Health and Care Worker visa

Overview

A Health and Care Worker visa allows medical professionals to come to or stay in the UK to do an eligible job with the NHS, an NHS supplier or in adult social care.

Some health workers and their families will get their visas extended for free because of coronavirus (COVID-19).

If you or your family are from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein

If you or your close family member started living in the UK before 1 January 2021, you may be able to apply to the free EU Settlement Scheme.

Otherwise you need a visa to work in the UK.

Irish citizens do not need to apply for a visa or to the EU Settlement Scheme.

Eligibility

Your job

To qualify for a Health and Care Worker visa, you must:

be a qualified doctor, nurse, health professional or adult social care professional

work in an eligible health or social care job

work for a UK employer that’s been approved by the Home Office

have a ‘certificate of sponsorship’ from your employer with information about the role you’ve been offered in the UK

be paid a minimum salary - how much depends on the type of work you do

Check if your job is eligible.

You must have a confirmed job offer before you apply for your visa.

Knowledge of English

You must be able to speak, read, write and understand English. You’ll usually need to prove your knowledge of English when you apply.

If you’re not eligible for a Health and Care Worker visa

You may be eligible for another type of visa to work in the UK.

How long you can stay

Your visa can last for up to 5 years before you need to extend it. You’ll need to apply to extend or update your visa when it expires or if you change jobs or employer.

If you want to stay longer in the UK

You can apply to extend your visa as many times as you like as long as you still meet the eligibility requirements.

After 5 years, you may be able to apply to settle permanently in the UK (also known as ‘indefinite leave to remain’). This gives you the right to live, work and study here for as long as you like, and apply for benefits if you’re eligible.

How to apply

You must apply online.

How you apply depends on whether you’re:

outside the UK and are coming to the UK

inside the UK and extending your current visa

inside the UK and switching from a different visa

If you want to change your job or employer, you must apply to update your visa.

You can include your partner and children in your application to stay in the UK if they are eligible.

How long it takes

You can apply for a visa up to 3 months before the day you are due to start work in the UK. This date is listed on your certificate of sponsorship.

As part of your application, you’ll need to prove your identity and provide your documents.

You may need to allow extra time if you need an appointment to do this. You’ll find out if you need one when you start your application.

Getting a decision

Once you’ve applied online, proved your identity and provided your documents, you’ll usually get a decision on your visa within 3 weeks.

If you need to go to an appointment, you may be able to pay for a faster decision. How you do this depends on whether you’re outside the UK or inside the UK.

How much it costs

You, your partner or children will each need to:

pay the application fee

prove you have enough personal savings

Check how much money you’ll need.

Healthcare surcharge

You - and your partner or children - will not have to pay the healthcare surcharge.

What you can and cannot do

You can:

work in an eligible job

take on additional work in certain circumstances

do voluntary work

study

bring your partner and children with you as your ‘dependants’, if they’re eligible

travel abroad and return to the UK

apply to settle permanently in the UK (also known as ‘indefinite leave to remain’) if you’ve lived in the UK for 5 years and meet the other eligibility requirements

You cannot:

apply for most benefits (public funds), or the State Pension

change jobs or employer unless you update your visa

If your application is successful, you’ll get a full list of what you can and cannot do with a Health and Care Worker visa.

Your job

You must meet all of the following requirements to be eligible for a Health and Care Worker visa:

you’re a qualified doctor, nurse, health professional or adult social care professional

your job is eligible for this visa

you’ll be working for a UK health and care sector employer that’s been approved by the Home Office

you’ll be paid the minimum salary or the ‘going rate’ for the type of work you’ll be doing - whichever is higher

Check if your job is eligible

Before you can find out if your job is eligible, you need to know its 4-digit occupation code.

If you already have a job offer, ask your employer for your occupation code.

Look up your job’s occupation code

If you do not know your code, you can search for your job in the ONS occupation coding tool.

Not every job title is included. If you cannot find your exact job title, try searching for similar jobs.

Make sure the job description matches what you’ll be doing. Some jobs in the same area of practice have different codes, for example dentists and dental hygiene therapists.

Check if an occupation code is eligible for this visa

Your job must be in one of the following occupation codes to qualify for the Health and Care Worker visa:

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

Approved UK health and care sector employers

You must have a job offer from an approved UK employer before you apply for a Health and Care Worker visa. Approved employers are also known as sponsors, because they are sponsoring you to come to or stay in the UK.

You must have a job offer from:

the NHS

an organisation providing medical services to the NHS

an organisation providing adult social care

Read the guidance to see a full list of eligible employers.

If your employer is not currently approved, they can apply for a sponsor licence if they’re eligible.

They’ll need to pay a fee - £536 for small businesses and charities or £1,476 for medium and large organisations. It usually takes around 8 weeks to process a licence application.

If you already have a job offer from an approved employer

Your employer - also known as your sponsor - will check that you meet the eligibility requirements. They’ll give you a ‘certificate of sponsorship’ to prove this.

The certificate of sponsorship is an electronic record, not a physical document. It will have a reference number, which you’ll need for your visa application.

You must apply for your visa within 3 months of getting your certificate of sponsorship.

Check which documents you’ll need to apply.

Salary requirements

You’ll usually need to be paid at least £20,480.

If the ‘going rate’ for your job is higher than £20,480, you’ll usually need to be paid at least the going rate.

Each occupation code has its own annual going rate. How you find the going rate depends on your job.

When you need to meet different salary requirements

You’ll need to meet different salary requirements for this visa if your job is in one of the the following occupation codes:

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

3111: laboratory technicians

3216: dispensing opticians

3217: pharmaceutical technicians

6146: senior care workers

Find out the going rate if your job is in one of these occupation codes - including when you can earn less.

If you’re doing any other health and care job

Check how much you’ll need to earn in the table of national pay scales for eligible healthcare jobs.

Salaries are listed by NHS pay band and area of the UK you’ll be working in. Ask your employer if you’re not sure what your role or pay band will be.

If you’ll need to meet different salary requirements

You’ll need to meet different salary requirements for this visa if your job is in one of the following occupation codes:

2113: physical scientists

3111: laboratory technicians

3216: dispensing opticians

3217: pharmaceutical technicians

6146: senior care workers

If your job is in any other occupation code that is eligible for this visa, you must meet the salary requirements described in ‘Your job’.

Salary requirements

You’ll usually need to be paid at least £25,600 per year or £10.10 per hour, whichever is higher. If the ‘going rate’ for your job is higher than both of these, you’ll usually need to be paid at least the going rate.

Each occupation code has its own annual going rate. Check the going rate for your job in the going rates table.

When you can be paid less

You might still be able to apply for a Health and Care Worker visa if your job is eligible but your salary is less than £25,600 or your job’s usual ‘going rate’. You must still be paid at least £10.10 per hour.

You can be paid between 70% and 90% of the usual going rate for your job if your salary is at least £20,480 per year and you meet one of the following criteria:

your job is in a shortage occupation

you’re under 26, studying or a recent graduate, or in professional training

you have a science, technology, engineering or maths (STEM) PhD level qualification that’s relevant to your job (if you have a relevant PhD level qualification in any other subject your salary must be at least £23,040)

you have a postdoctoral position in a scientific role

Your job is in a shortage occupation

A ‘shortage occupation’ is a skilled job where there is a shortage of workers in the UK.

If your job is on the shortage occupation list, you can be paid 80% of the job’s usual going rate.

View the shortage occupations list to see if your job is included and how much you’ll need to be paid.

Make sure you check there’s a shortage in the part of the UK you’ll be working in - England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.

You’re under 26, studying or a recent graduate, or in professional training

You can be paid 70% of your job’s usual going rate if one of the following applies:

you’re under 26 on the date you apply

you’re currently in the UK on a Student visa studying at bachelor’s degree level or above - or you have been in the last 2 years, and a Student or visit visa was your most recent visa

you’re currently in the UK on a Graduate Entrepreneur visa

you’ll be working towards a recognised qualification in a UK regulated profession

you’ll be working towards full registration or chartered status in the job you’re being sponsored for

Your total stay in the UK cannot be more than 4 years if you apply for one of these reasons. This includes any time you’ve already spent in the UK on a Tier 2 (General) work visa.

If this applies to you, check how much you’ll need to be paid to qualify for this visa.

You have a PhD level qualification that’s relevant to your job

You can earn 80% or 90% of the job’s usual going rate, depending on which subject you are qualified in.

If you have a science, technology, engineering or maths (STEM) qualification, you can be paid 80% of your job’s usual going rate, as long as you will still earn at least £20,480 per year.

If you have a non-STEM qualification, you can be paid 90% of your job’s usual going rate, as long as you will still earn at least £23,040 a year.

In both situations, you must:

have a UK PhD or an equivalent doctorate-level overseas qualification - you’ll need to apply through Ecctis (formerly UK NARIC) to check if an overseas qualification is equivalent to a UK PhD

be able to prove your qualification is relevant to the job you’ll be doing in the UK - your employer can confirm this

View the list of jobs that qualify for a PhD salary discount to see how much you need to be paid.

If you’re a research or academic leader, you may also be eligible to apply for the Global Talent visa. This visa has no language or minimum salary requirements.

You have a postdoctoral position in a scientific role

You can be paid 70% of your job’s usual going rate if you’ll be working in a postdoctoral position.

Check how much you’ll need to be paid to qualify for this visa.

Your total stay in the UK cannot be more than 4 years if you apply to work in a postdoctoral position at 70% of the usual going rate. This includes any time you’ve already spent in the UK on a Tier 2 (General) work visa.

Knowledge of English

You’ll usually need to prove your knowledge of the English language when you apply, unless you did this in a previous successful visa application.

Level of English

You must prove you can read, write, speak and understand English to at least level B1 on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) scale.

You can prove your knowledge of English by:

passing a Secure English Language Test (SELT) from an approved provider

having a GCSE, A level, Scottish National Qualification level 4 or 5, Scottish Higher or Advanced Higher in English, gained through study at a UK school that you began when you were under 18

having a degree-level academic qualification that was taught in English - if you studied abroad, you’ll need to apply through Ecctis (formerly UK NARIC) for confirmation that your qualification is equivalent to a UK bachelor’s degree, master’s degree or PhD

Who does not need to prove their knowledge of English

You do not need to prove your knowledge of English if you’re a national of one of the following countries:

Antigua and Barbuda

Australia

the Bahamas

Barbados

Belize

Canada

Dominica

Grenada

Guyana

Jamaica

Malta

New Zealand

St Kitts and Nevis

St Lucia

St Vincent and the Grenadines

Trinidad and Tobago

USA

If you’re a doctor, dentist, nurse or midwife

You do not need to prove your knowledge of English if you’ve already passed an English Language assessment that is accepted by the relevant regulated professional body.

How much it costs

When you apply for a Health and Care Worker visa, you’ll need to have enough money to:

pay the application fee

support yourself when you arrive in the UK - you’ll usually need to have at least £1,270 available (unless you’re exempt)

You’ll be told how much you need to pay when you apply.

Application fees

The standard application fee depends on whether you’ll be in the UK for:

up to 3 years - £232 per person

more than 3 years - £464 per person

The fee is the same whether you apply from inside or outside the UK.

If you’re from an eligible country

Your application fee will be automatically reduced by £55 if you’re from one of the following countries:

Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Republic of Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden or Turkey.

This reduction only applies to your visa application. Your partner and children will still need to pay the full application fee.

Money to support yourself

You must have at least £1,270 in your bank account to show you can support yourself in the UK.

You will need to have had the money available for at least 28 days in a row. Day 28 must be within 31 days of applying for this visa.

You’ll usually need to show proof of this when you apply, unless either:

you’ve been in the UK with a valid visa for at least 12 months

your employer can cover your costs during your first month in the UK

Your partner and children will also need to prove they can support themselves while they’re in the UK. Check how much they’ll need.

Read the guidance on financial evidence for more information about the money you need and how to prove it.

If your employer can support you instead

Your certificate of sponsorship must confirm this. Your employer will need to complete the ‘sponsor certifies maintenance’ section on your certificate. This is under ‘Additional data’.

Documents you'll need to apply

When you apply you’ll need to provide:

your certificate of sponsorship reference number - your employer will give you this

proof of your knowledge of English

a valid passport or other document that shows your identity and nationality

your job title and annual salary

your job’s occupation code

the name of your employer and their sponsor licence number - this will be on your certificate of sponsorship

Ask your employer for a copy of your certificate of sponsorship if you do not have one.

If your certificate of sponsorship was issued before 1 December 2020

Your certificate of sponsorship will need to be updated because it was assigned to you before the Tier 2 (General) work visa was replaced by the Skilled Worker visa. The Health and Care Worker visa is a type of skilled work visa.

Ask your employer to update the ‘sponsor notes’ section in the UK visa sponsorship management system.

Other documents you might need

Depending on your circumstances, you might be asked to provide:

evidence that you have enough personal savings to support yourself in the UK, for example bank statements (unless your certificate of sponsorship shows your employer can support you)

proof of your relationship with your partner or children if they’re applying with you

your tuberculosis test results if you’re from a listed country

a criminal record certificate - if you’re working in certain jobs

your UK PhD certificate, or your unique Ecctis reference number (formerly unique UK NARIC reference number) if your qualification is from outside the UK - you’ll need to apply through Ecctis

You’ll need a blank page in your passport for your visa if you’re:

from outside the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein

from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein but do not have a biometric passport with a chip in it

If your documents are not in English or Welsh you’ll also need to provide a certified translation.

Criminal record certificate

You’ll need to provide a criminal record certificate if you’re applying from outside the UK, unless your job is in one of the following occupation codes:

biological scientists and biochemists (2112)

physical scientists (2113)

Check how to apply for criminal records checks.

If you’ve lived in more than one country

You might need to provide a certificate from each country you’ve lived in, depending on your age and how long you stayed in each country.

If you’re under 28, you’ll need a certificate from any country you’ve stayed in for a total of 12 months or more since you turned 18.

If you’re 28 or over, you’ll need a certificate from any country you’ve stayed in over the last 10 years.

Apply from outside the UK

You must apply online for a Health and Care Worker visa.

Check which documents you’ll need to apply.

Your partner or children will need to apply separately.

Proving your identity and providing supporting documents

As part of your application, you’ll need to prove your identity. How you do this depends on where you’re from and what type of passport you have.

You’ll either:

have your fingerprints and photograph taken at a visa application centre - this is to get a biometric residence permit

use the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app to scan your identity document - you’ll also create or sign into your UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account

You’ll be told what you need to do when you apply.

If you do need an appointment:

the centre may need to keep your passport and documents while they process your application

you may have to travel to get to your nearest visa application centre (this could be in another country)

Apply for a Health and Care Worker visa

Apply for a Skilled Worker visa. You’ll be asked if you’re applying for a Health and Care Worker visa as part of your application - make sure you choose ‘yes’.

Once you’ve started your application, you can save your form and complete it later.

Apply now

Continue your application

Sign in to your account using the link from your sign-up email.

How long it takes to get a decision

Once you’ve applied online, proved your identity and provided your documents, you’ll usually get a decision within 3 weeks.

You’ll be contacted if your application will take longer, for example because:

your supporting documents need to be verified

you need to attend an interview

of your personal circumstances, for example if you have a criminal conviction

If you’ve applied through a visa application centre, find out if you can pay to get a faster decision - this depends on where you’re applying from.

After you apply

You can ask to cancel your application. You’ll only get your fee refunded if UKVI has not started processing your application.

You’ll get an email containing the decision on your application. This will explain what you need to do next.

Your partner and children

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.

Your relationship

A dependant partner or child is any of the following:

your husband, wife, civil partner or unmarried partner

your child under 18 - including if they were born in the UK during your stay

your child over 18 if they’re currently in the UK as your dependant

You’ll need to provide evidence of your relationship when you apply.

Your partner

You must be able to prove that either:

you’re in a civil partnership or marriage that’s recognised in the UK

you’ve been living together in a relationship for at least 2 years when you apply

If your child is 16 or over

They must:

live with you (unless they’re in full-time education at boarding school, college or university)

not be married, in a civil partnership or have any children

be financially supported by you

If your child lives with you, you’ll need to provide evidence of their address such as:

a bank statement

credit card bills

driving licence

NHS registration document

an official letter from their university or college

Money they need to support themselves

Your partner and children must have a certain amount of money available to support themselves while they’re in the UK.

You - or your partner or child - will need:

£285 for your partner

£315 for one child

£200 for each additional child

You - or your partner or child - will need to have had the money available for at least 28 days in a row. Day 28 must be within 31 days of you or them applying for this visa.

You’ll usually need to show proof of this when they apply, unless either:

you have all been in the UK with a valid visa for at least 12 months

your employer can cover your family’s costs during your first month in the UK - this must be confirmed on your certificate of sponsorship

If your partner or child is applying at a different time to you, they’ll only need to prove they have enough money to support themselves if they have been in the UK for less than 1 year.

Apply from outside the UK

Your partner and children must either:

apply online as your partner

apply online as your child

Each family member will need to complete a separate application and pay the application fee. The fee depends on whether they’ll be in the UK for:

up to 3 years - £232 per person

more than 3 years - £464 per person

They’ll also need your application number - you’ll get this when you apply. This number is called a Global Web Form (GWF) or a Unique Application Number (UAN). You’ll find it on emails and letters from the Home Office about your application.

Proving their identity

As part of their application, your partner and children will need to prove their identity.

They’ll either:

have their fingerprints and photograph taken at a
visa application centre - this is to get a biometric residence permit

use the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app to scan their identity document - they’ll also create or sign in to their UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account

They’ll be told what they need to do when they apply.

If they do need an appointment:

the visa application centre may need to keep their passport and documents while they process their application

they may have to travel to get to their nearest centre (this could be in another country)

How long it takes to get a decision

Once they’ve applied online, proved their identity and provided their documents, they’ll usually get a decision within 3 weeks.

They may be able to pay to get their visa faster or use other services depending on which country they’re in - check with the visa application centre.

Apply from inside the UK (extend or switch their visa)

Apply for your partner or child’s visa at the same time as you apply to extend or switch your own visa.  This includes children who were born or have turned 18 during your stay.

If you cannot apply at the same time, your partner or child can apply to extend or switch their visas at a later date. This must be before their current visa expires.

Your partner or children cannot apply to switch to your Health and Care Worker visa as your dependants if they are currently in the UK:

on a visit visa

on a short-term student visa

on a Parent of a Child Student visa

on a seasonal worker visa

on a domestic worker in a private household visa

on immigration bail

because they were given permission to stay outside the immigration rules, for example on compassionate grounds

How to apply

Your partner and children must apply online to either:

extend or switch to your Health and Care Worker visa as your partner

extend or switch to your Health and Care Worker visa as your child

They’ll need your application number - you’ll get this when you apply. This number is called a Global Web Form (GWF) or a Unique Application Number (UAN). You’ll find it on emails and letters from the Home Office about your application.

Proving their identity

As part of their application, your partner and children will need to prove their identity. They’ll either:

have their fingerprints and photograph taken at a
UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) service point - this is to get a biometric residence permit

They’ll be told what they need to do when they apply.

They must not travel outside of the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man until they get a decision. Their application will be withdrawn if they do.

How long it takes to get a decision

Once they’ve applied online, proved their identity and provided their documents, they’ll usually get a decision within 8 weeks.

They may be able to pay to get a faster decision - they’ll be told if they can when they apply.

Children born in the UK

If you have a child while you’re in the UK, they do not automatically become a British citizen.

You can apply online for their dependant visa. You must do this if you want to travel in and out of the UK with your child.

You’ll need to provide a full UK birth certificate for each child, showing the names of both parents.

You must apply to add them to your visa before they turn 18 if they want to stay in the UK.

Extend your visa

Some health workers and their families will get their visas extended for free because of coronavirus (COVID-19).

You can usually apply to extend your Health and Care Worker visa if all of the following are true:

you have the same job as when you were given your previous permission to enter or stay in the UK

your job is in the same occupation code as when you were given your previous permission to enter or stay in the UK

you’re still working for the employer who gave you your current certificate of sponsorship

you still meet the salary requirements

Your partner or children will need to apply separately.

You must not travel outside of the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man until you get a decision. Your application will be withdrawn if you do.

If you have a Tier 2 Health and Care Worker visa

You’ll have a Tier 2 Health and Care Worker visa if either:

you applied for a Health and Care Worker visa before 1 December 2020

you had a Tier 2 (General) work visa which you’ve extended as a Health and Care Worker visa

If you have this visa, you may need to meet different eligibility requirements, depending on:

whether you got the certificate of sponsorship for your first Tier 2 visa before or after 24 November 2016

whether you applied for your first Tier 2 (General) or Health and Care Worker visa before 6 April 2021

your occupation code - some have different going rates

If you got your certificate of sponsorship before 24 November 2016

If you apply to extend before 24 May 2023, you’ll need to be paid at least £20,800 per year unless the ‘going rate’ for your job is higher than this.

This applies even if your job normally has different salary requirements.

If you got your certificate of sponsorship on or after 24 November 2016

If you apply to extend before 1 December 2026, you will still need to meet the salary requirements, but your salary may also include allowances, such as London weighting. Any allowances must be guaranteed for the length of your stay.

If you applied for your first Tier 2 (General) or Health and Care Worker visa before 6 April 2021

If your job has different salary requirements, you do not need to be paid at least £10.10 per hour. You’ll usually need to be paid at least £25,600 or the going rate for your job, whichever is higher.

If you’re a physical scientist

If you were sponsored for your Tier 2 (General) or Health and Care Worker visa before 1 December 2020, the going rate for your job is different.

Occupation code | Going rate for Health and Care Worker visa | 90% of going rate (for relevant STEM PhD) | 80% of going rate (for relevant non-STEM PhD or shortage occupation) | 70% of going rate (for new entrants)

2113 Physical scientists | £29,000 (£13.94 per hour) | £26,100 (£12.55 per hour) | £23,200 (£11.15 per hour) | £20,300 (£9.76 per hour)

If you’ve changed job or employer

You’ll need to apply to update your visa instead.

Fees

Check how much it costs for your type of visa.

You may also need to pay £19.20 to have your biometric information (fingerprints and a photo) taken.

Proving your identity and providing supporting documents

As part of your application you’ll need to prove your identity. How you do this depends on where you’re from and the type of passport you have.

You’ll either:

give your fingerprints and a photograph (biometric information) at a
UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) service point - this is to get a biometric residence permit

use the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app to scan your identity document - you’ll also create or sign in to your UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account

You’ll be told what you need to do when you apply.

Apply to extend your Health and Care Worker visa

You must apply online before your current visa expires.

Once you’ve started your application, you can save your form and complete it later.

Apply now

Continue your application

Sign in to your account using the link from your sign-up email.

How long it takes to get a decision

Once you’ve applied online, proved your identity and provided your documents, you’ll usually get a decision within 3 weeks.

You’ll be contacted if your application will take longer, for example because:

your supporting documents need to be verified

you need to attend an interview

of your personal circumstances, for example if you have a criminal conviction

You may be able to pay to get a faster decision - you’ll be told if you can when you apply.

After you apply

If you need to change something in your application after you’ve sent it contact UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).

You can ask to cancel your application. You’ll only get your fee refunded if UKVI has not started processing your application.

You’ll get an email or a letter containing the decision on your application. This will explain what you need to do next.

Update your visa if you change job or employer

You’ll need to apply to update your Health and Care Worker visa if:

you want to change your job and your new job is with a different employer

your job changes to a different occupation code, and you’re not in a graduate training programme

you leave a job that’s on the shortage occupation list for a job that is not on the list

The same conditions apply to Tier 2 Health and Care visas issued before 1 December 2020.

You do not need to apply again if you stay in the same job, but your job is taken off the shortage occupation list.

If you’ll be doing a different job for your current employer, you only need to update your visa if your new job is in a different occupation code.

Your partner or children will need to apply separately.

Eligibility and documents you’ll need to apply

Your new job must meet the eligibility requirements and you’ll need a new certificate of sponsorship to prove this.

You’ll only need to provide other evidence again if you’ve been in the UK for less than one year.

If you’re applying to add a second job to your current visa

You must apply to update your visa if you take on additional work that is either:

more than 20 paid hours a week in addition to the job you’re being sponsored for

in a different occupation code

Your second job must meet the eligibility requirements and you’ll need a new certificate of sponsorship to prove this.

You’ll also need to include a letter with your application explaining that you want to change your current permission to stay.

Your letter must state:

your name

your date of birth

your current certificate of sponsorship reference number

the date when your current permission to stay runs out

If your application is successful, you’ll get a new visa giving you permission to do both jobs.

You do not need to apply to update your visa if you’re taking on additional work in the same occupation code or you’ll be doing less than 20 paid hours a week.

When to apply to update your visa

You can apply to update your visa up to 3 months before the start date of your new job.

You can continue working in your current job while your new application is being considered, or to work out your notice period - as long as you apply before your current visa expires.

You should not start your new job until you’ve got confirmation of your new permission.

Proving your identity and providing supporting documents

As part of your application you’ll need to prove your identity.

How you do this depends on where you’re from and the type of passport you have.

You’ll either:

You’ll be told what you need to do when you apply. You’ll also be told how to provide your supporting documents if you need to.

Apply to update your visa

You must apply online for a Skilled Worker visa. You’ll be asked if you’re applying for a Health and Care Worker visa as part of your application - make sure you choose ‘yes’.

Once you’ve started your application, you can save your form and complete it later.

Apply now

Continue your application

Sign in to your account using the link from your sign-up email.

How long it takes to get a decision

Once you’ve applied online, proved your identity and provided your documents, you’ll usually get a decision within 3 weeks.

You’ll be contacted if your application will take longer, for example because:

your supporting documents need to be verified

you need to attend an interview

of your personal circumstances, for example if you have a criminal conviction

You may be able to pay to get a faster decision - you’ll be told if you can when you apply.

After you apply

If you need to change something in your application after you’ve sent it contact UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).

You can ask to cancel your application. You’ll only get your fee refunded if UKVI has not started processing your application.

You’ll get an email or a letter containing the decision on your application. This will explain what you need to do next.

Switch to this visa

You might be able to apply to change (‘switch’) to a Health and Care Worker visa if you’re already in the UK on a different type of visa.

Your partner or children will need to apply separately.

Eligibility

You must meet the following requirements:

your job meets the eligibility requirements

you can speak, read, write and understand English

Who cannot apply to switch to this visa

You cannot apply to switch to this visa if you’re currently in the UK:

on a visit visa

on a short-term student visa

on a Parent of a Child Student visa

on a seasonal worker visa

on a domestic worker in a private household visa

on immigration bail

because you were given permission to stay outside the immigration rules, for example on compassionate grounds

You must leave the UK and apply for a Health and Care Worker visa from abroad if you’re in one of these categories.

How long you can stay

You can stay in the UK for as long as your employer is sponsoring you for, up to 5 years at a time. Your certificate of sponsorship will say how long your employer is sponsoring you for.

Fees

Check how much it costs for your type of visa.

You may also need to pay £19.20 to have your biometric information (fingerprints and a photo) taken.

Proving your identity and providing supporting documents

As part of your application you’ll need to prove your identity.

How you do this depends on where you’re from and the type of passport you have.

You’ll either:

You’ll be told what you need to do when you apply.

Apply to switch to a Health and Care Worker visa

You must apply online before your current visa expires.

Once you’ve started your application, you can save your form and complete it later.

Apply now

Continue your application

Sign in to your account using the link from your sign-up email.

How long it takes to get a decision

Once you’ve applied online, proved your identity and provided your documents, you’ll usually get a decision within 3 weeks.

You’ll be contacted if your application will take longer, for example because:

your supporting documents need to be verified

you need to attend an interview

of your personal circumstances, for example if you have a criminal conviction

You may be able to pay to get a faster decision -  you’ll be told if you can when you apply.

After you apply

If you need to change something in your application after you’ve sent it contact UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).

You can ask to cancel your application. You’ll only get your fee refunded if UKVI has not started processing your application.

You’ll get an email or a letter containing the decision on your application. This will explain what you need to do next.

Taking on additional work

You can do additional paid work on this visa as long as you’re still doing the job you’re being sponsored for. You can also do unpaid voluntary work.

You can work up to 20 hours a week in a job that’s either:

in the same occupation code and at the same level as your main job

in a shortage occupation

Check if your job is on the list of:

healthcare and education shortage occupations

all other shortage occupations

Due to coronavirus (COVID-19), there’s currently no limit on the number of hours you can work or volunteer if you have a second job as an NHS doctor, nurse or paramedic.

If you’ll be working more than 20 hours a week or in a different occupation code

You’ll need to apply to update your visa so that you’re being sponsored to do both jobs.

You’ll need to:

get a new certificate of sponsorship from your second employer

include a letter with your application explaining that you want to change your current permission to stay


Intra-company visas

Overview

An Intra-company visa allows you to come to or stay in the UK to do an eligible job at your employer’s UK branch.

If you’re from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein

If you or your close family member started living in the UK before 1 January 2021, you may be able to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme.

Otherwise you need a visa to work in the UK.

Irish citizens do not need to apply for a visa or to the EU Settlement Scheme.

Types of Intra-company visa

There are 2 types of Intra-company visa.

Intra-company Transfer visa

Apply for this visa if you’re being transferred by your employer to a role in the UK.

You’ll need to have worked for your employer overseas for more than 12 months, unless they’re going to pay you £73,900 a year or more to work in the UK.

This visa has replaced the Tier 2 (Intra-company Transfer) Long-term Staff visa.

Intra-company Graduate Trainee visa

This visa is for transfers to the UK as part of a graduate training programme for a managerial or specialist role.

You’ll need to have worked for your employer overseas for at least 3 months immediately before the date you apply.

This visa has replaced the Tier 2 (Intra-company Transfer) Graduate Trainee visa.

Eligibility

To qualify for an Intra-company visa, you must:

be an existing employee of an organisation that’s been approved by the Home Office as a sponsor

have a ‘certificate of sponsorship’ from your employer with information about the role you’ve been offered in the UK

do a job that’s on the list of eligible occupations

be paid at least £41,500 for an Intra-company Transfer visa or at least £23,000 for an Intra-company Graduate Trainee visa

The specific eligibility requirements depend on your job.

How long you can stay

How long you can stay in the UK with an Intra-company visa depends on which visa you’re applying for and how long your employer is sponsoring you for.

If you’re applying for an Intra-company Transfer visa

You can stay in the UK with an Intra-company Transfer visa for whichever is shorter of:

the time given on your certificate of sponsorship plus 14 days

5 years

the length of time that takes you to the maximum total stay allowed

The maximum total stay allowed for an Intra-company Transfer visa is:

5 years in any 6 year period if you’re paid less than £73,900 a year

9 years in any 10 year period if you’re paid £73,900 a year or more

You can extend your visa or apply for another one up to the maximum total stay. If you have already been in the UK with an Intra-company visa before your application, that time will be included in your total stay.

If you’re applying for an Intra-company Graduate Trainee visa

You can stay in the UK with an Intra-company Graduate Trainee visa for whichever is shorter of:

12 months

You cannot extend your visa, but you can apply for another Intra-company Graduate Trainee visa from outside the UK. You have to have been working for your sponsor outside the UK for at least 3 months immediately before the date you apply.

The maximum total stay allowed for an Intra-company Graduate Trainee visa is 5 years in any 6 year period. If you have already been in the UK with an Intra-company visa before your application, that time will be included in your total stay.

How to apply

You must apply online.

How you apply depends on whether you’re:

outside the UK and are coming to the UK

inside the UK and extending your current visa

inside the UK and switching from a different visa

You can include your partner and children in your application to stay in the UK if they are eligible.

How much it costs

You, your partner or children will each need to:

pay the application fee

pay the healthcare surcharge for each year of your stay

prove you have enough personal savings

Check how much it costs.

How long it takes

You can apply for a visa up to 3 months before the day you are due to start work in the UK. This date is listed on your certificate of sponsorship.

As part of your application, you’ll need to prove your identity and provide your documents.

You may need to allow extra time if you need an appointment to do this. You’ll find out if you need one when you start your application.

Getting a decision

Once you’ve applied online, proved your identity and provided your documents, you’ll usually get a decision on your visa within:

3 weeks, if you’re outside the UK

8 weeks, if you’re inside the UK

If you need to go to an appointment, you may be able to pay for a faster decision. How you do this depends on whether you’re outside the UK or inside the UK.

What you can and cannot do

With an Intra-company visa you can:

work for your sponsor in the job described in your certificate of sponsorship

study

bring your partner and children with you as your ‘dependants’, if they’re eligible

do a second job for up to 20 hours a week that’s either in the same profession and at the same level as your main job or on the Skilled Worker shortage occupation list

do voluntary work

travel abroad and return to the UK

You cannot:

apply for most benefits (public funds), or the State Pension

change jobs unless you update your visa

apply to settle permanently in the UK (also known as ‘indefinite leave to remain’)

If your application is successful, you’ll get a full list of what you can and cannot do with an Intra-company visa.

Eligibility

To be eligible for an Intra-company visa you need to:

have a valid certificate of sponsorship from your employer

have worked for your employer outside the UK - how long you need to have worked for them depends on the visa you’re applying for and your salary

do a job that’s on the list of eligible occupations

be paid the minimum eligible salary required for your job

Getting a certificate of sponsorship

Your employer - also known as your sponsor - will give you a ‘certificate of sponsorship’ with information about the role you have been offered in the UK. It’s an electronic record, not a paper document.

You’ll need the reference number from the certificate of sponsorship for your visa application. You must apply for your visa within 3 months of getting your certificate of sponsorship.

If your employer is not currently licensed to sponsor people to work in the UK, they can apply for a sponsor licence if they’re eligible.

How long you need to have worked for your employer outside the UK

You must have worked for your employer outside of the UK. How long you need to have worked for them depends on what visa you’re applying for and how much you’re paid.

What visa you’re applying for | How long you need to have worked for your employer outside the UK

Intra-company Transfer (earning less than £73,900 a year) | 12 months

Intra-company Transfer (earning £73,900 a year or more) | no minimum time

Intra-company Graduate Trainee | 3 months

If you’re applying for an Intra-company Graduate Trainee visa, you must have worked for your employer overseas for the 3 months immediately before the date you apply.

Check if your job is eligible

Before you can find out if your job is eligible, you need to know its 4-digit occupation code. You can get this from your employer or your certificate of sponsorship.

When you know your occupation code, check the table of eligible jobs to see if it’s eligible for your visa type.

Salary requirements

If you’re applying for an Intra-company Transfer visa you must be paid at least £41,500 or the ‘going rate’ for your job - whichever is higher.

If you’re applying for an Intra-company Graduate Trainee visa you must be paid at least £23,000 or 70% of the ‘going rate’ for your job - whichever is higher.

Each occupation code has its own annual going rate. Check the going rate for your job in the going rates table.

How much it costs

When you apply for an Intra-company visa, you’ll need to have enough money to:

pay the application fee - the standard fee ranges from £610 to £1,408 depending on your circumstances

pay the healthcare surcharge - this is usually £624 per year

support yourself when you arrive in the UK - you’ll usually need to have at least £1,270 available (unless you’re exempt)

You’ll be told how much you need to pay when you apply.

Application fee

How much you pay to apply for an Intra-company visa depends on the type of visa and where you’re applying from.

What you’re applying for | Apply from outside the UK | Extend or switch in the UK

Intra-company Transfer (up to 3 years) | £610 per person | £704 per person

Intra-company Transfer (more than 3 years) | £1,220 per person | £1,408 per person

Intra-company Graduate Trainee | £482 per person | £482 per person

If you’re from an eligible country

Your application fee will be automatically reduced by £55 if you’re from one of the following countries:

Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Republic of Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden or Turkey.

This reduction only applies to your application. Your partner and children will still need to pay the full application fee.

Healthcare surcharge

You’ll also have to pay the healthcare surcharge for each year of your stay - this is usually £624 per year. Check how much you’ll have to pay before you apply.

Money to support yourself

You must have at least £1,270 in your bank account to show you can support yourself when you arrive in the UK.

You will need to have had the money available for at least 28 consecutive days. The end date of the 28 day period must be within 31 days of the date you apply.

You’ll usually need to show proof of this when you apply, unless either:

you’ve been in the UK with a valid visa for 12 months or more

your employer can cover your costs during your first month in the UK, up to £1,270

Your partner and children will also need to prove they can support themselves while they’re in the UK. Check how much they’ll need.

Read the guidance on financial evidence for more information about the money you need and how to prove it.

If your employer can support you instead

Your certificate of sponsorship must confirm this. Your employer will need to complete the ‘sponsor certifies maintenance’ section on your certificate. This is under ‘Additional data’.

Documents you'll need to apply

When you apply you’ll need to provide:

your certificate of sponsorship reference number - your employer will give you this

a valid passport or other document that shows your identity and nationality

your job title and annual salary

your job’s occupation code

the name of your employer and their sponsor licence number - this will be on your certificate of sponsorship

evidence that you have enough personal savings to support yourself in the UK, for example bank statements (unless your certificate of sponsorship shows your employer can support you)

proof of your relationship with your partner or children if they’re applying with you

your tuberculosis test results if you’re from a listed country

Ask your employer for a copy of your certificate of sponsorship if you do not have one.

If your certificate of sponsorship was issued before 1 December 2020

Your certificate of sponsorship will need to be updated because it was assigned to you before the Tier 2 (Intra-company Transfer) Long-term Staff visa and Tier 2 (Intra-company Transfer) Graduate Trainee visa were replaced.

Ask your employer to update the ‘sponsor notes’ section in the UK visa sponsorship management system.

Other documents you might need

Depending on your circumstances, you might be asked to provide:

evidence you’ve worked for your employer outside the UK

details of your training programme if you’re applying for an Intra-company Graduate Trainee visa

a valid ATAS certificate if your employer tells you that you need one because your job involves researching a sensitive subject at PhD level or higher

You’ll need a blank page in your passport for your visa if you need to give your biometric information (fingerprints and a photograph) at a visa application centre. You’ll be told if you need to do this when you apply.

If your documents are not in English or Welsh you’ll also need to provide a certified translation.

Evidence you’ve worked for your employer outside the UK

After you apply you might be asked to show you’ve worked for your employer for a certain amount of time.

The length of time depends on what visa you’re applying for:

Intra-company Transfer earning less than £73,900 a year -  12 months

Intra-company Transfer earning £73,900 a year or more - no minimum time

Intra-company Graduate Trainee - 3 months

If you’re asked, you’ll need to show you’ve been paid by your employer over this time period. You can provide:

printed payslips

online payslips supported by a letter from your sponsor signed by a senior staff member

bank or building society statements

a building society pass book

Apply from outside the UK

You must apply online for an Intra-company visa.

Check which documents you’ll need to apply.

Your partner or children will need to apply separately.

Proving your identity

As part of your application, you’ll need to prove your identity. How you do this depends on where you’re from and what type of passport you have.

You’ll either:

have your fingerprints and photograph taken at a visa application centre - this is to get a biometric residence permit

use the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app to scan your identity document (you’ll also create or sign into your UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account)

You’ll be told what you need to do when you apply.

If you do need an appointment:

the visa application centre may need to keep your passport and documents while they process your application

you may have to travel to get to your nearest centre (this could be in another country)

Apply for an Intra-company visa

Once you’ve started your application, you can save your form and complete it later.

Apply now

How long it takes to get a decision

Once you’ve applied online, proved your identity and provided your documents, you’ll usually get a decision within 3 weeks.

You’ll be contacted if your application will take longer, for example because:

your supporting documents need to be verified

you need to attend an interview

of your personal circumstances (for example if you have a criminal conviction)

If you’ve applied through a visa application centre, find out if you can pay to get a faster decision - this depends on where you’re applying from.

After you apply

You can ask to cancel your application. You’ll only get your fee refunded if UKVI has not started processing your application.

You’ll get an email with the decision on your application. This will explain what you need to do next.

Your partner and children

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.

Your relationship

A dependant partner or child is any of the following:

your husband, wife, civil partner or unmarried partner

your child under 18 - including if they were born in the UK during your stay

your child over 18 if they’re currently in the UK as your dependant

You’ll need to provide evidence of your relationship when you apply.

Your partner

You must be able to prove that either:

you’re in a civil partnership or marriage that’s recognised in the UK

you’ve been living together in a relationship for at least 2 years when you apply

If your child is 16 or over

They must:

live with you (unless they’re in full-time education at boarding school, college or university)

not be married, in a civil partnership or have any children

be financially supported by you

If your child lives with you, you’ll need to provide evidence of their address such as:

a bank statement

credit card bills

driving licence

NHS registration document

an official letter from their university or college

Money they need to support themselves

Your partner or children must have a certain amount of money available to support themselves while they’re in the UK.

You - or your partner or child - will need:

£285 for your partner

£315 for one child

£200 for each additional child

You - or your partner or child - will need to have had the money available for at least 28 consecutive days. The end date of the 28 day period must be within 31 days of the date you or they apply for this visa.

You’ll usually need to show proof of this when they apply, unless either:

you have all been in the UK with a valid visa for at least 12 months

your employer can cover your family’s costs during your first month in the UK - this must be confirmed on your certificate of sponsorship

If your partner or child is applying at a different time to you, they’ll only need to prove they have enough money to support themselves if they have been in the UK for less than one year.

Apply from outside the UK

Your partner and children must either:

apply online as a partner

apply online as a child

Each family member will need to complete a separate application and pay the visa fee. They must apply before they travel to the UK.

They’ll also need your application number - you’ll get this when you apply. This number is called a Global Web Form (GWF) or a Unique Application Number (UAN). You’ll find it on emails and letters from the Home Office about your application.

Proving their identity

As part of their application, your partner and children will need to prove their identity. They’ll either:

have their fingerprints and photograph taken at a visa application centre - this is to get a biometric residence permit

use the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app to scan their identity document (they’ll also create or sign into their UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account)

They’ll be told what they need to do when they apply.

If they do need an appointment:

the visa application centre may need to keep their passport and documents while they process their application

they may have to travel to get to their nearest centre (this could be in another country)

How long it takes to get a decision

Once they’ve applied online, proved their identity and provided their documents, they’ll usually get a decision within 3 weeks.

They may be able to pay to get their visa faster or use other services depending on which country they’re in - check with the visa application centre.

Apply from inside the UK (extend or switch their visa)

Apply for your partner or child’s visa at the same time as you extend or switch your own visa. This includes children who were born or have turned 18 during your stay.

If you cannot apply at the same time, your partner or child can apply to extend or switch their visas at a later date. This must be before their current visa expires.

Your partner or children will not be able to apply to switch to this visa if they are currently in the UK:

on a visit visa

on a short-term student visa

on a Parent of a Child Student visa

on a seasonal worker visa

on a domestic worker in a private household visa

on immigration bail

because they were given permission to stay outside the immigration rules, for example on compassionate grounds

How to apply

Your partner and children must apply online to either:

extend or switch as a partner

extend or switch as a child

They’ll need your application number - you’ll get this when you apply. This number is called a Global Web Form (GWF) or a Unique Application Number (UAN). You’ll find it on emails and letters from the Home Office about your application.

have their fingerprints and photograph taken at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) service point

They must not travel outside of the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man until they get a decision. Their application will be withdrawn if they do.

How long it takes to get a decision

Once they’ve applied online, proved their identity and provided their documents, they’ll usually get a decision within 8 weeks.

They may be able to pay to get a faster decision - they’ll be told if they can when they apply.

Children born in the UK

If you have a child while you’re in the UK, they do not automatically become a British citizen.

You can apply online for their visa as your dependant. You must do this if you want to travel in and out of the UK with your child.

You’ll need to provide a full UK birth certificate for each child, showing the names of both parents.

You must apply to add them to your visa before they turn 18 if they want to stay in the UK.

Extend your visa

You can apply to extend your Intra-company Transfer visa from inside the UK if all of the following are true:

you have the same job as when you were given your previous permission to enter or stay in the UK

your job is in the same occupation code as when you were given your previous permission to enter or stay in the UK

you’re still working for the employer who gave you your current certificate of sponsorship

you have not reached the maximum total stay

You cannot extend an Intra-company Graduate Trainee visa from inside the UK.

Your partner or children will need to apply separately.

You must not travel outside of the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man until you get a decision. Your application will be withdrawn if you do.

If your job changes

You’ll need to apply to update your visa instead.

Fees

Check how much it costs for your type of visa.

Proving your identity and providing supporting documents

As part of your application you’ll need to prove your identity. How you do this depends on where you’re from and the type of passport you have.

You’ll either:

give your fingerprints and a photograph (biometric information) at a
UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) service point - this is to get a biometric residence permit

use the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app to scan your identity document (you will also create or sign in to your UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account)

You’ll be told what you need to do when you apply.

Apply to extend your Intra-company Transfer visa

You must apply online before your current visa expires.

Once you’ve started your application, you can save your form and complete it later.

Apply now

Continue your application

Sign in to your account using the link from your sign-up email.

How long it takes to get a decision

You’ll usually get a decision within 8 weeks of your application date.

You’ll be contacted if your application will take longer, for example because:

your supporting documents need to be verified

you need to attend an interview

of your personal circumstances (for example if you have a criminal conviction)

You may be able to pay to get a faster decision - you’ll be told if you can when you apply.

After you apply

If you need to change something in your application after you’ve sent it contact UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).

You can ask to cancel your application. Your fee will only be refunded if UKVI has not started processing your application.

You’ll get an email or a letter with the decision on your application. This will explain what you need to do next.

Update your visa if your job changes

You’ll need to apply to update your Intra-company visa if your job changes to a different occupation code. You must still have the same employer.

You do not need to apply again if you have an Intra-company Graduate Trainee visa and your job changes as part of your graduate training programme. Your employer will notify UK Visas and Immigration.

Your partner or children will need to apply separately.

Eligibility and documents you’ll need to apply

Your new job must meet the eligibility requirements and you’ll need a new certificate of sponsorship.

You’ll only need to provide other evidence again if you’ve been in the UK for less than one year.

When to apply to update your visa

You can apply to update your visa up to 3 months before the start date of your new job.

You can continue working in your current job while your new application is being considered - as long as you apply before your current visa expires.

You should not start your new job until you’ve got confirmation of your new permission.

Proving your identity and providing supporting documents

You’ll either:

You’ll be told how to do this when you apply. You’ll also be told how to provide your supporting documents if you need to.

Apply to update your visa

You must apply online.

Once you’ve started your application, you can save your form and complete it later.

Apply now

Continue your application

Sign in to your account using the link from your sign-up email.

How long it takes to get a decision

You’ll usually get a decision within 8 weeks of your application date.

You’ll be contacted if your application will take longer, for example because:

your supporting documents need to be verified

you need to attend an interview

of your personal circumstances (for example if you have a criminal conviction)

You may be able to pay to get a faster decision - you’ll be told if you can when you apply.

After you apply

If you need to change something in your application after you’ve sent it contact UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).

You can ask to cancel your application. Your fee will only be refunded if UKVI has not started processing your application.

You’ll get an email or a letter with the decision on your application. This will explain what you need to do next.

Switch to an Intra-company visa

You might be able to apply to change (‘switch’) to an Intra-company Transfer visa if you’re already in the UK on a different type of visa. You must meet the eligibility requirements

You cannot switch to an Intra-company Graduate Trainee visa from inside the UK.

Your partner or children will need to apply separately.

Who cannot apply to switch

You cannot apply to switch to an Intra-company visa if you’re currently in the UK:

on a visit visa

on a short-term student visa

on a Parent of a Child Student visa

on a seasonal worker visa

on a domestic worker in a private household visa

on immigration bail

because you were given permission to stay outside the immigration rules, for example on compassionate grounds

You must leave the UK and apply for an Intra-company Transfer visa from abroad if you’re in one of these categories.

Fees

Check how much it costs.

Proving your identity and providing supporting documents

As part of your application you’ll need to prove your identity.

How you do this depends on where you’re from and the type of passport you have.

You’ll either:

You’ll be told what you need to do when you apply.

Apply to switch to an Intra-company Transfer visa

Once you’ve started your application, you can save your form and complete it later.

Apply now

Continue your application

Sign in to your account using the link from your sign-up email.

How long it takes to get a decision

You’ll usually get a decision within 8 weeks of your application date.

You’ll be contacted if your application will take longer, for example because:

your supporting documents need to be verified

you need to attend an interview

of your personal circumstances (for example if you have a criminal conviction)

You may be able to pay to get a faster decision - you’ll be told if you can when you apply.

After you apply

If you need to change something in your application after you’ve sent it contact UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).

You can ask to cancel your application. Your fee will only be refunded if UKVI has not started processing your application.

You’ll get an email or a letter with the decision on your application. This will explain what you need to do next.


Minister of Religion visa (T2)

Overview

You can apply for a Minister of Religion visa (T2) if:

you’ve been offered a job within a faith community (for example as a minister of religion, missionary, or member of a religious order) in the UK

you meet the other eligibility requirements

If you or your family are from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein

If you or your close family member started living in the UK before 1 January 2021, you may be able to apply to the free EU Settlement Scheme.

Otherwise you need a visa to work in the UK.

Irish citizens do not need to apply for a visa or to the EU Settlement Scheme.

Getting sponsored

You need to be employed by a licensed sponsor to apply to live in the UK.

Your sponsor checks that you can do the job they’re hiring you for and if it qualifies you for a visa. They’ll give you a certificate of sponsorship to prove this.

They must also give you other information you need when you apply, for example how much you’ll be paid.

How long it will take

You can apply for a visa up to 3 months before the day you’re due to start work in the UK. This date is listed on your certificate of sponsorship.

You should get a decision on your visa within 3 weeks when you apply from outside the UK.

Find out about paying for a faster decision.

Application fee

How much you pay for a Minister of Religion visa (T2) depends on where you are.

Who you’re applying for | Apply outside the UK | Extend or switch in the UK

You | £610 | £704

All dependants | £610 each person | £704 each person

If you’re from an eligible country

Your application fee will be automatically reduced by £55 if you’re from one of the following countries:

Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Republic of Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden or Turkey.

This reduction only applies to your visa application. Your partner and children will still need to pay the full application fee.

Healthcare surcharge

You’ll also have to pay the healthcare surcharge as part of your application. Check how much you’ll have to pay before you apply.

If you’re applying to extend or switch in the UK

You’ll need to pay £19.20 to have your biometric information (fingerprints and a photo) taken.

Get a faster decision on your application

If you’re applying to extend or switch in the UK you can pay an extra £500 for the priority service to get a decision within 5 working days.

You can pay an extra £800 for the super priority service to get a decision:

by the end of the next working day after providing your biometric information if your appointment is on a weekday

2 working days after providing your biometric information if your appointment is at the weekend

Working days are Monday to Friday, not including bank holidays.

Once you’ve got your decision letter, your biometric residence permit will take up to 10 working days to arrive.

How long you can stay

You can come to the UK with a Minister of Religion visa (T2) for a maximum of up to 3 years and 1 month, or the time given on your certificate of sponsorship plus 14 days, whichever is shorter.

You can apply to extend your stay.

You must apply before your visa expires.

What you can and cannot do

You can:

work for your sponsor in the job described in your certificate of sponsorship

do a second job - in certain circumstances

do voluntary work

study as long as it does not interfere with the job you’re sponsored for

travel abroad and return to the UK

bring your partner and children with you as your ‘dependants’, if they’re eligible

You cannot:

own more than 10% of your sponsor’s shares  (unless you earn more than £159,600 a year)

get public funds

Eligibility

You need to:

have a certificate of sponsorship for your job

prove your knowledge of English

have personal savings so you can support yourself when you arrive in the UK

show you can travel and your travel history over the last 5 years

have tuberculosis test results if you’re from a listed country

You need to have an eligible qualification if you’re switching from a Tier 4 visa.

Certificate of sponsorship

A certificate of sponsorship holds your personal details and information about the job you’ve been offered. It’s an electronic record, not a paper document. Your sponsor will give you a certificate of sponsorship reference number to add to your application.

You can only use your certificate of sponsorship reference number once. You must use it within 3 months of getting it.

Money to support yourself

You must have at least £1,270 in your bank account to show you can support yourself in the UK.

You will need to have had the money available for at least 28 days in a row. Day 28 must be within 31 days of applying for this visa.

You’ll usually need to show proof of this when you apply, unless either:

you’ve been in the UK with a valid visa for at least 12 months

your employer can cover your costs during your first month in the UK, up to £1,270

Your partner and children will also need to prove they can support themselves while they’re in the UK. Check how much they’ll need.

Read the guidance on financial evidence for more information about the money you need and how to prove it.

If your employer can support you instead

Your certificate of sponsorship must confirm this. Your employer will need to complete the ‘sponsor certifies maintenance’ section on your certificate. This is under ‘Additional data’.

Knowledge of English

You may need to prove your knowledge of the English language when you apply.

You can prove your knowledge of English by either:

passing an approved English language test with at least CEFR level B2 in reading, writing, speaking and listening

having an academic qualification that was taught in English and is recognised by Ecctis (formerly UK NARIC) as being equivalent to a UK bachelors degree, master’s degree or PhD

You may be able to meet the English language requirement in other ways. Check the full visa guidance for detailed information.

Exceptions

You will not need to prove your knowledge of English if you’re a national of one of the following countries:

Antigua and Barbuda

Australia

the Bahamas

Barbados

Belize

Canada

Dominica

Grenada

Guyana

Jamaica

Malta

New Zealand

St Kitts and Nevis

St Lucia

St Vincent and the Grenadines

Trinidad and Tobago

USA

You also may not have to prove your knowledge of English in other circumstances - check the full visa guidance.

Documents you'll need

When you apply you’ll need to provide:

your certificate of sponsorship reference number (your employer will give you this)

proof of your knowledge of English

evidence that you have enough personal savings to support yourself in the UK, for example bank statements (unless your certificate of sponsorship shows your employer can support you)

a valid passport or other document that shows your identity and nationality - you need a blank page in your passport for your visa

expired passports or travel documents if you need them to show your travel history

your tuberculosis test results if you’re from a listed country

If your documents are not in English or Welsh you’ll also need to provide a certified translation.

You may need to provide additional documents depending on your circumstances.

See the full list of documents you can provide.

Read the guidance about the money you’ll need and how to prove it.

Apply from outside the UK

You must apply online for a Minister of Religion visa (T2).

Check which documents you’ll need to apply.

Your partner or children will need to apply separately.

Proving your identity and providing supporting documents

As part of your online application, you need to book an appointment at a visa application centre.

You’ll have your fingerprints and photograph taken at the visa application centre, so you can get a biometric residence permit.

You’ll have to collect your biometric residence permit within 10 days of when you said you’d arrive in the UK.

Apply for a Minister of Religion visa (T2)

Once you’ve started your application you can save your form and complete it later.

Apply now

Continue your application

You can sign back into your application if you’ve saved it. Check your email and follow the link to return to your application.

How long it takes to get a decision

Once you’ve applied online, proved your identity and provided your documents, you’ll usually get a decision on your visa within 3 weeks.

Find out how to get your visa decision faster - this depends on what country you’re in.

After you apply

You can ask to cancel your application. You’ll only get your fee refunded if the application has not been processed yet.

You’ll get an email containing the decision on your application. This will explain what you need to do next.

Extend your visa

You may be able to apply to extend your stay in the UK under a Minister of Religion visa (T2).

You can add your partner and children to your online application - including children who have turned 18 during your stay.

You should apply before your current visa expires.

Eligibility

You’ll still need to meet the eligibility criteria and provide the right documents.

You’ll also need a new certificate of sponsorship from your sponsor.

How long you can stay

You can extend a Minister of Religion visa (T2) for up to 3 years, or the time given in your certificate of sponsorship plus 14 days, or the time required to take your total stay in the UK to a maximum of 6 years, whichever time is shorter.

Fees

Check the fees for your visa.

Apply to extend your Minister of Religion visa (T2)

You must apply online before your current visa expires.

Once you’ve started your application, you can save your form and complete it later.

Apply now

Continue your application

Providing biometric information and supporting documents

When you apply, you’ll be asked to make an appointment at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) service point to provide your biometric information (your fingerprints and a photo).

You’ll also need to submit your supporting documents. You can:

upload them into the online service

have them scanned at your UKVCAS appointment

You must not travel outside of the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man until you get a decision. Your application will be withdrawn if you do.

How long it takes

Once you’ve applied you can stay in the UK until you’ve been given a decision, as long as you applied before your last visa expired.

You’ll usually get a decision:

within 8 weeks of your application date if you use the standard service

within 5 working days of your UKVCAS appointment if you use the priority service

If you use the super priority service you’ll get a decision:

by the end of the next working day after your UKVCAS appointment if your appointment is on a weekday

2 working days after your UKVCAS appointment if your appointment is at the weekend

Working days are Monday to Friday, not including bank holidays.

You’ll be contacted if your circumstances or application are more complicated, for example if:

your supporting documents need to be verified

you need to attend an interview

you have a criminal conviction

Switch to this visa

You can apply to change (‘switch’) from another visa to a Minister of Religion visa (T2).

You should apply before your current visa expires.

Eligibility

You must meet the Minister of Religion visa (T2) eligibility requirements and must already be in the UK under any of the following visas:

Tier 1 visa

Tier 2 (Sportsperson) visa

Tier 2 (General) visa

Tier 2 (Intra-company Transfer) visa under the Immigration Rules in place before 6 April 2010 and you’re applying to change sponsor

Tier 4 visa - if you have an eligible qualification

Start-up visa

Innovator visa

You can also switch to this visa if you meet the eligibility requirements and you’re:

a dependent partner of someone with a Tier 4 visa

a representative of an overseas business

You must leave the UK and make your Minister of Religion visa (T2) application from abroad if you’re not in any of these categories.

Eligible qualifications for Tier 4 visa

You must have been sponsored by a licensed sponsor to get one of the following qualifications:

a UK bachelors degree

a UK masters degree

a postgraduate certificate in education

a professional graduate diploma of education

If you’re a PhD student, you must have also have completed the last 12 months’ study  during your most recent stay in the UK. This can be through a licensed sponsor or another visa that allowed you to study.

How long you can stay

You can stay up to 3 years after switching to a Minister of Religion visa (T2).

Fees

Check the fees for your visa.

Apply to switch to a Minister of Religion visa (T2)

You must apply online before your current visa expires.

Once you’ve started your application, you can save your form and complete it later.

Apply now

Continue your application

Providing biometric information and supporting documents

You’ll also need to submit your supporting documents. You can:

upload them into the online service

have them scanned at your UKVCAS appointment

How long it takes

You’ll usually get a decision:

within 8 weeks of your application date if you use the standard service

within 5 working days of your UKVCAS appointment if you use the priority service

If you use the super priority service you’ll get a decision:

by the end of the next working day after your UKVCAS appointment if your appointment is on a weekday

2 working days after your UKVCAs appointment if your appointment is at the weekend

Working days are Monday to Friday, not including bank holidays.

You’ll be contacted if your application is complex and will take longer, for example because:

your supporting documents need to be verified

you need to attend an interview

of your personal circumstances, for example if you have a criminal conviction

Your partner and children

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.

Your relationship

A dependant partner or child is any of the following:

your husband, wife, civil partner or unmarried partner

your child under 18 - including if they were born in the UK during your stay

your child over 18 if they’re currently in the UK as your dependant

You’ll need to provide evidence of your relationship when you apply.

Your partner

You must be able to prove that either:

you’re in a civil partnership or marriage that’s recognised in the UK

you’ve been living together in a relationship for at least 2 years when you apply

If your child is 16 or over

They must:

live with you (unless they’re in full-time education at boarding school, college or university)

not be married, in a civil partnership or have any children

be financially supported by you

If your child lives with you, you’ll need to provide evidence of their address such as:

a bank statement

credit card bills

driving licence

NHS registration document

an official letter from their university or college

Money they need to support themselves

Your partner or children must have a certain amount of money available to support themselves while they’re in the UK.

You - or your partner or child - will need:

£285 for your partner

£315 for one child

£200 for each additional child

You - or your partner or child - will need to have had the money available for at least 28 days in a row. Day 28 must be within 31 days of you or them applying for this visa.

You’ll usually need to show proof of this when they apply, unless either:

you have all been in the UK with a valid visa for at least 12 months

your employer can cover your family’s costs during your first month in the UK - this must be confirmed on your certificate of sponsorship

If your partner or child is applying at a different time to you, they’ll only need to prove they have enough money to support themselves if they have been in the UK for less than one year.

Apply from outside the UK

Your partner and children must apply online.

Each family member will need to complete a separate application and pay the visa fee. They must apply before they travel to the UK.

They’ll also need your application number - you’ll get this when you apply. This number is called a Global Web Form (GWF) or a Unique Application Number (UAN). You’ll find it on emails and letters from the Home Office about your application.

Proving their identity

As part of their application, your partner and children will need to have their fingerprints and photograph taken at a visa application centre. They may need to travel to get to their nearest centre (this could be in another country).

The visa application centre may need to keep their passport and documents while they process their application.

How long it takes to get a decision

Once they’ve applied online, proved their identity and provided their documents, they’ll usually get a decision within 3 weeks.

They may be able to pay to get their visa faster - check with the visa application centre.

Apply from inside the UK to extend

You can include your partner and children on your application to extend this visa. This includes children who were born or have turned 18 during your stay.

If you cannot apply at the same time, your partner or child can apply to extend their visas at a later date. This must be before their current visa expires.

How to apply

Your partner and children must apply online to either:

extend as a partner

extend as a child

They’ll need your application number - you’ll get this when you apply. This number is called a Global Web Form (GWF) or a Unique Application Number (UAN). You’ll find it on emails and letters from the Home Office about your application.

As part of their application, your partner and children will need to have their fingerprints and photograph taken at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) service point.

They must not travel outside of the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man until they get a decision. Their application will be withdrawn if they do.

How long it takes to get a decision

Once they’ve applied online, proved their identity and provided their documents, they’ll usually get a decision within 8 weeks.

They may be able to pay to get a faster decision - they’ll be told if they can when they apply.

Children born in the UK

If you have a child while you’re in the UK, they do not automatically become a British citizen.

You can apply online for their visa as your dependant. You must do this if you want to travel in and out of the UK with your child.

You’ll need to provide a full UK birth certificate for each child, showing the names of both parents.

You must apply to add them to your visa before they turn 18 if they want to stay in the UK.

Taking a second job

You can take a second job on this visa if you’re working up to 20 hours a week in either:

the same profession as your main job

a profession on the Skilled Worker shortage occupation list

You can also do unpaid voluntary work.

Otherwise, you’ll need to apply for a new visa. You’ll need to be sponsored by your second employer and get a new certificate of sponsorship.

When to apply for a new visa

You cannot apply for a new visa until you’ve started work with your first sponsor.

You cannot start work with your second sponsor until your visa application has been approved.

How to apply

Read the guidance before you apply.

You must apply online.

You must be in the UK to apply.

Documents you must provide

You’ll need to provide some documents with your application.

You must also provide a letter explaining that you want to change your current permission to stay.

Your letter must state:

your name

your date of birth

your current certificate of sponsorship reference number

the date when your current permission to stay runs out