Do you want to work in the UK as a doctor, nurse, or care worker? The UK Health and Care Worker Visa is a special visa for health and care staff. It is cheaper, faster, and gives you a clear way to stay in the UK forever. This simple guide for 2025 will show you the 5 easy steps to get this visa and start your new life in the UK.
Verify Your Eligibility: The Critical SOC Code Check
First, you must check if your job is on the UK government’s allowed list. Every job has a number called SOC code. Only some SOC codes can use the Health and Care Worker Visa.
Key Eligible Job Roles (SOC Codes)
| Sector | Job Examples | SOC Code Examples | Skill Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medical | Doctors, Physiotherapists, Pharmacists, Paramedics, Psychologists, Midwives | 2211, 2212, 2221, etc. | Higher Skilled |
| Nursing | Registered Nurse, Mental Health Nurse, Nursing Associate | 2231, 2232, 2233 | Higher Skilled |
| Social Care | Senior Care Worker, Care Home Manager, Social Worker | 6136, 1232, 2461 | Medium/Higher |
| Auxiliary | Care Assistant, Nursing Assistant | 6135, 6131 | Medium Skilled |
Important New Rule (from 11 March 2024) If your job is Care Worker (6135) or Senior Care Worker (6136), you cannot bring your husband/wife or children as dependants. Doctors, nurses, and higher-skilled jobs can still bring family.
Secure Sponsorship: The Employer Requirement
You cannot apply for the visa alone. You need a real job offer from a UK employer who has a special licence to sponsor workers.
Who Can Sponsor You?
- NHS hospitals and NHS Trusts
- Private hospitals that work with the NHS
- Care homes and home-care companies (for adult social care)
Very Important Tip In England, care homes and home-care companies must be registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC). Always check the official “Register of Licensed Sponsors” on gov.uk to make sure the company can really sponsor you.
Understand Your Financial Benefits and Obligations
This visa is much cheaper and easier than the normal Skilled Worker Visa.
Big Money-Saving Benefits
- No Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) – you save more than £1,000 per person every year
- Lower visa application fees
- Fast decision – usually in 3 weeks
Salary You Must Earn
Your salary must be the higher of these two:
- General minimum salary – usually £25,000 per year (a little lower if you are under 26 or a “new entrant”)
- The normal “going rate” for your job (for example, NHS Band 5 nurse salary)
If you are young (under 26) or just finished studies in the UK, you can earn a bit less, but never below the minimum.
The Application Process: From CoS to Visa
When you have the job offer, your employer will give you a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) – this is an electronic number.
Easy Step-by-Step Application
- Get your CoS number from your employer (you must apply within 3 months)
- Prove you speak English (level B1 or higher) – many nurses and doctors already have this from school or work
- Show you have £1,270 in your bank (or your employer can say they will pay your costs for the first month)
- Fill the online visa form (from outside UK = Entry Clearance; from inside UK = Switching or Extension)
- Go to a visa centre to give fingerprints and photo (biometrics)
- Wait – most people get an answer in 3 weeks
That’s it! When the visa is approved, you can travel to the UK and start work.
Pathway to Permanent UK Residency
This visa is not only for a few years. It is the fastest way to stay in the UK forever.
How to Get Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)
After you live and work in the UK for 5 continuous years on this visa, you can apply for ILR (permanent residency). With ILR you can:
- Live in the UK forever
- Work any job you want
- No more visa fees
What You Can Do on the Health and Care Visa
- Work full-time for your sponsor
- Do extra work up to 20 hours a week in the same type of job
- Study any course
- Travel in and out of the UK anytime
- Use the NHS for free
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I change from a Student Visa to the Health and Care Visa? A: Yes! Many students do this. You just need a job offer from a licensed sponsor and meet the salary and English rules. For care jobs (6135/6136), you must already work for that employer for at least 3 months before switching.
Q: What is the difference between Health and Care Visa and normal Skilled Worker Visa? A: Both visas let you work, but the Health and Care Visa is cheaper (no IHS, lower fees) and faster.
Q: Where can I find jobs that sponsor this visa? A: Best websites:
- NHS Jobs official website (nhsjobs.com)
- Reed.co.uk, Indeed.co.uk – type “visa sponsorship” + your job
- Big care home companies (HC-One, Barchester, Care UK) career pages
- Directly contact NHS Trusts in the area you like
Start applying today – thousands of jobs are waiting for overseas doctors, nurses, and care workers in 2025!
Disclaimer:
This article is only for information. UK immigration rules can change quickly. Always check the latest rules on the official gov.uk website or speak to a registered immigration advisor before you apply.