The Health and Care Worker visa offers a streamlined route for doctors, nurses, and allied health professionals to join the UK’s health and social care sector. Our immigration specialists provide expert guidance to make your application smooth and stress-free.
What is the Health and Care Worker visa?
The Health and Care Worker visa is a specialist subcategory of the Skilled Worker route, designed to attract overseas medical professionals to work in:
- The NHS or NHS-funded organisations.
- Approved adult social care providers.
- Certain health and care roles listed on the official immigration salary list.
This visa offers:
- Priority processing (usually within 3 weeks).
- Reduced application fees compared to standard work visas.
- Exemption from the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).
- A clear path to settlement after 5 years.
Who can apply for a Health and Care Worker visa
You may qualify if you meet all of the following eligibility requirements:
- Are a qualified doctor, nurse, midwife, paramedic, pharmacist, or allied health professional.
- Have a confirmed job offer from a UK employer approved by the Home Office (e.g. NHS Trust, registered care provider).
- Work in an eligible occupation under the official Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) codes.
- Meet the English language requirement (CEFR B1 or equivalent).
- Hold a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from your employer.
Key features
- Visa length: Up to five years, extendable.
- Dependants allowed: Spouse and children under 18 can join you.
- Work flexibility: You can work in your sponsored role and take additional permitted work.
- Settlement route: Apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after 5 years.
Section 4: Salary and skill requirements
- General minimum salary: £29,000 per year (updated 2025 threshold).
- Higher threshold for senior roles: £31,300.
- Certain shortage roles may qualify at £25,000.
- Skill level: Most roles require RQF Level 6 or above (degree level).
Recent updates (2025)
Immigration rules in the UK are regularly changing. Our immigration lawyers are across all the latest legislative developments to ensure you receive clear and practical legal advice. Recent updates to the Health and Care Worker visa include:
- Care worker sponsorship closed: No new applications for care worker roles after 22 July 2025 (transitional concessions until July 2028).
- Salary thresholds increased: Skilled Worker visa now has a minimum salary of £41,700, but Health and Care route retains lower thresholds.
- Dependants restrictions: Certain care roles cannot bring dependants.
- Digital-first process: All applications online via GOV.UK or UKVCAS.
How to apply
- Secure a job offer from an approved sponsor.
- Obtain a Certificate of Sponsorship.
- Apply online via GOV.UK.
- Upload documents and prove identity (biometrics).
- Pay the visa fee (reduced for this route).
- Receive a decision within 3 weeks (priority processing).
Required documents
- Valid passport.
- Certificate of Sponsorship reference.
- Proof of English proficiency.
- Criminal record certificate (for certain roles).
- Tuberculosis test results (if applicable).
- Bank statements showing £1,270 in savings (unless exempt).
Common mistakes
- Accepting a job from an unlicensed sponsor.
- Job not on the eligible occupation list.
- Incorrect salary or SOC code.
- Missing English language evidence.
How our immigration lawyers can help
Our specialist immigration team offers:
- Eligibility checks and strategic advice.
- Document review and preparation.
- Application drafting and submission.
- Support for dependants and settlement planning.
Start your Health and Care Worker visa application today
Don’t risk delays or refusals. Contact one of our specialist immigration lawyers today for a free initial consultation and let us help you secure your Health and Care Worker Visa.