Health & Care Worker Visa

Overview

The Health and Care Worker Visa is a specialised visa route within the UK’s points-based immigration system, designed to attract skilled healthcare professionals. This visa facilitates the employment of doctors, nurses, allied health professionals, and eligible adult social care workers. Here is a comprehensive overview of the route.

Eligibility Criteria

• Profession: You must be a qualified doctor, nurse, allied health professional, or eligible adult social care professional. (Note: New overseas applications for Care Workers and Senior Care Workers closed on 22 July 2025. Transitional arrangements allow for certain in-country applications, including switching and extensions, until July 2028).
• Job Offer: You must have a confirmed job offer from an approved UK employer holding a valid sponsor licence. For Care Worker and Senior Care Worker roles based in England, the sponsoring employer must generally hold active registration with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and be undertaking a regulated activity.
• Eligible Occupations: Your job must be on the Home Office’s list of eligible health and care Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) codes.
• English Proficiency: You must generally demonstrate English-language proficiency at CEFR level B2 (reading, writing, speaking, and listening). Different rules apply to certain applicants extending or updating a visa held before 8 January 2026.
• Sponsorship: You must obtain a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from your employer, confirming the details of your role, salary, and employment conditions.

Salary Requirements

You will usually need to be paid at least £25,000 per year. If the applicable going rate for your occupation is higher, you will usually need to be paid at least that rate. Different salary requirements and permitted discounts may apply to certain occupations and applicants.

Application Fees & Costs

The application fee for the Health and Care Worker Visa is heavily discounted compared to standard Skilled Worker routes.

• Up to 3 years: £324 per person
• More than 3 years: £628 per person

Major Financial Exemptions

A significant financial benefit of this route is that applicants and their eligible dependants are entirely exempt from paying the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS). Furthermore, sponsoring employers are exempt from paying the Immigration Skills Charge (ISC), making this a highly cost-effective route for UK healthcare providers.

Family Members (Dependants)

The rules for bringing family members depend on the applicant’s occupation:

• Doctors, Nurses, and Allied Health Professionals: Your partner and children may apply to join you as dependants, subject to standard relationship and maintenance requirements.
• Care Workers and Senior Care Workers: Significant restrictions apply. Care Workers and Senior Care Workers generally cannot bring dependants unless specific transitional or exceptional circumstances apply (e.g., they held a care visa with dependants prior to 11 March 2024).

Visa Duration and Settlement

The visa can be granted for up to 5 years and can be extended as long as you continue to meet the eligibility criteria. After 5 years of qualifying continuous residence in the UK, you may be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), provided you meet the relevant settlement requirements.

Steps to Apply

1. Secure a Job Offer: Obtain an eligible role with an approved UK sponsor.
2. Prepare Documentation: Gather your CoS, proof of English proficiency, valid passport, and proof that you have at least £1,270 available to support yourself (unless your sponsor certifies your maintenance).
3. Apply Online: Submit your application via the official GOV.UK website. You can apply up to 3 months before your start date.
4. Pay the Fee: Settle the £324 or £628 application fee.
5. Submit Biometrics: Use the UK Immigration ID Check app or attend a visa application centre.
6. Await a Decision: You will usually receive a decision within 3 weeks after applying online and proving your identity.

Additional Information

Because UK immigration rules update frequently, it is highly recommended that both applicants and employers seek professional legal advice before proceeding with an application or assigning a certificate of sponsorship.

Written on: 21 August 2026