The 2025–2026 UK Health & Care Worker Visa: Your Complete Guide
Overview: What Is the Health & Care Worker Visa?
The UK Health & Care Worker Visa is a simplified, priority visa route for qualified healthcare and social care professionals. It enables them to work for the NHS, NHS suppliers, or approved adult social care providers in the UK.
Why Select This Visa?
1. Fast-track processing: After submitting a biometric, decisions are usually made in three weeks.
Employers in the NHS
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2. Reduced application fees: Significantly less expensive than typical skilled worker visas (£304 for stays up to three years, £590 for prolonged stays, etc.).
Employers of Morgan Smith Immigration’s NHS
3. Visa holders are exempt from the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).
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4. Path to Settlement (ILR): You can be eligible for Indefinite Leave to Remain after five years.
Eligibility Requirements
You must:
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Hold a valid job offer from an approved UK employer (NHS, NHS supplier, or adult social care provider).GOV.UK+1
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Occupy an eligible role—refer to occupation codes (e.g., doctors, nurses, paramedics, social workers, etc.).GOV.UKMorgan Smith Immigration
2025 updates:
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Expanded eligibility includes mental health professionals, care home workers, and senior care assistants.baileyjameslegal.comMorgan Smith Immigration
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New salary thresholds: minimum £29,000 for standard roles, £34,500+ for senior/experienced roles, while care workers must earn at least £20,960.www.ukimmigrationnavigator.comNewBalancejobs
Your English proficiency: B1 level via approved test or a degree taught in English.www.ukimmigrationnavigator.comQC Immigration
Your employer provides a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS).Morgan Smith Immigrationwww.ukimmigrationnavigator.com
You must also prove sufficient maintenance funds—£1,270 in your bank account for 28 consecutive days—unless your employer certifies maintenance.NHS EmployersQC Immigration
Important Changes for 2025–2026
Dependent Rules
From 11 March 2024, care workers and senior care workers (specific occupation codes) are no longer allowed to bring dependants. Other eligible professionals under this route can still bring family members.Morgan Smith ImmigrationReiss EdwardsReddit
Application Process at a Glance
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Obtain a job offer and CoS from a Home Office–approved employer.
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Prepare documents: passport, CoS, English proof, financial evidence, and TB test (if needed).Morgan Smith Immigrationwww.ukimmigrationnavigator.com
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Apply online up to 3 months before your start date.NHS Employers
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Attend biometrics (if required).
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Decision in about 3 weeks.
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No IHS payment required—you can access NHS benefits.baileyjameslegal.comNHS Employers
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After 5 continuous years, you may apply for ILR.baileyjameslegal.comMorgan Smith Immigration
Context: Policy Shifts & Impacts
Recent government reforms aim to curtail low-skilled immigration—especially foreign recruitment of care workers. Existing visa holders may continue renewals until 2028, but new applications for care worker roles are phased out.The Washington PostFinancial Times+1
These measures are expected to reduce net migration and raise concerns about staffing shortages in social care, motivating a pivot towards better training and wages for domestic workers.The Guardian+1The Washington Post
Summary Table
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Processing Time | ~3 weeks (fast-track) |
| Application Fee | £304 (≤3 years) / £590 (>3 years) |
| IHS Charge | Exempt |
| Salary Requirement | £29,000 (standard) / £34,500+ (senior) / £20,960 (care workers) |
| English Proficiency | B1 level or academic equivalent |
| Dependents Allowed | No for care workers; Yes for other eligible professionals |
| Path to Settlement | Eligible after 5 years of continuous residence |