UK Health and Care Worker Visa: 2025 Definitive Guide

The UK Health and Care Worker Visa is a vital immigration route enabling qualified professionals to work in the UK’s National Health Service (NHS), adult social care, and other medical sectors. With new reforms implemented in 2024 and 2025, staying informed about the latest changes, eligibility criteria, and procedures is essential for both applicants and sponsoring organisations.

What Is the UK Health and Care Worker Visa?

The Health and Care Worker visa is a subcategory of the Skilled Worker route, introduced to support the UK’s healthcare sector. It enables overseas medical professionals to work legally in the UK with a licensed sponsor. Introduced in 2020, this route provides fast-track processing, reduced fees, and exemption from the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).

Successful visa holders may work in eligible roles across the NHS, private hospitals, and care organisations regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

As of 2025, the following job roles are among those recognised for Health and Care Worker visas, based on the Immigration Salary List:

Nurses and Midwives
General Medical Practitioners
Physiotherapists
Radiographers
Paramedics
Care Workers and Senior Care Workers (with conditions)
Social Workers
Laboratory Technicians
Occupational Therapists
Speech and Language Therapists
Medical Radiographers
Health Professionals not elsewhere classified (e.g., audiologists)

View the full list of eligible occupation codes on GOV.UK

Sponsorship and Certificate of Sponsorship

Applicants must have a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) issued by a UK employer holding a valid sponsor licence. The CoS includes:

Sponsor licence number
Job title and occupation code
Start date and contract duration
Salary details

Employers must cover the CoS issuance fee, which increased to £525 per worker in April 2025. Any deduction from the worker’s salary is prohibited.

Check licensed sponsor employers on GOV.UK

Salary Requirements and Pay Scale Conditions

Salary thresholds are determined by either the national pay scale or the Immigration Salary List:

NHS jobs under national pay scales: Minimum salary starts at £25,000
Non-pay scale roles: Must meet or exceed £29,000 annually or the going rate for the role
Reduced salary thresholds apply for new entrants under 26, students switching, or those in shortage occupation roles

Care workers, under the social care category, must meet a minimum of £23,200 annually, with no access to dependant sponsorship as of March 2024.

English Language Proficiency Requirements

Applicants must prove proficiency at CEFR Level B1 in English:

Pass an approved Secure English Language Test (SELT)
Hold a degree taught in English
Be a national of a majority English-speaking country

Accepted tests include IELTS for UKVI and Trinity College London exams. Exemptions apply for those who’ve previously met the requirement in another visa application.

Approved English language tests list on GOV.UK

Required Documents for Application

To apply, the following documents must be submitted:

Passport and identity document
Certificate of Sponsorship
Proof of English language ability
Criminal record certificate (if required)
TB test results (for listed countries)
Payslips or contracts verifying salary (if applicable)
Relationship documentation for dependants
Maintenance evidence, unless employer certifies support

Fees, Charges, and Health Surcharge Exemption

Health and Care visa applicants benefit from reduced visa fees:

Visa Fee:
- Up to 3 years: £284
- Over 3 years: £551
Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): Exempt

Additional costs may include English tests (~~£150), TB tests (~~£65–£110), and police clearance certificates.

Calculate your visa cost on GOV.UK

Visa Duration, Extension, and Settlement Route

Visa Validity: Up to 5 years
Extension: Possible if sponsorship continues
Settlement Eligibility: After 5 years, holders can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)

However, under the new 2025 immigration strategy, settlement may require additional criteria including continued contributions to the UK economy and public services.

Bringing Dependants Under This Visa

Visa holders may bring:

Spouse, civil partner, or unmarried partner
Children under 18 (including those born in the UK)

However, from March 11, 2024, care workers and senior care workers are no longer permitted to sponsor dependants.

Each dependant must submit a separate application and meet specific eligibility and documentation requirements.

Recent Reforms and Policy Changes

March 2024 Changes:

Care workers lost the right to bring dependants
Increased salary thresholds across Skilled Worker categories
CoS fee increased to £525

June 2025 Updates:

Introduction of a 10-year route to settlement with merit-based criteria
Expansion of English proficiency expectations for dependants
Tightened restrictions on overseas recruitment for the social care sector

These changes reflect the government’s aim to reduce net migration while maintaining critical healthcare staffing levels.

Read the official statement: Home Office 2025 Immigration Reforms

Application Process: Step-by-Step Timeline

Job Offer: Secure an eligible role with a licensed sponsor
Receive CoS: Sponsor issues a Certificate of Sponsorship
Gather Documents: Ensure all requirements are met
Online Application: Apply via the UK Visa and Immigration Portal
Biometrics Appointment: Attend at visa centre or use UK Immigration: ID Check app
Decision: Normally within 3 weeks (standard) or faster with priority processing
Arrival and Employment: Begin employment once visa is issued

Apply for your visa here

Employer Responsibilities and Compliance

Employers must:

Maintain a valid sponsorship licence
Meet minimum salary requirements
Pay for CoS issuance
Keep updated contact, work, and salary details
Report any absences, changes, or visa breaches to the Home Office

Non-compliance can result in licence suspension or revocation.

Useful Resources on UK Bloom

External Resources

Disclaimer

This guide is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Immigration policies are subject to change. For personal advice, consult a registered immigration solicitor or adviser. All information is accurate as of June 2025.