Employer sponsorship, visa requirements, salary thresholds, PR pathways, settlement, and how to apply are explained in full.
Table of Contents
- What Is the Health and Care Worker Visa?
- Types of Jobs Available
- Salary Ranges by Role
- Visa Eligibility Requirements
- Required Documents
- Steps to Get Visa Sponsorship
- How to Apply
- Companies Offering Sponsored Jobs
- Employment Agencies for International Recruitment
- Routes to Permanent Residence (ILR)
- Common Immigration Mistakes to Avoid
- Embassy Contacts and Visa Verification
- Useful Websites
1. What Is the Health and Care Worker Visa?
The Health and Care Worker Visa is a specialist immigration route that allows qualified doctors, nurses, and allied health professionals from around the world to live and work in the United Kingdom.
It is effectively a sub-category of the Skilled Worker route, designed specifically for the UK’s healthcare sector.
The visa offers a number of advantages over the standard Skilled Worker Visa, including significantly reduced application fees, expedited processing, and exemption from the Immigration Health Surcharge.
Healthcare professionals can save substantially per hire compared to the standard Skilled Worker route, with processing decisions typically reached within three weeks.
Important Policy Change:
July 2025: New overseas sponsorship for care workers and senior care workers (SOC codes 6135 and 6136) ended on 22 July 2025.
Limited in-country transitional arrangements remain until 22 July 2028, but these are narrow and fact-specific.
Neither workers nor sponsors should assume continued eligibility without checking the current rules.
The route now primarily serves graduate-level (RQF Level 6) healthcare professionals.
The minimum skill level for sponsorship on a UK work visa increased from RQF Level 3 (A-level) to RQF Level 6 (degree-level) from July 2025.
This means that registered nurses, doctors, midwives, pharmacists, physiotherapists, and other allied health professionals with recognised qualifications remain fully eligible, while many lower-banded support roles face tighter restrictions.
2. Types of Health and Care Worker Jobs Available
The following roles are eligible to be recruited under the Health and Care Visa.
Each role is identified by a Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code, which determines both eligibility and the applicable salary threshold.
This list is subject to periodic government review.
| SOC Code | Job Title / Role | Qualification Level | Sponsorship Status (2026) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2211 | Medical Practitioners (GPs, Hospital Doctors) | RQF 7+ | Open |
| 2212 | Psychologists | RQF 7+ | Open |
| 2213 | Pharmacists | RQF 6+ | Open |
| 2214 | Ophthalmic Opticians | RQF 6+ | Open |
| 2217 | Medical Radiographers | RQF 6+ | Open |
| 2218 | Podiatrists | RQF 6+ | Open |
| 2219 | Health Professionals (NEC) | RQF 6+ | Open |
| 2221 | Physiotherapists | RQF 6+ | Open |
| 2222 | Occupational Therapists | RQF 6+ | Open |
| 2223 | Speech & Language Therapists | RQF 6+ | Open |
| 2229 | Therapy Professionals (NEC) | RQF 6+ | Open |
| 2231 | Nurses (Registered General) | RQF 6 | Open |
| 2232 | Midwives | RQF 6 | Open |
| 2233 | Paramedics | RQF 6 | Open |
| 6131 | Nursing Auxiliaries and Assistants (Band 3+) | RQF 3 (ISL) | Open (ISL) |
| 6133 | Dental Nurses | RQF 3 | Open (ISL) |
| 6135 | Care Workers | RQF 2 | Closed to new overseas |
| 6136 | Senior Care Workers | RQF 2 | Closed to new overseas |
From 1 April 2026, the full-time Agenda for Change Band 3 entry point increased to £25,760, meaning healthcare support workers are eligible for international sponsorship where the role appears on the Immigration Salary List under SOC code 6131.
This is welcome news for NHS trusts struggling to fill nursing auxiliary positions.
3. Salary Ranges by Role
The government raised the absolute minimum salary floor for Skilled Workers (including those on a Health and Care Visa) from £23,200 to £25,000 on 9 April 2025.
Workers must be paid at least the higher of the general threshold or the occupation-specific going rate.
| Role | NHS Pay Band | Approximate Annual Salary | Visa Threshold Met? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nursing Auxiliary / Assistant (Band 3) | Band 3 | £25,760+ | Yes (from Apr 2026) |
| Registered Nurse (Band 5) | Band 5 | £29,970 – £36,483 | Yes |
| Senior Nurse / Sister (Band 6) | Band 6 | £37,338 – £44,962 | Yes |
| Advanced Nurse Practitioner (Band 7) | Band 7 | £46,148 – £52,809 | Yes |
| Physiotherapist / OT (Band 5–7) | Band 5–7 | £29,970 – £52,809 | Yes |
| Pharmacist (Band 6–8a) | Band 6–8a | £37,338 – £62,215 | Yes |
| Junior Doctor (FY1–ST) | Medical Pay Scale | £36,616 – £70,000+ | Yes |
| Consultant Physician | Consultant Scale | £99,532 – £131,964 | Yes |
| Paramedic (Band 5–6) | Band 5–6 | £29,970 – £44,962 | Yes |
| Dental Nurse (Band 4) | Band 4 | £26,530 – £29,114 | Yes |
Note on Salary Discounts: Applicants taking out a Skilled Worker Visa as a new entrant will need to meet the requirement of £33,400.
However, new entrants on a health occupation code based on the national pay scale will need to meet the requirement of £25,000.
This distinction is important for newly qualified professionals.
4. Visa Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the Health and Care Worker Visa, a foreign worker must meet all requirements of the Skilled Worker route plus those specific to the Health and Care sub-category.
The key criteria are as follows.
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Job Offer | A confirmed offer from a UK Home Office-licensed sponsor in an eligible SOC code |
| Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) | An electronic CoS issued by the employer with a unique reference number |
| Salary | Minimum £25,000 per year or the occupation going rate, whichever is higher |
| English Language | CEFR Level B1, equivalent to IELTS 4.0 in each component. New applicants from January 2026 need B2 for certain routes |
| Financial Maintenance | £1,270 available in a bank account for at least 28 days prior to application, unless the employer confirms maintenance support on the CoS |
| Professional Registration | NMC registration for nurses, GMC for doctors, HCPC for allied health professionals |
| Criminal Record Certificate | Required if the role involves working with vulnerable people |
| TB Test Certificate | Required for applicants from listed high-risk countries |
| Skill Level | Role must be RQF Level 6 (degree equivalent) or above for new applications from July 2025 onwards |
Meeting the Eligibility Requirements
Professional registration is typically the longest step in the preparation process.
Nurses must complete the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) Overseas Registration process, which includes an English language test, a Computer Based Test (CBT), and an Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE).
Doctors must obtain GMC registration, either through the PLAB route or recognised primary medical qualification.
Allied health professionals apply through the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
It is advisable to begin registration at least 6 to 12 months before the intended start date, as processing times for professional bodies vary.
Do not apply for the visa before your professional registration is in place, as the CoS cannot be issued without it.
5. Required Documents
- Valid passport or travel document
- Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) reference number from the UK employer
- Proof of English language proficiency (IELTS, OET, or equivalent)
- Professional registration certificate (NMC, GMC, HCPC, or relevant body)
- Bank statements showing £1,270 held for 28 consecutive days (or employer maintenance letter)
- Criminal record certificate from each country lived in for 12 months or more over the last 10 years (if working with vulnerable people)
- Tuberculosis test results (if from a listed country)
- Proof of qualifications and transcripts
- Current employment references or contract of employment
- Photographs meeting Home Office specifications
- Biometric information (fingerprints and photograph at a visa application centre or via the UK Immigration ID Check app)
6. Steps to Get Visa Sponsorship
1. Obtain Professional Registration
Register with the appropriate UK regulatory body (NMC, GMC, HCPC, GPhC, etc.).
Begin this process 6 to 12 months ahead, as it involves examinations and document verification.
2. Search for Licensed Sponsor Employers
Only employers on the Home Office Register of Licensed Sponsors can issue a Certificate of Sponsorship.
Use NHS Jobs, UK Visa Jobs, or specialist recruitment agencies to find vacancies.
3. Apply for Jobs and Attend Interviews
Submit your application with a UK-style CV and covering letter. Interviews may be conducted via video call.
Confirm that the employer holds a valid sponsor licence before accepting any offer.
4. Receive Your Certificate of Sponsorship
Once an offer is accepted, the employer issues an electronic CoS with a reference number.
This document confirms the role, salary, start date, and duration of the position.
5. Gather All Required Documents
Compile your professional registration certificate, English language results, bank statements, criminal record certificate, and any country-specific TB test results.
6. Apply Online and Pay the Fee
The visa fee is typically £304 for up to 3 years or £590 for more than 3 years.
Health and Care Worker applicants are exempt from the Immigration Health Surcharge, which generates significant savings compared to standard routes.
7. Attend Biometrics and Await Decision
Applications are fast-tracked and, if successful, decided within three weeks.
Priority and super-priority services are available at an additional fee for faster decisions.
7. How to Apply
Applications for the Health and Care Worker Visa are submitted online through the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) service.
You can apply up to three months before your intended start date.
Follow these steps when submitting your application.
Visit www.gov.uk/health-care-worker-visa and select “Apply online.”
You will need your CoS reference number, your personal details, your passport information, and your declared employment history.
The system automatically routes Health and Care Worker applicants to the correct fee page.
After payment, you will either book an appointment at a Visa Application Centre (VAC) to submit biometrics or use the UK Immigration ID Check app where this is available in your country.
Applicants who choose the priority service receive a decision within five working days.
Super-priority processing, where available, returns a decision by the end of the next working day.
Standard applications are decided within three weeks from the date of biometric submission.
Application Website Official application portal: https://www.gov.uk/health-care-worker-visa/apply
Check your employer’s sponsor status: https://www.gov.uk/check-uk-visa
Register of Licensed Sponsors: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/register-of-licensed-sponsors-workers
8. Companies and Organisations Offering Visa-Sponsored Jobs
The following organisations are among the largest and most active sponsors of Health and Care Worker Visas in the United Kingdom.
All NHS trusts and foundation trusts hold sponsor licences as a matter of standard practice.
| Organisation | Type | Visa Type | Contact / Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| NHS England / NHS Jobs | National Health Service | Health and Care Worker Visa | jobs.nhs.uk | 0300 311 22 33 |
| Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust | NHS Foundation Trust | Health and Care Worker Visa | imperial.nhs.uk | 020 3312 6666 |
| King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust | NHS Foundation Trust | Health and Care Worker Visa | kch.nhs.uk | 020 3299 9000 |
| Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust | NHS Foundation Trust | Health and Care Worker Visa | mft.nhs.uk | 0161 276 1234 |
| Bupa UK | Private Healthcare | Health and Care / Skilled Worker Visa | bupajobs.co.uk | 0345 600 3458 |
| Nuffield Health | Private Healthcare / Charity | Health and Care / Skilled Worker Visa | nuffieldhealth.com/careers | 0345 811 5099 |
| Spire Healthcare | Private Hospitals | Health and Care / Skilled Worker Visa | spirehealthcare.com/careers | 0800 585 012 |
| HC-One Care Homes | Residential & Nursing Care | Skilled Worker Visa (transitional rules) | hc-one.co.uk/careers | 01325 351 000 |
9. Employment Agencies for International Healthcare Recruitment
Specialist international recruitment agencies can assist foreign healthcare professionals in finding sponsored employment in the UK.
Many of these organisations maintain active relationships with NHS trusts and private hospitals.
NHS Professionals (NHSP)
Services: Temporary and permanent staffing for NHS trusts; assists international applicants with sponsored roles across England.
Address: Hawthorn House, Rangemore Road, Burton-on-Trent, DE14 3NG
Phone: 0333 014 4344
Website: nhsprofessionals.nhs.uk
Thornbury Nursing Services
Services: International nurse recruitment; assists with NMC registration, adaptation, and UK placement for nursing professionals.
Address: Thornbury House, 1 Victoria Square, Birmingham, B1 1BD
Phone: 0121 212 7790
Website: thornburynursing.com
Global Medical Staffing (GMS)
Services: International doctor and locum physician placements across NHS trusts; GMC registration support provided.
Address: 1 Northumberland Avenue, Trafalgar Square, London, WC2N 5BW
Phone: +44 (0)20 7112 8620
Website: globalmedicalstaffing.com
Sanctuary Health (part of Sanctuary Personnel)
Services: Allied health professional and nursing recruitment for NHS and private providers across the UK.
Address: Sanctuary House, Princes Street, Ipswich, IP1 1RJ
Phone: 01473 943 000
Website: sanctuarypersonnel.com/health
Frank Recruitment Group (Healthcare Division)
Services: Health IT, clinical informatics, and specialist healthcare technology roles with visa sponsorship support.
Address: 55 Colmore Row, Birmingham, B3 2AA
Phone: 0121 369 3020
Website: frankgroup.com
MedMatch International
Services: Specialist placement for overseas-trained doctors, nurses, and AHPs into permanent NHS posts.
Address: 8th Floor, 6 New Street Square, London, EC4A 3AQ
Phone: +44 (0)20 3966 1700
Website: medmatch.com
10. Routes to Permanent Residence (ILR) and Settlement
The Health and Care Worker Visa provides a direct pathway to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), which is the UK’s equivalent of permanent residence.
Health and Care Worker Visa holders qualify for Indefinite Leave to Remain after five years of continuous residence, followed by British citizenship eligibility after an additional 12 months.
However, the government’s 2025 white paper proposed increasing the standard qualifying period to ten years, and this remains under active consultation.
Proposed Policy Change; ILR Period: The government’s white paper proposed increasing the standard qualifying period for permanent residence from five to ten years, with some people qualifying sooner based on criteria to be decided following public consultation.
This has not yet been legislated.
Those already in the UK should verify the current rules at the time of their application.
Main Settlement Routes for Healthcare Workers
| Route | Qualifying Period | Key Requirements | Who It Suits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Health and Care / Skilled Worker ILR (Standard) | 5 years (under review; may become 10) | Continuous residence, same or qualifying employer, salary compliance, Life in the UK test, B1 English (B2 from 2027) | Registered nurses, doctors, AHPs on active visa |
| Long Residence Route (10 Years) | 10 years continuous lawful residence | Unbroken lawful leave, good character, English language, Life in the UK test | Workers who have held various visa categories over 10+ years |
| British National (Overseas) BNO Visa | 5 years | Hong Kong BNO passport or status; no job offer required | Hong Kong nationals in healthcare |
| Global Talent Visa | 3 or 5 years (depending on endorsement) | Endorsement from a recognised body (e.g., Royal Academy of Engineering for clinical engineers; UKRI for biomedical researchers) | Exceptional healthcare researchers, medical scientists |
| Family Route to ILR | 5 years as a spouse or partner of a British citizen or settled person | Genuine relationship, financial requirement, English language | Healthcare workers in UK family relationships |
| High Potential Individual (HPI) Visa | No direct ILR route; must switch to qualifying visa | Degree from top-ranked global university in last 5 years; no job offer required to apply | Recent medical or health science graduates from top universities |
After Obtaining ILR: The Road to British Citizenship
After securing ILR, you can apply for British citizenship after an additional 12 months, creating a total pathway of 6 years from initial visa approval to potential citizenship.
This timeline may change if the proposed 10-year ILR qualifying period is legislated.
Citizenship applicants must also pass the Life in the UK test, meet the English language requirement, and demonstrate good character.
Settlement Benefits
ILR holders enjoy the right to live and work in the UK indefinitely without immigration restrictions, access to public funds and benefits on the same basis as British citizens, the right to be joined by eligible family members, freedom to change employers or sectors without re-applying for a work visa, and the ability to travel abroad and return without re-entry requirements.
11. Common Immigration Mistakes to Avoid
- Applying before professional registration is confirmed. The Certificate of Sponsorship cannot be issued without a verified NMC, GMC, or HCPC number. Applying prematurely wastes fees and may result in refusal.
- Using an employer without a valid sponsor licence. Always verify the employer’s sponsorship status on the Home Office register before signing any contract.
- Incorrect SOC code on the Certificate of Sponsorship. An incorrect code can result in the application being refused. Even if granted, it could present a problem at extension or settlement stage and create issues in compliance during Home Office audits.
- Insufficient bank balance. Many applicants fail to hold £1,270 in their account for a full 28 consecutive days before applying. The date of the final statement must clearly cover the required period.
- Assuming care worker routes are still open. As of July 2025, new overseas applications for SOC codes 6135 and 6136 (care workers) are closed. Applying through these codes without meeting transitional criteria will result in refusal.
- Not meeting the English language threshold. From January 2026, new applicants for certain routes must meet B2 rather than B1. Confirm which standard applies to your specific SOC code before booking a test.
- Failing to disclose criminal history. Any undisclosed convictions from any country where you lived for 12 months or more in the last 10 years can lead to visa refusal and future inadmissibility.
- Missing absences during the ILR qualifying period. Absences from the UK that exceed 180 days in any 12-month period during the qualifying period can break continuity of residence and delay ILR eligibility.
- Relying on outdated information. UK immigration rules change frequently. Always verify information directly with the Home Office or a registered immigration adviser before making decisions.
- Paying for unregulated immigration advice. Only use regulated immigration advisers registered with the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC) or solicitors regulated by the SRA.
12. Embassy Contacts and Visa Verification
Applications are submitted online rather than through a physical embassy, but UK Visa Application Centres (VACs) in your home country handle biometrics and document submission.
UK embassies and high commissions also provide general immigration enquiries.
| Country / Region | Contact | Address | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nigeria | +234 1 277 0780 | 11 Eleke Crescent, Victoria Island, Lagos; also Abuja: 11 Walter Carrington Crescent | gov.uk/world/organisations/british-high-commission-abuja |
| India | +91 11 2419 2100 | Shantipath, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi – 110021 | gov.uk/world/organisations/british-high-commission-new-delhi |
| Philippines | +63 2 8858 2200 | 120 Upper McKinley Road, McKinley Hill, Taguig City, Manila | gov.uk/world/organisations/british-embassy-manila |
| Ghana | +233 302 213 250 | Julius Nyerere Link, Roman Ridge, Accra | gov.uk/world/organisations/british-high-commission-accra |
| Zimbabwe | +263 4 338 593 | Corner House, Samora Machel Avenue / Leopold Takawira Street, Harare | gov.uk/world/organisations/british-embassy-harare |
| Pakistan | +92 51 201 2000 | Diplomatic Enclave, Ramna 5, Islamabad | gov.uk/world/organisations/british-high-commission-islamabad |
| South Africa | +27 12 421 7500 | 255 Hill Street, Arcadia, Pretoria 0002 | gov.uk/world/organisations/british-high-commission-pretoria |
| Jamaica | +1 876 936 0700 | 28 Trafalgar Road, Kingston 10 | gov.uk/world/organisations/british-high-commission-kingston |
Verify Your Employer’s Sponsor Licence: Before accepting any job offer, confirm that the employer holds a valid sponsor licence.
The full register is publicly available at: gov.uk/government/publications/register-of-licensed-sponsors-workers
13. Useful Websites to Find Jobs and Apply
| Resource | Purpose | URL |
|---|---|---|
| GOV.UK – Health and Care Worker Visa | Official visa information and application portal | gov.uk/health-care-worker-visa |
| NHS Jobs | Official NHS vacancy board; all posts are from licensed sponsors | jobs.nhs.uk |
| UK Visa Jobs | Healthcare jobs exclusively from licensed UK sponsors | ukvisajobs.com |
| NMC (Nursing and Midwifery Council) | Overseas nurse registration guidance and online application | nmc.org.uk |
| GMC (General Medical Council) | Overseas doctor registration; PLAB and portfolio route information | gmc-uk.org |
| HCPC (Health and Care Professions Council) | Registration for allied health professionals (physio, OT, paramedics, etc.) | hcpc-uk.org |
| NHS Employers | Employer-facing guidance on sponsorship, SOC codes, and salary thresholds | nhsemployers.org |
| OISC (Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner) | Find a regulated UK immigration adviser | gov.uk/find-an-immigration-adviser |
| UKVI – Sponsor Register | Verify whether an employer holds a valid sponsor licence | gov.uk register of licensed sponsors |
| TotalJobs / Reed Health | General job boards with sponsored NHS and private healthcare vacancies | totaljobs.com | reed.co.uk |
Professional Legal Advice: Immigration law changes frequently and individual circumstances vary.
Consider consulting a solicitor regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) or an OISC-registered immigration adviser before applying.
Firms such as Davidson Morris, Seraphus, and Connaught Law specialise in healthcare immigration matters and can provide up-to-date, case-specific advice.
Final Word
The UK Health and Care Worker Visa remains one of the most straightforward employer-sponsored routes into the United Kingdom for qualified healthcare professionals.
While the policy landscape shifted considerably in July 2025 and further changes are under consultation, registered nurses, doctors, allied health professionals, and other graduate-level clinicians continue to enjoy fast-track processing, reduced fees, and a clear pathway to permanent settlement.
The key to a successful application lies in thorough preparation: securing professional registration well in advance, finding a licensed sponsor, and ensuring every document meets Home Office specifications.
Approached methodically, the route offers not simply a job in the UK but a genuine long-term future in one of the world’s most respected healthcare systems.