Health & Care Worker Visa UK 2025
£25,000 minimum salary for qualified doctors and nurses. IHS exemption saves £1,035/year. 3 weeks fast processing. Care worker overseas ban from July 22, 2025.
Last Updated: December 10, 2025 | Next Review: March 2026
Always verify current requirements at gov.uk/health-care-worker-visa
The Health & Care Worker visa UK 2025 is designed for qualified doctors, nurses, and allied health professionals working in NHS shortage occupations. With a £25,000 minimum salary (raised from £20,480 in April 2025), IHS exemption that saves £1,035/year, and 3 weeks fast processing, this route offers significant advantages. However, overseas care workers are now banned from July 22, 2025.
2025 Critical Policy Changes
- ✓ £25,000 minimum salary (April 2025): Up from £20,480, applies to all healthcare roles except care workers
- ✗ Care worker overseas ban (July 22, 2025): No new care worker visas from abroad; existing care workers can extend until July 22, 2028
- ✓ IHS exemption continues: Health & care workers still exempt from Immigration Health Surcharge, saving £1,035/year
What is the Health & Care Worker Visa?
The Health & Care Worker visa is a streamlined route under the Skilled Worker visa category for healthcare professionals in NHS shortage occupations. It offers lower salary thresholds, faster processing, and exemption from the Immigration Health Surcharge.
Key Benefits vs Standard Skilled Worker:
Eligible Health Care Visa Roles 2025
✅ Qualified Doctors and Nurses
These roles continue to be eligible with a £25,000 minimum salary and require UK regulatory body registration.
- Medical practitioners (GPs, consultants, hospital doctors)
- Registered nurses (adult, pediatric, mental health, learning disability)
- Midwives
- Paramedics
- Pharmacists
- Allied health professionals (physiotherapists, occupational therapists, radiographers)
❌ Care Workers (Banned from July 22, 2025)
Overseas care workers are no longer eligible for new Health & Care Worker visas from July 22, 2025. The UK government is prioritizing domestic recruitment for social care.
Transitional Arrangements:
- Care workers who entered the UK before July 22, 2025, can extend their visas until July 22, 2028
- After 2028, care workers must switch to another visa route or leave the UK
- Care workers already working in the UK can continue with existing employers
Eligibility Requirements for All Roles
- Job offer: Must have a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from a licensed NHS or private healthcare employer
- UK regulatory registration: Must be registered with the appropriate UK regulatory body (GMC for doctors, NMC for nurses, etc.)
- Salary threshold: £25,000 minimum (or actual salary for the role, whichever is higher)
- English requirement: B1 level (IELTS 4.0 or equivalent) unless exempt
- RQF Level: Most roles require RQF Level 6 (degree equivalent) or higher
£25,000 Salary Threshold (April 2025)
The minimum salary for Health & Care Worker visas increased to £25,000 in April 2025 (up from £20,480). This is still significantly lower than the £41,700 general threshold for Skilled Worker visas.
Health & Care Worker Visa
Minimum salary for qualified doctors, nurses, and allied health professionals (April 2025)
Standard Skilled Worker Visa
General minimum salary for most skilled worker roles (2025)
Going Rate Still Applies
While the minimum threshold is £25,000, you must be paid at least the going rate for your occupation code. For example, if the going rate for a registered nurse is £30,000, you must be paid £30,000 even though the minimum threshold is £25,000.
IHS Exemption: Save £1,035 Per Year
Massive Savings with IHS Exemption
Health & care workers are exempt from the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which normally costs £1,035 per year for skilled workers. This exemption applies to both the main applicant and dependents.
Example: 3-Year Visa Savings
Standard Skilled Worker (No Exemption)
3 Weeks Fast Processing
Health & Care Worker visas are processed in approximately 3 weeks (15 working days), significantly faster than the standard 8 weeks for Skilled Worker visas. This allows NHS and healthcare employers to fill urgent vacancies quickly.
Processing Time Comparison:
Need Even Faster Processing?
Some healthcare employers use the CoS priority service (£750 fee) to speed up licence processing if they need to hire urgently. However, healthcare visa applications already process faster than most other routes.
Path to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)
Health & care workers can apply for indefinite leave to remain (ILR) after 5 years of continuous residence in the UK on a Health & Care Worker visa or Skilled Worker visa.
Enter UK on Health & Care Worker Visa
Begin working in your healthcare role with a valid CoS and visa.
Work Continuously for 5 Years
Maintain your healthcare employment and extend your visa as needed. Do not spend more than 180 days outside the UK in any 12-month period.
Apply for ILR After 5 Years
Once you have 5 years of continuous residence, apply for ILR (settlement). You'll need to pass the Life in the UK test and meet English language requirements.
Care Worker Overseas Ban (July 22, 2025)
Why the Care Worker Ban?
The UK government announced the care worker overseas ban to prioritize domestic recruitment for social care roles. From July 22, 2025, employers cannot sponsor overseas care workers for new Health & Care Worker visas.
Transitional Arrangements for Existing Care Workers
If you entered the UK as a care worker before July 22, 2025, you have transitional protection. Here's what you need to know:
✅ Extension Eligibility (Until July 22, 2028)
- You can extend your Health & Care Worker visa until July 22, 2028
- Critical Requirement: You must have worked continuously for your current sponsor for at least 3 months before applying for extension
- Extensions granted will be valid until July 22, 2028 (not longer)
- You can switch sponsors during the transitional period if needed
⚠️ Dependents Restriction (From March 2024)
Care workers cannot bring new dependents (family members) to the UK, even during extensions. This restriction began in March 2024. Existing dependents already in the UK can remain.
⏰ After July 22, 2028: Final Deadline
- No further extensions available after this date
- Must switch to another visa route (e.g., Skilled Worker if qualified) OR leave the UK
- Plan ahead: Consider upskilling to registered nurse (NMC) to remain on Health & Care Worker route
Alternative Routes for Care Workers
If you're currently a care worker or planning to enter the care sector, consider these alternatives:
- Upskill to nursing: Train as a registered nurse to qualify for Health & Care Worker visa (requires NMC registration)
- Domestic recruitment: UK residents can still work as care workers without visa sponsorship
- Other skilled roles: Transition to other eligible occupations under Skilled Worker visa
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum salary for Health & Care Worker visa in 2025?
The minimum salary is £25,000 (increased from £20,480 in April 2025). However, you must also meet the going rate for your specific occupation code, which may be higher than £25,000.
Are care workers still eligible for Health & Care Worker visas?
No. From July 22, 2025, overseas care workers cannot apply for new Health & Care Worker visas. Existing care workers who entered before this date can extend until July 22, 2028.
How much do I save with the IHS exemption?
The IHS normally costs £1,035 per person per year. For a 3-year visa, that's £3,105 per person. If you bring a partner and child, the exemption saves your family £9,315 over 3 years.
How long does Health & Care Worker visa processing take?
Health & Care Worker visas are processed in approximately 3 weeks (15 working days), much faster than the standard 8 weeks for Skilled Worker visas. This fast processing helps the NHS fill urgent vacancies.
Can I bring my family on a Health & Care Worker visa?
Yes. You can bring your partner and children as dependents. They are also exempt from the IHS, can work in the UK, and count toward the 5-year residence requirement for ILR.
Do I need UK regulatory registration for a Health & Care Worker visa?
Yes. You must be registered with the appropriate UK regulatory body: GMC (doctors), NMC (nurses/midwives), GPhC (pharmacists), HCPC (allied health professionals), etc. Registration is required before you can start work.
Related Visa Routes for Healthcare Workers
Skilled Worker vs Health & Care Worker
Compare salary thresholds (£25k vs £41.7k) and see which route suits your healthcare role better.
Employer Sponsor Licence Guide
Your NHS trust or care provider needs a sponsor licence to hire you. Learn about the process.
ILR After 5 Years in Healthcare
Health & Care Worker visa holders can apply for permanent residence after 5 continuous years.
Bring Your Family to UK
Your spouse/partner and children can join you as dependents. Learn about family visa requirements.
Global Talent for Medical Researchers
Leading medical researchers can get Global Talent visa with no salary threshold and 3-year ILR.
Check Your Salary Eligibility
Use our calculator to verify if your healthcare salary meets the £25,000 minimum threshold.
Ready to Work in UK Healthcare?
Use our salary calculators and visa guides to plan your move to the UK. Calculate your eligibility for the £25,000 threshold and IHS savings.