The Health and Care Worker visa: a pathway to working in the UK’s healthcare sector

23 Jan 2025, 55 mins ago

The Health and Care Worker visa allows medical professionals with an eligible job offer from the NHS, an NHS supplier or within adult social care to enter and stay in the UK. This blog explores the key requirements prospective applicants should familiarise themselves with before applying for this visa.

The Health and Care Worker visa is a crucial route for healthcare professionals—such as doctors, nurses and adult social care workers—who wish to work in the UK.

Key eligibility requirements

To qualify for a Health and Care Worker visa, applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • Be a qualified doctor, nurse, health professional or adult social care professional.
  • Work in an eligible health or social care job.
  • Be employed by a UK employer that has been approved by the Home Office.
  • Hold a valid ‘certificate of sponsorship’ from your employer, which includes details about the role you have been offered in the UK.
  • Meet the minimum salary requirements. There are two salary thresholds that an applicant must meet – the general salary threshold and the “going rate” for the relevant role. 

Additionally, applicants must prove their proficiency in English, either by passing a recognised English language test or by holding a degree that was taught in English.

If the applicant is a care worker or senior care worker working in England, their employer must also be registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

The application process

The application process for the Health and Care Worker visa involves several key steps. You will need to submit the following documents:

  • A certificate of sponsorship from your employer.
  • Evidence of English proficiency.
  • A valid passport.
  • Depending on your individual circumstances, you may also be required to submit a criminal record certificate and tuberculosis (TB) test results.

Conditions of the visa

Once granted, the Health and Care Worker visa allows applicants to take on additional work under certain conditions, engage in voluntary work and study.

Some applicants can also bring their partner and children as dependents, provided they meet the necessary eligibility criteria.

It is important to note that visa holders are not eligible for most public funds.

Common reasons for visa rejection

Visa applications can be rejected for several reasons, including:

  • Incomplete or incorrect information.
  • Failure to meet the salary requirements.
  • Not demonstrating sufficient English language skills.

To avoid delays or potential rejections, applicants must ensure their documentation is complete and accurate before submitting their application.

Additional benefits

The Health and Care Worker visa offers several key benefits. Not only does it provide a streamlined route for healthcare professionals to work in the UK, but it also exempts them from the immigration health surcharge, making it a cost-effective option for those seeking employment in the UK’s healthcare sector.

Furthermore, this visa provides a path to permanent residency after five years, making it an attractive long-term career option for healthcare professionals looking to settle in the UK.

Updated: 23 January 2025

How Gherson can assist

Gherson’s Immigration Team are highly experienced in advising on UK visa matters. If you have any questions arising from this blog, please do not hesitate to contact us for advice, send us an e-mail, or, alternatively, follow us on XFacebookInstagram, or LinkedIn to stay-up-to-date.

The information in this blog is for general information purposes only and does not purport to be comprehensive or to provide legal advice. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the information and law is current as of the date of publication it should be stressed that, due to the passage of time, this does not necessarily reflect the present legal position. Gherson accepts no responsibility for loss which may arise from accessing or reliance on information contained in this blog. For formal advice on the current law please do not hesitate to contact Gherson. Legal advice is only provided pursuant to a written agreement, identified as such, and signed by the client and by or on behalf of Gherson.

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