UK Health and Care Worker Visa: A Complete Guide for Applicants and Employers

The UK Health and Care Worker Visa is a lifeline for the UK’s healthcare sector, addressing critical workforce shortages by welcoming skilled medical professionals from around the world. Designed for doctors, nurses, care workers, and other health professionals, this visa not only supports the National Health Service (NHS) and adult social care services but also offers life-changing opportunities for applicants. For those seeking to build a career in the UK, it provides a clear pathway to permanent residency, exemption from the healthcare surcharge, and faster processing times. Employers, too, benefit from access to a global pool of talent, ensuring they can deliver essential services to communities across the country.

For the full current rules on every eligible occupation, including the separate conditions for care workers, see our guidance on care worker and health routes.

In this blog, we’ll explore everything you need to know about the UK Health and Care Worker Visa. From eligibility criteria and application costs to the step-by-step process and long-term options, we’ve got you covered. Plus, we’ll show you how WorkPermitCloud can simplify the entire process, whether you’re an applicant or an employer. Let’s dive in!

1. What is the UK Health and Care Worker Visa?

The UK Health and Care Worker Visa is a specialized visa category designed to attract medical professionals to work in the UK’s National Health Service (NHS), NHS suppliers, or adult social care sectors. It’s a gateway for qualified individuals to contribute their skills to one of the world’s most respected healthcare systems while building a future in the UK.

Who is this visa for?

This visa is tailored for:

● Doctors and nurses: From general practitioners to specialist surgeons.

● Health professionals: Including physiotherapists, radiographers, and pharmacists.

● Care workers and senior care workers: Those providing essential support in adult social care. Since 22 July 2025, they can only apply from inside the UK, so this visa is no longer a route for care workers recruited from overseas.

Key benefits of the visa:

● No healthcare surcharge: Unlike other UK visas, Health and Care Worker Visa holders are exempt from the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), saving thousands of pounds.

● Faster processing: Decisions are typically made within 3 weeks, ensuring a smooth transition to your new role.

● Pathway to permanent residency: After 5 years, you may be eligible to apply for indefinite leave to remain (ILR), granting you the right to live and work in the UK indefinitely.

Whether you’re a seasoned medical professional or a dedicated care worker, this visa opens doors to a rewarding career in the UK.

2. Eligibility Criteria for the Health and Care Worker Visa

To qualify for the UK Health and Care Worker Visa, you’ll need to meet specific eligibility criteria. Here’s a breakdown of the key requirements:

✔ Your Job

● Eligible roles: The visa is open to qualified doctors, nurses, health professionals, and adult social care workers.

● Occupation codes: Your job must fall under an eligible occupation code, such as:

2211 (Generalist Medical Practitioners)

2231 to 2237 (Nurses and midwives)

6135 (Care Workers and Home Carers)

6136 (Senior Care Workers)

Care workers (6135) and senior care workers (6136) can only be sponsored for an application made from inside the UK.

● How to check if your job qualifies: Use the UK government’s occupation coding tool (CASCOT) to confirm your role’s eligibility.

✔ Employer Requirements

● Approved UK employers: Your employer must be approved by the Home Office, such as the NHS, NHS suppliers, or registered adult social care providers.

● Certificate of sponsorship: Your employer will provide an electronic certificate of sponsorship, which includes details about your role and confirms your eligibility.

● Sponsorship licence: Employers must hold a valid sponsorship licence to hire overseas workers.

✔ Salary Requirements

● Minimum salary thresholds: You’ll typically need to earn at least £25,000 per year. However, some roles have higher salary requirements based on the “going rate” for the job.

● Care workers and senior care workers: You must be paid at least £25,000 a year and at least £12.82 for every hour worked. Only guaranteed basic pay counts towards both figures.

● Discounted salary rates: In a few occupation codes, mainly health service managers and scientists, people under 26, recent graduates, those in professional training or those with a relevant PhD can be paid 70%, 80% or 90% of the lower going rate, as long as pay stays at or above £25,000 (£28,200 with a non-STEM PhD). Discounts do not apply to jobs paid on national pay scales such as NHS Agenda for Change, or to jobs on the Immigration Salary List.

✔ Knowledge of English

● Required proficiency level: You must show English at CEFR level B2 in reading, writing, speaking and listening. If you held this visa before 8 January 2026 and are extending or updating it, level B1 still applies and you do not need to prove it again.

● Accepted tests: Secure English Language Tests (SELT) from approved providers.

● Exemptions: Nationals of English-speaking countries (e.g., USA, Australia) or those with a degree taught in English may be exempt. Additionally, no need to prove English proficiency if you're a doctor, dentist, nurse, or midwife and have passed an accepted assessment by the relevant professional body.

✔ Documents You’ll Need

● Essential documents:

○ Valid passport or travel ID.

○ Certificate of sponsorship reference number.

○ Proof of English language proficiency.

○ Tuberculosis (TB) test results (if applicable).

○ Criminal record certificate if you are applying from outside the UK (not needed for occupation codes 2113, 2114, 3111 or 6132).

○ Proof of financial savings (£1,270 for 28 consecutive days).

By meeting these criteria, you’ll be well on your way to securing your UK Health and Care Worker Visa.

3. How Much Does the Health and Care Worker Visa Cost?

Applying for the UK Health and Care Worker Visa involves several costs, but the good news is that it’s more affordable than many other UK visa categories. Here’s a breakdown of the expenses:

Application Fees

● Up to 3 years: £324 per person.

● More than 3 years: £628 per person.

These fees apply whether you’re applying from inside or outside the UK.

Healthcare Surcharge Exemptions

One of the standout benefits of the Health and Care Worker Visa is that you are exempt from the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS). The exemption covers you and your dependants, saving £1,035 a year for each adult and £776 a year for each child under 18, which can add up to thousands of pounds over the duration of your visa.

Financial Evidence

● Proof of personal savings: You’ll need to show you have at least £1,270 in your bank account for 28 consecutive days before applying. This ensures you can support yourself upon arrival in the UK.

● Employer sponsorship as an alternative: If your employer is willing to cover your costs during your first month in the UK, this can be noted on your certificate of sponsorship, exempting you from the savings requirement.

● Exemption after 12 months in the UK: You do not need to show the £1,270 if you have been in the UK with permission for at least 12 months when you apply.

By planning ahead and understanding these costs, you can ensure a smooth and stress-free application process.

4. The Application Process for the Health and Care Worker Visa: Step-by-Step Guide

Applying for the UK Health and Care Worker Visa is straightforward if you follow these steps. Here’s everything you need to know:

✔ Required Supporting Documents

● Certificate of sponsorship reference number.

● Proof of English language proficiency (e.g., SELT test results or degree certificate).

● Valid passport or travel ID.

● Proof of financial savings (£1,270 for 28 days) or employer sponsorship confirmation.

● Tuberculosis (TB) test results (if applicable).

● Criminal record certificate if you are applying from outside the UK (not needed for occupation codes 2113, 2114, 3111 or 6132).

✔ How to Apply

Care workers and senior care workers (codes 6135 and 6136) cannot apply from outside the UK. Their applications must be made from inside the UK.

● From outside the UK:

1. Complete the online application form on the UK government website.

2. Pay the application fee and any optional priority service fees.

3. Prove your identity, either by scanning your passport with the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app or by giving your fingerprints and photo at a visa application centre. You’ll be told which applies when you apply.

4. Submit your supporting documents (either online or at the visa centre).

● From inside the UK:

1. If you’re already in the UK on another visa, you can switch to the Health and Care Worker Visa. To switch into care work (codes 6135 or 6136), you must already have worked legally for the sponsoring employer as a care worker or senior care worker for at least the 3 months ending on the day your certificate of sponsorship is issued, and you must apply before 22 July 2028.

2. Follow the same online application process and prove your identity, either through the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app or at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) service point.

✔ How Long It Takes to Get a Decision

● Standard processing time: 3 weeks from the date of your biometrics appointment.

● Priority services: For an additional fee, you can opt for faster processing:

○ Priority service: Decision within 5 working days.

○ Super priority service: Decision by the next working day.

✔ The Application Timeline

● You can apply up to 3 months before your job start date, as listed on your certificate of sponsorship.

● Ensure all your documents are ready and meet the requirements to avoid delays.

By following this step-by-step guide, you’ll be well-prepared to submit a successful application.

5. What to Do If You Need to Extend or Update Your Health and Care Worker Visa

Once you’re in the UK on a Health and Care Worker Visa, you may need to extend or update it depending on your circumstances. Here’s what you need to know:

Extending Your Visa

● Process and requirements:

○ You can apply to extend your visa for up to 5 years at a time.

○ You’ll need a new certificate of sponsorship from your employer.

○ Ensure you still meet the eligibility criteria, including salary and English language requirements.

● When to apply: You can apply up to 3 months before your current visa expires.

Changing Jobs or Employers

● When and how to update your visa:

○ If you change jobs or employers, you must update your visa.

○ Your new job must still meet the eligibility criteria, and your new employer must be an approved sponsor.

○ Apply online and provide a new certificate of sponsorship from your new employer.

Taking on Additional Work

● Rules for overtime, bank shifts, and second jobs:

○ You can work additional hours in your sponsored job without updating your visa.

○ For a second job, you can work up to 20 hours per week in an eligible role without updating your visa.

○ If your second job exceeds 20 hours per week, you’ll need to apply to update your visa.

By staying informed about these options, you can make the most of your time in the UK while complying with visa regulations.

6. Partner and Children: Can They Join You in the UK?

Most Health and Care Worker visa holders can bring a partner and children under 18 as dependants, but two groups cannot. Care workers and senior care workers (occupation codes 6135 and 6136) first granted permission in those codes on or after 11 March 2024 cannot bring or keep a partner or children as dependants. The same restriction applies to workers in other roles below degree level, such as nursing auxiliaries, ambulance staff and dental nurses, who were first granted permission on or after 22 July 2025. The narrow exceptions are set out in section 8.

Here’s what you need to know about bringing your partner and children to the UK:

Requirements for Dependants

Your dependants can include:

● Spouse or civil partner: Legally married or in a civil partnership recognized in the UK.

● Unmarried partner: Must prove you’ve been living together in a relationship for at least 2 years.

● Children under 18: Includes biological, adopted, or stepchildren.

How They Can Apply

✔ Application process:

● Dependants must apply online, either at the same time as you or after you’ve secured your visa.

● They’ll need your application number (from your visa application) and a ‘family linking code’ if applicable.

● They’ll also need to prove their identity, either through the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app or by giving fingerprints and a photo at a visa application centre.

✔ Required documents:

● Proof of relationship (e.g., marriage certificate, birth certificate for children).

● Valid passports or travel IDs.

● Proof of financial savings (if applicable).

● Tuberculosis (TB) test results (if required).

Associated Costs

✔ Application fees:

● Each family member pays the same application fee as you: £324 per person for up to 3 years, or £628 per person for more than 3 years.

● Your partner and children are also exempt from the Immigration Health Surcharge.

✔ Financial requirements:

● You’ll need to show proof of savings to support your dependants:

○ £285 for a partner.

○ £315 for one child.

○ £200 for each additional child.

● These funds must be held for at least 28 consecutive days before applying.

● You do not need to show these funds if you have all been in the UK with permission for at least 12 months, or if your sponsor confirms on your certificate of sponsorship that it will cover your family’s costs during the first month.

By meeting these requirements, your family can join you in the UK and enjoy the benefits of living and working in a new country.

7. Can You Stay in the UK Long-Term?

The UK Health and Care Worker Visa isn’t just a temporary solution—it’s a pathway to building a long-term future in the UK. Here’s how you can make the UK your permanent home:

Path to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)

✔ Eligibility after 5 years:

● You can apply for ILR after living in the UK for 5 years on a Health and Care Worker Visa.

● You must meet the following requirements:

○ Continue to work in an eligible job.

○ Meet the salary threshold for your role.

○ Pass the Life in the UK test.

○ Prove your English language proficiency (if not already demonstrated).

○ If you apply on or after 26 March 2027, show English at level B2 in speaking and listening.

✔ Requirements for ILR application:

● Submit proof of continuous residence in the UK.

● Provide evidence of employment and salary.

● Pay the ILR application fee of £3,226 per person.

Rights and Benefits of Staying Long-Term

● Right to live, work, and study in the UK indefinitely:

○ ILR grants you the freedom to stay in the UK without visa restrictions.

● Access to public funds and the State Pension:

○ You’ll be eligible for benefits, healthcare, and the State Pension (if you meet the criteria).

● Pathway to British citizenship:

○ After holding ILR for 12 months, you may be eligible to apply for British citizenship.

By planning ahead and meeting the requirements, you can secure your long-term future in the UK.

8. Special Considerations for Care Workers and Senior Care Workers

Care workers and senior care workers play a vital role in the UK’s healthcare system, but there are some additional requirements and rules to be aware of:

Additional Requirements

● Employer registration with the Care Quality Commission (CQC):

○ If you’re a care worker or senior care worker in England, your employer must hold active registration with the CQC and be carrying on a regulated activity. In Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, the employer must be registered with the Care Inspectorate, Care Inspectorate Wales or the Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority where its activities require it.

○ This ensures that care providers meet the UK’s standards for quality and safety.

● Applications from inside the UK only:

○ Since 22 July 2025, a care worker or senior care worker application must be made from inside the UK, and employers cannot sponsor a new care worker from overseas.

● The 3-month rule for switching:

○ If you are switching from another visa, you must have worked legally for your sponsoring employer as a care worker or senior care worker for at least the 3 months ending on the day your certificate of sponsorship is issued. Applications relying on this rule must be made before 22 July 2028.

○ If you already hold continuous Skilled Worker permission as a care worker or senior care worker, you can extend or move to another licensed care provider without serving a new 3 months.

Changes to Dependant Rules

● Restrictions on bringing dependants:

○ If you’re a care worker or senior care worker (occupation codes 6135 and 6136) and were first granted permission in those codes on or after 11 March 2024, your partner and children cannot join you or stay in the UK as your dependants.

○ The only exceptions are a child born in the UK, and a child applying for permission to stay where you are the sole surviving parent or have sole responsibility for them, or where the other parent is also sponsored as a care worker or senior care worker. Family members who already held dependant permission before the restriction applied to you can continue to extend.

○ Always check the latest UK government guidelines to confirm your eligibility.

By understanding these special considerations, you can ensure a smooth transition to working and living in the UK as a care professional.

9. How Can WorkPermitCloud Help?

Navigating the UK Health and Care Worker Visa process can be complex, but WorkPermitCloud is here to make it seamless for both applicants and employers. Here’s how we can assist:

✔ For Health and Care Worker Visa applicants:

We provide end-to-end support, from document preparation to application submission. Learn more about our Health and Care Visa services.

✔ For employers:

● Assistance with sponsorship licences to hire overseas workers.

● Guidance on issuing certificates of sponsorship.

● Expert advice on UK immigration and HR systems to ensure compliance.

Ready to get started? Book a free appointment with our team today. Let us make your visa journey easy!