.svg)
Key Take aways for UK Health Care Visa's CoS
- A valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) is essential for healthcare professionals applying for a UK Health and Care Worker Visa and must be issued by a licensed sponsor.
- Employers must ensure eligibility, correct occupation codes, salary compliance, and accurate documentation before assigning a CoS.
- Ongoing record-keeping, right-to-work checks, and Home Office reporting duties are critical to maintaining sponsorship status.
What is the UK Health and Care Worker Visa?
The UK Health and Care Worker Visa is a dedicated route under the Skilled Worker framework, designed to fast-track skilled healthcare professionals into the UK. Launched to address post-Brexit labor gaps, it offers reduced fees, no Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), and priority processing typically within three weeks.
Key Eligibility Criteria for Nurses and Doctors
To sponsor under this visa, your candidates must meet these thresholds:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Qualified Professionals | Registered nurses (e.g. SOC 2231) or doctors (e.g. SOC 2211) with relevant qualifications obtained in the UK or abroad. |
| Eligible Job Offer | Full-time role in health or adult social care, such as staff nurse, senior care worker, or consultant physician. |
| English Proficiency | IELTS 7.0 overall (or equivalent) for medical professionals; lower requirements may apply for nurses (e.g. 4.0 speaking/listening, 5.0 reading/writing). |
| Salary Threshold |
Minimum £25,000 annually (pro-rated for part-time),
or the occupation-specific going rate — whichever is higher. New entrants (e.g. trainee doctors): from £20,960. |
| Genuine Vacancy Requirement | Role should generally be advertised in the UK for 28 days, unless exempt (e.g. shortage occupations such as nursing). |
This visa lasts up to five years, with pathways to indefinite leave to remain (ILR) after continuous employment. Dependants (spouses and children) can join, but note restrictions for care workers' families under post-March 2024 rules.
SOC Code List for Care Workers
Job titles do not decide eligibility, day-to-day duties determine SOC code selection. Always match on duties, and not the job title. Get the complete list of eligible roles .
Sponsors should recheck Appendix Skilled Occupations every time a Certificate of Sponsorship is issued. Salary thresholds are reviewed annually in line with ONS ASHE data, and changes can affect eligibility.
Why Employers Need a Sponsor Licence to Issue a CoS
Before assigning a CoS, your organization must hold a valid Sponsor Licence from the Home Office. This A-rated or B-rated licence proves you're a "genuine" employer committed to immigration compliance. Read more - Issue a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS). Once licensed, you'll receive an annual CoS allocation based on your request. Renew every four years to avoid disruptions..
Why Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) Matters for Sponsoring Nurses and Doctors
For nurses and doctors:
- It details the role, salary, start date, and SOC code.
- Includes a mandatory explanation of Health and Care eligibility (e.g., "Nurse meets NMC registration and £25,000 salary threshold").
- Valid for three months from issuance-applicants must apply within this window.
Without a CoS, no visa application proceeds. In 2026, health sponsors report 20% faster approvals when CoS details align perfectly with UKVI checklists.
Read here CoS in Healthcare: Meaning, Eligibility, Process, and SOC Codes
How to Assign a CoS for UK Health and Care Visa - Stepwise Guide
As an HR employer, assigning a CoS is straightforward via the SMS portal. Here's your roadmap:
|
1
Verify Candidate Eligibility
|
Confirm qualifications, right-to-work eligibility, and ensure recruitment requirements, such as vacancy advertising have been met before sponsorship. |
|
2
Request Additional CoS Allocation
|
If sponsorship allocation is low, apply for additional Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS) through the Sponsor Management System (SMS), supported by recruitment forecasts. |
|
3
Create & Assign the CoS
|
Assign the Certificate of Sponsorship in SMS by entering job details, salary, working hours, and location. Confirm Health and Care Worker eligibility where applicable and securely share the CoS reference number with the candidate. |
|
4
Support the Visa Application
|
Guide the applicant through biometrics appointments and monitor UKVI communications, responding promptly to avoid processing delays. |
|
5
Complete Onboarding Compliance
|
Collect required immigration documents on arrival and report the employee’s start date to UKVI within the required timeframe. |
Timelines: From Eligibility to Onboarding
From CoS assignment to visa grant, expect 3-6 weeks. For doctors in shortage specialties (e.g., psychiatry), leverage the Immigration Salary List for lower threshold
| Step | Timeline | HR Action Item |
|---|---|---|
| Verify Eligibility | 1–2 weeks | Review docs with legal team |
| Assign CoS | Instant | Use SMS portal |
| Applicant Submits Visa | Up to 3 months post-CoS | Provide support docs |
| Visa Decision | 3 weeks | Track via SMS |
| Onboarding | Day 1 of employment | Update records |
Salary Requirements and Financial Commitments for Sponsoring Healthcare Talent
| Requirement / Cost | Details |
|---|---|
| General Salary Threshold | £25,000 minimum or occupation-specific rate (e.g. ~£34,100 for nurses) |
| Allowances | Genuine promotions and career progression may count toward meeting the salary threshold |
| Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) Fee | £239 per CoS assignment |
| Sponsor Licence | Standard sponsor licence fees apply |
| IHS Reimbursement | No Immigration Health Surcharge reimbursement available |
| Visa Fees | Lower than Skilled Worker route: £232 (outside UK) vs ~£719 for Skilled Worker applications |
Common Pitfalls in CoS for Nurses and Doctors and How to Avoid Them
- Inaccurate SOC Codes: Mismatch leads to refusals. Use the ONS list-e.g., 2231 for nurses, not generic codes.
- CQC Gaps for Care Roles: New sponsors must be registered; transitional rules apply for extensions.
- English Proof Delays: Pre-verify with secure tests.
- Quota Exhaustion: Forecast hires quarterly to avoid mid-recruitment halts.
Partner with Jobbatical : Streamline Your UK Sponsorship Today
At Jobbatical, our tech platform specializes in end-to-end immigration for Europe's healthcare sector. From sponsor licence applications to CoS assignments and compliance tracking, we handle the details so you focus on patient care.
Frequently Asked Questions About UK Health and Care Visa CoS for Nurses and Doctors
New overseas applicants must meet CEFR Level B2 in reading, writing, speaking, and listening, effective from 8 January 2026.
Health and Care Workers remain on the five-year continuous residence route to ILR, unlike most other visa types which move to a ten-year path.
No, Health and Care Worker visa holders and their dependants remain fully exempt from the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).
The minimum salary threshold remains £25,000 for occupations on national pay scales where applicable.
No, individuals applying for or switching to a below degree level role (such as care worker) after 22 July 2025 cannot stay with or bring over dependants.
.svg)
.svg)
