Health and Care Worker Visa 2025:Guide for Healthcare Recruiters

Key Points for Decision-Makers:

What it is: Fast-tracked visa route for qualified healthcare professionals to work in UK NHS and adult social care
Who qualifies: Registered nurses, doctors, midwives, pharmacists, paramedics, and allied health professionals with UK regulatory registration
Major advantage: Lower salary threshold of £25,000 (vs £41,700 for Skilled Worker Visa) + NO Immigration Health Surcharge
Cost savings: £3,000+ per 3-year visa period compared to Skilled Worker route
Processing speed: Typically 3 weeks vs 8 weeks for other routes
Critical deadline passed: Care worker sponsorships CLOSED July 22, 2025 – no new care worker hires allowed
Current impact: NHS can hire senior nurses, doctors, and midwives; care workers must use alternative pathways
Dependants: Family members can join (subject to eligibility criteria)
Settlement: Available after 5 years continuous residence

WHAT IS THE HEALTH AND CARE WORKER VISA?

The Health and Care Worker Visa is a specialized immigration pathway created to address critical workforce shortages in the UK's health and adult social care sectors. It represents a government priority to attract and retain qualified healthcare professionals, particularly from overseas.

This visa sits within the Skilled Worker route framework but operates with significantly relaxed financial thresholds, expedited processing, and beneficial exemptions. It's specifically designed for the NHS, NHS-approved suppliers, and registered adult social care employers seeking to recruit international talent.

Official UK Government Source: www.gov.uk/health-care-worker-visa

HOW DOES THE HEALTH & CARE VISA DIFFER FROM STANDARD SKILLED WORKER VISA?

‍

Feature	Health & Care Visa	Skilled Worker Visa	Savings/Difference
Application Fee (0–3 years)	£304	£719–£1,500	Save £415–£1,196
Application Fee (3+ years)	£590	£719–£1,500	Save £129–£910
Immigration Health Surcharge	EXEMPT (£0)	£1,035/year	Save £3,105 over 3 years
Minimum Salary Threshold	£25,000	£41,700	More accessible positions
Processing Timeline	3 weeks (standard)	8 weeks (standard)	5 weeks faster
Total Cost (Nurse, 3 years)	£3,713	£4,305	Save £592 minimum
Dependants Rights	Yes (eligible)	Yes (eligible)	Equivalent

‍

CURRENT SITUATION WITH CARE WORKERS AFTER JULY 2025

Understanding the Care Worker Sponsorship Closure

From July 22, 2025, the UK government implemented a significant policy change affecting the entire adult social care sector.

What changed:

Care workers and senior care workers can NO LONGER be sponsored under any visa route for new positions
Existing care workers can continue their visas and apply for extensions until July 22, 2028
In-country switches remain possible until July 2028 (for individuals already in the UK on another visa)
No dependants can be brought for NEW care worker applications from July 22, 2025 onwards

Why This Matters for Your Recruitment Strategy

Care worker roles are now completely closed to new overseas recruitment. This represents a fundamental shift for:

Private care home operators
Adult social care providers
Domiciliary care agencies
Residential care facilities

WHICH HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONS ARE ELIGIBLE FOR THE HEALTH & CARE VISA?

PRIORITY TIER - Highest Priority Healthcare Roles

Role	Registration Body	SOC Code	Eligible
Registered Nurses (all specialties)	NMC	2231–2237	✅ ELIGIBLE
Specialist Nurses	NMC	2233	✅ ELIGIBLE
Mental Health Nurses	NMC	2235	✅ ELIGIBLE
Generalist Medical Practitioners	GMC	2211	✅ ELIGIBLE
Specialist Medical Practitioners	GMC	2212	✅ ELIGIBLE
Midwives	NMC	2231	✅ ELIGIBLE
Pharmacists	GPhC	2251	✅ ELIGIBLE
Paramedics	HCPC	2255	✅ ELIGIBLE
Dental Practitioners	GDC	2253	️✅ ELIGIBLE
Optometrists	GOC	2252	️✅ ELIGIBLE

‍

NOT ELIGIBLE

Care workers (standard/senior care worker roles)
Social workers (unless they hold other qualifying healthcare qualifications)
Health and wellbeing coordinators
Support workers without formal healthcare registration
Administrative-only healthcare roles
‍

Looking to understand eligibility and how to apply for Health & Care Visa? Explore the details here.

WHAT ARE THE SALARY REQUIREMENTS FOR THE HEALTH & CARE VISA?

Salary Threshold Breakdown

The Health and Care Worker Visa operates with job-specific salary thresholds rather than a blanket requirement.

Category	Minimum Salary	Determination Method
Standard Healthcare Roles	£25,000	Whichever is HIGHER: £25,000 or occupation going rate
Healthcare Management (SOC 1171)	£29,000	Role-specific going rate minimum
Healthcare Practice Managers (SOC 1231)	£25,000	NHS band rates typically satisfy this
Senior Care Managers (SOC 1232)	£25,000–£31,300	Role-specific going rate
Specialist Medical Roles	Occupation going rate	Varies by specialism and region

Real Salary Examples for NHS Positions (2025)

Registered Nurse (Band 5): £27,735-£34,155 ✅ Meets requirement

Midwife (Band 5): £28,000-£35,000 ✅ Meets requirement

Senior Nurse Specialist (Band 6): £33,384-£41,787 ✅ Meets requirement

Doctor (Foundation Year): £34,850-£38,500 ✅ Meets requirement

Consultant Physician: £89,468+ ✅ Meets requirement

Pharmacist (Band 7): £45,839-£55,033 ✅ Meets requirement

‍

WHAT ARE THE IMMIGRATION HEALTH SURCHARGE SAVINGS?

The Major Financial Advantage

One of the most significant benefits of the Health & Care Visa is the complete exemption from the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) – a substantial cost advantage not available on other visa routes.

Cost Comparison Over Common Visa Periods

Category	Minimum Salary	Determination Method
Standard Healthcare Roles	£25,000	Whichever is HIGHER: £25,000 or occupation going rate
Healthcare Management (SOC 1171)	£29,000	Role-specific going rate minimum
Healthcare Practice Managers (SOC 1231)	£25,000	NHS band rates typically satisfy this
Senior Care Managers (SOC 1232)	£25,000–£31,300	Role-specific going rate
Specialist Medical Roles	Occupation going rate	Varies by specialism and region

‍

WHAT IS THE APPLICATION FEE STRUCTURE?

Complete Pricing Breakdown

Health and Care Visa application fees are significantly lower than Skilled Worker route alternatives.

Visa Duration	Application Fee	Who Pays
Up to 3 years	£304	Each applicant + each dependant
More than 3 years	£590	Each applicant + each dependant

No Immigration Health Surcharge applies to any applicant or dependant.

‍

WHAT IS THE PROCESSING TIMELINE FOR THE HEALTH & CARE VISA? ( service page)

Standard Processing Speed

The Health and Care Worker Visa benefits from expedited processing compared to general Skilled Worker routes.

Visa Duration	Application Fee	Who Pays
Up to 3 years	£304	Each applicant + each dependant
More than 3 years	£590	Each applicant + each dependant

‍

WHAT ARE THE DEPENDANT RIGHTS AND FAMILY REUNIFICATION RULES?

Who Can Come as Your Dependant?

Eligible dependants:

Spouse or civil partner
Children (unmarried, under 18, or dependent adult children)
Dependent elderly parents (in exceptional circumstances)

Salary Requirements for Dependants

Applicant Status	Minimum Salary
Single applicant	£25,000
Applicant + 1 dependant	£31,000
Applicant + 2 dependants	£37,000
Each additional dependant	+£2,400 minimum

‍HOW DOES SETTLEMENT (INDEFINITE LEAVE TO REMAIN) WORK?

Can You Stay Permanently in the UK?

Yes. After holding a Health and Care Worker Visa for a continuous 5 years, you become eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), which grants permanent settlement.

ILR Eligibility Requirements

Requirement	Standard
Continuous UK residence	5 years minimum
Salary threshold maintenance	Ongoing
English language proficiency	CEFR B1 level minimum
Life in the UK test	Pass required
Good character	No criminality, fraud, deception

‍

Timeline to British Citizenship

After securing ILR, you can apply for British citizenship after an additional 12 months.

Total pathway to citizenship:
• 5 years: Health & Care Visa holding
• +1 year: ILR holding
• 6 years total from initial visa approval to potential citizenship

‍

Looking for a compliance checklist for Health & Care Visa? Explore the details here.

‍

Case Study Scenario: London NHS Trust Recruitment

Organization: Metropolitan Hospital Trust (NHS Foundation)
Requirement: Hire 1 Senior Nurse Specialist (Band 6)
Candidate: Maria Rodriguez, Registered Nurse from Philippines
Experience: 8 years nursing, current NMC registration

Recruitment Option 1: Health & Care Worker Visa Route

Timeline to Hire: 14-16 weeks

Costs:

Component	Amount	Notes
Visa application fee	£590	For 5-year visa
Immigration Health Surcharge	£0	Exempt
Processing cost (internal)	£200	HR administration
Total candidate cost	£790

‍

Recruitment Option 2: Skilled Worker Visa Route (for comparison)

Timeline to Hire: 20-22 weeks (40% longer)

Costs:

Component	Amount	Notes
Visa application fee	£1,200	Average for 5-year visa
Immigration Health Surcharge	£5,175	£1,035/year × 5 years
Processing cost (internal)	£300	Longer administration
Total candidate cost	£6,675	844% higher

Financial Comparison: 5-Year Recruitment Cost

Health & Care Visa Cost: £790Skilled Worker Visa Cost: £6,675Total Savings: £5,885 per hire (88% savings)

Component	Amount	Notes
Visa application fee	£1,200	Average for 5-year visa
Immigration Health Surcharge	£5,175	£1,035/year × 5 years
Processing cost (internal)	£300	Longer administration
Total candidate cost	£6,675	844% higher

‍

KEY UK GOVERNMENT RESOURCES

Topic	Official Source	URL
Main visa information	GOV.UK – Health and Care Worker Visa	www.gov.uk/health-care-worker-visa
Eligible occupations	GOV.UK – Health and Care Visa: Your job	www.gov.uk/guidance/health-and-care-worker-visa-guidance
Costs and fees	GOV.UK – Health and Care Worker Visa costs	www.gov.uk/health-care-worker-visa/how-much-it-costs
Application process	GOV.UK – How to apply	www.gov.uk/health-care-worker-visa/how-to-apply
Nursing registration	Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC)	www.nmc.org.uk
Medical registration	General Medical Council (GMC)	www.gmc-uk.org
Allied health registration	HCPC	www.hcpc-uk.org
Pharmacy registration	General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC)	www.pharmacyregulation.org

‍

QUICK REFERENCE AND KEY POINTS

Why Organizations Choose Health & Care Visa

Saves £5,000-£15,000 per international hire compared to standard Skilled Worker visa
3-week processing vs 8 weeks – 40% faster hiring
Lower salary barrier – £25,000 instead of £41,700 means NHS pay scales work
Complete IHS exemption – £1,035+/year savings per employee
Family support included – Partners and children can join without extra visa requirements
Settlement pathway clear – 5 years to Indefinite Leave to Remain (permanent UK residency)
Professional pool – Access to global nursing, medical, and allied health talent

Cost Advantages Summary

Single professional (3-year visa):

Health & Care Visa: £304
Skilled Worker Visa: £1,200 average
Savings: £896

Bulk hiring (10 nurses, 5-year visas):

Health & Care Visa: £5,900 total
Skilled Worker Visa: £66,750 total
Savings: £60,850

Critical Timeline to Employment

Month 1: Job offer issued; Certificate of Sponsorship prepared
Month 2: Online application; identity checks scheduled
Month 3: Visa decision (3-week processing)
Month 3-4: Visa vignette issued; travel arranged
Month 4: Start employment in UK
Total: 10-12 weeks from job offer to first day of work

Common Questions for Health and Care worker visa

What is Health and Care Worker Visa?

A UK government visa route specifically for hiring healthcare professionals like nurses, doctors, and midwives from overseas.

Why does UK Health and Care Worker Visa matter?

It costs 75% less than normal UK work visas and takes half the time to process (3 weeks vs 8 weeks). Perfect for staffing NHS departments quickly.

Who can use Health and Care Worker Visa?

NHS trusts, private hospitals, and adult social care employers who need registered healthcare professionals. You need a UK Home Office Sponsor License.

What changed for Health and Care Worker Visa in July 2025?

Care workers CANNOT be hired this way anymore (closed July 2025). You must hire registered professionals (nurses, doctors, midwives, pharmacists, paramedics). Minimum salary: £25,000/year.

How much money do you save via Health and Care Worker Visa?

About £5,000–£15,000 per person over 3–5 years compared to normal work visas. Faster hiring also means improved patient care sooner.

Can Care Workers Apply for the Health & Care Visa?

Short answer: NO.

Care worker roles were excluded from launch and fully closed from July 22, 2025 — including adult social care workers, senior care workers, domiciliary care staff, residential care workers, and support workers. Alternative routes may exist, but not this visa.

Can Healthcare Workers Switch From Skilled Worker to Health & Care Visa?

Answer: YES – with conditions.

If you're in the UK on a Skilled Worker Visa and your role qualifies, you can switch if:
• You have a new CoS from an eligible sponsor
• Your role is on the approved list
• You follow the same application process and fees
• You may get fee refunds for recent Skilled Worker payments

Processing time: 3 weeks.

How Do I Verify My Professional Qualification Is Recognized for Health & Care Worker Visa?

1. Identify your professional body (NMC for nurses, GMC for doctors, etc.)
2. Visit their official website
3. Use their online register to check recognition
4. Contact them with your qualifications
5. Request a formal assessment
6. Provide transcripts/certificates
7. Complete any exams or clinical assessments
8. Receive formal registration confirmation

Timeframe: 4–12 weeks
Cost: £200–£800

‍

Disclaimer

Immigration laws and policies change frequently and may vary by country or nationality. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, we recommend doing your own due diligence or consulting official sources. You’re also welcome to contact us directly for the latest guidance. Jobbatical is not responsible for decisions made based on the information provided.

No FAQs Found

Was this helpful?

Yes No