The Health and Care Worker visa allows eligible healthcare professionals to work in the UK with an approved employer. It forms part of the Skilled Worker route and offers reduced application fees and exemption from the Immigration Health Surcharge for qualifying applicants and their eligible dependants.

 

At a glance

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• Who it is for: Eligible doctors, nurses, other healthcare professionals and qualifying care workers with a sponsored UK job.

• Employer: The NHS, an organisation providing NHS services or an eligible adult social care employer.

• Length of stay: Normally up to five years, depending on sponsorship.

• Settlement: May be available after five years of qualifying residence, subject to meeting the requirements.

• Family members: Eligible partners and children may apply, although additional restrictions apply to some occupations.

 

Main requirements

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To qualify, you will normally need to:

• Be aged 18 or over.

• Have an eligible job offer from an approved UK sponsor.

• Hold a valid Certificate of Sponsorship from your employer.

• Meet the salary threshold and going rate applicable to your role.

• Satisfy the English language requirement.

• Meet the financial and suitability requirements.

• Meet any professional registration requirements applicable to your job.

 

Salary requirements vary according to your occupation and circumstances. New applicants normally need B2 English, while qualifying existing Skilled Workers may benefit from transitional arrangements.

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You may also need evidence of personal savings, unless your sponsor certifies maintenance or another exemption applies.

Care workers and senior care workers

 

New overseas applications for care workers and senior care workers closed on 22 July 2025. Qualifying applications can still be made from inside the UK.

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People switching from another eligible immigration route must normally have worked lawfully for their sponsoring employer in a qualifying care role for at least three months immediately before their Certificate of Sponsorship is issued. Applications under this arrangement must be made before 22 July 2028.

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Existing sponsored care workers may qualify to extend their permission or change employer under separate arrangements. The three-month employment requirement does not generally apply to these applications.

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Care employers in England normally need active Care Quality Commission registration. Your immigration history and the employer’s eligibility should be checked before proceeding.

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Partners and children

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Your partner and dependent children may be able to join you or remain with you in the UK.

Additional restrictions apply to care workers, senior care workers and other medium-skilled occupations. Some existing workers benefit from transitional protection, and specific exceptions may apply to children.

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Family eligibility depends on your occupation, immigration history and individual circumstances. Each family member must meet the relevant requirements and apply for their own permission.

 

Supporting documents

 

Documents commonly required include your passport, Certificate of Sponsorship details, employment and salary information, English language evidence and any required financial or professional registration evidence.

Depending on your circumstances, you may also need criminal record certificates, tuberculosis screening results and documents relating to your partner or children.

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Extensions and changing employers

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You may be able to extend your visa if you continue to meet the requirements.

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If you change employer or move into a different occupation, you may need a new Certificate of Sponsorship and an application to update your visa. You normally need approval before starting a new sponsored job.

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