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A healthcare worker for UK visa purposes encompasses roles within both the NHS and private healthcare sector that provide direct patient care or essential support services. The definition primarily covers registered medical professionals such as doctors, nurses, physiotherapists and paramedics, alongside social care roles including care workers and senior care workers.
The role must be at or above RQF Level 3 and appear on the list of eligible occupation codes, with the key exception being care workers who are permitted at RQF Level 2. Support roles like healthcare assistants and dental nurses are included, while purely administrative positions generally are not eligible unless they involve direct clinical support. The position must be with a licensed sponsor, typically an NHS organisation, registered care home, or approved private healthcare provider, and meet minimum salary requirements which vary by role but generally align with NHS Agenda for Change pay bands or equivalent private sector rates.
For social care specifically, the role must involve providing regulated care services to individuals, rather than general support services.
The Health and Care Worker visa offers valuable advantages including fast-track processing, reduced visa fees compared to standard work visas, and exemption from the Immigration Health Surcharge. Visa holders can bring dependant family members and have a clear path to settlement after 5 years of continuous residence.
To qualify, you must have a job offer from a licensed sponsor in the healthcare sector for an eligible role. Your employer must be an approved healthcare provider, and you'll need to meet English language requirements along with minimum salary thresholds specific to your profession. You'll also need relevant qualifications and professional registration where required.
The Health and Care Worker visa is typically granted for up to 5 years initially, though the exact duration will match your Certificate of Sponsorship. If your CoS covers a shorter period, your visa will be granted for that time plus one month. You can start work as soon as your visa is granted, and you must begin within 14 days of either your visa start date or when you arrive in the UK, whichever is later.
The visa can be extended multiple times as long as you continue to meet the eligibility criteria, and there's no maximum limit on total time spent in the UK under this route. Each extension can be granted for up to 5 years. You must apply before your current visa expires to avoid any gaps in your legal status, ideally at least 8 weeks before expiry. During your stay, you can work unlimited hours in your sponsored role, undertake additional supplementary work in the same profession and at the same professional level for up to 20 hours per week, and study (except as a doctor or dentist in training) without needing additional permissions.
The application requires :-
a valid Certificate of Sponsorship
proof of English language ability
professional qualifications
evidence of maintenance funds.
After securing your job offer and sponsorship, you'll complete an online application, attend a biometric appointment, and submit supporting documents. Once approved, you must register with relevant authorities and begin work within 14 days of your visa start date.
Standard application fees range from £247 to £479 depending on whether you're applying from inside or outside the UK. Priority services are available for faster processing, with standard applications typically taking around 3 weeks.
After 5 years of continuous residence, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). This requires maintaining continuous employment in eligible healthcare roles without excessive absences from the UK (no more than 180 days in any 12-month period). You must maintain appropriate salary levels and professional registration throughout, pass the Life in the UK test and meet English language requirements. During the qualifying period, you can change employers provided they are licensed sponsors and any employment gaps are minimal. After gaining ILR, you're free to work in any sector and can apply for British citizenship after a further 12 months.
Your spouse or partner and children under 18 can apply as dependants. They'll receive similar visa lengths and can work or study in the UK. Dependants must meet their own eligibility requirements and pay relevant visa fees.
Most NHS trusts provide comprehensive support for international healthcare workers during the visa process. This includes significant financial support such as reimbursement of visa application fees, repayment of Immigration Health Surcharge if accidentally paid, and coverage of Certificate of Sponsorship costs. The level of support differs between NHS trusts.
Key areas requiring careful attention include:
Professional registration delays, particularly with NMC or GMC approval processes which can impact visa timing
Salary thresholds complications, especially with roles involving shift work or variable pay - basic salary must meet minimums without overtime
Sponsorship continuity issues when changing employers, requiring careful planning for transfers between trusts or to private providers
Dependant application challenges, particularly around relationship evidence and financial requirements
Settlement eligibility problems from employment gaps or excessive UK absences
Professional registration lapses affecting visa status, even if brief
Confusion around supplementary work rules, especially regarding locum shifts or private practice
Study restrictions, particularly complex for medical training programs
Maintenance fund requirements and timing of evidence
Police registration deadlines in applicable cases
Co-ordination of start dates between visa approval, notice periods and required registration
Our immigration specialists provide comprehensive support throughout the visa process, from initial eligibility assessment through to settlement applications. We can help prepare documentation, liaise with employers, handle Home Office correspondence, and ensure compliance with visa conditions.
Contact our specialist immigration team today for a consultation to discuss your Health and Care Worker visa application.
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If you would like to speak with a member of the team you can contact us on:
Partner - Family & Immigration Solicitor
Sushma is a Consultant Partner at Taylor Rose.
She is a specialist and experienced immigration lawyer with a national reputation.
Sushma also advises on family law matters including divorce and financial remedy. She is a member of Resolut...
