What Is the Health and Care Worker Visa?
The Health and Care Worker visa is designed for qualified medical professionals offered an eligible role with the NHS, an NHS supplier, or an approved health and social care provider. The route was created to address persistent staffing shortages in UK healthcare and offers more affordable fees and faster processing than the standard Skilled Worker visa.
Who Can Apply?
- Medical doctors — hospital doctors, GPs, and consultant-grade physicians
- Dentists and dental practitioners
- Nurses and midwives
- Radiographers and diagnostic imaging professionals
- Sonographers
- Biological scientists and biochemists in clinical settings
- Pharmacists and pharmacy technicians
- Physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and allied health professionals
- Psychologists and mental health practitioners in regulated roles
Key Eligibility Requirements
- A valid Certificate of Sponsorship from a licensed UK health or social care employer
- Employment in a qualifying occupational role as defined by the Home Office
- Meeting the applicable salary threshold for your occupation
- English language proficiency at CEFR Level B1 or above
- Working for an approved NHS organisation, NHS supplier, or eligible social care employer
Advantages Over the Standard Skilled Worker Visa
- Lower application fees
- Full exemption from the Immigration Health Surcharge — a considerable saving for applicants and dependants
- Faster processing times
- Valid for up to five years and can lead to ILR and British citizenship
What Changed for Care Workers in July 2025?
From July 2025, overseas care workers and senior care workers (SOC codes 6135 and 6136) can no longer apply for new sponsorship under this route. Only those already in the UK on a transitional basis may switch their visa until July 2028, subject to strict conditions. This change does not affect qualified medical professionals — doctors, nurses, dentists, radiographers, sonographers, and scientists remain fully eligible.
Can Healthcare Workers Bring Their Family?
Yes. Qualified medical professionals may bring their partner and children under 18 as dependants. Dependants have full rights to work in the UK without restriction. The rules regarding dependants for certain care worker roles have changed — professional advice specific to your occupation is important.
How Long Does the Application Process Take?
Standard processing for an application from outside the UK is typically around three weeks. Priority and super-priority services are available for an additional fee if a faster decision is required.