Healthcare is one of the most in-demand industries in the whole of the United Kingdom. The gap and demand for more hands is outrageous. Foreign workers are currently playing a very significant role in filling these obvious gaps.
In recent years, the growing population in UK has led to high demand for medical professionals. The UK government is currently encouraging many overseas applicants to move to the country under visa sponsorship programs.
So, if you happen to be a nurse, doctor, caregiver, or even an allied health worker, don’t worry. Through this guide, we’re going to show you some healthcare job opportunities in the UK that come with visa sponsorship. We’ll also tell you what you should expect in terms of their hourly pay rate.
Why There is Urgent Demand for International Healthcare Workers in the UK
The UK’s National Health Service (NHS) over the years has been experiencing some real staff shortages. In fact, the demand for doctors, nurses, and support staff is actually way higher than what is currently on ground. In order to solve this severe situation, the UK government felt it was only right they look elsewhere.
This has led them to consistently hire qualified medical professionals from abroad. With visa sponsorship, these skilled workers can freely move and work in the UK legally. In 2023, healthcare positions had the highest number of sponsored visas that were issued by the United Kingdom.
The most important aspect for those seeking to move to the UK for job opportunities in the medical field is the fact that this particular trend is expected to continue in 2025, as the UK is currently looking for more trained staff that will take charge of their healthcare system.
Types of Healthcare Jobs with Visa Sponsorship
Obviously, it is not all jobs you get in the healthcare industry that will qualify you for visa sponsorship. In the UK, there’s a Shortage Occupation List. This list shows the fields that need foreign workers the most. Applicants in these fields have higher chances of getting employed with visa sponsorship. Below are some of the main healthcare job opportunities that are very much available with visa sponsorship:
- Nurses
Nursing is the group of healthcare workers that’s the largest in the UK. There are opportunities for those in general nursing, mental health, and pediatric nurses. These nurses are very much in high demand in the UK. If you fall into this category, you might as well start your application. You could be on the plane to the UK with the right application processes.
- Visa sponsorship: Yes
- Average hourly pay: £16–£25, although your experience as well as the location of the job will significantly have an effect on how much you are going to earn.
- Doctors
Doctors are another medical group that are in high demand. Doctors of some medical specialties like general practitioners (GPs), psychiatrists, and emergency doctors are currently in shortage. If you qualify for any of these positions, there might be some work available for you in the UK.
- Visa sponsorship: Yes
- Average hourly pay: £30–£70, although your area of specialization will decide the final amount you are going to earn hourly.
- Care Assistants and Support Workers
As a care assistant, you will be responsible for taking care of the elderly, patients, or disabled people on a daily basis. There are so many care homes in the UK that are looking abroad for caregivers.
- Visa sponsorship: Yes
- Average hourly pay: £10–£14
- Midwives
Midwives are another group of medical professionals that are currently on the shortage list. This is simply because of the obvious demand for more hands in maternity services.
- Visa sponsorship: Yes
- Average hourly pay: £18–£28
- Paramedics
In the UK, emergency response roles are very critical. This has warranted the UK to open its doors for qualified paramedics from other countries.
- Visa sponsorship: Yes
- Average hourly pay: £15–£25
- Allied Health Professionals (AHPs)
This field includes individuals from physiotherapists, radiographers, and occupational therapists. These specialists are absolutely in very high demand.
- Visa sponsorship: Yes
- Average hourly pay: £17–£30
Hourly Pay Rates: What to Expect
The hourly pay rates you are going to receive in healthcare sectors are largely going to depend on so many factors that we’ll list below:
- Your role (doctor, nurse, caregiver, etc.) will play a huge role in how much you will earn hourly.
- Experience level is another critical factor that affects how much you earn as a foreign medical worker in the UK.
- Location: Location is also significant. If you are in London, they usually pay more than those outside of London.
- Employer: NHS vs private hospitals will also affect pay.
On average:
- For entry-level care workers in the UK, it is going to start at £10/hour.
- Nurses usually earn around £16–25/hour.
- For doctors and specialists, they’re likely to earn £30–70/hour.
Also, you need to understand that if you are working overnight, weekends, or night shifts, it could also increase how much you will earn hourly.
How is Visa Sponsorship Works for Healthcare Jobs
Healthcare workers who move to the UK always go through the Health and Care Worker visa. This visa is one of the prominent parts of the skilled worker routes being explored by many, and it has so many advantages:
- The application fees are lower, especially if you compare it to other visa types.
- This visa also helps to fast-track the processing for the different healthcare roles available.
- Those who go through this path will be exempted from the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).
- Your dependents, who are your family members, will be allowed to join you in the UK.
For you to qualify, you must have:
- A job offer that is confirmed from the UK. It must be from a licensed employer in the UK.
- You are also expected to provide proof of qualifications. It could be a nursing degree, medical license, etc.—something that shows you are qualified for the role you are applying for.
- English language proficiency is also needed.
Top Employers Offering Visa Sponsorship
- NHS Trusts– They are the biggest recruiters of healthcare workers in the whole of the UK.
- Private hospitals– There are companies like Bupa and Spire. These companies help to sponsor skilled healthcare workers to the UK.
- Care homes– Some major care homes in the UK like Sunrise Senior Living, Care UK, and other care providers usually hire overseas caregivers.
These employers listed above are well-registered sponsors under the UK government system, which means they have all the legal rights to sponsor visas for international workers.
Do This to Get Hired in the UK Healthcare Sector
- Update your CV: Make sure you use a UK-style CV and try to show your qualifications.
- Prepare for interviews: They mostly make use of online interviews before you relocate.
- Check eligibility: Always be sure that the role you are applying for is on the Shortage Occupation List. This would boost your chances of getting hired.
- Apply early: A lot of employers in the UK like to hire months ahead of time due to visa processing times. Apply early so that you’ll be considered.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What visa do I need to work as a healthcare professional in the UK?
Like we said, you will need the Health and Care Worker visa. With this visa type, doctors, nurses, and care workers are allowed to work in the UK through visa sponsorship.
2. Do UK healthcare jobs pay enough to live comfortably?
Of course, they pay very well. Even if you are an entry-level care worker, you can be earning up to £10/hour, which allows you to live decently in the UK.
3. Can I bring my family if I get a sponsored healthcare job in the UK?
Yes, you can bring your family and children to the UK, as they are dependent on your visa.
Final Thoughts
Through healthcare jobs in the United Kingdom, getting visa sponsorship could be a golden opportunity for you to make your dreams come true, especially if you are a medical professional. There’s high demand for medical professionals in the UK. The salary is also very attractive. So, if you are a nurse, doctor, caregiver, or therapist, you should follow the tips in this blog post and start your application process.
