The Health and Care Worker visa is a type of Skilled Worker visa that allows qualified health and social care professionals from abroad to come to the UK to work in eligible jobs with the National Health Service (NHS), NHS suppliers, or adult social care.
It was created to help the UK fill shortages in the healthcare sector. This visa is highly popular because it offers reduced costs, faster processing, and a direct path to permanent settlement.
You may qualify if you:
Are a qualified doctor, nurse, health professional, or adult social care worker.
Have a confirmed job offer in an eligible health or social care role.
Have a certificate of sponsorship from a UK employer approved by the Home Office.
Meet the minimum salary requirement (usually £23,040 per year or £11.10 per hour; some roles on shortage lists may have lower thresholds).
Meet the English language requirement (speaking, reading, writing, and understanding).
Reduced visa fees compared to the general Skilled Worker visa.
Exempt from the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), saving hundreds of pounds per year.
Fast-tracked applications, often processed within 3 weeks outside the UK.
Direct path to permanent settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain) after 5 years.
Family included: Your spouse/partner and children can apply as dependents and also access the NHS.
High demand jobs: Healthcare and social care roles are consistently needed in the UK, giving applicants strong chances of approval.
Mary, a nurse from the Philippines, is recruited by an NHS hospital in London. She applies for the Health and Care Worker visa, pays reduced fees, and moves to the UK with her husband and child.
Joseph, a care worker from Ghana, secures a job with an approved UK care home. He is exempt from the IHS and begins working in Manchester. After 5 years, he qualifies for permanent residency.
Up to 5 years at a time, with the option to extend or apply for settlement.
Yes, your spouse/partner and children can apply as dependents.
It has reduced application fees compared to other Skilled Worker visas, and applicants are exempt from the IHS.
Yes, but your new employer must also be an approved sponsor and provide you with a new certificate of sponsorship.
Yes. After 5 years, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) if you meet the requirements.