Work visa

Health and Care Worker Visa: The Complete Guide

The Health and Care Worker visa is a branch of the Skilled Worker route for qualified professionals in eligible health and social care jobs, sponsored by the NHS, an NHS supplier, or a registered care provider. It is cheaper than the standard route and exempt from the Immigration Health Surcharge.

Who can apply

You need a job offer in an eligible health or social care occupation from a licensed sponsor in the sector, plus the usual Skilled Worker requirements on skill level, salary and English.

An eligible occupation, for example doctors, nurses, allied health professionals and some care roles
A Certificate of Sponsorship from an NHS body, NHS supplier or care provider
Salary that meets the threshold and going rate for the role

Care worker eligibility is changing

Rules for care workers and senior care workers have tightened, including limits on overseas recruitment and requirements on sponsors. Check the current position for care roles on GOV.UK before relying on this route.

Costs and settlement

Visa fees are reduced and there is no health surcharge, which makes this one of the cheapest sponsored routes. It counts towards settlement after five years on the same basis as the standard Skilled Worker visa.

Always check the official rules

This guide is a plain-English summary, not legal advice, and the rules change. Confirm the current requirements on the official Health and Care Worker page on GOV.UK or speak to a qualified immigration adviser before applying.

At a glance

Sponsor needed: Yes, an approved health or care sponsor
Health surcharge: Exempt, with reduced visa fees
Typical length: Up to 5 years per grant
Leads to settlement: Yes, after 5 years
English level: B1 (intermediate)

Health and Care Worker Visa: The Complete Guide

Who can apply

Care worker eligibility is changing

Costs and settlement

At a glance

Tools for this route

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