The New Fast Track ‘NHS Visa’.
Several days ago the UK government announced its intention to introduce a new fast track NHS Visa UK
Immigration route. This is, according to Priti Patel, Home Secretary, a part of the Australian-style points-based immigration system implementation process. The system is being implemented to allow “to control numbers while remaining open to vital professions like nurses”.
According to the UK government, this route will be “the best of both worlds — attracting talent from around the world so our NHS continues to provide brilliant service while ensuring that it isn’t put under strain by opening Britain’s borders to the entire world”.
Who is the ‘NHS Visa’ UK Immigration Route For?
This route is for doctors, nurses and allied health professionals from all over the world, wishing to work, live and eventually settle in the UK with their close family members.
How Much Will It Cost to Apply?
All those, willing to apply will need to pay only half the normal fee: a reduction from £928 to £464.
How Long Will It Take for the Application to be Processed?
This will be a ‘fast track’ route. The UKVI will reach the decisions within two weeks. The applicants for NHS positions will receive preferential treatment and extra points.
Immigration Health Surcharge
All those who apply for leave (visa) to enter the UK for more than 6 months (unless this is Indefinite Leave to Remain application) will need to pay Immigration Health Surcharge. The UK government will be taking an unprecedented approach with NHS Visa applicants. They will allow them to pay Immigration Health Surcharge in instalments through their salary. This is to allow lower-paid workers in the medical industry, such as nurses, to be in the position to meet all upfront visa costs. Under normal circumstances, the Immigration Health Surcharge bill for a five-year visa is £2,000 (£400 a year).
When Will the New Fast Track ‘NHS Visa’ lower-paid?
This new UK Immigration route will be launched before the new immigration system comes into operation in 2021.
Will There Be A Cap?
‘A cap’ means that the UK Government puts a maximum number on the applications, who can apply in any given year. This number is being adjusted by the Home Office on a monthly basis. Tier 1 (Graduate Entrepreneur), Tier 2, Tier 5 were/are all capped immigration routes.
However, there will be no cap on the number of qualified applicants who can apply under the new route.
Further Help
If you would like to apply for a UK visa in near future, you need to understand the rules first. UKVisaSuccess.com online courses will help you do this. After attending the course you need, you’ll understand UK visa requirements and common pitfalls in the applications. This will dramatically decrease the chances of refusal of your UK visa application.