UK Health and Care Worker Visa: Complete Guide (2026)
What is the Health and Care Worker Visa?
Launched in 2020 to help the NHS recruit internationally, the Health and Care Worker Visa gives healthcare professionals a smoother entry route than the standard Skilled Worker visa. The key benefits: no NHS Immigration Health Surcharge (£1,035/year saving), reduced application fees, and priority 3-week processing.
Eligible roles are on the “Health and Care Worker eligible occupations” list — doctors, nurses, midwives, physiotherapists, psychologists, social care workers, care assistants, and many specialized roles. Care workers in adult social care were added in 2022.
Who qualifies
Similar to Skilled Worker but narrowed to healthcare roles:
✅ Eligibility checklist
- Job offer in eligible role: Must be on the Health and Care Worker occupation list.
- Sponsor license: Employer must have NHS or equivalent sponsor license.
- Salary: Minimum £23,200 or going rate for the role, whichever higher. Lower than standard Skilled Worker.
- English language: B1 CEFR level. OSCE-approved tests or English-taught degree.
- Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS): Employer assigns CoS reference number.
- Financial requirement: £1,270 for 28 days before applying (waived if sponsor certifies maintenance).
- Criminal record check: Required for all healthcare roles.
Required documents
Standard UK visa documentation plus healthcare-specific items.
📄 Document checklist
- Valid passport
- Certificate of Sponsorship from NHS/care provider
- English language proof (IELTS UKVI or degree)
- Criminal record certificate from every country lived in 12+ months since 18
- TB test certificate (from listed countries)
- Professional registration (NMC, GMC, HCPC as relevant)
- Bank statements (28-day rule)
- Translated documents where needed
- Biometric appointment
Step-by-step application process
- Secure qualifying healthcare job. NHS, private healthcare, registered care providers.
- Employer issues Certificate of Sponsorship. Valid for 3 months.
- Obtain professional registration if not already held. NMC (nursing), GMC (doctors), HCPC (allied health) may need overseas registration first.
- Take English test. Required unless from exempt country or degree in English.
- Apply online at gov.uk. Pay reduced visa fee.
- Attend biometric appointment. VFS/TLScontact.
- Receive decision (3 weeks). Priority processing available.
- Travel to UK. 90-day vignette; BRP at post office.
- Register with UK professional body. Required before starting work.
Cost breakdown
| Item | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Application fee (up to 3 years) | £284 | Outside UK |
| Application fee (3+ years) | £551 | Outside UK |
| NHS Immigration Health Surcharge | £0 | EXEMPT for health and care |
| English test | £150–£210 | If required |
| TB test | £80–£150 | If required |
| Criminal record certificates | £30–£150 each | Per country |
| Professional registration (NMC OET/CBT) | £150–£3,000 | For overseas nurses |
| Total (5-year visa, single) | £700–£1,500 | Much cheaper than Skilled Worker |
Timeline from start to arrival
- Month 1: Secure job offer; receive CoS
- Month 1–2: Professional registration in progress (can be long for nurses)
- Month 2: English test (if needed)
- Month 2–3: Apply online and biometrics
- Month 3–4: Visa decision
- Month 4: Travel to UK
- Month 60: Eligible for ILR
Total: 3–4 months from job offer to UK arrival if NMC/GMC registration is already complete.
Do I need a lawyer?
Routine cases do not need a lawyer.
You might want a licensed immigration professional in these cases:
- Complex medical licensing transfers
- Prior UK refusals
- Non-NHS employer with sponsor license concerns
- Complicated criminal record history
- Family dependants with separate immigration issues
NHS trusts often have in-house immigration support. Use this before hiring external lawyers.
Frequently asked questions
Which jobs qualify?
Doctors (any specialty), registered nurses, midwives, physiotherapists, pharmacists, radiographers, social workers, care assistants in adult social care, dental therapists, and many more. Full list on gov.uk.
Can I bring my family?
Yes. Spouse and children can join as dependants. They pay the same reduced fees but also get NHS surcharge exemption.
What is the salary threshold for care workers?
£23,200 minimum as of April 2024. Care worker roles were previously below this but the threshold was raised — some roles no longer qualify.
Can I switch jobs?
Yes, with a new sponsor and new CoS. Must stay in the eligible occupations list.
How do I get NMC/GMC registered?
NMC: IELTS/OET + CBT (computer-based test) + OSCE (objective structured clinical examination). Total process 6–18 months. GMC for doctors: similar multi-step process.
Is the visa a path to citizenship?
Yes. 5 years on Health and Care Worker Visa → Indefinite Leave to Remain → 1 year later → British citizenship.
Why no NHS surcharge?
The government reasoned healthcare workers save the NHS money by working in it — they should not also be charged to use it. Exemption saves ~£5,175 for a 5-year visa.
Can I study while on this visa?
Yes, part-time. Many nurses pursue further qualifications (BSc, MSc) while working.
Not sure if the Health and Care Worker Visa is right for you?
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