The NHS is one of the world’s largest employers, with around 1.3 million staff working across England alone as of 2022. With such a huge need for qualified personnel, the NHS recruits globally and has specific programs to attract healthcare professionals from overseas.
However, securing an NHS job from a red list country comes with extra challenges. Red list countries are those the UK government deems high risk for immigration control purposes. Nationals from these countries face more visa restrictions and scrutiny.But there are still pathways for red list nationals to obtain NHS sponsorship and job offers. This guide covers the key steps.
Also Read
- UK NHS Jobs: A Comprehensive Guide to Free Certificates of Sponsorship for Work Visas and How to Apply: This article provides an in-depth look at the process of obtaining a work visa for the UK, focusing on the Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) that is offered free of charge by the NHS, and how to apply for NHS jobs.
- Securing an NHS Job in 2024: A Comprehensive Guide: This article provides a comprehensive, up-to-date guide on finding and securing an NHS job in 2024, covering the recruitment outlook, available jobs, hiring timelines, and interview tips.
- Overseas Nurses recruitment and OSCE preparation – UK: This article provides information on how to apply for a job with St Georges NHS Trust from overseas, including the online application form, the email address, and the OSCE preparation resources
Understand the Red List and Your Options
The UK maintains a red list of around 70 countries in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. If you hail from these nations, you are subject to extra immigration checks and conditions.For NHS roles, common red list countries include India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Nigeria. But the full current list is on the UK government website.If you are from a red list state, these are your main options for getting an NHS job:
- Qualify for the Health and Care Visa:Â This visa route has a fast-track for NHS jobs. But it requires meeting strict salary and English language thresholds.
- Find sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route:Â This is tough, as few NHS employers can handle the bureaucracy.
- Use other visas like family reunion, student, or refugee routes. Then switch to an NHS job once in the UK.
The Health and Care Visa will be the most realistic pathway for most. So this guide focuses on its requirements and process.
Meet the Eligibility Criteria for the Health and Care Visa
Introduced in 2020, the Health and Care Visa provides expedited entry for select healthcare roles in the UK. This includes nearly all clinical and medical support positions with the NHS.To apply under the Health and Care Visa stream, you must:
- Have a job offer for an eligible occupation:Â This must be a qualified clinical or medical support role in the NHS. A list of eligible occupations is on the UK government site. Most require formal training and certification.
- Meet the minimum salary threshold: For 2023/2024 this is £25,600 or the “going rate” for the occupation, whichever is higher.
- Prove your English language competence:Â You need to score at least level B1 on the CEFR scale in all four components (reading, writing, speaking and listening) on an approved test. Some exemptions apply for certain nationalities and qualifications.
- Pay the healthcare surcharge: This is £624 per year to access NHS services and is paid upfront.
- Get a Certificate of Sponsorship:Â Your NHS employer must issue you one to support your visa application.
As a red list national, you will still need to clear additional checks related to finances, tuberculosis screening and credibility interviews. We cover those later.But first, let’s look at landing that all-important NHS job offer…
Search for Opportunities and Secure an Offer
The most direct route to an NHS offer is getting hired directly into a permanent clinical or medical support role. However, temporary agency work can also open doors later.Here are tips for finding and securing opportunities:
Use Centralized Platforms
The main centralized platform for clinical roles is the [NHS Jobs website]. This lists thousands of vacancies across all regions and specialties.For medical support openings like healthcare assistants and porters, also try [NHS Professionals].Set up custom job alerts on these sites so new matching openings get sent to your inbox.
Search Regional Sites and Agencies
Don’t just rely on the national platforms. Many NHS Trusts also post roles on their own sites and social media pages.Private agencies like [Medacs], [ID Medical] and [Pulse Jobs] also recruit internationally for NHS openings.
Build Connections
Networking and connections count when job hunting. Reach out through:
- Social media groups for overseas doctors and healthcare workers in the UK
- Alumni networks from your university or training institute
- Professional associations like the British Medical Association and Royal Colleges
- Recruitment agencies focusing on your specialty
Ask if they know of any openings or can forward your CV to NHS contacts.
Highlight Your Credentials
Carefully prepare your CV, cover letters and interview answers to showcase your qualifications for NHS standards.Given the visa costs and process, NHS employers generally only sponsor those with solid experience levels and excellent credentials.Be ready to provide documentation like:
- Educational certificates
- Training credentials
- Proof of professional licenses and good standing
- Reference letters
- English test results
Consider Temporary Roles
Permanent positions are the gold standard. But if you’re struggling to land one right away, temporary agency work can help you adapt to the UK system and make contacts.Many NHS Trusts fill routine clinical and support jobs like these on a temporary basis:
- Junior doctor locum roles
- Registered nurse bank work
- Healthcare assistant shifts
Just be strategic in choosing assignments at Trusts you’d like to join permanently later.
Prepare a Strong Visa Application
Once you secure that coveted job offer letter, it’s time to submit your Health and Care Visa application.This process has four key parts:
1. Submit Your Online Application
You start by completing the online form and paying the visa fee of £232 per year of visa length requested.Upload your documents like passport, job offer letter, English results, educational credentials and a digital photo.
2. Prove Your Finances
As a red list national, you must show sufficient funds to support yourself for at least 90 days, with a minimum of £1,270.Acceptable financial evidence includes:
- Recent bank statements or transactions
- Pay slips from current employment
- Confirmation of NHS salary from your offer letter
- Documentation on assets like property
- Written sponsorship declarations from family or others
3. Get Tuberculosis Screening
Due to higher TB prevalence in red list countries, you must get screened for signs of active or inactive TB as part of your application.Your NHS employer can guide you on approved providers to perform testing and documentation.
4. Attend a Visa Centre Interview
The final step is to attend an in-person credibility interview at a visa application centre in your home country.Here they will:
- Verify your identity and documents
- Assess whether your intentions for working in the NHS are genuine
- Evaluate if you genuinely have the skills to perform the NHS job
Use your interview preparation time to gather any further evidence on your training, experience or language abilities to show the officer.Bring the originals of any key documents in case the officer asks to review them directly.Dress professionally and communicate politely and directly. The interview is also a test of your interaction skills needed for the NHS role.
Enter and Start Your NHS Role
Once approved, your Health and Care Visa will be valid for up to 5 years, or the length of your NHS contract, whichever is shorter.You can then:
- Book travel to the UK
- Rent accommodation
- Register with professional bodies like the NMC or GMC
- Apply for your National Insurance number for taxes and payroll
- Open a UK bank account
- Complete any pre-employment checks required by your NHS Trust
Finally, you can begin practicing in your new clinical or support role, delivering excellent care while advancing your career within the NHS!
Summary
Despite the challenges, red list nationals can still obtain NHS job offers and visas with careful preparation.The Health and Care Visa route smooths the way for qualified overseas clinical and support personnel. Its streamlined process shaves weeks off standard work visa timelines.
But you must still meet strict eligibility rules, especially around English levels, finances and TB checks. And competition for places is stiff.Getting hired first into temporary bank or agency roles can help you acclimate and make vital NHS contacts for permanent posts later.
The process requires substantial effort and patience. But the privilege of serving patients and developing your expertise across the NHS makes it worthwhile.With strategic planning and a commitment to delivering compassionate care, red list nationals can still achieve their NHS dreams in 2024 and beyond.
