The UK’s Health and Care Worker Visa is a crucial route for healthcare professionals worldwide to live and work in the UK. With the 2025 updates to immigration policies, applicants and employers need to stay informed of the significant changes affecting eligibility, salary thresholds, and dependants. Here’s a clear breakdown of what’s new and what to expect.
Table of Contents
1. Recruitment Restrictions for Care Workers in England
As of 9 April 2025, care providers in England who want to recruit care workers or senior care workers from overseas must first demonstrate they have attempted to fill the role locally. This includes engaging with local authorities and workforce partnerships to recruit within England before turning to international applicants.
(Source: Skilled worker: Health and Care Visa – NHS Employers)
2. Increased Minimum Salary Thresholds
From 4 April 2024, new salary thresholds apply:
- Most health and care workers must earn at least £23,200 or match the relevant national pay scale.
- For roles without a national pay scale, the threshold is £29,000.
- Care workers and senior care workers listed on the Immigration Salary List must earn at least £25,000 or the occupation-specific rate (whichever is higher).
(Source: Skilled worker: Health and Care Visa – NHS Employers)
3. Changes Affecting Family Members of Care Workers
From 11 March 2024, care workers and senior care workers on the Health and Care Visa can no longer bring dependants to the UK.
However, those already in the UK before this date are not affected and can continue to sponsor dependants who meet eligibility requirements.
(Source: Health and Care Worker visa: Your partner and children – GOV.UK)
4. Pathway to Permanent Residency
Health and Care Visa holders are eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after five years of continuous legal residence in the UK, provided they meet the necessary requirements including salary and conduct criteria.
(Source: Health and Care Visa Guide 2025 – DavidsonMorris)
5. Application Process and Fees
Application Process:
Applicants must have a confirmed job offer from a UK employer approved by the Home Office and a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS). English language proficiency is also a requirement.
(Source: Health and Care Worker visa – GOV.UK)
Visa Fees:
- Up to three years: £247 per applicant.
- More than three years: £479 per applicant.
6. Exemption from Immigration Health Surcharge
Health and Care Visa holders and their eligible family members are exempt from paying the Immigration Health Surcharge, which usually costs £1,035 per year for other visa categories.
(Source: Health and Care Worker visa – GOV.UK)
7. Eligibility Criteria for Applicants
To qualify, applicants must:
- Be a qualified doctor, nurse, health professional, or adult social care worker.
- Work in an eligible health or care role.
- Be sponsored by a UK Home Office-approved employer.
- Possess a Certificate of Sponsorship.
- Earn the required minimum salary.
- Demonstrate knowledge of English.
(Source: Health and Care Worker visa – GOV.UK)
Considerations for Employers and Applicants
Employers must now show local recruitment efforts and ensure roles meet the revised salary criteria.
Applicants must carefully assess their eligibility, particularly with the new rules surrounding dependants and minimum salary levels. Early preparation and correct documentation are key to a smooth application process.
