meets the minimum threshold.

Documents for the extension of Health and Care Worker visa

You must include all the necessary documents in the correct format when applying to extend or renew your Health and Care Worker visa. The Home Office requires specific documentation to assess your eligibility and determine if you meet the requirements for the visa.

When you apply you'll need to provide:

  • Your valid passport
  • Proof of job offer from an approved UK employer
  • Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) reference number
  • Your job title, occupation code and annual salary
  • The name of your employer and their sponsor licence number
  • Evidence of relevant qualifications for the Healthcare Sector
  • Proof of English language proficiency
  • Financial documents to show you can support yourself
  • Tuberculosis (TB) test results (if applicable)

Remember, the document checklist provided above is not exhaustive, and additional documents may be required based on your personal circumstances. Properly preparing your documentation is key to the success of your application. Contact us today to get a comprehensive list of supporting documents.

Contact our team at Moeen & Co. Solicitors today at 0203 959 7755 for expert guidance on the required documents for your Health and Care Worker visa UK application. We are here to ensure that your application is complete, accurate, and meets all the necessary requirements.

How to extend a Health and Care Worker visa?

To apply for a UK Health and Care Worker visa extension, the applicant will need to submit an online visa application along with all the supporting documentation and visa fees.

Please refer to the following steps to apply for the renewal or extension of your Health and Care Worker visa:

  • Step 1: Initial consultation and assessment of your eligibility.
  • Step 2: Get a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from your UK employer
  • Step 3: Gathering the required documentation.
  • Step 4: Complete the visa application form online.
  • Step 5: Submit your visa application supporting documents, and pay relevant fees.
  • Step 6: Book and attend the biometric appointment
  • Step 7: Monitoring the progress of your application.
  • Step 8: Receiving a decision on your application.

To begin your Health and Care Worker visa extension application process, contact us at Moeen & Co. Solicitors today at 0203 959 7755. Our dedicated team is ready to provide you with expert legal assistance and ensure that your application is handled with utmost professionalism and care.

How long does it take for a Health and Care Worker visa extension?

The standard processing time for a Health and Care Worker visa extension application is typically 8 weeks. However, you may be eligible to use priority service to get a faster decision.

All the applicants are advised to check the latest information about UK visa application processing time on the official UK government website.

Visa application using super priority service

If you require a decision on your visa application urgently, you may be eligible to use the "Super Priority Service" or the "Priority Service", which offers faster processing times for an additional fee. These services aim to provide a decision on your visa application within 24 hours or 5 working days, respectively.

To get a faster decision on your UK visa application, you'll need to pay £1,000 for the "Super Priority Service" or £500 for the "Priority Service" fee per applicant in addition to the visa application fee.

How much does it cost to extend a Health and Care Worker visa?

When applying for a Health and Care Worker visa extension, you must ensure you have sufficient funds to:

  • Pay the application fee.
  • Support yourself upon arrival in the UK, typically requiring at least £1,270 available (unless you are exempt).

You will not have to pay the healthcare surcharge.

Fee for Health and Care Worker visa extension application

The standard fee of £284 applies if you are extending your Health and Care Worker visa for up to 3 years. If you're extending your visa for more than 3 years, then you have to pay a slightly higher fee of £551.

Health and Care Worker visa applicants are exempt from paying the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which is a significant benefit. This exemption reduces the overall cost of maintaining your visa.

The fee is paid online when you submit your visa extension application through the UK government's immigration website. Make sure to check the latest fee structure on the official UK government website as fees can be updated periodically.

Your partner and children (dependents)

Your partner and children cannot apply to join you or remain in the UK as your dependants unless you were employed as a care worker or senior care worker in the UK on a Health and Care Worker visa before 11 March 2024, and one of the following conditions is met:

  • you're currently still on a Health and Care Worker visa
  • you're extending your Health and Care Worker visa with your current employer
  • you're changing to a new job within the same occupation code while on a Health and Care Worker visa

Role of an immigration solicitor

Navigating the UK visa application process can be complex and stressful, especially if English is not your first language or if you are unfamiliar with UK immigration laws. Hiring an immigration solicitor provides peace of mind, knowing that you have professional support to guide you through every step of the process.

Here are some ways in which our team of highly experienced UK immigration solicitors can assist:

  • Legal Expertise: Our immigration solicitors have in-depth knowledge of UK immigration laws, policies, and procedures. We can assess your eligibility for different types of visas, advise you on the most suitable visa option, and ensure that your application complies with all relevant legal requirements.
  • Consultation and Advice: If you are uncertain about the visa type that best suits your needs or require guidance on the application process, we offer consultations to answer your questions.
  • Application Preparation: Our immigration solicitors will fill in your UK visa application forms accurately and submit them.
  • Supporting Documents: We will advise you on the required documents to be submitted in support of your visa application and ensure that they meet the specific requirements of the visa category you are applying for.
  • Legal Representation: We can represent you in communications with the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) department, embassy, or consulate handling your application. We can correspond with immigration authorities on your behalf, respond to requests for additional information, and address any concerns or queries raised during the processing of your application.
  • Appeals and Administrative Reviews: If your visa application is refused, our immigration solicitors can help you explore options for appealing the decision or requesting an administrative review. We can prepare and submit appeal or review applications, gather additional evidence to support your case and represent you at appeal hearings or review proceedings.

If you have any questions or want assistance with your UK visa application, please call our expert immigration solicitors based in London at 0203 959 7755. Alternatively, fill in our online contact form, and one of our UK immigration experts will get back in touch with you soon!

How to contact a UK work visa solicitor?

If you have questions or need help with your Health and Care Worker visa extension application, you can contact our team of immigration solicitors in Hayes, London by calling 0203 959 7755. Alternatively, you can fill in our online contact form and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

FAQs about Health and Care Worker visa extension

Yes, you can extend your Health and Care Worker visa from inside the UK. To do so, you must meet certain eligibility criteria and submit the required supporting documents.

You can usually apply to extend your Health and Care Worker visa if all of the following are true:

  • you have the same job as when you were given your previous permission to enter or stay in the UK
  • your job is in the same occupation code as when you were given your previous permission to enter or stay in the UK
  • you're still working for the employer who gave you your current certificate of sponsorship
  • you still meet the salary requirement

You can apply for a Health and Care Worker visa extension 28 days before your current visa expires.

You must not travel outside of the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man until you get a decision. Your application will be withdrawn if you do.

If it is necessary to travel, it's advisable to consult an immigration expert before doing so.

Hiring a UK work visa lawyer can significantly increase your chances of a successful application. They have expertise in navigating the complexities of UK immigration law, ensuring that your application is complete, accurate, and meets all eligibility requirements.

Moeen & Co. Solicitors is a team of experienced immigration lawyers who can provide expert guidance and assistance throughout the entire Health and Care Worker visa extension application process. We will ensure that you meet all the requirements, help you gather the necessary documents, and provide full support to maximise your chances of a successful application.

Legal Disclaimer

The information provided is for general informational purposes only and should not be taken as legal advice. While we make every effort to ensure accuracy, the law may change, and the information may not reflect the most current legal developments. No warranty is given regarding the accuracy or completeness of the information, and we do not accept liability in such cases. We recommend consulting with a qualified lawyer at Moeen & Co. Solicitors before making any decisions based on the information provided on this website.

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