The UK Health and Care Worker Visa is designed for medical professionals, nurses, doctors, health professionals, or adult social care workers who wish to work in the UK. This visa category is in high demand due to the essential nature of health and care professions. The visa comes with benefits such as fast-tracked entry to the UK, reduced visa fees, and exemption from the healthcare surcharge. Additionally, holders of the Health and Care Worker Visa may be eligible to apply for UK permanent residency after five years. Below are the key details about this visa, including the list of eligible occupations, salary requirements, and the application process.
List of Health and Care Visa Licensed Sponsors
- View the updated list of approved UK employers on the [UK government website](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-visas-and-immigration-international-sponsorship-for-employers/list-of-licensed-sponsors).
Visa Cost
- If applying from outside the UK:
- Up to 3 years: £284 per person
- More than 3 years: £551 per person
- Applicants must have at least £1,270 in their bank account to support themselves upon arrival in the UK.
Eligible Occupations and Their 4-Digit Codes
- Use the [ONS occupation coding tool] to search for your job.
Eligible Job Roles
- 1181 Health services and public health managers and directors
- 1242 Residential, day, and domiciliary care managers and proprietors
- 2112 Biological scientists and biochemists
- 2113 Physical scientists
- 2211 Medical practitioners
- 2212 Psychologists
- 2213 Pharmacists
- 2214 Ophthalmic opticians
- 2215 Dental practitioners
- 2217 Medical radiographers
- 2218 Podiatrists
- 2219 Health professionals not elsewhere classified (e.g., audiologists and occupational health advisers)
- 2221 Physiotherapists
- 2222 Occupational therapists
- 2223 Speech and language therapists
- 2229 Therapy professionals not elsewhere classified (e.g., osteopaths and psychotherapists)
- 2231 Nurses
- 2232 Midwives
- 2442 Social workers
- 3111 Laboratory technicians
- 3213 Paramedics
- 3216 Dispensing opticians
- 3217 Pharmaceutical technicians
- 3218 Medical and dental technicians
- 3219 Health associate professionals not elsewhere classified
- 6141 Nursing auxiliaries and assistants
- 6143 Dental nurses
- 6145 Care workers & home carers
- 6146 Senior care workers
Salary Requirements
- Usually, you need to be paid at least £26,200 per year or £10.75 per hour.
Knowledge of English
- Proof of English language proficiency is usually required. Check the [list of countries exempt from providing proof of English language](https://www.gov.uk/english-language).
UK Healthcare Worker Visa Requirements
1. Job offer from an approved UK employer.
2. Certificate of sponsorship reference number provided by your employer.
3. Valid passport.
4. Job’s occupation code.
5. Clean criminal record.
6. Salary meeting UK government standards.
7. Sufficient funds in your bank account.
How Long You Can Stay in the UK on a Health and Care Worker Visa
- The visa is granted for up to 5 years before the need for an extension.
How to Apply for the UK Health and Care Worker Visa
- Apply online on the [official UK government website](https://www.gov.uk/health-care-worker-visa).
This information provides an overview, and applicants are encouraged to refer to the [Government of UK Immigration and Visas](https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-visas-and-immigration) for detailed guidelines. Additionally, you may find the [UK Skilled Worker Visa Process](https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa) relevant for further insights.
