If you are a doctor who is looking to make the move to the UK’s National Health Service, you are likely to have questions about what visa you need and how you would go about getting one. In this article, we outline the answers to some visa questions that we are commonly asked by our doctors who are preparing for life in the UK.
I have been offered a new role as a doctor in the UK, what are the next steps?
Once you have received your offer from your chosen hospital, you’ll need to apply for your visa in order to be able to work in the UK. If you have been offered your UK placement through Remedium, you’ll have a dedicated onboarding executive to help you with every step of moving to the UK, including support with visas and other administrative tasks. At Remedium, we are experts in navigating the complexities of the visa process, having supported thousands of doctors to relocate to the UK from over 40 countries around the world.
Which visa am I eligible for as a doctor from overseas?
If you have been offered a job as a doctor in the NHS, then it is likely that you will be eligible for a Health and Care Worker Visa. This is a type of Skilled Worker visa, which recently replaced the Tier 2 Visa.
How long does it take for a working Visa to arrive?
It takes an average of 4 weeks for most clinicians to receive their visa once they’ve received their Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS).
What documents do I need to submit for my UK Visa?
Part of the visa application process requires you to demonstrate that you have access to enough money to support yourself and any dependents who move with you. Here’s a few tips to help you demonstrate this:
1. Ask the UK hospital to add a ‘Maintenance clause’ to your COS
This clause declares that the hospital will support you and your dependants for visa purposes.
2. Provide bank statements for 3 months that show you have enough money
You must have at least £945 for yourself and £630 for each dependent. Be aware that in some cases hospitals do not provide a maintenance clause for all family members.
How do I book a visa application appointment?
To book a visa application appointment, you’ll need to apply via the Government website.
Once I’ve booked my visa application appointment, what do I need to prepare?
You must submit originals of all the documents listed below, even if you are told you do not need to submit them. Failure to do so will result in your visa being declined.
When you have booked your visa appointment, you’ll need to go through this checklist to ensure you’re fully prepared:
– Printed and signed copy of your visa application and appointment confirmation
– Immigration health surcharge and visa payment receipts
– Your certificate of sponsorship
– Passport and expired passports (if in possession)
– Proof of your knowledge of English (UKVI IETS certificate, OET or NARIC certificate*) – (*if using NARIC – you will also need to supply your MBBS certificate)
– Tuberculosis test results (if applicable)
– Criminal record certificate/s
– Bank statements showing you have £945 for yourself and £630 per dependent in your bank account over the last 3 months (unless maintenance is ticket “Y” on your certificate of sponsorship)
– GMC registration evidence or email invitation for GMC ID check (this is needed if you have submitted Academic IELTS or OET as your proof of English language)
What about my family?
Your partner and children can apply to join you or to stay in the UK as your ‘dependants’ if they’re eligible. If their application is successful, their visa will end on the same date as yours. However, each family has different circumstances and Remedium can give tailored advice to each doctor when required.
How can Remedium help you with your relocation process?
We know this is quite an overwhelming list, however, when you accept a job through Remedium, we help you through every step of the process, including the visa application process.
We have supported thousands of doctors like you to make the move before. Our dedicated onboarding experts as well as our award-winning digital relocation software, Red Carpet, will help relieve the admin burden. We’ll help you apply for your visa, secure flights and accommodation, set up a bank account, tips for relocating to UK and much, much more.
If you’re looking for a new position as a doctor in the NHS please get in register your details and upload your CV today.
