What is the Health and Care Visa?
The Health and Care Visa is a specialised part of the broader skilled worker route, often referred to as the health and care route, for people coming to work in eligible UK roles. It is aimed at doctors, registered nurse practitioners, allied health professionals and other healthcare professionals, including those working in the adult social care sector, so the UK can continue to attract health and care workers where they are most needed. The Health and Care Visa provides an efficient pathway for those dedicated to contributing to the UK’s healthcare system, and applicants must also meet the 70-point immigration threshold.
Benefits of the Health and Care Visa
- Fast-Tracked Processing: Applicants receive priority processing, significantly reducing the time it takes to receive their visa.
- Reduced visa fees: The visa application fees are lower compared to other work visas, making it a more cost-effective option for worker visa holders.
- Exemption from the Immigration Health Surcharge: Unlike other work visa holders, Health and Care Visa applicants do not have to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), and dependants are also exempt where eligible to apply, which can result in substantial savings.
- Pathway to Settlement: After five years of continuous residence on this visa, holders can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), providing a stable and long-term opportunity to live and work in the UK.
Eligibility for the Health and Care Visa
To qualify for a UK Health and Care Visa, applicants must meet specific criteria, including:
- Job Offer: Applicants must have a job offer from an approved care sector employer or other eligible sponsor, including an organisation providing medical services. Eligible employers include the NHS and NHS suppliers, and these sponsors must be licensed by the Home Office when recruiting overseas workers. Employers sponsoring applicants may also need to pay the Immigration Skills Charge where the sponsorship rules require it, alongside other immigration skills fees and compliance duties.
- Eligible Occupation: They must work in one of the eligible occupations, and the role must appear on the Standard Occupational Classification list. This includes professions such as doctors, nurses, paramedics, allied health professionals, and social workers. From 22 July 2025, the care worker visa route was closed to new overseas sponsorship for care workers and senior care workers as part of changes to the Skilled Worker and Health and Care Worker routes. Transitional arrangements still apply in certain cases.
- Salary Requirements: Applicants need to meet the salary requirements, which are usually at least £25,000 or the going rate for the role. For some jobs, pay is assessed against national pay scales.
- English Language Proficiency: Demonstrating proficiency in the English language is necessary, usually at B1 level under the common european framework. You can either secure English language test or show relevant qualifications. This requirement may be waived for nationals of a majority English speaking country.
- Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS): Applicants must have a valid Certificate of Sponsorship from a licensed UK employer that is approved to provide medical services or is another qualifying sponsor.
Health Requirements: Meeting tuberculosis (TB) test requirements is essential if applicable, to ensure the health and safety of the population.
The Health and Care Visa is designed to make the process of moving to the UK more accessible and streamlined for health professionals, thereby supporting the critical healthcare infrastructure. By meeting these eligibility requirements and benefiting from the advantages provided, qualified health workers can effectively contribute to the UK’s health and social care sectors, addressing the growing needs and ensuring high standards of care.
How to Apply for a Health and Care Visa
Applying for a Health and Care Visa involves several steps. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you through the process:
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility Ensure you meet all eligibility requirements for the Health and Care Visa before proceeding. The care worker visa application must also satisfy the route’s general eligibility requirements before submission. This includes having a valid job offer in an eligible health or social care occupation, meeting the salary threshold, and demonstrating English language proficiency, which is especially important for care worker visa applicants.
Step 2: Obtain a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) Your UK employer must issue a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) detailing your job role, salary, and employment details. The CoS is a crucial document required for your visa application and must be from a licensed sponsor.
Step 3: Prepare Required Documents Gather all necessary documents to support your application. These typically include:
- Passport or travel identification: Ensure your passport is valid.
- Proof of English language proficiency: Provide evidence of your language skills through an approved test or relevant qualifications.
- Certificate of Sponsorship: This document from your employer is essential for your application.
- You may need £1,270 in personal savings in your bank account, held for 28 consecutive days before applying.Your employer can certify maintenance for your first month instead.
- criminal record certificate (if required): This may be necessary depending on your country of residence.
- Tuberculosis test results (if applicable): Some applicants may need to provide TB test results based on their country of residence.
Step 4: Submit Your Application Apply online for the Health and Care Worker Visa UK via the UK government website, and you can apply up to 3 months before your start date. Ensure you pay the visa fee and submit your biometrics (fingerprints and photograph) at a visa application centre. Double-check that all information is accurate and all required documents are included to avoid delays.
Step 5: Wait for a Decision Most applications are processed within three weeks. During this time, the Home Office will review your application and documents. You will be notified of the decision via email or post.
Salary and Job Requirements for Health and Care Visa
To qualify for the UK Health and Care Visa, applicants must meet specific salary and job requirements:
- Minimum Salary: Applicants must meet the applicable salary requirement for their occupation, including the relevant minimum salary threshold or going rate for their role, whichever is higher. Salary requirements vary depending on the occupation code and individual circumstances. Applicants should check the latest Home Office guidance on salary requirements before applying.
- Immigration Salary List and Temporary Shortage List: Some occupations may benefit from specific salary rules where they appear on the Immigration Salary List or Temporary Shortage List. Eligibility requirements and occupation coverage are subject to change and should be checked against the latest Home Office guidance. This list includes roles where there is a recognised shortage of skilled workers in the UK.
Eligible Roles:
- Qualified doctors
- Specialist medical practitioners
- Dental practitioners
- Biomedical scientists
- Physical scientists
- Health care practice managers
- Public health managers
- Domiciliary care managers
- Occupational therapists
- Cognitive behaviour therapists
- Other therapy professionals
- Registered specialist nurses
- Registered community nurses
- Registered mental health nurses
- Registered children’s nurses
- Other registered nursing professionals
- Laboratory technicians
- Paramedics and health associate professionals
- Senior social workers and midwifery nurses
- Other health professionals
Please note that from 22 July 2025, the UK closed the Health and Care Worker route to new overseas applications for care workers and senior care workers. Transitional arrangements remain available in certain circumstances for eligible individuals already in the UK.
Meeting these requirements ensures that you are eligible for the Health and Care Visa and can contribute to the UK’s healthcare system.
Extending Your Health and Care Visa
If you wish to extend your Health and Care Visa, there are several key points to consider:
- Employment with a Licensed Sponsor: You must continue working with the same sponsor, remain eligible, and work only for approved employers who can provide a valid Certificate of Sponsorship.
- Salary Requirements: Ensure that your salary meets the required threshold for your role and employment level.
- Certificate of Sponsorship: Your Certificate of Sponsorship must be valid and reflect your current job role and salary.
Extension applications are made online through the gov.uk website.
An extension application should be submitted before your current visa expires to avoid any gaps in your legal right to work and reside in the UK. If you remain eligible, you can keep extending the visa indefinitely. Extending your visa allows you to continue your important work in the health and social care sector and maintain your pathway to settlement in the UK. For care worker visa holders, significant changes must be reported to the Home Office, and you may also be able to take on extra work without updating your visa where the rules allow, including where it is in the same occupation code.
Bringing Family Members on a Health and Care Visa
Some Health and Care Visa holders may be able to bring eligible dependants, including:
- Spouses or partners
- Children under 18
Eligible dependant family members can work and study in the UK. They must apply separately and meet the relevant immigration requirements. Additional restrictions apply to care workers and senior care workers. In most cases, care workers and senior care workers can only bring dependants where specific transitional arrangements apply.
Switching to a Health and Care Visa
You may be able to switch to a Health and Care Visa from another UK visa category if you meet the relevant requirements. You must apply before your current visa expires. Some people, such as a domestic worker in a private household, may not be able to switch in-country, and additional restrictions apply to certain occupations, including care workers and senior care workers.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is the processing time for a health and care visa?
Most applications for a Health and Care Visa are processed within three weeks. This expedited timeline ensures that qualified health professionals can begin their roles in the UK health and social care sector promptly. It’s important to submit all required documents and provide accurate information to avoid any delays. Keep in mind that during busy periods or if additional information is required, processing times may vary slightly. However, the priority processing associated with this visa category is designed to facilitate a swift and efficient immigration process.
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Can I change employers while on a health and care visa?
Yes, you can change employers while holding a Health and Care Visa, provided your new role remains eligible under the current immigration rules and your new employer is an approved sponsor. However, you will need to obtain a new Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from your new employer, who must also be a licensed sponsor registered with the Home Office.
Once you have the new CoS, you must update your visa to reflect the change in employment. This process ensures that your visa remains valid and that you continue to meet the requirements of the Health and Care Visa category. It is advisable to seek professional advice to ensure a smooth transition between employers.
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Do I need to renew my health and care visa?
Yes, if you wish to continue working in the UK beyond your visa’s expiration date, you must renew your Health and Care Visa. The renewal process involves submitting an application before your current visa expires, ensuring that you meet the ongoing eligibility criteria, and providing evidence of continued employment with a licensed sponsor. Renewing your visa allows you to maintain your legal status in the UK and continue contributing to the health and social care sector without any interruptions.
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Can I apply for settlement?
Yes, after five years of continuous residence in the UK on a Health and Care Visa, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), provided you continue to meet the applicable immigration requirements in force at the time of your application.
ILR grants you the right to live and work in the UK indefinitely, providing a stable and long-term opportunity. To apply for ILR, you must meet certain criteria, including passing the Life in the UK Test, demonstrating continued employment in an eligible occupation, and meeting any other specific requirements outlined by the Home Office. Achieving ILR is a significant milestone that opens the door to potential British citizenship in the future.
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How can AXIS Solicitors help with my application?
AXIS Solicitors can provide comprehensive assistance with your Health and Care Visa application. Their experienced team of immigration specialists offers tailored advice and support throughout the entire process. From assessing your eligibility and gathering the necessary documents to preparing and submitting your application, AXIS Solicitors ensure that every aspect is meticulously handled. They can also assist with renewals, employer changes, and ILR applications, providing ongoing support to help you navigate the complexities of UK immigration law. By working with AXIS Solicitors, you can enhance your chances of a successful application and a seamless transition to working in the UK.
AXIS Solicitors provides expert guidance and legal support to ensure a successful visa application.
Secure Your Future with AXIS Solicitors
Applying for a health and care visa can be complex, particularly as immigration requirements and eligibility rules continue to evolve, but AXIS Solicitors is here to help. Our expert immigration lawyers ensure a smooth application process, from eligibility checks to final submission. Contact AXIS Solicitors today to start your journey toward working in the UK healthcare sector!
Visit AXIS Solicitors’ website or book a consultation today!
