Do Australians need a visa to work in UK healthcare?

Every year, thousands of Australians choose to visit and work in the UK, with many lucrative opportunities for qualified healthcare professionals. While Australians can visit the UK visa-free for up to six months, this period only allows for tourism or family visits—you cannot engage in paid, unpaid, or volunteer work without the appropriate visa. If you're Australian and want to work in the UK, you will need to apply for a visa from the UK government or a specialist recruitment agency can do this for you. In this article, we answer the question 'Do Australians need a visa to work in the UK?', looking at what the visa requirements are, how to apply for a visa and what opportunities there are.

Why do Australians need a visa to work in the UK?

Australians must apply for a work visa before arriving in the UK for several reasons. For qualified healthcare professionals, working in the UK is an attractive option, particularly with employers such as the National Health Service (NHS) continually seeking skilled locum and permanent staff. Your visa will not only allow you to work legally but also to travel freely in and out of the UK during your stay. Your visa will also allow you to travel to and from the UK and will require you to follow the laws of the country for the duration of your stay. You will need to be able to prove your identity, hold a passport and prove you can afford to live there. You might also need to pay the healthcare surcharge for access to the NHS.

UK work visas for Australians

Australians who wish to work in the UK must apply for a visa before they arrive. In many cases, securing a visa requires sponsorship from a UK employer, particularly for long-term employment. There are different visa categories available, so it’s important to apply for the one that suits your specific circumstances. You can check your eligibility using the UK government’s visa checker tool. There are several different types of work visas available for Australians working in the UK and it is important to apply for the right one for your circumstances. You can check whether you need a UK visa using the UK government's visa checker tools. If you have a connection to the UK, for example, if one of your parents was born in the UK or you were born in a commonwealth country before 1st January 1983, you may be able to apply for the right of abode in the UK. Right of abode means you can live in the UK without a visa.

Skilled work visa (tier 2)

The most common visa for Australians working in the UK is the Skilled Worker Visa (previously known as the Tier 2 Visa). This visa allows you to stay in the UK for up to five years, with the possibility of renewal. To qualify, you must have a job offer from a UK employer who holds a sponsorship licence and the job must be on the UK’s list of eligible occupations—this includes many roles in healthcare, such as nurses, doctors, pharmacists, and therapists.

You can also apply as many times as you want for this visa if you meet the eligibility requirements. To apply for this visa you will need to work for a UK employer who has been approved by the government and have a certificate of sponsorship from them. You must also do a job that is on the list of eligible occupations, which includes several UK healthcare jobs such as: - health services and public health managers and directors - medical radiographers - occupational therapists - podiatrists - pharmacists - psychologists - nurses - midwives - mental health practitioners - and more

Working Holiday Visas

Another option is the UK Youth Mobility Scheme Visa (commonly referred to as a working holiday visa). As of 2021, Australians between the ages of 18 and 35 can apply for this two-year visa, allowing them to work and live in the UK temporarily. To be eligible, you must have at least £2,530 (AUD 4,600) in your bank account for 30 consecutive days before applying.

Temporary Worker Visa (Government Authorised Exchange)

The Temporary Worker Visa (Government Authorised Exchange) is a short-term option for Australians looking to gain experience in the UK. This visa is generally used for internships, training programs, or work exchanges and is not intended for permanent employment. You will need a certificate of sponsorship from a licensed UK employer and must score at least 40 points in the visa application process. The visa can be extended for up to 6 years, depending on the program.

Applying for a UK visa

You can apply for a visa through the UK government website or a specialist healthcare recruitment agency like Globe Locums. It's important to understand the different vaccination rules and travel restrictions that might be applicable to you too. The Australian High Commission in the UK also advises that you wait until you have a visa before you make travel commitments or book flights. There are also a number of fees you will have to pay for your visa application.

UK medical jobs for Australians

As the NHS continues to face high demand and workforce shortages, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, there is a significant need for qualified healthcare professionals in various fields. Whether you’re a radiographer, nurse, doctor, or speech therapist, there are ample opportunities for Australians to find locum or permanent roles in the UK. Many Australian locum professionals report a smooth transition, thanks to the shared language and cultural similarities.

Register with us

Ready to start your healthcare career in the UK? At Globe Locums, we provide full support throughout the proces. Register with us today and let us help you take the next step toward working in the UK’s dynamic healthcare system.