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Health and Care Worker visa (United Kingdom)

✓ Checked against GOV.UK on 2026-07-13

The Health and Care Worker visa is a UK immigration route for eligible health and social care professionals who have a confirmed job offer from a Home Office approved UK employer. According to the official guidance on gov.uk, it covers qualified doctors, nurses, health professionals and adult social care professionals working in an eligible health or social care job. The route requires a Certificate of Sponsorship from the employer and payment of a minimum salary that depends on the type of work.

Key requirements, as officially published

be a qualified doctor, nurse, health professional or adult social care professionalSource: https://www.gov.uk/health-care-worker-visa

work in an eligible health or social care jobSource: https://www.gov.uk/health-care-worker-visa

work for a UK employer that's been approved by the Home OfficeSource: https://www.gov.uk/health-care-worker-visa

have a 'certificate of sponsorship' from your employer with information about the role you've been offered in the UKSource: https://www.gov.uk/health-care-worker-visa

be paid a minimum salary - how much depends on the type of work you doSource: https://www.gov.uk/health-care-worker-visa

You must have a confirmed job offer before you apply for your visa.Source: https://www.gov.uk/health-care-worker-visa

You must be able to speak, read, write and understand English. You'll usually need to prove your knowledge of English when you apply.Source: https://www.gov.uk/health-care-worker-visa

Your partner and children may be able to apply to join you or stay in the UK as your 'dependants'.Source: https://www.gov.uk/health-care-worker-visa

Your visa can last for up to 5 years before you need to extend it. You'll need to apply to extend or update your visa when it expires or if you change jobs or employer. You can apply to extend your visa as many times as you like as long as you still meet the eligibility requirements.Source: https://www.gov.uk/health-care-worker-visa

After 5 years, you may be able to apply to settle permanently in the UK (also known as 'indefinite leave to remain').Source: https://www.gov.uk/health-care-worker-visa

Documents, as listed in the official guidance

The official source does not publish a distinct list of supporting documents on this page. Applicants are directed to gov.uk for identity and document requirements as part of the application process.

Process steps, as officially published

You must apply online.
You can apply for a visa up to 3 months before the day you are due to start work in the UK. This date is listed on your certificate of sponsorship.
As part of your application, you'll need to prove your identity and provide your documents.
How you apply depends on whether you're: outside the UK and are coming to the UK; inside the UK and extending your current visa; inside the UK and switching from a different visa.
Once you've applied online, proved your identity and provided your documents, you'll usually get a decision on your visa within 3 weeks.

Official sources

Health and Care Worker visa - GOV.UKretrieved 2026-07-13

Information checked against the official pages linked above on 2026-07-13. Requirements can change. Check the official links for the current version.

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