Overview
The UK is home to one of the world’s most respected health and social care systems. Every year, qualified doctors, nurses and other professionals choose to bring their expertise to the UK to build a career and make a difference.
The Health and Care Worker Visa is designed for overseas health and adult social care professionals who wish to undertake an eligible role with the NHS, an NHS supplier, or in adult social care. This route allows you to live and work in the UK with reduced visa fees and a fast‑track to settlement.
After five years, you and your eligible family members may be able to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), giving you the right to stay in the UK permanently.
Key Advantages
- Work in the UK’s health or social care sector in an approved role.
- Lower visa fees compared to other Skilled Worker routes.
- No Immigration Health Surcharge to pay.
- Eligible for ILR after 5 years (subject to criteria).
- No maximum time limit and no cooling‑off period on this route.
- Bring your partner and children as dependents in most occupation categories (see who can bring dependents and the critical updates below).
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for a Health and Care Worker Visa, you must:
- Be aged 18 or over.
- Be a qualified doctor, nurse, health professional or adult social care professional.
- Have a job offer in an eligible occupation code from the approved list.
- Have a Certificate of Sponsorship from an eligible UK employer (NHS, NHS supplier or registered care provider).
- Be paid at least the minimum salary or the ‘going rate’ for your role, whichever is higher (using the Health and Care Worker thresholds or national pay scales).
- Demonstrate English language ability to CEFR B1 in reading, writing, speaking and listening (exemptions apply if already assessed by a relevant regulatory body).
- Have enough funds to support yourself, unless your employer certifies maintenance on your Certificate of Sponsorship.
- Provide a criminal record certificate (for roles with vulnerable people) and a valid TB certificate if required.
Eligible Occupation Codes
This route covers a wide range of health and care roles, including:
- Medical professionals: Doctors, nurses, midwives, paramedics, radiographers, pharmacists, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech and language therapists, and many more.
- Social care roles: Such as social workers and specific adult care roles.
Get in touch now for a free consultation via email, phone or live chat or fill in our inquiry form.
Important Updates for Care Roles
You can apply online once you have your Certificate of Sponsorship and meet all requirements. You must apply from outside the UK or, if switching, before your current permission expires. You must ensure that your salary is in line with the published thresholds, which may vary depending on the role and the date of your initial visa application in this category.
Our lawyers can advise you on the requirements you need to meet, taking your specific circumstances into account.
Your application will include:
- Proof of identity (passport or biometric residence permit).
- Your Certificate of Sponsorship reference.
- Evidence of English proficiency (unless exempt).
- Proof of funds or maintenance certification if required.
- Criminal record certificate (if applicable).
How to Apply
- From 11 March 2024, newly sponsored Care Workers (SOC 6135/6145) and Senior Care Workers (SOC 6136/6146) can no longer bring dependents.
- From 22 July 2025, new overseas recruitment for Care Workers is closed. Those already in the UK on these routes before these dates may continue, extend, and settle with dependents if eligible.
- If you are in the UK on a different visa, such as a Student or Graduate Visa, after completing a minimum of 3 months’ employment in a Care Worker or Senior Care Worker occupation, you can switch to a Health and Care Worker Visa if the employer offers sponsorship.
Fees and Processing Time
- Application fee: reduced Health and Care Worker rate applies. Please check the UK Visa Fees page for the most up-to-date application fees.
- Immigration Health Surcharge: exempt for this route.
- Processing time: typically within 3 weeks for applications made outside the UK.
Dependants
Your partner and children can join or remain with you in the UK if:
- They are already in the UK as your dependants on a qualifying route, or
- They are applying at the same time as you from outside the UK (except care worker roles with restrictions noted above).
Each dependant must meet their own eligibility and pay the application fee (but no IHS).
Settlement and ILR
After 5 years on this visa, you may be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain, provided you meet the salary, residency, and other suitability criteria. Your eligible dependants can also apply for ILR.
How Immigration Connection Assists You
Applying for a Health and Care Worker Visa can be complex. At Immigration Connection, we make the process clear and manageable:
- We review your documents and eligibility before submission.
- Prepare and submit your application with supporting evidence.
- Liaise with your sponsoring employer to ensure compliance.
- Provide a detailed legal representation letter to explain your circumstances and highlight your eligibility.
- Keep you updated at every stage
- Provide post‑visa support to ensure you understand the conditions of your visa to protect your status.
At Immigration Connection, we don’t just help you submit a visa application as your legal representatives; we guide you through your next chapter. With over 15 years of experience in navigating UK immigration laws and managing applications from start to finish, our team ensures you are informed, prepared, and supported at every step.
Whether you’re planning to stay in the UK short-term or build a long-term future here, we provide honest advice, practical solutions, and expert care tailored to your goals.
📩 Ready to take the next step? Speak to Immigration Connection for trusted, personal advice on your Health & Care Worker Visa and other UK Visa categories.
🌐 immigrationconnection.co.uk
📧 info@immigrationconnection.co.uk
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a maximum time on the Health and Care Worker Visa?
No. There is no maximum stay limit and no 12‑month cooling‑off period.
Can dependants join me on this route?
Yes, except for new overseas care worker and senior care worker applicants sponsored from 11 March 2024 onwards. Those already in the UK before this date can continue with dependants.
Can I apply for settlement (ILR)?
Yes, after 5 years, if you meet all the criteria.
Do I have to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge?
No, applicants and their dependants on this route are exempt from the IHS.
What happens if I am a care worker already in the UK?
You may continue on your route, extend, and include dependents if you meet the rules in place when you were granted permission.
