Health and Care Visa – 2025 Guide to UK Rules and Eligibility
The UK Health and Care Worker visa is a subcategory of the Skilled Worker visa, designed for qualified doctors, nurses, health professionals, and adult social care professionals. Launched on 4 August 2020, it offers benefits like reduced fees, fast-track processing, and exemption from the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) for applicants and dependents. As of 22 July 2025, significant changes restrict entry for care workers. Guidance was updated in August 2025 (Version 08/2025). All applicants must meet Skilled Worker route requirements.
What Is the Health and Care Worker Visa?
Health and Care Worker Visa (sub-type of Skilled Worker)
Doctors, nurses, allied health professionals, adult social care workers
August 2025: revised guidance published
Yes, eligible for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)
- The Health and Care Visa is a fast-tracked, reduced-fee sub-type of the Skilled Worker visa for eligible medical and social care roles.
- Applicants must have a job offer from the NHS, an NHS supplier, or in adult social care.
- New rules in 2024/2025 tightened restrictions on bringing dependents for care worker roles.
- The visa offers a reduced visa application fee and exemption from the Immigration Health Surcharge.
- Salary thresholds differ for experienced professionals vs. new entrants.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Official Name | Health and Care Worker Visa |
| Visa Category | Skilled Worker sub-type |
| Minimum Salary (2025) | £25,000 (higher of threshold or going rate) |
| Application Fee | £284–£551 (reduced rate) |
| IHS Surcharge | Exempt for applicants and dependents |
| Processing Time (standard) | 3 weeks outside UK; 8 weeks inside UK |
| Maximum Stay | Up to 5 years; extendable |
| Can switch from within UK? | Yes (except certain visa categories) |
| Dependents allowed? | Yes (with restrictions for care workers from 2024) |
| Path to ILR? | Yes, after 5 continuous years |
Source: GOV.UK – Health and Care Worker Visa Overview and UK Government PDF Guidance (August 2025).
What Are the New Rules for the Health and Care Visa in 2025?
Care Workers Excluded from Overseas Applications
From 22 July 2025, entry clearance applications closed for care workers and senior care workers (SOC codes 6135 and 6136). These roles are no longer eligible for new entrants from overseas. Existing visa holders can extend or switch if sponsored before that date. Care workers must now work for a Care Quality Commission (CQC)-regulated employer.
Salary Threshold Updates
New salary thresholds took effect on 22 July 2025 for both new applications and extensions. Applicants must meet the higher of the general visa threshold (£25,000) or the occupation-specific “going rate.” For example, nurses have a going rate around £29,000, while doctors are above £50,000. From April 2026, the Band 3 entry salary will increase to £25,760.
Media codes (e.g., dispensing opticians, dental nurses) are now only eligible for extensions if the Certificate of Sponsorship was issued before 22 July 2025. New applicants cannot use these codes.
Employer and Sponsorship Requirements
All employers must hold a valid A-rated sponsor licence. For adult social care roles, the employer must be regulated by the CQC. The NHS Employers page confirms that sponsorship conditions apply equally to NHS and private-sector roles.
How Do I Apply for the Health and Care Visa?
Step 1: Secure a Job Offer and Certificate of Sponsorship
Find an eligible job with a Home Office-approved sponsor. The employer will assign a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), valid for 3 months, confirming the role and salary.
Step 2: Prepare Your Documents
You need a valid passport, CoS number, proof of English language proficiency (via SELT, UK school qualification, or English-taught degree verified by Ecctis), tuberculosis test results if from a listed country, and financial evidence unless the employer certifies maintenance.
Step 3: Submit Your Application Online
Apply through GOV.UK. Pay the reduced fee (£284–£551) and attend a biometric appointment. The IHS surcharge is waived. Standard processing usually takes 3 weeks if applying from outside the UK, or 8 weeks from inside.
Step 4: Receive Decision and Travel
If approved, you receive a vignette (sticker) valid for 90 days to enter the UK. The visa is granted for up to 5 years and can be extended. You are allowed to work in your sponsored role, study, and do limited voluntary or secondary work.
You can usually switch from most visa categories (including Student and Graduate visas) within the UK if you meet the requirements. Holders of Visit, Short-Term Student, and a few other permissions cannot switch in-country.
What Is the Difference Between the Health and Care Visa and the Skilled Worker Visa?
Fee and Surcharge Differences
The Health and Care visa offers a reduced application fee and full exemption from the Immigration Health Surcharge for the applicant and dependents. The standard Skilled Worker visa requires payment of the IHS and higher fees.
Eligible Roles
The Health and Care visa is restricted to jobs in health and adult social care. Standard Skilled Worker covers all skilled occupations. Many healthcare roles that qualify for the Health and Care visa would also qualify under Skilled Worker, but with fewer financial benefits.
Dependent Rules
Both visas allow dependents, but from 2024 additional restrictions apply to care workers on the Health and Care visa. Dependents of Health and Care visa holders benefit from IHS exemption. Both routes offer a path to settlement after 5 years.
The Health and Care visa is not the same as the old Tier 2 (General) visa. It replaced that route for eligible healthcare roles and offers faster processing and reduced costs.
Aspect: Application Fee – Health and Care: £284–£551 / Skilled Worker: £719–£1,500+. IHS: Health and Care exempt / Skilled Worker pays surcharge. Processing: Health and Care often prioritised.
For a full breakdown of eligible occupations, see GOV.UK – Your Job.
Can I Bring My Family and Settle in the UK on a Health and Care Visa?
Dependent Eligibility and Rights
Partners and children under 18 can apply as dependents. They must meet financial and English language requirements (partners need English proof). Dependents can work and study in the UK, though children of compulsory school age need a separate student visa for boarding school. Dependents are exempt from the IHS.
Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)
Settlement is possible after 5 continuous years on the Health and Care visa. You must meet a minimum salary requirement, pass the Life in the UK test, prove English at B1 level, and not have exceeded 180 days abroad in any 12-month period. The ILR rules are the same as for the Skilled Worker route.
Under the 2024 rules, care workers bringing dependents face additional restrictions. Check the latest Home Office guidance before applying.
Sources: GOV.UK, Conroy Baker, Latitude Law.
When Did the Key Changes to the Health and Care Visa Happen?
- August 2020: Health and Care Visa launched.
- 2022: Salary threshold adjustments; inclusion of some care worker roles expanded.
- February 2024: New restrictions on dependents for care workers announced.
- March 2024: Changes to salary requirements for experienced professionals.
- August 2025: Updated official guidance published; clarification on eligible employers.
What Is Certain and Uncertain About the Health and Care Visa?
| Claim | Status |
|---|---|
| Care home workers are eligible for this visa. | Yes, if the role is in adult social care and meets eligibility criteria. Source: NHS Employers. |
| The visa is free to apply for. | No – it has a reduced fee but is not free. IHS surcharge is waived. Source: GOV.UK fee schedule 2025. |
| Dependents are always allowed. | Not always – restrictions apply to care workers under new 2024 rules. Source: Home Office guidance. |
| This visa is the same as a Tier 2 visa. | No – the Health and Care visa replaced the Tier 2 (General) route for eligible healthcare roles. Source: GOV.UK. |
Why Was the Health and Care Visa Introduced?
The visa was created to address NHS and social care staffing shortages after Brexit and the COVID-19 pandemic. It is part of the UK’s points-based immigration system. Recent rule changes reflect a balancing act between attracting talent and controlling net migration. Employers must hold a valid sponsor licence (A-rated) to issue Certificates of Sponsorship.
For context on NHS-related benefits, see: Blue Light Card Discounts List – 2025 NHS Savings on Travel Food.
What Do Official Sources Say About the Health and Care Visa?
“A Health and Care Worker visa allows medical professionals to come to or stay in the UK to do an eligible job with the NHS, an NHS supplier or in adult social care.”
GOV.UK
“The Health and Care Visa is a sub-type of the Skilled Worker Visa available for those who are taking on a role in eligible health or social care jobs.”
NHS Employers
“The Government committed to introducing a ‘Health and Care Visa’ for qualified doctors, nurses and allied health professionals.”
UK Government PDF Guidance (August 2025)
What Is the Key Takeaway from This Guide?
The Health and Care Worker visa remains a valuable route for healthcare professionals to work and settle in the UK, but the 2025 rule changes have significantly restricted access for care workers. Applicants must carefully check eligibility, salary thresholds, and dependent rules before applying. For more information on NHS workplace support, see Countess of Chester Hospital: Services, CQC Ratings & History.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a Health and Care visa and a Global Talent visa?
The Global Talent visa is for leaders in specific fields (science, arts, tech) and does not require a job offer, while the Health and Care visa requires a sponsored job in healthcare.
Is the Health and Care visa the same as a Tier 2 visa?
No. The Health and Care visa replaced the Tier 2 (General) route for eligible healthcare roles and offers faster processing and reduced fees.
What documents do I need for the Health and Care visa application?
You need a valid passport, Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), proof of English language proficiency, tuberculosis test results (if applicable), and evidence of maintenance funds (or employer certification).
How long does the Health and Care visa application take?
Standard processing is usually within 3 weeks if applying from outside the UK, and 8 weeks if applying from within the UK (priority services may be available for an additional fee).
Can I switch to a Health and Care visa from a Student visa or another visa?
Yes, you can usually switch from most visa categories (including Student and Graduate visas) within the UK if you meet the eligibility criteria.
What jobs are eligible for the Health and Care visa after July 2025?
Eligible roles include doctors, nurses, allied health professionals, and social workers. Care workers (codes 6135/6136) are no longer open to new overseas applicants.
Can I apply for ILR on a Health and Care visa?
Yes, after 5 continuous years on the visa, meeting salary, English, Life in the UK test, and absence requirements.
What is the minimum salary for a nurse on the Health and Care visa?
Nurses must meet the higher of the general threshold (£25,000) or the going rate (approximately £29,000+). Exact figures depend on the role.
Are care home workers still eligible for the Health and Care visa?
Care workers can only apply if they already hold a visa and are sponsored before 22 July 2025. New overseas applications for care worker roles are now closed.
Do I need a criminal record certificate for the Health and Care visa?
Yes, if you will be working with vulnerable people (common in health and social care). Check the specific requirements on GOV.UK.
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