NHSE Visa support scheme update

22 April 2024

New guidance has been announced by NHSE regarding the Visa Support Scheme for Skilled Worker Visas. We have collated information for practices in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire that may be affected.

Please read the information carefully to see if these changes impact your staff or practice. The Phoenix Programme will be working with the ICB to support practices going forward and more information will be sent out in May regarding the support we could offer with regards to funding practices for the visa sponsorship process.

From 30 April 2024, NHSE will no longer directly reimburse newly qualified GPs for any visa related costs.

Any outstanding visa reimbursement claims forms should be submitted to NHSE via: england.primarycareworkforce@nhs.net by no later than 5pm on 30 April. Practices may submit multiple claims form within the above time frame.

From 31 May 2024, international medical graduates (IMGs) looking to obtain long-term visas will have to deal directly with the Home Office. Regional teams and ICBs will then need to determine how best to provide this service to newly qualified GPs in their area.

This will likely result in the process becoming more difficult. The RCGP has raised concerns that the changes proposed from NHSE in removing the current support has the potential to create anxiety and confusion for those affected.

NHS England have said the changes are being made in response to the closure of the Primary Care Workforce Team, but support would be available via the Home Office. They have informed us that the overall visa costs for individuals has been significantly reduced from April 2024.

NHSE have announced the national matching service provided for IMGs who are newly qualified GPs and are seeking roles at practices able to offer visa sponsorship will also come to an end. The Phoenix Programme will continue to offer support for individuals and practices seeking matching locally.

Practices looking for guidance on visa sponsorship should also be aware that there will be no further updates to resources on the GP Workforce Delivery Scheme Hub, NHS England said. Existing resources to help guide GPs through the process will be available on an interim basis, but practices should be aware they may become out of date if Home Office processes change.

Any Visa related queries and issues should instead be raised directly with the dedicated NHS visa Team at the Home Office via: UKVINHSTeam@homeoffice.gov.uk

International medical graduate GPs will get a four-month visa extension ‘automatically’ after their training is completed to give them additional time to navigate the new visa processes. Any queries relating to the four month visa extension for newly qualified GPs should be raised with NHSE overseas sponsorship team via: England.sponsorship@nhs.net

The BMA also offer an immigration advice service that can be accessed by members. For those IMG colleagues in N&N that would like more information, please get in touch with info@phoenixprogramme.co.uk. We will add you to our local IMG GP WhatsApp group where will be sharing up to date information.