The Health and Care Worker Visa is a sub-route of the Skilled Worker Visa, designed for qualified doctors, nurses, and other eligible healthcare and social care professionals who have a confirmed job offer from the NHS, an NHS supplier, or an approved adult social care provider. The visa can be granted for up to five years and can be extended, with a pathway to Indefinite Leave to Remain after five years of continuous residence. Holders benefit from lower application fees and are exempt from the Immigration Health Surcharge, which represents a meaningful cost saving compared to other visa routes.
The rules around this visa have changed substantially. From 22 July 2025, the minimum skill threshold for the Skilled Worker route increased to degree level (RQF Level 6). This means that some roles that were previously eligible no longer qualify under the standard route. Certain occupations below degree level remain accessible through the Immigration Salary List and the Temporary Shortage List on a time-limited basis, but new overseas applications for care worker and senior care worker roles closed on 22 July 2025. Workers already sponsored before that date may be eligible to extend, subject to transitional rules. From 8 January 2026, new applicants must demonstrate English language ability at CEFR Level B2.
At NARA Solicitors, we work with both employers and individual applicants on Health and Care Worker Visa matters. If you are a healthcare professional assessing your eligibility, or an NHS or care sector employer seeking to understand which roles you can still sponsor, we can provide clear and up to date advice. Given how frequently the rules have changed, it is important to get specific guidance based on the requirements that apply at the time of your application rather than relying on general summaries.