The UK Health and Care Worker Visa: Ultimate Guide

The United Kingdom’s National Health Service (NHS) and social care sector rely on talented professionals from around the world. The UK Health and Care Worker visa is the dedicated immigration pathway that makes this possible. Offering lower fees, faster processing, and valuable benefits, it’s the key for medical professionals seeking to build their career in the UK.

This ultimate 2025 guide provides everything nurses, doctors, and senior carers need to know—from eligibility and costs to the step-by-step application process.

Why Choose the UK Health and Care Worker Visa?

This visa is specifically designed for qualified medical professionals. Its advantages are significant:

• Reduced Fee Structure: You pay substantially less than the standard Skilled Worker visa.
• Exemption from the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): This is the biggest financial benefit, saving you thousands of pounds.
• Dedicated Processing: Applications are typically processed within 3 weeks.
• Path to Settlement: It leads directly to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after 5 years.
• Bring Your Family: Your partner and children can apply to join you.

Eligibility: Who Can Apply in 2025?

You must meet several key criteria to be eligible for the Health and Care Worker visa.

1. You Must Be a Qualified Professional in an Eligible Occupation

The visa is not for all health roles. Your job must be on the UK’s eligible occupations list, which includes:

• Healthcare Professionals:
  • All registered nurses (NMC registered)
  • Doctors (GMC registered)
  • Paramedics (HCPC registered)
  • Pharmacists (GPhC registered)
  • Physiotherapists (HCPC registered)
• Senior Care Workers:
  • Senior care workers (SOC code 6146) are explicitly eligible.
• Other Allied Health Professionals:
  • Occupational therapists, radiographers, podiatrists, and many more.

Crucial Note: The standard “Care Worker” visa (SOC 6145) was removed from the eligibility list in March 2024. However, Senior Care Workers (SOC 6146) remain eligible for the Health and Care Worker visa. Always check the official UK Government website for the most current list.

2. You Must Have a Valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)

This is your most important document.

• What it is: An electronic certificate from a UK employer that holds a valid Sponsor Licence.
• How to get it: You must secure a job offer from an approved UK employer in the health and care sector (e.g., an NHS trust, a private hospital, or a regulated care home).
• The “Skilled Worker” Requirement: Your job offer must be at or above the required skill level (RQF Level 3 or above). All eligible health and care roles meet this.

3. You Must Be Paid the Minimum Salary Threshold

You must be paid at least the “going rate” for your profession or the general salary threshold, whichever is higher.

• General Threshold: £23,200 per year (as of 2024, check for 2025 updates).
• Going Rate: This varies by profession. For example:
  • Nurses: £28,407 per year
  • Doctors in training: £23,189 to £43,923 (depending on the grade)
  • Senior Care Workers: £23,200 (must meet the general threshold)

4. You Must Meet the English Language Requirement

You can prove your knowledge of English by:

• Being a national of a majority-English speaking country.
• Passing a secure English language test (SELT) from an approved provider (e.g., IELTS for UKVI) at CEFR Level B1 (intermediate).
• Having a degree-level academic qualification that was taught in English and is recognised by UK NARIC.

5. You Must Have Sufficient Savings

You must have at least £1,270 in your bank account for 28 consecutive days before applying, unless your sponsor (employer) can certify your maintenance on your CoS.

Click Here To Learn More: Internationally Educated Healthcare Workers: How To Get Licensed in Canada.

The Step-by-Step Application Process

Step 1: Secure Your Job Offer & Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)

This is the foundational step. Your UK employer will provide you with your CoS reference number, which you will need for the application.

Step 2: Prepare Your Documents

You will need:

• Your Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) reference number.
• A valid passport or other travel document.
• Proof of your English language ability.
• Proof of your personal savings (if applicable).
• A current tuberculosis (TB) test result if you’re from a listed country.
• Your job title and annual salary.
• Your sponsor’s licence number (found on your CoS).

Step 3: Apply Online

You must apply online on the official GOV.UK website. You can apply from outside the UK or, in some cases, switch from within the UK.

Step 4: Pay the Fees

• Application Fee:
  • Up to 3 years: £284
  • More than 3 years: £551
• Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): You are exempt from this fee, which is a huge saving (the standard IHS is £1,035 per year).

Step 5: Prove Your Identity

You’ll usually need to provide your biometric information (fingerprints and a photo) at a visa application centre.

2025 Fees & Costs at a Glance

Fee Type	Standard Skilled Worker Visa	Health and Care Worker Visa
Application Fee (3 yrs)	£827	£284
Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)	£1,035/year	£0 (EXEMPT)
Total Cost for 3 Years	£3,932	£284

As you can see, the savings with the Health and Care Worker visa are substantial.

Bringing Your Family (Dependants)

Your partner and children can apply to join you as your ‘dependants’ if you can support them financially without needing public funds. They will need to apply online and will also be exempt from the IHS.

Visa Duration & Path to Permanent Residence

• The visa can be granted for up to 5 years.
• You can extend it as many times as you like, provided you still meet the eligibility criteria.
• After 5 years of continuous lawful residence in the UK on this visa, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), which is permanent settlement.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid in Your 2025 Application

1. Applying for the Wrong Job Code: Confusing a “Senior Care Worker” role (eligible) with a standard “Care Worker” role (not eligible for this visa).
2. Incorrect English Test: Ensure you take a UKVI-approved SELT, not a general English test.
3. Insufficient Maintenance Funds: If your employer is not certifying maintenance, you must show the funds for the full 28-day period.
4. Letting Your Registration Lapse: You must maintain your professional registration with the relevant UK body (e.g., NMC, GMC) throughout your employment.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Do I need to be registered with a UK professional body before I apply for the visa?
A: Yes. This is mandatory. You must have full or provisional registration with the NMC (nurses), GMC (doctors), or other relevant regulator before you can be granted the visa.

Q: Can I work for a different employer in the UK?
A: Your visa is tied to your sponsor. If you want to change jobs, your new employer must sponsor you, and you will need to apply to update your visa.

Q: Can I access public funds?
A: No. You cannot claim most public funds (state benefits) while on this visa.

Q: What is the processing time?
A: Typically, within 3 weeks when applying from outside the UK.

Your 2025 Action Plan

• Get Registered: Start the process with the UK professional body for your field (NMC, GMC, HCPC, etc.).
• Secure a Job Offer: Apply for roles with UK NHS Trusts or approved private providers.
• Obtain Your CoS: Your new employer will provide this.
• Take a UKVI SELT English Test (if required).
• Gather Your Documents, including proof of savings.
• Submit Your Online Application.

The UK Health and Care Worker visa is one of the most attractive immigration pathways for medical professionals globally. By understanding the requirements and preparing a thorough application, you can confidently embark on a rewarding career within the UK’s world-renowned health and care system.

Your skills are vital to the UK’s health. Start your application journey today!