The Health and Care Worker visa is a version of the Skilled Worker visa for qualified health professionals and some care roles working for the NHS, NHS suppliers or adult social care providers. It has a lower application fee and no immigration health surcharge, and decisions are faster.
Who it is for
Doctors, nurses, midwives, paramedics, pharmacists, radiographers, physiotherapists, social workers and other listed health occupations with a job offer from an eligible employer.
Care workers and senior care workers: since 22 July 2025 these roles are closed to new applicants from overseas. People already in the UK on the route can extend and switch employer under transitional arrangements until the date the rules set, and sponsors must try to recruit from the pool of displaced workers first. We advise on whether you fall within the transitional rules.
Salary
Roles on national pay scales (for example NHS Agenda for Change bands) must be paid at least the pay scale rate; other roles must meet the Skilled Worker thresholds. Part-time work can qualify where the pro-rated salary meets the rules.
Dependants
Care workers and senior care workers who entered the route after 11 March 2024 cannot bring dependants. Other health professionals can.
English
CEFR B2 for applications where the visa is first granted on or after 8 January 2026; professional registration in some roles counts as evidence.
Settlement
Five years on the route leads to ILR as a Skilled Worker; time on the Health and Care route counts.
What we do
We confirm that the employer and role are eligible, check the pay scale rules, advise care workers on the transitional provisions and run the application.
Fees
Home Office fees and the immigration health surcharge change each April; we confirm the current figures when we advise you. Our fee is fixed and quoted before you instruct us; see our fees.
For employers
We act for employers as well as workers: sponsor licence applications, certificates of sponsorship, right-to-work checks and compliance. See sponsor licences.
Ask a question
Not sure which route applies? Ask a solicitor and we will reply by phone or email.
