UK Health and Care Worker Visa: Your 2025 Sponsorship Pathway

The UK Health and Care Worker Visa is a sub-category of the Skilled Worker visa specifically designed for qualified doctors, nurses, health professionals, and adult social care workers. It allows professionals from across the world to come to the UK to work with the NHS, NHS suppliers, or adult social care providers.

Main Benefits

• Reduced visa fees

• No healthcare surcharge

• Fast-tracked processing (usually within 3 weeks)

• Route to permanent settlement (ILR)

Who Can Apply for the Health and Care Worker Visa?

To be eligible, you must:

1. Have a confirmed job offer from a UK-licensed sponsor in the health or care sector

2. Work in an eligible occupation (listed below)

3. Meet the English language requirements

4. Receive a certificate of sponsorship (CoS) from your employer

5. Be paid at least the minimum salary for your role

Eligible Health and Care Roles (2025 List)

The visa covers a wide range of medical and care roles. Some of the most in-demand include:

Salary Requirements for 2025

You must be paid:

• At least £26,200 per year, or

• £10.75 per hour, whichever is higher

However, if your role is on the shortage occupation list, you may qualify with a lower salary (e.g., £20,960/year).

Required Documents

Here’s what you’ll need to apply:

• Valid passport or travel ID

• Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from your UK employer

• Proof of English proficiency (IELTS, OET, etc.)

• Job details (title, salary, occupation code)

• Police clearance certificate (for care roles)

• Tuberculosis test results (if from a listed country)

NHS and Approved Sponsors Hiring in 2025

Here are top employers offering sponsorship under this visa:

Find the full sponsor list here: gov.uk/licensed-sponsors

How to Apply for the Health and Care Worker Visa

Step 1: Search and Apply for Jobs

Use platforms like:

• NHS Jobs

• Indeed UK – Use “visa sponsorship” as a keyword

• TotalJobs

• CareHome.co.uk

Step 2: Receive a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)

Once you get a job offer, your employer must issue a CoS, which is a digital reference number used to link your visa application to the job.

Step 3: Prepare Documents and Proofs

Gather the required documents mentioned above and ensure they are translated into English if necessary.

Step 4: Submit Your Application

• Apply through the UK Government portal

• Choose the Health and Care Worker route under the Skilled Worker visa

• Pay the application fee (reduced — see below)

Step 5: Biometric Appointment and Decision

• Book an appointment at your nearest visa application center

• You’ll usually receive a decision within 3 weeks

Visa Costs

Bringing Dependants

Yes, you can bring:

• Spouse or partner

• Children under 18

• Children over 18 (if already in the UK as dependents)

Each must apply separately and prove they can be supported in the UK.

Route to Permanent Residency

You can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after 5 years on this visa if:

• You’ve worked continuously in a qualifying role

• You meet the salary and residency requirements

• You pass the Life in the UK Test

• You have no criminal convictions

After ILR, you may apply for British citizenship after 1 more year.

Demand for Health and Care Workers in the UK

The UK health and care sector is facing a critical shortage of staff due to:

• Post-Brexit labour changes

• Aging population

• Increased demand for health services

This means high demand for skilled and compassionate professionals, especially from countries like:

• India

• Nigeria

• Philippines

• Ghana

• South Africa

• Zimbabwe

• Pakistan

Pro Tips to Get Hired Quickly

• Get your qualifications recognized – Use NARIC UK or GMC/NMC registration where applicable

• Pass IELTS or OET early – Scores are valid for 2 years

• Tailor your CV to UK standards

• Create a LinkedIn profile focused on your clinical or care expertise

• Join Facebook groups like “UK Nurses Visa Support” or “UK Care Jobs with Sponsorship”

Conclusion

The UK Health and Care Worker Visa is one of the most accessible and fastest visa routes to move to the UK in 2025. With low costs, no health surcharge, and thousands of NHS and care providers actively hiring, the opportunity is wide open.

Whether you’re a nurse from India, a care worker from Ghana, or a doctor from Pakistan, you can build a successful career — and life — in the UK.