How Refugee Allied Health Professionals Can Work in the UK
Refugee allied health professionals — including paramedics, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, radiographers, dietitians, and speech therapists — register with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). The process involves an international application with a scrutiny fee (around £678) and annual registration (around £123). For refugees, the HCPC waives the scrutiny fee and offers flexible documentation.
Free guidance from RefuAid · Verified June 2026
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The HCPC regulates 15 allied health professions through one registration process. Because the scrutiny fee is waived for refugees, this is often one of the more affordable routes back into a healthcare career. Path by RefuAid confirms the requirements for your specific profession.
Key facts (June 2026)
- HCPC international scrutiny fee around £678 (waived for refugees), annual registration around £123 — verified June 2026.
- The HCPC regulates 15 professions, including paramedics, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and radiographers.
- Refugees benefit from a waived scrutiny fee and flexible documentation requirements.
Steps for a refugee allied health professional to register
- Confirm your right to work. Refugee status and humanitarian protection give full work rights. Confirm your status before applying to the HCPC.
- Check your profession is HCPC-regulated. Confirm your role is one of the 15 HCPC professions, such as paramedic, physiotherapist, occupational therapist, or radiographer.
- Prepare your international application. Gather your qualification evidence and English-language proof. Ask the HCPC about the refugee scrutiny-fee waiver and flexible documentation.
- Submit your application for assessment. The HCPC assesses whether your training meets UK standards. The scrutiny fee (around £678) is waived for refugees.
- Register and pay the annual fee. Once approved, pay the annual registration fee (around £123) to join the register and start applying for roles.
Refugee allied health support and funding
- HCPC: international scrutiny fee waived for refugees, with flexible documentation.
- RefuAid: may be able to assist with an interest-free loan of up to £10,000 for reaccreditation costs (subject to eligibility).
- REACHE and Breaking Barriers: free courses, English support, and employment help.
Frequently asked questions
How can a refugee paramedic or physiotherapist work in the UK?
By completing an HCPC international application and meeting UK training and English standards. For refugees the HCPC waives the scrutiny fee and offers flexible documentation, and RefuAid provides interest-free loans.
How much does HCPC registration cost in 2026?
The international scrutiny fee is around £678 (waived for refugees) and annual registration is around £123, making it one of the more affordable healthcare routes.
Which professions does the HCPC regulate?
The HCPC regulates 15 professions, including paramedics, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, radiographers, dietitians, and speech and language therapists.
Official sources
- HCPC — international applications
- RefuAid reaccreditation loans
- REACHE — refugee healthcare professionals
Related guides
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