Health & Care Worker Visa
Work Legally in the UK Healthcare Sector Under the Points-Based System
Legate Hub provides dedicated immigration support to healthcare professionals and sponsoring employers across the NHS, private medical, and care sectors.
Overview
The Health and Care Worker Visa allows qualified doctors, nurses, and allied health professionals to work in the UK for approved health or adult social care organisations. The route is part of the Skilled Worker system but provides faster processing, lower fees, and an exemption from the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS). Legate Hub assists employers and applicants from start to finish, ensuring eligibility, accurate documentation, and full Home Office compliance.
Eligibility Requirements
- You must have a confirmed job offer from a UK employer approved by the Home Office under the Health and Care Worker route.
- The job must fall under an eligible occupation code (e.g. 2211 Medical Practitioners, 2231 Nurses, 6145 Care Workers).
- You must hold a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) detailing job title, salary, and sponsor licence number.
- You must meet English language requirements (B1 CEFR or higher).
- Your salary must meet the national pay scale or the occupation’s minimum threshold, typically the NHS Agenda for Change rate or £23,200 (whichever is higher).
- You must be eligible for registration with the relevant professional body, if required (e.g. GMC, NMC, HCPC).
Benefits of the Health & Care Worker Visa
- Exemption from Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).
- Reduced Home Office application fees.
- Permission to bring dependants and family members to the UK.
- Pathway to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after 5 years of continuous employment.
Required Documents
- Valid passport and travel history.
- Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from employer.
- Proof of English language proficiency (IELTS or UK degree).
- Job offer letter and signed contract.
- Police clearance certificate (for some roles).
- TB test certificate (if applicable).
- Registration confirmation with relevant UK professional body (if applicable).
Application Process
- Step 1 – Job Offer & CoS: Your UK employer issues a Certificate of Sponsorship confirming the role and salary.
- Step 2 – Document Preparation: Gather required documents and verify professional registration or licensing.
- Step 3 – Online Application: Complete the Home Office visa application, upload documents, and pay the reduced Health & Care Worker fee.
- Step 4 – Biometrics & Decision: Attend your biometric appointment and await a Home Office decision.
- Step 5 – Entry to the UK: On approval, travel with your visa vignette or confirm your digital immigration status.
Processing Times
| Application Type | Typical Timeframe* |
|---|---|
| Outside the UK | 4 weeks or longer |
| Inside the UK (switch or extension) | Approximately 3 weeks |
| Priority service (where available) | 5 working days (not guaranteed, generally available for in-country applications only) |
*Processing times are estimates only and may vary depending on Home Office workload, verification checks, and sponsor validation.
Apply through Legate Hub – Start Your Health & Care Worker Visa Application
Salary & Occupation Codes
Health and Care Worker applicants must meet minimum salary and skill thresholds for their occupation code. Legate Hub verifies eligibility under Appendix Skilled Occupations and ensures your Certificate of Sponsorship reflects the correct pay rate and working hours.
- Example Codes:
- 2211 – Medical Practitioners
- 2231 – Nurses
- 6141 – Nursing Auxiliaries & Assistants
- 6145 – Care Workers & Home Carers
Book a Consultation
Start your Health & Care Worker Visa application today. Contact Legate Hub to speak with our immigration specialists.