Health and Care Visa Guide 2025

The Health and Care Visa is for healthcare professionals and workers from around the world to come to work in the UK’s health and social care sector.

For UK healthcare employers, faced with persistent staffing shortages, the Health and Care visa offers a recruitment lifeline. For applicants, the benefits of the Health and Care Worker visa include fast-tracked entry to the UK, together with reduced visa fees and exemption from the Immigration Health Surcharge. It also includes the support of a dedicated UKVI application processing team.

In this guide, we look at the key requirements for Health and Care visa applications, including eligibility criteria and the application process, Health & Care visa costs and processing times.

Please note, DavidsonMorris can assist once an applicant has secured an offer of employment. We are not able to sponsor candidates.

 

Section A: What is the Health and Care Visa?

 

The Health and Care visa is for overseas workers with specialist skills who want to come to the UK to work for licensed employers in eligible roles. The visa is open to specific healthcare professionals, including doctors, registered nurses, pharmacists, and adult social care workers.

The visa is designed to help address the skills crisis within the UK healthcare sector by offering an attractive route for foreign nationals to come to the UK for work, with the potential to settle in the UK permanently.

Successful applicants can work in the UK for a period of up to five years and can apply to extend their visa as many times as they like, provided they remain eligible.

Health and Care visa holders can also become eligible to apply for UK indefinite leave to remain after five years. With ILR status, you are no longer subject to UK immigration control, and you are no longer restricted by visa sponsorship rules, meaning you can change employers and jobs without the need to apply for additional visas.

There are many advantages to the Health and Care route over the Skilled Worker visa, including fast-tracked processing of visa applications, lower application fees and an exemption from the Immigration Health Surcharge. While the Skilled Worker visa is open to workers in eligible occupations across many areas of the economy, the Health and Care Worker Visa is specifically limited to medical professionals and individuals working in eligible health and care roles.

If you are not taking up a job role in one of the prescribed occupations for a designated organisation, you will not be eligible for the new Health and Care visa, although it remains open to applicants who fall outside the visa requirements to apply under the Skilled Worker visa, provided they meet the visa criteria.

 

Section B: Changes to the Health and Care Visa – July 2025

 

Published in May 2025, the UK government’s immigration white paper set out a number of reforms affecting the Health and Care Worker visa. The document was soon followed by Home Office Statements of Changes to the Immigration Rules, implementing specific changes.

Statement of Changes HC 994 closes new CoS in occupation codes 6135 (Care Worker) and 6136 (Senior Care Worker) from 22 July 2025. This means care workers and senior care workers under these occupation codes will no longer be eligible under the Health and Care visa, and employers will no longer be permitted to sponsor new international care workers.

Care providers may still assign a CoS to a worker already in the UK who has been on its payroll for at least three months, up to 22 July 2028. This is provided the worker is being sponsored in the same SOC code and by the same sponsor for whom they have worked for at least three months before the CoS is assigned.

The minimum skill level for Skilled Worker visas will rise from RQF Level 3 (A-level equivalent) to RQF Level 6 (graduate level) from 22 July 2025, rendering roles below this level ineligible. This means care worker roles (RQF 3) are removed altogether from the route, irrespective of salary.

Skilled worker salary thresholds are also being uplifted from 22 July 2025. However, for care worker SOC 6135/6136, the list salary of £23,200 continues to apply under Option D – Immigration Salary List; the universal £17.13/hour floor is lower and does not raise that figure. Employers must still pay whichever is higher of £23,200 and the full SOC going rate.

The Government has also signalled an intention to raise English language requirements to CEFR B2, but no implementation date or draft rule has yet been published. This proposal is currently under review and no draft Immigration Rule has yet been laid.

Finally, it remains the case that no new dependants can accompany care workers during the 2025-2028 transition. Existing dependants retain their leave provided they already held valid leave at the point of rule change or were granted under transitional rules.

 

Section C: Who Can Apply for a Health and Care Visa

 

The Health and Care visa is open to individuals applying under the Skilled Worker visa who will be taking up a job offer in one of the occupations specified within a prescribed list of Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) codes, which currently includes qualified doctors, nurses, health professionals and adult social care professionals.

 

1. Eligible Occupations

 

Before you can determine if your occupation is eligible, you must have its four-digit occupation code. If you already have a job offer, you should ask your employer for the occupation code.

The list of eligible professions is subject to change and at present, includes the following:

 

Code	Job Title
1171	Health services and public health managers and directors
1231	Health care practice managers
1232	Residential, day and domiciliary care managers and proprietors
2113	Biochemists and biomedical scientists
2114	Physical scientists
2211	Generalist medical practitioners
2212	Specialist medical practitioners
2221	Physiotherapists
2222	Occupational therapists
2223	Speech and language therapists
2224	Psychotherapists and cognitive behaviour therapists
2225	Clinical psychologists
2226	Other psychologists
2229	Therapy professionals not elsewhere classified
2231	Midwifery nurses
2232	Registered community nurses
2233	Registered specialist nurses
2234	Registered nurse practitioners
2235	Registered mental health nurses
2236	Registered children’s nurses
2237	Other registered nursing professionals
2251	Pharmacists
2252	Optometrists
2253	Dental practitioners
2254	Medical radiographers
2255	Paramedics
2256	Podiatrists
2259	Other health professionals not elsewhere classified
2461	Social workers
3111	Laboratory technicians
3211	Dispensing opticians
3212	Pharmaceutical technicians
3213	Medical and dental technicians
3219	Health associate professionals not elsewhere classified
6131	Nursing auxiliaries and assistants
6132	Ambulance staff (excluding paramedics)
6133	Dental nurses
6135*	Care workers and home carers – removal from list from 22 July 2025
6136*	Senior care workers – removal from list from 22 July 2025

 

* From 22 July 2025, Care Workers (SOC 6135) and Senior Care Workers (SOC 6136) will no longer be eligible for new sponsorship under the Health and Care Worker route. Employers will be prohibited from assigning new Certificates of Sponsorship in these roles from this date. A limited transitional arrangement will remain in place until 22 July 2028, allowing care providers to sponsor workers already in the UK who have been employed by the same organisation for at least three months before the CoS is assigned.

 

2. Sponsor Requirements

 

As well as the role coming under one of the eligible SOC categories, to qualify for the visa, an applicant must also have been offered a job with an employer that holds a valid sponsor licence, and that is either be an NHS body or trust, a medical services provider to the NHS, an organisation providing adult social care, or one of several other medical and social care organisations listed in the official guidance. This could include, for example, someone who is employed or engaged by, or registered with one of the following industry bodies:

 

a. General Chiropractic Council
b. General Dental Council
c. General Medical Council
d. General Optical Council
e. General Osteopathic Council
f. General Pharmaceutical Council
g. Health and Care Professions Council
h. Northern Ireland Social Care Council
i. Nursing and Midwifery Council
j. Pharmaceutical Society of Northern Ireland
k. Scottish Social Services Council
l. Social Care Wales

 

If your UK sponsor is a private organisation that provides healthcare services commissioned by the NHS, an explanation and possibly documentary evidence as to the contractual arrangements with the NHS will also need to be provided as proof of your eligibility for a Health and Care Worker visa.

Rules introduced with effect from 11 March 2024 also require that care providers in England applying to sponsor migrant workers will need to be registered by the Care Quality Commission. This requirement does not apply retrospectively; care workers already on the route prior to this date are able to extend their permission with the same sponsor and settle without the CQC regulation requirement being applied to them.

From 9 April 2025, care providers in England seeking to recruit care workers and senior care workers from overseas, or those switching from another visa route, must first provide proof that they have attempted to recruit a worker resident in England through working with regional partnerships before they can hire from overseas under these two job roles. 

 

Section D: Health and Care Worker Visa Eligibility Requirements

 

The Health and Care visa applicants have to meet all the relevant criteria under the Skilled Worker visa route, which are:

 

a. Have a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from a UK-licensed sponsor

b. Have the offer of a qualifying job that meets the relevant salary threshold

c. In some cases, to have sufficient personal savings so that you can support yourself on arrival in the UK

d. Have a good working knowledge of the English language

e. Be able to show that you can travel, as well as providing your travel history over the preceding five years

f. Have valid tuberculosis test results if you are from a listed country

g. Be able to provide a criminal record certificate from any country where you have lived for 12 months or more within the last ten years, if you will be working with vulnerable people as a healthcare professional.

 

 

1. Health and Care Worker Visa Minimum Salary

 

To qualify for a Health and Care Worker visa, applicants must meet specific salary requirements set out in the Immigration Rules. These rules vary depending on the type of role, whether the job is on a national payscale, the date of application and whether the role is listed on the Immigration Salary List (ISL). From 22 July 2025, key reforms will also affect the eligibility and salary structure across the Health and Care route.

 

a. Standard Salary Requirement

Applicants must be paid whichever is higher of the relevant salary threshold for their salary Option (A–J) under Appendix Skilled Worker, and the full going rate for their specific occupation code (SOC), as set out in Appendix Skilled Occupations.

For most applicants, the salary must meet the minimum hourly rate of £17.13, calculated using no more than 48 hours per week. This is effectively a dual test, used to ensure pay is appropriate both in annual and hourly terms.

 

b. National Payscales

For healthcare roles on national payscales, such as NHS-employed doctors, nurses, paramedics and other clinical professionals, the salary must meet the relevant published pay band for that occupation, not the general thresholds. These roles are typically exempt from the £17.13 hourly rule, as national payscales already ensure compliance. Applicants must still meet the full going rate unless a valid salary discount option applies.

 

c. Immigration Salary List (ISL)

Some roles are listed on the Immigration Salary List, which allows sponsorship at a lower minimum salary than the general threshold. As of July 2025, ISL roles, including care workers (SOC 6135) and senior care workers (SOC 6136), require a minimum salary of £23,200 per year, and the full going rate for the role.

If this salary is met, paragraph SW 14.3A(c) of the Immigration Rules deems the £17.13/hour rule satisfied. That means the hourly rule does not push the salary higher than the ISL minimum.

Remember also, no new CoS can be assigned in SOC 6135 or 6136 on or after 22 July 2025. These roles are closed for new overseas sponsorship under both the Skilled Worker and Health and Care Worker routes.

 

d. Transitional Provisions for Care Workers (SOC 6135/6136)

Although care worker sponsorship is closing to new applicants, transitional rules allow limited continued use until 22 July 2028, provided the worker already holds Skilled Worker or Health and Care leave in SOC 6135 or 6136 before 22 July 2025, or the worker is already in the UK and has been employed by the same sponsor for at least three months before a CoS is assigned.

These transitional cases can be sponsored at the ISL rate of £23,200 + full going rate.

 

e. Tradeable Salary Options (A–J)

Certain applicants may qualify under salary Options B–J, which allow reduced salary thresholds in specific circumstances, such as holding a PhD relevant to the role (Options B/C); being a new entrant at the start of their career (Option E); working in a shortage occupation or an ISL-listed role (Option D). Each option has its own minimum salary level, percentage of the going rate (e.g. 70%, 80%, 90%) and eligibility criteria.

Care worker roles are not eligible for salary discounting, even under these options, from 22 July 2025 onwards.

 

2. Maintenance Requirement

 

Some applicants will also have to evidence that they can financially support themselves. If you are applying from overseas, you must prove you have had £1,270 in your bank account for at least 28 consecutive days. Day 28 must be within 31 days of the date you applied for your visa.

You will be exempt from this financial requirement if you are applying from within the UK and have held a valid visa for at least 12 months, or if your sponsor is A-rated, it may submit a letter of support confirming they can cover your costs for the first month you are in the country.

 

3. English Language Requirement

 

Unless you are exempt, for example, because you are a national of a majority English-speaking country, you will need to prove your knowledge of English. To do this, you will usually need to show that you have passed an approved English language test with at least CEFR level B1 in reading, writing, speaking and listening, or have an academic qualification that was taught in English and is recognised by Ecctis as being equivalent to a UK bachelor’s degree, master’s degree or PhD.

If you are applying as a doctor, dentist, nurse or midwife, you will be able to rely on the assessment of your professional body as proof of your language ability.

The English language requirement is set to be raised to a higher standard under plans announced in the Immigration White Paper. This proposal is currently subject to a consultation process.

 

Section E: How to Apply for a Health and Care Worker Visa

 

To apply for the Health and Care visa, you will first need to be assigned a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) by your UK sponsor. This is a unique reference number that you can use to apply online on the Home Office website.

Once you have completed all the relevant information, the next stage of the application process is to pay the appropriate fee. You will also need to provide various documents in support of your application.

On receipt of the application, the Home Office will assess the information and documents, and you may be offered to either book a biometrics appointment, (it is not possible to reuse any biometrics supplied with a previous application), or you will be advised how to enrol biometrics using an ID app.

As with any UK visa application, you will need to provide various documents and information in support including, where relevant, the following:

 

Document Description	Details
Current, valid passport or travel document	To prove you can travel
Any expired passports or travel documents	To show your travel history
Certificate of Sponsorship (reference number) from your employer	Required for the visa application
Employer’s name and sponsor licence reference number	Needed for the application
Job details, including job title, SOC code, and salary	To verify employment details
Statement or letter from your bank or building society showing you have enough personal savings	Required unless your CoS shows your A-rated sponsor can support you
Proof of your knowledge of English	To meet the language requirement
Tuberculosis test results (if you are from a listed country)	Health requirement
Criminal record certificate (unless your role is exempt)	To ensure no criminal history
Proof of relationship for dependants (e.g., marriage certificate for spouse, birth certificates for children)	For dependant applications

 

Section F: Health and Care Worker Visa Costs and Processing Times

 

One of the key benefits of the Health and Care visa is that it offers reduced visa application fees compared to the main Skilled Worker route, as well as fast-tracked processing.

 

1. Visa Fee

 

The fees apply to applicants and dependants and are the same for both leave to enter the UK or to remain applications for those who qualify under this visa.

 

Fees for Health and Care Worker visa applications – made inside or outside the UK
Where a certificate of sponsorship has been issued for three years or less – main applicant and dependants	£304
Where a certificate of sponsorship has been issued for over three years – main applicant and dependants	£590

 

Applicants and dependants who are eligible to apply under this visa are also exempt from paying the Immigration Health Surcharge.

 

2. Processing Times

 

Health and Care Worker visa applications benefit from fast-tracked processing as standard. As a result, the majority of healthcare professionals applying on this route can usually expect a decision on their application within 3 weeks from the date they provide their biometric information. This is substantially quicker than the current timeframe for Skilled Worker visa processing.

Support is also available by way of a dedicated NHS support and visa processing team, enabling visa applicants and sponsors to contact UKVI’s specialist team if they have any issues with the application process or eligibility for the Health and Care visa.

 

Section G: Health and Care Visa Dependants

 

Most Health and Care Worker visa holders – with the exception of SOC code 6135 (Care Workers and Home Carers) or 6136 (Senior Care Workers) as we detail below –  can be joined or accompanied by qualifying dependants, subject to current immigration rules. Each dependant will need to make an application, evidencing their eligibility as a visa dependant. The dependant’s visa will be issued in line with the main applicant’s leave.

Following a rule change on 11 March 2024, Health and Care Worker visa holders sponsored in SOC code 6135 (Care Workers and Home Carers) or 6136 (Senior Care Workers) are no longer permitted to bring new dependants to the UK under the Skilled Worker or Health and Care routes. This means that new family members of care workers and senior care workers must apply under a separate immigration route, such as a Student or Skilled Worker visa, if they wish to come to the UK. These restrictions only apply to new applications and do not affect dependants who were already granted permission under this route before the rule change.

Immediate family members of sponsored care workers who were already living in the UK before 11 March 2024 (or who were granted leave as dependants before that date) can continue to hold their dependant status, including their: spouse or civil partner, or unmarried partner; children under 18; children over 18, provided they already have permission as dependants. Their visas will normally expire on the same date as the primary visa holder’s. If a child’s two parents hold visas with different expiry dates, the child’s visa will align with the earlier end date, unless otherwise specified.

 

Section H: Visa Conditions

 

Health and Care workers must comply with the specific conditions of their visa, which includes notifying the Home Office of certain changes in circumstances.

 

1. Taking on Additional Work or a Second Job

 

Sponsored workers are permitted to take on additional work or employment, provided they remain employed in their main sponsored role and that the relevant conditions are met. In some cases, you may need to update your visa with the Home Office, submitting a letter with your application detailing why you want to change your current permission to stay. You can then be assigned a new CoS. Whether or not you need to update your visa depends on how many hours a week you’ll be working and the type of work you’re doing.

Under current rules, as a Health and Care worker you can work an unlimited number of hours without having to update your visa if the work is overtime for the job you are sponsored for, or if you are working ‘bank shifts’ for your NHS sponsor.

You can take on up to 20 hours of additional work per week in any qualifying occupation – for a different employer to your sponsor or on a self-employed basis – without having to update your visa, provided you continue working in the job for which you are sponsored.

 

2. Changing Jobs with a Health and Care Visa

 

Health and Care workers have to notify the Home Office when they change jobs or employer by applying to update their visa. Specifically, you have to update your visa if:

a. You are starting a new job with a new employer.

b. You are starting a new job which has a different occupation code to what is on your Certificate of Sponsorship and you are not working as part of a graduate training programme.

c. You will no longer be working in a shortage occupation role – this refers to you leaving a job which is on the shortage list, and starting a job which is not on the list. It does not refer to when a role is taken on the shortage list by the government.

 

Section I: Extending a Health and Care Visa

 

Health and Care visas are granted for up to five years. To remain in the UK lawfully, you may need to apply to extend your visa before it expires.
You can apply for an extension provided you continue to be eligible under the visa requirements. This means that you continue to be employed by the same sponsor that issued your current Certificate of Sponsorship, that you are still employed in the same role with the same occupation code as per your previous visa application, and that you continue to satisfy the salary threshold requirement.

However, after 5 years in the UK, rather than applying to extend your status, you may wish to apply to settle under Indefinite Leave to Remain.

If your family are with you in the UK with dependant visas, they too will need to apply for an extension and show they continue to be eligible as dependants, or apply for ILR before their visa expires.

 

Section J: Applying for ILR with a Health and Care visa

 

Health and Care workers who have lived in the UK for five years under the visa, or in combination with other permitted work visa categories, can become eligible to apply for ILR. You will be able to include time spent with lawful status under any combination of the following visas:

 

a. Any Tier 1 visa – except Tier 1 (Graduate Entrepreneur)

b. Skilled Worker or Tier 2 (General)

c. Health and Care

d. Scale-up Worker

e. T2 Minister of Religion or Tier 2 (Minister of Religion)

f. International Sportsperson, T2 Sportsperson or Tier 2 (Sportsperson)

g. Innovator

h. Global Talent

i. Representative of an Overseas Business

 

Time spent on a Tier 5, Graduate, Student, or other temporary route does not count towards the ILR qualifying period under this category.

Your qualifying period starts from the date your initial grant of leave (entry clearance or permission to stay) was issued. You can apply for ILR up to 28 days before completing five years of qualifying residence.

Health and Care workers use application form SET (O) to apply for ILR. You will need to show that you meet the UK ILR requirements, which include:

 

a. Living and working in the UK for a minimum of five years immediately preceding the date of your application

b. Spending no more than 180 days outside the UK in any consecutive 12-month period during the qualifying five-year period of UK residence

c. Continuing to be sponsored by your employer

d. Meeting the minimum settlement salary threshold

e. Passing the Life in the UK test

f. Meeting the English language requirement

g. Not failing under the general grounds for refusal

 

Read more about applying for UK ILR here >> 

 

Section K: Need Assistance?

 

DavidsonMorris has specialist expertise in advising healthcare employers on recruiting overseas workers, including sponsor licence management and compliance, HR training and managing applications for Health and Care visas. We have extensive experience in providing guidance on eligibility criteria, including minimum salary thresholds and occupation codes, as well as the practicalities of the application, such as supporting documents, fees and processing times. For advice on any aspect of a Health and Care visa application, contact us.

 

Section L: Health and Care visa FAQs

 

What is the Health and Care Visa?

The Health and Care Visa is a specific category within the UK’s points-based immigration system designed to attract healthcare professionals from around the world to work in eligible health and social care roles in the UK.

 

Who is eligible for health and care visa?

The Health and Care visa is open to workers in certain healthcare and adult social care roles with an eligible job offer for an authorised sponsor.

 

Does the NHS offer visa sponsorship?

NHS organisations can sponsor workers provided they have a valid sponsorship licence and that the visa conditions are met by the worker and the role.

 

What is the minimum salary for health and care visa UK?

Until 21 July 2025, most Health and Care Worker visa applicants must meet a salary of £26,200 or the going rate for their job, whichever is higher, or £23,200 if the role is on the Immigration Salary List. From 22 July 2025, new applications must meet the revised salary thresholds under Options A–E, with most roles requiring at least £41,700 or the updated going rate, plus a minimum of £17.13 per hour (unless exempt). Roles on the Immigration Salary List, such as care workers (until 2028), continue to require £23,200 plus the full going rate, and are deemed to meet the hourly rule. Salary discounts (e.g. for new entrants or PhD holders) are only available in limited cases and no longer apply to care worker roles.

 

Can a dependent apply for a Health care visa in UK?

A dependant cannot apply independently for a Health and Care Worker visa in the UK. Only the main applicant, i.e. the person being sponsored to work in an eligible health or care role, can apply for this visa. However, eligible dependants (such as a spouse, partner or child) can apply to join or accompany the main visa holder under the Skilled Worker dependant visa route. Note that care workers and senior care workers (SOC 6135 and 6136) are not permitted to bring new dependants under current rules. This restriction has been in place since 11 March 2024 and remains in effect.

 

Do health workers pay the healthcare surcharge?

Health and care workers are exempt from the UK Immigration Health Surcharge.

 

Are care workers eligible for the Health & Care visa?

Only workers employed in eligible roles are eligible for the Health and Care visa. Carers are included on the Immigration Salary List – previously known as the Shortage Occupation List – but this status remains subject to government review and change.

 

Section M: Glossary

 

 

Term	Definition
Health and Care Visa	A visa category in the UK that allows medical professionals to work in eligible health and care roles.
NHS	National Health Service; the publicly funded healthcare system of the UK.
Tier 2 (General) Visa	The previous visa category for skilled workers which included health and care workers.
Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)	A document that a UK employer provides to a foreign worker as part of the visa application process.
Shortage Occupation List	A list of job roles in the UK that are in short supply of workers, making it easier to get a visa.
Skilled Worker Route	The visa route for skilled workers coming to the UK to take up a job offer.
Home Office	The UK government department responsible for immigration, security, and law and order.
Points-Based System	The immigration system used by the UK, where visa applicants must score a certain number of points.
Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)	A fee paid by non-UK citizens to access the NHS during their stay in the UK.
Occupational Code	A code used to identify job roles for visa applications.
Salary Threshold	The minimum salary required to qualify for a visa under the points-based system.
English Language Requirement	A requirement for visa applicants to demonstrate proficiency in the English language.
Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)	The status allowing a person to live and work in the UK indefinitely.
Dependants	Family members (spouse/partner and children) who can accompany the visa holder to the UK.
Immigration Rules	The laws and regulations governing immigration to the UK.
Right to Work	The legal right to work in the UK, typically granted through visa status.
Visa Application Centre	A location where visa applicants submit their biometric data and documents.
Biometric Residence Permit (BRP)	A card that proves a visa holder’s immigration status and right to be in the UK.
Home Office Reference Number	A unique number assigned to an individual’s immigration application.
Healthcare Professional	A person qualified to work in health and care services, including doctors, nurses, and carers.

 

 

Section N: Additional Resources

 

UK Government – Health and Care Visa Guidance
https://www.gov.uk/health-care-worker-visa

 

NHS Careers – Working in the NHS
https://www.healthcareers.nhs.uk/

 

UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) – Applying for a Visa
https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-visas-and-immigration

 

Home Office – Immigration Rules
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/immigration-rules

 

British Medical Association (BMA) – International Doctors
https://www.bma.org.uk/advice-and-support/international-doctors

 

Health Education England – International Recruitment
https://www.hee.nhs.uk/our-work/international-recruitment

 

Gov.uk – Visa Application Centres
https://www.gov.uk/find-a-visa-application-centre