The Health and Care Worker Visa allows qualified healthcare professionals to live and work in the UK for approved employers, including the NHS, organisations providing NHS services, and eligible adult social care providers.
If you are wondering whether you qualify, the answer depends on your job role, sponsor, salary, and whether you meet the current health and care visa eligibility requirements set out in the UK Immigration Rules. The route remains open for many healthcare occupations, although recent policy changes have affected overseas recruitment for some care worker roles.
Whether you are applying from overseas or switching from another eligible UK visa, understanding the latest health and care visa requirements is essential before submitting your application.
This guide explains who can apply, the documents you need, sponsorship requirements, recent immigration changes, and the pathway to settlement in the UK.
What is the Health and Care Visa UK?
The Health and Care Visa is a specialised part of the broader skilled worker visa 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.
Is Sponsorship Needed for Health and Care Worker Visa?
Yes, one of the most important parts of a successful health and care visa application is having a genuine job offer from a licensed sponsor.
Before you apply, your employer must be approved by the Home Office to sponsor overseas workers and issue you with a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS). Without sponsorship from an eligible employer, your application cannot proceed.
Your employer must offer a role that appears under an eligible occupation code listed in the Immigration Rules. The job must also meet the relevant salary requirements for that occupation, which vary depending on the role and whether it is covered by national pay scales.
Many applicants search for visa sponsorship UK opportunities before applying. Employers recruiting internationally must comply with their sponsorship duties, including maintaining their sponsor licence and ensuring that the role meets all current immigration requirements.
For applicants interested in the adult social care sector, it is important to understand the recent changes affecting care home sponsorship. Since July 2025, new overseas recruitment for care workers and senior care workers has been significantly restricted, although transitional arrangements continue to apply in certain circumstances for eligible workers already in the UK.
Healthcare professions such as doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, radiographers and many allied health professionals continue to qualify under the Health and Care Worker Visa route.
Latest Health and Care Worker Visa Policy Changes
The UK immigration rules for healthcare workers have changed considerably from the expansion of healthcare scheme to occupation list changes, making it more important than ever to check the latest guidance before applying.
The most significant change came into effect on 22 July 2025, when the UK Government ended new overseas recruitment for care workers and senior care workers under the healthcare visa UK. While transitional arrangements remain available for certain workers already in the UK, new overseas applicants can no longer apply for these occupations through this route.
Despite these changes, the health and social care visa continues to support international recruitment across a wide range of healthcare professions. Doctors, registered nurses, dentists, midwives, pharmacists, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, radiographers and many other regulated healthcare professionals can still qualify where they meet the current sponsorship and salary requirements.
Applicants should also remember that immigration policies, salary thresholds and eligible occupations may change over time. Before submitting an application, always check the latest Home Office guidance or seek professional immigration advice.
Benefits of the Health and Care Visa UK
- 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 have a work permit for 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..
- 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. 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 Care Worker Visa & Pathway to ILR
If you wish to continue working in the UK after your current permission expires, you can apply for a visa extension under the skilled worker route provided you still meet the relevant immigration requirements.
You must remain employed in an eligible role with a licensed sponsor, and your employer need to issue a new Certificate of Sponsorship if your employment circumstances have changed.
Many healthcare professionals eventually become eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after completing five years of continuous lawful residence under qualifying immigration routes.
At the time of your application, you must satisfy the settlement requirements in force, including continuous residence, the Life in the UK Test where required, and the applicable English language standard.
After obtaining settlement, many people choose to apply for British citizenship once they meet the relevant nationality requirements. Becoming a British citizen provides permanent security and the right to participate fully in life in the UK, subject to meeting all eligibility criteria.
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.
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!
FAQs
What is the visa processing time for a Health and Care Worker Visa?
Most overseas applications receive a decision within three weeks, although individual visa processing time may vary depending on the country you apply from and whether additional checks are required.
Can I bring my family to the UK?
Yes. Eligible applicants may be able to bring their partner and children by applying for a dependant visa, provided they meet the relevant immigration requirements. Different rules apply to some care worker categories.
Do I need to meet an English language requirement?
Yes. Most applicants must satisfy the English language requirement by proving their knowledge of English through an approved test, recognised qualification or another accepted method under the Immigration Rules.
Can I switch employers after receiving my visa?
Yes. If you move to another eligible employer, you will usually need a new Certificate of Sponsorship and must apply to update your immigration permission before starting your new role.
