The Health and Care Worker Visa is a dedicated route within the Skilled Worker category for qualified health and social care professionals who have secured employment with a UK employer approved by the Home Office. This visa offers several benefits, including priority processing, reduced application fees, and exemption from the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).
Eligibility requirements
To qualify for a Health and Care Worker visa, you must meet the following criteria:
– You have a confirmed job offer from an approved sponsor (the NHS, an NHS supplier, or a CQC‑registered adult social care provider).
– You hold a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from your employer confirming your job title, duties, salary, and SOC code.
– You work in an ‘eligible’ health or care occupation recognised by the Home Office.
– You are paid at least the minimum salary threshold for the route or the ‘going rate’ for your job.
– You meet the English language requirement at a minimum of CEFR level B2.
– You show that you have enough funds to support yourself in the UK, unless your employer certifies maintenance on your CoS.
Eligible roles include:
– Doctors
– Nurses
– Midwives
– Paramedics
– Social workers
– Care workers and senior care workers
– Laboratory technicians
– Other approved roles within the NHS, NHS suppliers, or adult social care organisations
Duration of stay
You can stay in the UK for up to 5 years on a Health and Care Worker Visa before needing to extend it or apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). You can renew your visa if you continue working in an eligible role with a licensed sponsor, and you may also change employers, provided your new sponsor holds a valid licence and issues you a new CoS.
After 5 continuous years on this route, you become eligible to apply for settlement, providing a clear pathway to permanent residency in the UK.
Work rights
Health and Care Worker Visa holders can work full‑time in the sponsored role for their approved employer. You may also take on a second job in certain circumstances, provided it meets Home Office rules — for example, up to 20 hours a week in an eligible occupation at the same skill level as your main role or in a profession within the health or social care sector. You can also undertake voluntary work.
FAQ
How long can I stay in the UK on this visa?
You can stay in the UK for up to 5 years on a Health and Care Worker Visa before needing to extend it or apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).
Can I change employers?
You may also change employers, provided your new sponsor holds a valid licence and issues you a new Certificate of Sponsorship, which must be approved by the Home Office.
Can I bring my family members?
Yes. You may bring your partner and children with you as dependants, provided you meet the financial requirement to support them without public funds.
Can I switch to this visa from inside the UK?
Yes. Many visa holders can switch to the Health and Care Worker route from within the UK if they hold valid leave. However, you cannot switch if you are in the UK as a visitor, short-term student, seasonal worker, or on another temporary route.
What jobs qualify for the Health and Care Worker Visa?
The job must appear on the list of approved occupation codes published by the Home Office and meet the minimum salary and skill requirements. Eligible roles include those within the NHS, NHS suppliers, or the adult social care sector, such as doctors, nurses, healthcare assistants, social workers, physiotherapists, and medical technicians.
Do I need a job offer before applying? Yes. You must have a confirmed job offer from a Home Office-approved employer, which must include a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) detailing your role, salary, and duties.
What are the English language requirements?
Applicants must demonstrate knowledge of English at level B2 or higher under the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR).
Can I change employers while in the UK?
Yes. You can change employers as long as your new sponsor is approved by the Home Office and issues a new Certificate of Sponsorship.
Can I study while on this visa?
Yes. You may undertake further study, provided it does not interfere with your sponsored employment. For example, you could complete training or part-time studies relevant to your healthcare role while continuing to work.
Can I travel outside the UK during my visa period? Yes. You can travel freely outside the UK and re-enter while your visa remains valid. However, any extended absences may affect your eligibility for Indefinite Leave to Remain, as you must meet the continuous residence requirement.
Can I apply from outside the UK?
Yes. Most applicants apply for their Health and Care Worker Visa from overseas once they have received a job offer and Certificate of Sponsorship from a UK employer.
How We Can Help
We provide comprehensive support for Health and Care Worker Visa applications, ensuring a smooth and compliant process for both applicants and sponsoring employers. Our services include assessing eligibility and confirming that your job meets the visa requirements, ensuring your employer holds the correct sponsorship licence, reviewing and preparing all required documents for the application and managing the application process for you and your dependants.
We also provide advise to employers on sponsorship duties and ongoing compliance. With our expert guidance, you can navigate the Health and Care Worker Visa process confidently and minimise the risk of delays or refusals.