Tier 2 Health & Care Worker Visa – how do I apply and what’s the process?
- November 17, 2021
Arranging your own UK visa and immigration as an overseas doctor can be challenging. In this series of articles we offer a helping hand with Tier 2 visas, navigating UK visa requirements, guidance on certificates of sponsorship and point scoring systems.
In this article we focus on the Tier 2 Health & Care Worker visa application process and the documents you will need, looking specifically at the following:
- What is a Tier 2 Health & Care Worker Visa?
- What is the application process?
- Online application form – the process
- Online application form - documents & information needed
- Certificate of Sponsorship
- Cover letter for your application
- Evidence of your knowledge of English
- Criminal records certificate
- Tuberculosis Test Clearance Certificate
- Letter of maintenance & other documents
- Appointment at your local visa application centre
- How much will this cost me?
- Tracking your visa application
- Your visa application was successful, what next?
What is a Tier 2 Health & Care Worker Visa?
First of all, congratulations!
If you’re looking to apply for a Tier 2 H&C visa, then the chances are you have interviewed successfully and accepted a job offer from an NHS Trust.
A Tier 2 visa is the document given to a skilled worker by the UK Home Office following a job offer from a UK employer with a valid Tier 2 Sponsorship License.
The list of valid Tier 2 Sponsors can be found here.
It is safe to assume that the NHS trust you are applying to has a valid Tier 2 Sponsorship license and that your IMG Consultant will have already checked this for you.
A Tier 2 H&C visa will allow an overseas doctor to enter and work in the UK for an initial period of 5 years and 14 days. Alternatively, you can stay for the time given on your Certificate of Sponsorship plus 1 month.
What is the application process?
Once you have accepted a job offer the hospital will immediately apply for a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from the UK Home Office.
Once the trust assigns the CoS to your name, you will then need to carry out the visa application process with two stages to consider:
- the online application form
- attending an appointment at your local visa application centre
It is worth noting that if you have applied for a visitor visa prior to this (possibly for the PLAB 2 exam) the process is very similar.
The online application form – the process:
Before beginning your application, we always advise compiling your details and scanning your documents (as outlined below). This will help avoid delays once you have started the application.
Applications are complete online and the process is as follows:
As above, compile your details and documents. Scan all documents from the list below before starting.
- Start and complete the application - Once you have entered all of your details, the application service will offer an appointment at a local visa appointment centre near you.
- Pay the visa fee
- Further actions will be prompted:
- Download document check list - A helpful checklist to ensure you submit everything that is needed. We strongly recommend you use this to ensure nothing is missed.
- Provide documents and biometric details - At this stage, you can upload electronic copies of your documents.
- Making an appointment with your local visa application centre - Once you have made an appointment you will receive an email with your appointment confirmation letter. Make note of the details and print this confirmation to take with you to the appointment.
- Selecting location for Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) pick up in UK - Think carefully about where you will be able to pick this up in the UK. You will have 30 days from your date of arrival in the UK to retrieve this from the post office you have selected. Once you have chosen, you will be sent a BRP collection letter. Print this and bring it with you to the post office to retrieve your biometric residence permit.
A good idea is to choose a Post Office close to the hospital so you can easily collect it once relocated to the UK.
Once all of the steps above have been completed your online visa application will be processed for review.
Please remember, if you are inactive for 25 minutes you will be automatically logged out.
The online application form - documents & information needed:
The application process will require you to provide both a large amount of information and submit a number of documents:
Information that you will be expected to provide includes:
- Personal details and family information
- Travel and national identity details
- Employment details
- Expected spend for your initial months in the UK
- Accommodation details
- Previous visa refusals
- Criminal convictions
Documents that you need to upload electronically:
- Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) - As of June 2018, all doctors and nurses can be automatically allocated an Unrestricted CoS.
You can find more information regarding the CoS here.
IELTS for UKVI, OET or UK NARIC are valid.
See our blog series on English Language Testing (including OET and IELTS) here.
- Criminal Records Certificate
See our article on the process of applying for your Criminal Records Certificate here.
- Tuberculosis Test Clearance Certificate (if from any of the listed countries)
See our article on how to obtain your Tuberculosis Test Clearance Certificate here.
- Confirmation of maintenance (if available)
Usually this is provided by the Trust as your sponsor, however in some circumstances this is not provided. See here for more information on a confirmation of maintenance.
- Other documents
- Certificate of full registration with the GMC
- Certificate of full registration as a medical practitioner in your home country
- Primary Medical Qualification Diploma
- Tenancy agreement or accommodation details of any previous stays in the UK (if applicable)
- Any previous/expired passports from the last 10 years
- Current passport details
- Evidence you can travel and travel history over the last five years
Appointment at your local visa application centre:
As part of your online application you will have made an appointment with a local visa application centre.
You can make sure there is an appointment centre accessible to you by using this link.
Please note, there is also an ‘On Demand Mobile Visa’ service available that can come directly to you and avoid the necessity of attending an appointment at an application centre. Check using the link above.
At this appointment you will need to:
- bring your passport
- confirm your ID
- have your fingertips and photograph taken for a biometric residence permit
It is important to check if the Visa Application Centre requires you to provide photocopies or originals of all your documents.
Make sure you bring all documents outlined in your confirmation email to your appointment with the visa application centre. If you do not bring all the requested documents your application will not be finalised and you will need to re-book.
How much will this cost me?
|
Up to 3 years |
More than 3 years | ||
|
Who’s applying |
Who's applying |
||
|
Yourself |
£247 |
Yourself |
£479 |
|
£247 per person |
All dependents |
£479 per person | |
Tracking your visa application:
Once your visa application is being processed you can track its progress online.
Once my visa application is successful, what happens next?
First things first, congratulations! You are just a few steps away from completing your journey to the UK and can now firm up your relocation plans, putting into action your relocation checklist.
Once your application is underway you should begin discussing with your IMG Consultant UK relocation plans including accommodation and travel, bank accounts, schooling and any other questions you might have.
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Get in Touch
Don’t hesitate to get in touch using the buttons above (and below) to discuss doctor job options in the NHS, including discussions regarding a typical doctor salary in the UK and the most suitable hospital locations for you.
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Relevant Jobs
An NHS hospital in South East England is looking for a Consultant in Clinical Oncology with an interest in Upper and Lower GI cancers. The Oncology department comprises a team of four Clinical Oncologists and a Consultant Radiographer, supported by a large team of middle-grade doctors. This Clinical Oncology job is open to both international applications and UK-based doctors, though those with European Specialist Registration, GMC Specialist Register, CCT, or CESR are most encouraged to apply.
Anyone requiring portfolio support (formally known as CESR) can have their required support discussed on a case-by-case basis.
JOB REQUIREMENTS AND DETAILS
GMC registration with a license to practice, CESR, or a GMC-recognised qualification such as FRCR is required for this role. Anyone with an interest in Upper and Lower GI cancer should apply. The salary will be between £105,504 – £139,882 dependent on experience.
CORE DUTIES OF THIS ROLE
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Provide expert oncology care for patients diagnosed with Upper and Lower GI cancers, overseeing treatment plans and managing patient care.
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Participate in multidisciplinary team (MDT) meetings across sites to coordinate treatment.
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Contribute to research and clinical trials within the Oncology department, promoting innovation in GI cancer treatment.
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Engage in teaching opportunities with medical students and junior doctors, especially in preparation for the launch of a new postgraduate medical programme.
LIFE IN SOUTH EAST ENGLAND
This hospital is located in the South East of England, a region known for its mix of lively coastal cities and peaceful countryside towns. It offers great transport links to London, top-performing schools, and diverse leisure options, including historic landmarks, nature trails, and vibrant cultural scenes. The area is rich in maritime and military history, making it a unique and engaging place to live and work.
HOW WILL IMG CONNECT SUPPORT YOU?
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CV Preparation with a bespoke session with one of our specialists
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Application support with expert knowledge of NHS specialisms & recruitment practice
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At least two video calling interview preparation sessions
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Contract and offer negotiations for salary, relocation packages, tenure, and more
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Once you have accepted your new role, you’ll then be supported and led throughout by one of our dedicated relocation executives who will guide you through all the way to starting your new role including:
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Document gathering and checking
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COS and Visa Application support if applicable
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Support sourcing short- and long-term accommodation
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Travel arrangements
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Family support for finding schools and any other aspects of pastoral care
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An NHS cancer centre in Northern Ireland is seeking a Consultant Clinical Oncologist with a specialist interest in Upper GI and Breast cancers. The department includes 11 oncology consultants and is supported by a team of middle grade doctors and specialty trainees. This position is open to both UK-based and international doctors, particularly those with FRCR or European Specialist Registration.
Anyone requiring portfolio support (formally known as CESR) can have their required support discussed on a case-by-case basis.
JOB REQUIREMENTS AND DETAILS
Applicants should have full GMC registration and at least 6 years of postgraduate experience in Clinical Oncology. The salary for this role is between £88,799 and £119,723, dependent on experience.
CORE DUTIES OF THIS ROLE
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Manage patients with Upper GI and Breast cancers across inpatient and outpatient settings.
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Engage in tumour site-specific MDTs and contribute to treatment planning and decision-making.
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Support the training and mentoring of oncology registrars and junior doctors.
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Contribute to service development, teaching, and clinical governance.
LIFE IN NORTHERN IRELAND
Based in the north-west region of Northern Ireland, this location offers both city and rural living, with access to scenic countryside, the coast, and neighbouring towns. The area features well-rated schools, convenient transport infrastructure, and rich opportunities for cultural, historical, and recreational pursuits. It’s a growing destination for healthcare professionals seeking balance between professional development and quality of life.
HOW WILL IMG CONNECT SUPPORT YOU?*
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CV Preparation with a bespoke session with one of our specialists
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Application support with expert knowledge of NHS specialisms & recruitment practice
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At least two video calling interview preparation sessions
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Contract and offer negotiations for salary, relocation packages, tenure and more
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Once you have accepted your new role, you’ll then be supported and led throughout by one of our dedicated relocation executives who will guide you through all the way to starting to your new role including:
-
Document gathering and checking
-
COS and Visa Application support if applicable
-
Support sourcing short- and long-term accommodation
-
Travel Arrangements
-
Family support for finding schools and any other aspects of pastoral care
An NHS district general hospital in the South West of England is looking for a Consultant in Medical Oncology with an interest in NET and HPB cancers. The Medical Oncology department comprises a team of 11 consultants and is supported by a large team of middle grade doctors and specialist nurses.
Anyone requiring portfolio support (formally known as CESR) can have their required support discussed on a case-by-case basis.
JOB REQUIREMENTS AND DETAILS
This oncology job is open to both international applications and UK-based doctors, though those with European Specialist Registration or MRCP are most encouraged to apply.
Anyone with an interest in NET and HPB cancer should apply. The salary will be between £105,504 and £139,882 dependent on experience or grade.
CORE DUTIES OF THIS ROLE
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Take ownership of site-specific oncology services, primarily in NET and HPB cancer.
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Participate in outpatient clinics, support patients undergoing day case treatments, and assist the Acute Oncology Service.
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Contribute to education and training of junior medical staff and engage in multidisciplinary team working.
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Participate in clinical governance, audits, and contribute to ongoing research and service development.
LIFE IN THE SOUTH WEST
This role is based in a beautiful coastal region in the South West, with access to popular towns and seaside resorts perfect for both urban and rural living. The area features excellent schools, well-connected transport options, and a wide range of outdoor activities from beach days to countryside walks. With its blend of natural beauty and cultural history, the region is a top choice for medical professionals relocating to the UK.
Would you like this packaged into a downloadable file or published in a particular format next?
HOW WILL IMG CONNECT SUPPORT YOU?
-
CV Preparation with a bespoke session with one of our specialists
-
Application support with expert knowledge of NHS specialisms & recruitment practice
-
At least two video calling interview preparation sessions
-
Contract and offer negotiations for salary, relocation packages, tenure and more
Once you have accepted your new role, you’ll then be supported and led throughout by one of our dedicated relocation executives who will guide you through all the way to starting to your new role including:
-
Document gathering and checking
-
COS and Visa Application support if applicable
-
Support sourcing short- and long-term accommodation
-
Travel Arrangements
-
Family support for finding schools and any other aspects of pastoral care
An NHS district general hospital in the North of Scotland is looking for a Consultant Medical Oncologist with an interest in breast and upper GI cancers. The oncology department comprises a team of 7 consultants and is supported by a large team of middle grade doctors. This Medical Oncology job is open to both international applications and UK-based doctors, though those with European Specialist or MRCP (or equivalent) are most encouraged to apply.
Anyone requiring portfolio support (formally known as CESR) can have their required support discussed on a case by case basis.
JOB REQUIREMENTS AND DETAILS
MRCP, full GMC registration with specialist registration or within 6 months of CCT, along with broad experience in prescribing SACT, are required for this role, and anyone with an interest in breast and upper GI cancers should apply. The salary will be between £107,144 and £142,369 dependent on experience or grade.
CORE DUTIES OF THIS ROLE
-
Manage a subspecialty caseload in breast and upper GI, delivering high-quality care and treatment planning.
-
Participate in MDT meetings, clinical governance, research and teaching activities.
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Contribute to acute oncology on-call cover and peripheral clinics across the region.
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Lead or support the development of new services or innovations in clinical delivery within the department.
LIFE IN THE SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS
This job is based in the Scottish Highlands, a region known for both its bustling city of Inverness and rural escapes like Beauly or Fort Augustus.
The Highlands offer excellent schools, strong transport links including rail and air connections, and year-round recreational options from hiking to arts festivals. The city also has a vibrant cultural and social scene for families and professionals alike.
Rich in heritage, the Highlands are home to some of Scotland’s most renowned history—from clan culture to castles—making this region both a scenic and significant place to live and work.
HOW WILL IMG CONNECT SUPPORT YOU?
When applying with IMG Connect you’ll have the full support of an expert recruitment team who will be your recruitment and relocation partners throughout the process. We\'ll support you with:
-
CV Preparation with a bespoke session with one of our specialists
-
Application support with expert knowledge of NHS specialisms & recruitment practice
-
At least two video calling interview preparation sessions
-
Contract and offer negotiations for salary, relocation packages, tenure and more
Once you have accepted your new role, you’ll then be supported and led throughout by one of our dedicated relocation executives who will guide you through all the way to starting to your new role including:
-
Document gathering and checking COS and Visa Application support if applicable
-
Support sourcing short- and long-term accommodation
-
Travel Arrangements Family support for finding schools and any other aspects of pastoral care
JOB REQUIREMENTS AND DETAILS
- FRCPath or equivalent and Full GMC Registration are required.
- The salary will be competitive and dependent on experience.
CORE DUTIES OF THIS ROLE
- Provide histopathology services for diagnostics.
- Participate in the Bowel Cancer Screening Programme.
- Collaborate in academic and educational activities.
- Contribute to digital Histopathology system development.
LIFE IN THE REGION
The position is based in a city offering a mix of urban amenities and scenic rural living options. Families will find excellent schools, easy access to transport, and a range of leisure activities. The region has a rich cultural and historical significance.