Skilled Worker Health and Care

The Health and Care visa is a part of the Skilled Worker route, which caters to qualified doctors, nurses, allied health and care professionals who have been trained to a recognised standard and persons working in the social care sector. This isa route to settlement in the UK.

From 22 July 2025, care workers are no longer eligible for new sponsorship under the Health & Care visa. The individuals who were sponsored as a care worker before this date can extend their leave or switch to another visa category until 22 July 2028.

With effect from the 11^th of March 2024, for occupation codes 6145 care workers and home carers and 6146 senior care workers, the sponsoring organisation must be registered with the Care Quality Commission. This requirement does not apply when making an extension Health and Care visa application with the same employer.

Dependents are not allowed for Skilled Worker applicants in occupation codes 6145 care workers and home carers and 6146 senior care workers, unless the application is for a dependent partner or child of a Health and Care worker who was granted entry clearance or permission to stay visa under the Rules before the 11th of March 2024, and who have held permission as a Skilled Worker in either or both codes 6145 and 6146 continuously since then.

In order to be successfully granted Skilled Worker: Health and Care visa, the applicant must:

• Be applying for an entry clearance visa or permission to stay in the UK

• Be taking up a job in one of the occupations specified in SOC codes at RQF Level 6 or above for new applications from 22 July 2025 with transitional arrangements available for the roles at RQF levels 3-5

• Be employed or engaged by one of the specified organisations in the Health and Care sector

• Have a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (COS) from an A-rated Licensed sponsor

• Evidence an appropriate salary, which meets the relevant salary threshold

• Be able to provide evidence of knowledge of the English language

• Have sufficient personal savings when arriving in the UK

• Be able to demonstrate the ability to travel and travel history over the preceding 5 years

• Have a valid tuberculosis test (if from a listed country)

• Provide a criminal record certificate if working with vulnerable people.

Eligible applicants and their dependents are not required to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).

The Health and Care visa applicants, as well as their dependents, can pay the reduced UKVI fees.

For further information about the Skilled Worker: Health and Care visa and for tailored advice on a specific case scenario, do not hesitate to contact our Immigration Team.

Our regulated advisers have had many years of experience assisting applicants and their family members with their relocation to the UK, as well as with their extension and Indefinite Leave to Remain (settlement) visa applications.

*Please note that requirements may vary from case to case based on the nuances of your situation, and the information on this page is not intended to replace legal advice.