The ‘UK Health and Care Worker Visa’ is a tailored immigration route designed to attract skilled healthcare professionals and adult social care workers to address critical workforce shortages in the UK’s health sector. This visa, a subcategory of the Skilled Worker route, offers significant advantages, including reduced application fees, exemption from the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), and a direct route to settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain) after five years of continuous residence.
What is the Eligible Occupation for a Health and Care Worker visa?
The Health and Care Worker Visa is restricted to occupations specified under the UK's Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) framework. Eligible roles include healthcare professionals such as doctors, nurses, dentists, pharmacists, paramedics, radiographers, and physiotherapists, categorised under SOC codes 2211 to 2259. The visa also extends to social care positions, including care workers (SOC 6135), senior care workers (SOC 6136), and social workers (SOC 2461), provided the employing organisation is registered with the Care Quality Commission in England.
Furthermore, related health roles qualify for this route, covering laboratory technicians (SOC 3111), dispensing opticians (SOC 3211), and medical or dental technicians (SOC 3213). It is important to note that professions not explicitly listed within these designated SOC codes must apply through the standard Skilled Worker Visa route instead.
Who are Approved Sponsors for Health and Care Worker visas?
Under the UK's Health and Care Worker Visa provisions, ‘approved sponsors’ must hold a valid UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) sponsor licence. Eligible employers include NHS trusts, hospitals, or NHS supply chain organisations, alongside Care Quality Commission (CQC)-registered providers in England for roles involving care workers (SOC 6135/6136). Additionally, organisations providing regulated medical or adult social care services are eligible to be recognised as sponsors. Sponsors must issue a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) confirming the genuine job offer.
What Are the Salary Requirements for the UK Health and Care Worker Visa?
The salary thresholds for the Health and Care Worker Visa are contingent upon the specific nature of the role and the individual circumstances of the applicant. Positions that comply with national wage plans, including those within the National Health Service (NHS) or state-funded adult social care sectors, necessitate a minimum annual salary of £23,200. Positions not subject to national pay agreements, however, must meet a higher threshold of £29,000 per annum.
Discounted salary rates, set at 70–90% of the standard occupational rate, may apply to specific categories of applicants. These include new entrants to the labour market, individuals holding PhD qualifications relevant to their role, and those employed in STEM (science, technology, engineering, or mathematics) occupations.
For care workers listed on the Immigration Salary List (ISL), the salary must meet either the general threshold of £23,200 or the occupation-specific rate, whichever is higher. This ensures compliance with both immigration rules and sector-specific wage standards.
What Are the English Language Requirements for the UK Health and Care Worker Visa?
UK Health and Care Worker Visa applicants must demonstrate English proficiency at CEFR Level B1 (IELTS 4.0). This ensures effective communication in UK healthcare roles. Exemptions apply to nationals of English-speaking countries and healthcare professionals who have passed regulated English tests for their professional registration (e.g., NMC or GMC requirements). These exemptions simplify the process for qualified applicants while maintaining language standards for UK healthcare provision.
What Are the Financial Requirements for the UK Health and Care Worker Visa?
UK Health and Care Worker Visa applicants must show £1,270 in savings, held for 28 days before applying. This proves they can support themselves initially in the UK. Exemptions apply if the employer certifies financial maintenance or if the applicant has lived in the UK for 12+ months. Dependants require additional funds: £285 for a partner and £315 per child. These rules ensure visa holders can establish themselves without straining public resources.
Can Family Members Join Health and Care Worker Visa Holders in the UK?
The UK Health and Care Worker Visa generally allows for dependant family members to accompany the main visa holder. Partners and children under the age of 18 are typically eligible to apply for dependant visas. This provision enables families to remain together whilst the main applicant works in the UK healthcare sector.
However, it is crucial to note a significant policy change affecting certain care workers. For those employed in roles classified under Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) codes 6135 and 6136, which primarily cover care workers and senior care workers, new restrictions have been implemented.
Effective 11 March 2024, applicants within these categories will no longer be authorised to include dependants in their visa applications for entry into the United Kingdom. This change represents a substantial shift in policy for this specific group of workers. Nonetheless, an important exception exists: care workers who were already residing in the UK prior to this date retain the right to include dependants in their applications. This incorporating provision aims to minimise disruption for those already established in the UK whilst implementing new rules for future applicants.
How Long Can Health and Care Worker Visa Holders Stay in the UK?
The UK Health and Care Worker Visa grants up to five years' residence, linked to continued employment with the sponsor. A key benefit is the ability to extend indefinitely, provided eligibility criteria are met. There's no maximum time limit for staying in the UK under this visa. Extensions are assessed based on current employment, visa compliance, and updated immigration rules. This allows for long-term career development in the UK health and social care sectors.
How Can Health and Care Worker Visa Holders Apply for Settlement in the UK?
Health and Care Worker Visa holders can apply for settlement or Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), after five years of continuous UK residence. This route to permanent residency requires meeting specific criteria. Applicants are required to maintain their salary threshold relevant to their occupation throughout the five-year period, pass the Life in the UK Test, and not exceed 180 days of absence from the UK in any 12-month period. Dependants may apply at the same time if they meet the requirements.
The UK Health and Care Worker Visa facilitates the recruitment process for essential positions within the healthcare and social care sectors, effectively addressing existing workforce shortages. It establishes sector-specific salary standards, enforces sponsorship rules, and regulates dependent provisions. The visa offers a path to permanent residency after five years, contingent upon maintaining secure employment and continuous residence in the United Kingdom. This approach aims to attract and retain skilled professionals while maintaining immigration control.
The UK Health and Care Worker Visa process is complex, with strict rules on salaries, dependants, and sponsorship. ARIS International Lawyers specialises in guiding applicants and employers through this process. We offer expert support on eligibility, policy changes, sponsorship obligations, and settlement requirements.
With frequent updates to UK immigration laws, our professional guidance ensures the applicants remain compliant and competitive. Whether you are new to the process or facing challenges, ARIS International Lawyers provides the expertise needed to achieve your UK immigration goals.
Contact us on 020 3865 6219 or leave a message for a consultation to simplify your visa journey and improve your chances of success.