After making an application to the United Kingdom Visas and Immigration (UKVI)
Overseas sponsorship guidanceThe Health and Care visa route is designed to be processed quicker by the UKVI than the standard route
Important: Important
NHS England are not able to participate with the application process you make to the UKVI. However, we have provided some useful information below.
Immigration rules are subject to change and it is your responsibility to review all UKVI information when making your application
You are advised to regularly visit the UKVI website to check the latest guidance and rules.
Your current immigration status will decide if you are able to commence your new post while a decision is pending.
Important: Important
Even if you have leave to remain on your current visa sponsored by NHS England, you can only start in post on these visas if you have made an application to the United Kingdom Visas and Immigration (UKVI) for your new Skilled Worker visa.
Employers/Trusts will complete an online check, Employer Checking Service (ECS), with the UKVI to confirm that you have made your application. This provides them with a statutory excuse to enable them to employ you while your application is being considered by the UKVI.
It is your responsibility to update your employer/Trust when your new visa has been received.
Processing times
The UKVI publish their service standard processing times and will depend on which application and route you have taken. The Health and Care visa route however is designed to be processed quicker than the standard route. You will need to refer to the UKVI website for standard processing times. Applications from outside of the UK may differ.
If your application is still within the UKVI service standard processing times then there is nothing further that can be done at this stage.
If your application has gone over the UKVI service standard processing times you can contact the UKVI directly to query this with them.
If your application is over the service standard processing times, you have contacted the UKVI and not been able to progress this further, you can contact the NHS England National Overseas Sponsorship Team via email [email protected]. They will ascertain if they are able to intervene on your behalf.
If you have not received your Visa
If your application is still within the UKVI service standard processing times then there is nothing further that can be done at this stage.
If your application has gone over the UKVI service standard processing times you can contact the UKVI directly to query this with them.
If your application is over the service standard processing times, you have contacted the UKVI and not been able to progress this further, you can contact [email protected] and the NHS England National Overseas Sponsorship Team will ascertain if they are able to intervene on your behalf.
Successful application
Once you receive your Visa, you will need to ensure that all the details are correct.
If you find a problem with your Visa when it arrives you must report it within 10 days of receipt, otherwise you may have to apply and pay for a replacement. You can report problems with your Visa on the UKVI website.
Once you have your correct Visa, you should upload a copy of this to the Overseas Sponsorship Portal as soon as this has been received. You will also need to provide the original copy to your employer.
As part of our Sponsor duties, the NHS England National Overseas Sponsorship Team who issue your CoS will request a copy of your Visa once you have made your Skilled Worker application. Local NHS England Offices (previously known as Deaneries) may also ask for a copy of your Visa for their records. The Trusts/Employers that you will be going to work for will also request to see the originals and want copies of these to meet right to work requirements.
Non-urgent advice: Dates on your Visa
The end date on your Visa may say 31 December 2024, although it was requested for longer.
This is correct, and you do not need to do anything at this time. The UKVI have informed NHS England that the reason for the leave being capped at 31 December 2024 is due to existing EU regulations around the maximum amount of time that Visa cards can be issued.
This has no impact on your leave, and any leave approved beyond 2024 will remain valid and applicable. At some point closer to the time information will be provided by the UKVI on obtaining a replacement Visa to cover the full period of leave beyond 2024.
Application refused
If your application to the UKVI is refused, you may be able to re-apply.
You will be aware that you have not needed to pay for the original Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) issued to you. However, if you make an error on your Skilled Worker application resulting in the UKVI refusing your application and a second CoS is needed, you will need to reimburse NHS England for the cost of this second CoS before it is issued to you. You will need to contact the NHS England National Overseas Sponsorship Team via email [email protected] with your refusal letter. Details will be sent to you of how to make the £239 payment for a replacement CoS.
If you lose your Visa
If you lose your Visa, you will need to report it as lost as soon as possible on the UKVI website.
If your Visa is stolen
If your Visa is stolen, you will need to report it as stolen as soon as possible on the UKVI website.
Page last reviewed: 5 June 2024
Next review due: 5 June 2025