Vets looking to work in the UK after Brexit will need to be aware that the rules have now changed. You will need to make sure that you are fully prepared before taking on a new veterinary role in the UK.
This blog should give you all the information you need but our experienced VetMatch agents are also on hand and happy to help you navigate the process, if you have any further questions.
On 1st January 2021, a new points-based immigration system was introduced. This new system treats EU and non EU citizens equally and aims to attract people who can contribute to the UK economy- for example skilled and shortage occupation workers like veterinary professionals. Those wanting to work in the UK will now have to qualify for a total of 70 points under the Skilled Worker Visa in order to be eligible. Don’t worry, it may sound confusing, but we are here to make things simpler for you.
The graphic below gives an example of how Veterinary professionals can earn the required 70 points.
Veterinary professionals can apply for a Skilled Worker Visa as Vets, Veterinary Nurses and Veterinary Practice Managers are all eligible job roles.
To apply for the Skilled Worker Visa, you must meet the following criteria:
You must have a job offer from an approved sponsor - most large companies can offer sponsorship
You must have a certificate of sponsorship from your employer - most large companies will be able to offer this
You must be accepting a role that is on the list of eligible occupations (i.e. a Vet)
You must meet certain salary requirements
Each of these will earn you a set number of points. There are also other ways you can earn points to achieve the required total of 70. An example of this is taking on a role that is considered a ‘shortage occupation’. Veterinary jobs are currently on the UK Government Shortage Occupation List, so this would earn you an additional 20 points.
Take a look at the infographic below for more details on the points- based system and to find out how you can obtain the required 70 points.
We’ve put together some more specific examples that you may be able to compare to your own personal situation and these will hopefully make the points system easier to understand.
Example: A Qualified Nurse From Australia
This points-based system is not just for EU citizens. Anyone living abroad that intends to come to the UK to work will have to obtain a total of 70 points. Lets discuss the example of a qualified nurse from Australia, wanting to move to the UK for work in the veterinary industry. This nurse would need to earn 70 points. In this instance, the qualified nurse could do so in the following way:
10 points - for speaking English at the required level.
20 points - for a job offer from an approved sponsor (most large companies offer sponsorship).
20 points - for a shortage occupation role. Jobs in the veterinary industry, including nurses are considered a ‘shortage occupation’.
20 points - for the required skill level. Veterinary nurse roles meet the RQF3 skills threshold and will make you eligible for the Skilled Worker Visa.
Example: A Qualified Vet From Italy
Below is an example of how a qualified Vet from Italy would be able to earn the required total of 70 points:
10 points - for speaking English at the required level.
20 points - for a job offer from an approved sponsor.
20 points - for a shortage occupation role. Jobs in the veterinary industry, including vets are considered a ‘shortage occupation’.
20 points - for the required skill level. All veterinarian roles exceed the RQF3 skills threshold and will make you eligible for the Skilled Worker Visa.
OR
20 points - for your salary. The UK government states that the annual going rate for veterinarians is £32,500. A salary of £25,600 or above will earn you 20 points in the new points-based system. In the UK most veterinary roles would typically exceed a salary of £32,500, so you would earn the full 20 points in this instance.
How to apply for a Skilled Worker Visa?
Once you have checked that you meet the right criteria to gain a total of 70 points, you can apply for a Skilled Worker Visa. In most cases, this can be done online.
There are a few things you will need when applying:
Payment for the application fee
Valid passport or identity document
Your job title and annual salary information
Your job’s occupation code- this can be found on the GOV UK website
Your certificate of sponsorship reference number- you can get this from your employer
The name of your employer and their sponsor licence number- this can be found on your certificate of sponsorship
You should be aware of additional charges that may apply such as the Immigration Health Surcharge
You will of course need to be registered with the RCVS to operate in the UK, as a Vet or a registered nurse, so if you are coming to the UK from abroad this should definitely be on your to-do list. If you have any questions regarding visas, our knowledgeable VetMatch consultants can advise you on the application process. You can contact us by phone on 0207 788 6624 or via email info@vetmatch.co.uk