About the visa
The Health and Care Worker visa is a streamlined route for eligible health and adult social care roles with approved employers, offering reduced application fees and an exemption from the Immigration Health Surcharge for applicants and their dependants, with a path to settlement after 5 years.
Eligibility & key rules
Requires a licensed healthcare sponsor, an eligible occupation code, and a salary meeting national pay scale thresholds (from £25,000 for most roles per SW 13.1). English language at CEFR B2 level is required. From 22 July 2025, care workers and senior care workers are no longer eligible for new sponsorship, though existing workers may extend or switch under transitional rules (those working for their sponsor for at least 3 months can apply until 22 July 2028; those already holding Skilled Worker permission in these codes face no stated deadline).
What you can / cannot do
Permitted: work in the sponsored health or care role, study, and bring eligible dependants (restrictions apply for some care worker roles since March 2024). Not permitted: accessing public funds or working beyond the terms of your permission.
Fees, documents & process
Reduced application fees: £304 (up to 3 years) or £590 (more than 3 years). Applicants and their dependants are exempt from the Immigration Health Surcharge (£1,035/year saving). Apply online with your CoS and professional registrations where required. Decisions typically in 3–8 weeks.
