A Guide to Support Worker Sponsorship in the UK

Foreign nationals with medical and caregiving experience can enter the UK more quickly with the Support worker sponsorship UK visa if they are employed by the NHS, one of its suppliers, or in the elderly care industry as senior carers, among other qualifying roles.

Those who are selected will be able to live and work in the UK for five years, with the option to extend their visa as often as needed. Indefinite leave to remain, sometimes known as permanent residency, is another option available to migrant workers holding a Health and Care Visa after five years.

Perpetual residence has many advantages, such as the freedom to change jobs and receive benefits, as well as the elimination of the need to reapply for new visas. With about 1.9 million employees, the National Health Service (NHS) in the UK is the fifth-largest company in the world, which might alarm you.

Because of this, there is a constant need for medical professionals from outside at all levels. Around 14% of the NHS’s entire workforce is thought to include foreign nationals, and the organization currently has 100,000 open positions. For experts from all over the world who want to work in the UK in this field, the UK health and care worker visa is the best option.

How Support Worker Sponsorship UK works

Support worker sponsorship UK typically involves an employer sponsoring a non-UK resident to work in a support worker role. Here’s a general overview of how the sponsorship process works:

1. Job Offer: The first step is to secure a job offer from a UK employer who is willing to sponsor you. This could be a healthcare or social care organization looking for support workers. The employer should be a licensed sponsor approved by the UK government.
2. Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS): Once you have a job offer, the employer will need to apply for a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) on your behalf. The CoS is a virtual document with a reference number that you will need for your visa application.
3. Visa Application: With the CoS in hand, you can then apply for the appropriate visa. For most support worker roles, the Tier 2 (General) visa may be relevant. As of my last update, the UK has introduced a points-based immigration system, and the Tier 2 visa is part of this system.
4. Points-Based System: The UK’s immigration system assigns points based on factors like job offer, skill level, English language proficiency, and salary. To qualify, you need to meet the minimum point requirements. The employer’s sponsorship and the CoS contribute to the points you need.
5. Biometric Residence Permit (BRP): If your visa application is successful, you will be issued a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) upon arrival in the UK. This card includes your personal details and immigration status.
6. Compliance with Immigration Rules: Both the employer and the sponsored employee must comply with the immigration rules and any conditions specified in the visa. Employers are responsible for monitoring and reporting any changes in the employee’s circumstances.
7. Renewal or Extension: Depending on the visa type, you may need to renew or extend your visa. This could involve applying for a new CoS and going through the visa application process again.

What is the difference between Support Worker Sponsorship UK and Skilled Worker Visa?

In the context of the UK immigration system, a “Support Worker Sponsorship” and a “Skilled Worker Visa” represent different aspects of employment and immigration. Let’s break down the key differences:

Nature of Work:

• Support Worker Sponsorship: This typically refers to sponsorship for individuals working in support roles in healthcare, social care, or similar fields. Support workers assist individuals with various needs, such as the elderly, disabled, or individuals with mental health issues.
• Skilled Worker Visa: This is a broader category that encompasses various skilled professions across different industries. It’s not specific to support roles only. Skilled workers are usually individuals with specific skills, qualifications, and job offers from UK employers.

Visa Type:

• Support Worker Sponsorship: This may involve various visa types, but common ones could include the Tier 2 (General) visa or another appropriate visa under the UK’s immigration system.
• Skilled Worker Visa: The Skilled Worker Visa is a specific visa category introduced under the UK’s points-based immigration system. It is designed for individuals with job offers in roles that meet the specific skill and salary requirements.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Support Worker Sponsorship: Eligibility would depend on the specific requirements of the visa category and the employer’s sponsorship. It may include factors such as qualifications, work experience, and the employer’s status as a licensed sponsor.
• Skilled Worker Visa: This visa category has a points-based system, considering factors like job offer, skill level, English language proficiency, and salary. Applicants need to meet the minimum point requirements to qualify.

Applicability:

• Support Worker Sponsorship: Primarily applicable to roles in healthcare and social care, where support workers provide assistance to individuals in need.
• Skilled Worker Visa: Applicable to a wide range of skilled professions across different sectors, including but not limited to healthcare, IT, engineering, and finance.

Sponsorship Process:

• Support Worker Sponsorship: Involves an employer obtaining a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) for the employee, who then applies for the relevant visa.
• Skilled Worker Visa: Follows a similar process, with employers applying for a CoS, but the eligibility criteria and points system are specific to this category.

The Health and Care Worker Visa is intended for whom?

The following licensed physicians, nurses, healthcare workers, and adult social workers working in one of the following fields are eligible for the support worker sponsorship UK Visa (note that the four-digit number is the standard occupation code or SOC):

1181: health services and public health managers and directors

1242: residential, day and domiciliary care managers and proprietors

2112: biological scientists and 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 that are ‘not elsewhere classified’, such as audiologists and occupational health advisers

2221: physiotherapists

2222: occupational therapists

2223: speech and language therapists

2229: therapy professionals that are ‘not elsewhere classified’, such as osteopaths and psychotherapists

2231: nurses

2232: midwives

2442: social workers

3111: laboratory technicians

3213: paramedics

3216: dispensing opticians

3217: pharmaceutical technicians

3218: medical and dental technicians

3219: health associate professionals not elsewhere classified

6141: nursing auxiliaries and assistants

6143: dental nurses

6146: senior care workers

Eligibility for Support Worker Sponsorship

Eligibility for support worker sponsorship UK depends on various factors, and it is determined by the specific visa category under which the sponsorship is sought. Here are some general considerations for eligibility:

1. Job Offer from a Licensed Sponsor: To be eligible for support worker sponsorship, you must have a job offer from a UK employer who is a licensed sponsor. The employer must be registered with the UK Home Office as a sponsor.
2. Skilled Worker Criteria: Support worker roles may be classified as skilled work, and therefore, you need to meet the criteria for skilled employment. This often includes having a job at the appropriate skill level, meeting the English language requirement, and earning a salary that meets the minimum threshold.
3. Points-Based System (if applicable): If you are applying under a points-based system, such as the Skilled Worker Visa, you will need to accumulate a sufficient number of points. Points are awarded based on factors like job offer, skill level, English language proficiency, and salary.
4. Qualifications and Experience: Depending on the specific requirements of the support worker role and the visa category, you may need to have relevant qualifications and/or work experience. Employers may specify the qualifications and skills they require for the role.
5. Licensed Sponsor’s Responsibilities: The sponsoring employer has responsibilities, including obtaining a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), ensuring compliance with immigration rules, and monitoring and reporting changes in the employee’s circumstances.
6. English Language Proficiency: Depending on the visa category, you may need to demonstrate English language proficiency. This requirement is common for many work visa categories in the UK.

Requirements for Support Worker Sponsorship UK

A job offer with one of the aforementioned profession codes must be in your possession.  One of the following factors must be the source of your job offer:

• The NHS is an organization that provides adult social care.
• It is also an organization that provides medical services to the NHS.

FAQs

What are the eligibility criteria for support worker sponsorship?

Eligibility criteria may include having a job offer from a licensed sponsor, meeting skill and salary requirements, demonstrating English language proficiency, and complying with any specific qualifications or experience needed for the role.

How can I get a sponsor for a support worker role in the UK?

Look for job openings on relevant platforms, apply for positions, and attend interviews. If successful, the employer may offer sponsorship. Ensure the employer is a licensed sponsor, and they will need to provide a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) for your visa application.

Can I bring family members with me under a support worker visa?

Depending on the visa category, family members may be eligible to join you in the UK. Check the specific rules for family reunification under the relevant visa category.