Read about the UK health services and residential care jobs that offer sponsorship, requirements, and application process in this post.
The UK has an array of world-class health services, from public to private, which include both health care and residential care. The skilled professions are in high demand in healthcare and residential care in the UK, and for that matter, the UK is opening visa sponsorship programs for foreign workers.
Health services and residential care jobs in the UK will be considered in this guide with their job types, requirements, and how to secure a visa sponsorship.
- Health Services Overview in the UK
The health care system of the UK is mainly ruled by the National Health Service or NHS, providing free health care to all its citizens in the UK. However, there are private health care facilities also operating across the country. Both sectors ensure a wide range of job opportunities in medical and healthcare fields.
Healthcare services also include many areas of focus, including hospitals, community health, mental health, and specialist care. Professionals in this field work directly with patients or in support roles and are highly committed to improving the health and well-being of the public.
Key Areas of Health Services:
Nursing: Registered nurses, mental health nurses, and specialists like nurse practitioners.
Allied Health Professions: Occupational therapists, physiotherapists, radiographers, dietitians, and paramedics.
Professionals in the field of medicine: GPs, surgeons, and specialists from various fields, including cardiology, oncology, and psychiatry;
Supportive professions: Healthcare assistants, administrative people, and medical secretaries.
- Overview of Residential Care in the UK Residential
Care homes provide accommodation with personal care and support for people who are unable to care for themselves or need assistance with daily living or require nursing care. Such institutions provide services for:
Older adults who either need assistance with day-to-day living or require nursing care.
People with Disabilities: The objective is to cater to both mental and physical disabilities.
People with Mental Health Issues: To provide segregated care for dementia and Alzheimer’s, among other diseases.
Workers in residential care homes care through practice as care assistants, support workers, or managers.
Staff Main Professions Practiced in Residential Care
Care Assistants: Being part of personal care; thus, taking part in bathing, feeding, and medication management
Support Workers: Assist in daily activities and also offer companionship to their clients as they interact in the community.
Senior Carers and Team Leaders: Supervise the work of the junior staff and co-ordinate the care plans of the residents.
Registered Care Managers: Take charge of the whole facility to ensure that staff provide quality and regulated standards of care.
- Why Work in Health and Residential Care in the UK?
The UK has a stable working environment with access to advanced training and development that could make a great difference in people’s lives. Work in health services or residential care is considered especially rewarding, as the work is directly oriented toward contributing to the improvement of the quality of life.
Apart from that, there is a continuous need for employees in the British health care system due to its aged population and a general rise in the demand for the services of care. Hence, career choice becomes strong and stable, with a variety of vacancies at each level.
- Health and Residential Care Visa Sponsorship Job
Skilled Worker Visa
The Skilled Worker Visa is usually the common route for healthcare professionals who will come to the UK. It allows workers to stay in the UK for a maximum period of five years but is extendable or can be settled permanently.
To be eligible for a Skilled Worker Visa:
You must have a job offer from an approved UK employer who has a sponsorship license.
The job offer must be at the salary threshold and for this category of health and care jobs, is lower than the general threshold for the United Kingdom – around £20,480 or more.
Applicants must show the necessary level of English and can take a test or show the qualifications taught in English.
You will also require a Certificate of Sponsorship from the employer detailing the job and visa sponsorship Health and Care Worker Visa
This is a subcategory under the Skilled Worker Visa but only for health and care professionals. It offers fast-track entry, reduced visa fees, and exemption from the Immigration Health Surcharge.
To be eligible for this visa:
You are offered a job by the NHS, an NHS supplier, or a care home.
The job is on the shortage occupation list-roles that include nurses, doctors, and senior care workers.
You’ll also be required to demonstrate proof of qualifications and experience related to the role.
Shortage Occupation List
A portion of the healthcare and care jobs are on the UK government shortage occupation list, and the objective of that list is for high demand overseas workers. Jobs currently included on the list are:
- Nurses
- Medical practitioners
- Senior carers
- Allied health professionals- occupational therapists, radiographers
The implications of being on the shortage occupation list include lower salary thresholds and faster processing times for applications.
- Application for Health and Residential Care Jobs with Visa Sponsorship
Research and apply for jobs
Jobs relevant to health services and residential care which offer visa sponsorship can be found on the following websites:
- NHS Jobs: Lists all vacancies within the NHS.
- Carehome.co.uk: Jobs in residential care.
- Totaljobs and Indeed: General job websites which may advertise sponsored posts.
Look for jobs that explicitly mention in the advert that they can sponsor a visa or use other phrases such as ‘international applicants welcome’.
Prepare Your Application
CV and Letter: Make sure your resume and letter are tailored to address relevant experience and qualifications. Emphasize any certifications or healthcare degrees.
Professional References: Obtain references from past employers or health care facilities where you have worked.
Get Sponsorship
If you are fortunate enough to get an offer, your employer will be able to provide a Certificate of Sponsorship. This is one of the most central parts of your visa application and should include the job title, remuneration package, and period of employment.
Visa Application
When you have your Certificate of Sponsorship, you’ll be in a good position to apply for a Skilled Worker Visa or a Health and Care Worker Visa using UK Visa applications. You will be required to:
- Provide evidence of your job offer and sponsorship.
- Submit your passport with relevant documentation.
- Undergo the English language test .
- The processing time is about 3-8 weeks, depending on which country you apply from.
Conclusion
International workers find career satisfaction in health services and residential care employment opportunities available in the UK. Many qualified healthcare professionals have been able to be employed in successful careers through visa sponsorship provided by either the Skilled Worker Visa or Health and Care Worker Visa.
It goes without saying that, for many years to come, the UK will be in demand by foreign workers for stable jobs in a caring and influential industry.
