Health and Care Workers Visa UK
The Health and Care Worker Visa enables qualified medical and care professionals to live and work in the United Kingdom for approved NHS bodies, private healthcare organisations, and registered care providers.
At Immigration Solicitors UK, we deliver solicitor-led representation for both individuals and sponsoring employers. Our work ensures full compliance with the December 2025 and January 2026 Home Office framework, preventing refusals, safeguarding sponsorship licences, and securing long-term immigration stability.
Call +44 2080 162308 for expert legal guidance today.
Book your FREE consultation today!
The Health and Care Worker Visa enables qualified medical and care professionals to live and work in the United Kingdom for approved NHS bodies, private healthcare organisations, and registered care providers.
At Immigration Solicitors UK, we deliver solicitor-led representation for both individuals and sponsoring employers. Our work ensures full compliance with the December 2025 and January 2026 Home Office framework, preventing refusals, safeguarding sponsorship licences, and securing long-term immigration stability.
Call +44 2080 162308 for expert legal guidance today.
The Strategic Advantage
Legal Accuracy
Every case is reviewed by a senior solicitor for full compliance with the 2026 salary, English, and sponsorship rules.
Sponsor Licence Audit Protection
We audit HR files, right-to-work systems, and reporting duties to prepare employers for unannounced Home Office inspections.
Digital eVisa Management
All Health and Care Visas are digital. We link your passport to your UKVI account and generate your verified share code so employers can instantly confirm your right to work.
Settlement Fast-Track
Health and Care Workers remain on the five-year route to Indefinite Leave to Remain, while most other visa types move to a ten-year residence path from April 2026.
This route is for overseas doctors, nurses, and allied health professionals employed by approved UK sponsors. It provides:
- Reduced Home Office fees
- Full exemption from the Immigration Health Surcharge
- Priority case processing (average 3 weeks)
To qualify you must:
- Hold a valid job offer from an approved sponsor
- Possess a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) confirming your role and salary
- Meet the minimum salary or going-rate requirement
- Demonstrate English proficiency
- Provide a TB test certificate (if required)
- Have sufficient maintenance funds or employer support
Applicant Type | Minimum Salary | Going-Rate Requirement |
|---|---|---|
Standard (Non-NHS Role) | £31 300 | 100 % of occupation rate |
National Pay Scale (NHS Roles) | £25 000 | 100 % of scale rate |
New Entrant / STEM PhD | £25 000 | 70–80 % of occupation rate |
The “New Entrant” discount applies for a combined total of four years, including any time spent under the Graduate Visa.
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From 8 January 2026, all new overseas applicants must meet CEFR Level B2 in reading, writing, speaking, and listening.
Existing Health and Care Visa holders applying for an extension may continue using their previous B1 certificate.
Accepted evidence includes:
- Secure English Language Test (SELT) results
- UK or Ecctis-verified English-taught degrees
- Professional registration with GMC, NMC, or GPhC
Since July 2025, the Home Office has closed overseas recruitment for Care Workers (6135) and Senior Care Workers (6136).
Only the following may now apply:
- Existing visa holders extending with the same sponsor
- Applicants already in the UK (e.g. Graduate Visa holders) who have worked for that same sponsor for at least three continuous months (90 days) before application
This payroll evidence must be submitted with the CoS. Finding a sponsor alone is insufficient.
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The Immigration Salary List (ISL) has been replaced by the Temporary Shortage List (TSL) from January 2026.
Roles now moved to the TSL (such as Nursing Auxiliaries and certain therapy assistants) carry specific restrictions:
- Employers must still pay the full salary threshold
- Dependants are not permitted, regardless of income
Our solicitors verify your SOC code classification before you apply to avoid unintended refusals.
- Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) reference number
- Passport or national ID
- English language evidence
- Criminal record certificate (if applicable)
- TB certificate (if required)
- Proof of funds or employer maintenance
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Application Type | Fee |
|---|---|
Up to 3 years | £304 |
More than 3 years | £590 |
Dependants pay the same fee.
All Health and Care Workers remain fully exempt from the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).
You may bring your partner or children under 18 only if your role allows it.
Care Workers (6135) and Senior Care Workers (6136) cannot bring dependants on any visa issued after March 2024.
From 2026, partners applying as dependants must also meet English Level A1 at the time of application.
Financial maintenance levels:
• Partner – £285
• First child – £315
• Each additional child – £200
Funds must be held for 28 consecutive days.
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- Work only for the sponsor and occupation stated on your CoS.
- Supplementary work is limited to 20 hours per week and must be either within your primary SOC code or a role listed on the Temporary Shortage List (TSL).
- Any other work outside those parameters requires a new visa.
- Public funds and benefits remain prohibited.
Visas last up to five years. You may extend if you:
- Continue with the same sponsor and occupation code
- Earn the required salary
- Hold lawful status
After five continuous years, you may apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).
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Switching is permitted from certain visa routes if all criteria are met.
Applicants moving from the Graduate Visa to a Care role must provide payroll records showing 90 days of continuous employment with the same sponsor before their application.
Visitors, short-term students, and seasonal workers cannot switch in-country.
We help healthcare employers meet Home Office requirements through:
- Licence and CoS management audits
- Right-to-work and salary record reviews
- Pre-inspection briefings for Home Office visits
While Health and Care employers are exempt from the Immigration Skills Charge (ISC), the charge for other routes rose by 32 % in December 2025, demonstrating the substantial savings this visa provides.
Item | Amount | Description |
|---|---|---|
Visa Fee (up to 3 years) | £304 | Updated April 2025 rate |
Visa Fee (over 3 years) | £590 | Long-term application |
Immigration Health Surcharge | £0 | Exemption for workers and dependants |
Professional Legal Fee | Fixed quote | Covers eligibility review, CoS audit, and digital visa management |
Figures accurate as of December 2025; our team monitors all April 2026 threshold updates.
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What We Offer
Our Services
we understand that immigrating to a new country is a significant
decision that comes with its own set of challenges.
Family Visas
Partner Visas
Settlement in the UK
Settlement of EEA Nationals
British Citizenship and The Right of Abode
Challenge a Refusal
Removals/Deportations
Asylum/Human Rights
Sponsor License for a UK Business
UK Business Visas
Student Visas
Popular Work Visas
Other work visas and permits
Visas without a job offer
Work for an overseas employer
Temporary work visas
UK Visit Visas
- SRA-regulated solicitors with healthcare immigration expertise
- Full compliance support for sponsors and employees
- Digital share-code management
- Salary and English eligibility mapping under 2026 rules
- Fixed transparent fees with senior-solicitor supervision
Call +44 2080 162308 or use our contact form to book a consultation.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I switch from a Graduate Visa into a Care role?
Yes, but only if you have already been employed by the same sponsor for at least three months (90 days) before the application.
Do existing workers need to meet the new B2 level?
No. The B2 requirement applies only to new overseas applicants. Existing visa holders can extend on B1.
Can I bring my family?
Yes, unless your role is a Care Worker (6135/6136) or on the TSL. Partners must also meet A1 English from 2026.
Can I work a second job?
Only up to 20 hours a week and only if it is within your occupation code or on the TSL. Anything else requires a new visa.
When can I apply for ILR?
After five continuous years of lawful residence on this route.
Consolidated 2026 Compliance Table
Requirement | 2026 Legal Standard | Why Solicitors Must Audit |
|---|---|---|
English (Main Applicant) | CEFR B2 | Automatic refusal if IELTS component below 5.5 |
Partner English | CEFR A1 | New mandatory requirement for dependant partners |
Salary (Non-NHS) | £31 300 | Must meet this and 100 % of occupation rate |
Care Switcher | 3-Month Rule | Payroll proof required before CoS issue |
Care Dependants | Banned | No family for new 6135/6136 visas |
TSL Restriction | In Force | Dependants not allowed even above salary threshold |
Supplementary Work | 20 hrs limit | Only same SOC or TSL role allowed |
Digital Borders | Share Code | Employers must verify via View and Prove service |
