Extension Of Health and Care Worker Visa (Priority & Super Priority Service For Faster Decision)

If your Health and Care Worker visa is nearing expiration or you are transitioning to a new employer within the UK healthcare sector, you must apply for an extension or renewal before your current visa expires. If changing employers, your new Health and Care Worker sponsor must issue a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) to support your application. Notably, you cannot apply for a Health and Care Worker visa extension from outside the UK.

To qualify for an extension, your sponsorship must come from the NHS, an NHS supplier, or a registered care home for an eligible role within the UK healthcare system. Applicants under this visa category benefit from exemption from the Immigration Health Surcharge and enjoy reduced visa application fees.

The Health and Care Worker visa operates under the UK’s Points-Based System (PBS). To be eligible, applicants must secure a minimum of 70 points, derived from mandatory non-tradable points (50 points) and tradable points (20 points). Points are allocated based on factors such as a valid CoS, job skill level, English language proficiency, salary requirements, PhD-level qualifications, shortage occupation status, and new entrant eligibility.

Aden & Co Solicitors is a leading UK immigration law firm, recognized for delivering exceptional legal services. Our expertise in UK visa and immigration matters is reflected in our outstanding 5-star Google Reviews from 99% of our satisfied clients.

Our highly skilled immigration solicitors specialize in Health and Care Worker visa extensions and renewals. With extensive experience in UK work visa applications, we provide strategic legal guidance and meticulous application support, ensuring a smooth and successful visa extension process.

Free Expert Immigration Consultation for Health and Care Worker Visa Extensions

Aden & Co Solicitors offers complimentary, one-time immigration advice online for professionals seeking an extension of their Health and Care Worker Visa. Our highly experienced immigration solicitors provide expert guidance tailored to your specific case. You can submit your queries online for a free consultation or schedule a detailed appointment with our legal experts for comprehensive assistance regarding your visa extension process.

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No Dependants Allowed for Care Workers Under New UK Immigration Laws

In December 2023, Home Secretary James Cleverly announced significant changes to UK immigration policies. The UK Government is set to introduce a new Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules, which will prohibit dependants from accompanying care workers under the Health and Care Worker visa route. This reform aims to regulate migration levels and ensure compliance with evolving workforce requirements.

Eligibility Criteria for Health and Care Worker Visa Extension

To successfully extend or renew a Health and Care Worker visa, applicants must meet the following essential requirements:

Hold valid permission to stay or enter the UK under a Health and Care Worker visa.
Attain 50 points from the mandatory non-tradable criteria.
Secure a minimum of 20 points from the tradable points category.
Demonstrate sufficient financial resources for maintenance in the UK or have their Health and Care Worker sponsor certify their maintenance.
Satisfy the suitability requirements and avoid falling under general grounds for refusal.

Additionally, the sponsoring employer must include a detailed explanation in the Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), outlining how the applicant qualifies for the Health and Care Visa. Employers are also responsible for informing applicants of their eligibility to ensure accurate visa applications. If the employer operates as a service provider commissioned by the NHS, they may need to submit evidence of contractual arrangements with the NHS to UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) to confirm the applicant’s eligibility.

Eligible Occupation Codes for the UK Health and Care Worker Visa

To qualify for the Health and Care Worker Visa in the UK, your profession must fall under one of the designated occupation codes. Aden & Co Solicitors provides expert legal guidance to help healthcare professionals secure their visas efficiently. Below is the list of eligible roles:

1181 – Health services and public health managers & directors
1242 – Residential, day, and domiciliary care managers & proprietors
2112 – Biological scientists & biochemists
2113 – Physical scientists
2211 – Medical practitioners
2212 – Psychologists
2213 – Pharmacists
2214 – Ophthalmic opticians
2215 – Dental practitioners
2217 – Medical radiographers
2218 – Podiatrists
2219 – Health professionals (not elsewhere classified), including audiologists & occupational health advisers
2221 – Physiotherapists
2222 – Occupational therapists
2223 – Speech & language therapists
2229 – Therapy professionals (not elsewhere classified), including osteopaths & psychotherapists
2231 – Nurses
2232 – Midwives
2442 – Social workers
3111 – Laboratory technicians
3213 – Paramedics
3216 – Dispensing opticians
3217 – Pharmaceutical technicians
3218 – Medical & dental technicians
3219 – Health associate professionals (not elsewhere classified)
6141 – Nursing auxiliaries & assistants
6143 – Dental nurses
6145 – Care workers & home carers
6146 – Senior care workers

UK Health and Care Sector Approved Employers

Securing a Health and Care Worker Visa requires a formal job offer from a UK employer that holds a valid sponsor licence. These approved employers, often referred to as sponsors, are authorized to sponsor foreign professionals for employment in the UK’s health and social care sector.

Eligible employers include:

The NHS (National Health Service)
Organizations delivering medical services to the NHS
Adult social care providers

If your prospective employer does not currently hold a sponsor licence, they may apply for one—provided they meet the necessary criteria. At Aden & Co Solicitors, our expert immigration solicitors can assist employers in navigating the sponsor licence application process, ensuring compliance with UK immigration laws.

Change of Employment Applications: A Comprehensive Guide

If you are considering a change of employer, you are required to submit a Change of Employment application. To do so, you must secure a new Certificate of Sponsorship from your new Health and Care Worker sponsor and meet all the points-based requirements set forth.

Additionally, a Change of Employment application is necessary if you remain with your current employer but encounter specific changes. These include:

Change in Core Duties: If your job changes to a different Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code, excluding those related to the reclassification from SOC 2000 to SOC 2010.
Changes Under TUPE or Similar Protection: If your job changes but stays within the same SOC code, and your salary falls below the appropriate rate for the new role as outlined in the relevant code of practice.
Change from Shortage Occupation to Non-Shortage Occupation: If your core duties change, resulting in a shift from a job currently listed on the shortage occupation list to one that is not.
Reduction in Salary: If your salary decreases from the level indicated on your current Certificate of Sponsorship, except in cases of company-wide reductions acceptable under Sponsor Guidance or reductions due to maternity, paternity, adoption leave, or long-term sickness leave (lasting over a month).
Job Changes Within the Same SOC Code: If your job changes within the same SOC code but your pay continues to meet or exceed the acceptable rate for the new role.

However, a Change of Employment application is not necessary for other job-related changes. For instance, if you change roles within the same SOC code, receive a salary increase, or transition under TUPE (or similar) protection due to business changes such as a takeover, merger, or de-merger.

Mandatory Non-Tradable Points for Health and Care Worker Visa Extension

To qualify for the extension of a Health and Care Worker visa, applicants must secure 50 mandatory non-tradable points. The remaining 20 points can be obtained from tradable criteria. The mandatory non-tradable points are outlined in the table below:

Criteria	Points Awarded
Job offer from an approved sponsor	20
Position meeting the required skill level	20
Proficiency in English at the required standard	10

Tradeable Points for Extension of Health and Care Worker Visa (20 Points Required)

To qualify for the extension of the Health and Care Worker Visa, applicants must secure 20 tradeable points. The points must be obtained from the options listed below, with only one entry eligible for the full 20 points. Aden & Co Solicitors can provide guidance on meeting the criteria for visa extension.

Option	Eligibility Criteria for Points	Points Awarded
A	The applicant's salary must meet or exceed all of the following thresholds: £26,200 annually; £10.75 per hour; and the specified going rate for the occupation code.	20
B	Educational Qualification: A PhD in a relevant field to the job. The applicant's salary must meet or exceed all of the following: £23,580 annually; £10.75 per hour; and 90% of the going rate for the occupation code. The 20 points are split as follows: 10 points for the PhD qualification, and 10 points for the salary.	20
C	Educational Qualification: A PhD in a STEM subject relevant to the job. The applicant's salary must meet or exceed: £20,960 annually; £10.75 per hour; and 80% of the going rate for the occupation code.	20
D	Job in a shortage occupation. The applicant’s salary must meet or exceed: £20,960 annually; £10.75 per hour; and 80% of the going rate for the occupation code, where a going rate is defined.	20
E	The applicant is a new entrant to the labor market, and their salary must meet or exceed: £20,960 annually; £10.75 per hour; and 70% of the going rate for the occupation code.	20
F	Employment in a listed health or education occupation. The salary must meet or exceed: £20,960 annually; and the specified going rate for the occupation code. Points from Option F can only be awarded to applicants in listed health or education occupations.	20

Salary Requirements for Skilled Workers

To comply with the visa requirements, an employer with a valid sponsor licence must offer a salary of no less than £20,960 per year, unless the “going rate” for the specific occupation exceeds this amount. Each occupation code has a designated annual salary threshold, and the method of determining the going rate is based on the applicant’s job and occupation code. For health-related positions, salaries are often categorized by NHS pay bands and vary by the region of the UK in which the applicant will be employed.

Financial Requirements for Skilled Worker Visa Applicants

For applicants seeking to extend their stay in the UK, the financial requirement is determined by their length of stay. If the applicant has been in the UK with valid permission for 12 months or longer at the time of their application, they are considered to have met the financial criteria and do not need to demonstrate funds. However, if the applicant has been in the UK for less than 12 months, one of the following conditions must be met:

The applicant must show proof of at least £1,270 in available funds, held for a consecutive 28-day period as per the requirements set out in Appendix Finance; or
Alternatively, the applicant’s sponsor, who must be an A-rated entity, can certify that they will ensure the applicant’s accommodation and maintenance up to the value of £1,270, if necessary, during the first month of employment.

Visa Grant Period and Conditions for Health and Care Worker Visa

The Health and Care Worker Visa allows applicants to remain in the UK for a period ending 14 days after the conclusion of their certificate of sponsorship, which may be granted for up to a maximum of five years. This visa is subject to the following conditions:

Applicants will not have access to public funds.
Employment is only permitted in the job the applicant is sponsored for.
Supplementary employment is allowed, provided the applicant continues in their primary sponsored role.
Voluntary work is also permitted.
Applicants may work out a contractual notice period if they were lawfully employed in the job at the time of their application.
Study is allowed, provided the conditions under Appendix ATAS are met.
If applicable, applicants must register with the police as specified in Part 10.

Super Priority Service: Receive a Decision Within 24 Hours

At Aden & Co Solicitors, our expert team of immigration solicitors offers an expedited visa process through the Priority Service and Super Priority Service, ensuring you receive a decision on your application much faster than traditional processing times. Say goodbye to waiting for months—or even years—for a decision.

Our efficient team of immigration specialists can prepare and submit your application swiftly, utilizing the Priority or Super Priority Service, to guarantee a quicker decision on your application.

As registered immigration solicitors with the Home Office, UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI), and its commercial partner, UKVCAS Sopra Steria, we are authorized to offer the Priority Service and Super Priority Service. These services facilitate faster decisions on your visa application. Typically, applications processed through the Priority Service are decided within 5 working days, while applications using the Super Priority Service are typically processed within 24 hours—usually by the end of the next working day.

How We Can Assist You with Your Immigration Application

At Aden & Co Solicitors, our experienced team of immigration experts is dedicated to providing high-quality legal counsel and representation on a fixed fee basis for your immigration application. Our fixed fee covers all aspects of the work required for your application until a final decision is reached by the Home Office UKVI. The services included in our fixed fee for your immigration application are as follows:

Expert Guidance on Application Requirements: Our immigration solicitors will provide detailed advice on the specific requirements that need to be fulfilled for your immigration application to be successful.

Document Preparation Assistance: Our legal team will compile a comprehensive list of supporting documents necessary for your application and send it directly to you for your convenience.

Document Evaluation: Our solicitors will meticulously review the documents you submit, ensuring they meet the immigration rules and comply with the necessary standards.

Application Form Completion: Our immigration lawyers will handle the completion of the relevant application form, ensuring that all information is accurately filled out and meets legal requirements.

Submission through Priority or Super Priority Service: When feasible, we will expedite your application by submitting it through the Priority or Super Priority service, which can result in a quicker decision on your case.

Biometric Appointment Coordination: Once your online application is submitted, we will schedule your biometrics enrollment appointment at the application center to ensure the timely processing of your application.

Preparation of a Detailed Cover Letter: Our team of immigration solicitors will draft a comprehensive cover letter, explaining the legal aspects of your application and demonstrating how the documents provided satisfy the necessary requirements.

Document Uploads: Prior to your biometrics appointment, our solicitors will upload all relevant documents to the online system, ensuring they are considered as part of your application.

Ongoing Support and Follow-Up: We will continue to manage all follow-up tasks and correspondence with the Home Office UKVI until a final decision is made regarding your immigration application.

Comprehensive One-Time Services for UK Immigration Applications

Aden & Co Solicitors offer an array of specialized one-time legal services designed to assist individuals with their UK visa and immigration applications. These services are ideal for clients who prefer not to engage our full-service immigration support. Whether you need a single service or just expert guidance, our one-time services cater to a variety of immigration needs. The following options are available for UK visa and immigration applications:

One-Off Immigration Advice and Consultation➤

Application Form Completion Services➤

Preparing Cover Letter For Immigration Application➤

Immigration Documents Checking Service➤

Submitting Application Through Priority and Super Priority Service➤

Uploading Supporting Documents Online➤

Our Fixed Fees for Health and Care Worker Visa Applications

At Aden & Co Solicitors, we offer transparent and competitive fixed fees for employer-sponsored work visas. Below is a breakdown of our services and associated costs:

Service	Fixed Fee Range
Comprehensive service for Entry Clearance for employer-sponsored work visas, covering all stages until a decision by the Entry Clearance Officer (ECO)	£700 to £1,200 (excluding VAT)
Full service for switching to an employer-sponsored work visa from within the UK via Priority or Super Priority Service, covering our work until a decision on your application	£700 to £1,200 (excluding VAT)
Complete service for extending an employer-sponsored work visa from within the UK through Priority or Super Priority Service, covering our work until a decision on your application	£700 to £1,200 (excluding VAT)
Comprehensive service for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) as an employer-sponsored worker from within the UK through Priority or Super Priority Service, covering our work until a decision on your ILR application	£700 to £1,200 (excluding VAT)

The fixed fee will be determined based on the complexity of your application and the amount of casework required. Additionally, applicants will be responsible for the Home Office UKVI application fees, which are separate from our fixed fees.