FAQ's within the Adult Social Care international recruitment space
In this section you can explore answers to frequently asked questions raised by Care Providers and Local Authorities, within Greater Manchester.
How long does a Health and Care worker visa last?
A Health and Care Worker visa in the UK can last for up to 5 years before you need to extend it. If you wish to continue working in the UK, you’ll need to apply to extend or update your visa when it expires or if you change jobs or employers.
There are two visa options: a visa of up to 3 years costing £247 or for £479 a visa of more than 3 years, which can last up to five years, after which the applicant can extend their visa, or apply for settlement.
How long does a sponsor license last for?
The requirement for sponsors to renew their sponsor licence every four years was abolished from 6 April 2024. UK sponsor licences are now valid for 10 years.
Can workers switch to a different visa category?
Yes, visa holders can switch to another visa category, however, they must meet the eligibility criteria for that category they are applying for.
What is the process for reporting concerns surrounding modern slavery, exploitation and/or abuse of internationally recruited workers?
Contact the Police:
If you believe there is an immediate danger or you witness a crime, call the police emergency number (999) right away. For non-emergencies, contact your local police station or the non-emergency number (101).
Report to Modern Slavery Helpline:
You can report your concerns to the Modern Slavery Helpline at 0800 0121 700. The helpline is operated by trained specialists 24 hours a day, who can provide advice, support, and guidance.
National Referral Mechanism (NRM):
If you suspect someone is a victim, you can make a referral to the NRM through the Home Office, law enforcement, or a designated organisation. The NRM referral form can be completed online.
Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority (GLAA):
If the exploitation involves labour abuse or workers’ rights violations, report it to the GLAA. They investigate and take action against businesses or individuals exploiting workers.
What is the process when a sponsor licence is suspended?
UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) will write to the sponsor giving reasons for the suspension. The suspension letter is sent via email.
The sponsor will then have 20 working days from the date of the written notification to respond to our letter. The response must be in writing and set out which grounds they believe to be incorrect and why. UKVI not hold oral hearings.
When a response is received, UKVI will inform the sponsor of our final decision in writing, within 20 working days. If they do not receive a response, UKVI will go ahead with whatever action they believe is appropriate and inform the sponsor of their decision in writing.
There is no right of appeal against a revocation decision. However, a judicial review can be sought.
Please use the below link for a comprehensive Q&A from the UKVI team
Has the 'red list' of countries changed?
The Code of Practice for International Recruitment states that some developing countries should not be targeted when actively recruiting health or care professionals. (the list if reviewed every 3 years).
Please see the most up to date list Code of practice for the international recruitment of health and social care personnel in England – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Why is ethical overseas recruitment so important?
Ethical overseas recruitment ensures a high standard of recruitment practice for overseas recruits. It also makes sure that international recruitment does not weaken the health system of the country of origin or affect existing workforce shortages.
A recruitment agency has said they can sponsor a recruit in a country from the red list and place them in my organisation, is this okay?
No, this is not okay. A high level of trust is placed on sponsors, and they have a duty to act in accordance with the latest immigration rules.
Can an employing organisation use a recruitment organisation, agency, or collaboration who is not on the Code of Practice Ethical Recruiters List to recruit internationally?
All employing organisations are strongly encouraged to only use recruitment organisations, agencies, and collaborations that appear on the Code of Practice Ethical Recruiters List. By working with organisations that adhere to the Code, you as an employing organisation have the reassurance that all recruitment by the recruitment organisation, agency, or collaboration is conducted ethically.
What happens when health or social care applicant who lives in a country on the Code red list, applies to an employer directly, but the employer needs the support of an agency?
A recruitment organisation, agency, or collaboration may only support a candidate following a successful, independent, and direct application to the employing organisation. A direct application can only be made in response to a vacancy which is hosted by, and recruited to, the same sponsoring organisation.
Who pays for the visa for the recruit and the costs of flights to the UK?
The individual who is successfully recruited to a position in the UK is not usually expected to pay the cost of their flight to the UK. This cost is normally met by the employing organisation, as well as the cost of a Visa but this is at the employer’s discretion.
What should I do if I am concerned that modern slavery and exploitation is occurring and international recruits are at risk?
If you believe modern slavery and/or exploitation is occurring, please report it to the police on 101. If you think someone is in immediate danger, call 999. Alternatively you can also can the Modern Slavery and Exploitation helpline anonymously on 08000 121 700