Health and Care Worker Visa
The UK Health and Care Worker Visa allows eligible medical, healthcare and certain social care professionals to work in the UK for an approved employer. It is a specialist category within the Skilled Worker route and offers eligible applicants reduced visa fees and exemption from the Immigration Health Surcharge.
Hudson McKenzie advises healthcare professionals, health and care sector employers and international organisations on Health and Care Worker Visa applications, sponsorship requirements, Certificates of Sponsorship, salary requirements and related UK immigration matters.
The Health and Care Worker Visa is designed for eligible doctors, nurses, health professionals and qualifying adult social care professionals taking up sponsored employment in the UK.
Applicants must have an eligible role, work for an approved health or care sector sponsor, receive the required salary and satisfy the applicable English language and other Skilled Worker requirements. The correct occupation code is particularly important because it can affect eligibility, salary requirements and, in some cases, whether family members can accompany the worker.
The rules applying to health and social care recruitment have changed significantly in recent years. In particular, new overseas applications for care workers and senior care workers closed from 22 July 2025, although defined transitional arrangements remain available for certain workers already in the UK.
Hudson McKenzie can advise both employers and workers on whether the proposed role qualifies, the appropriate sponsorship arrangements and the immigration requirements that apply to the individual application.
Health and Care Worker Visa Requirements
Who Can Apply and Which Healthcare Roles Are Eligible?
Sponsor Licence, Certificate of Sponsorship and Salary Requirements
English Language, Professional Registration and Application Documents
Dependants, Changing Employer and Settlement
How Hudson McKenzie Can Help
Hudson McKenzie's UK healthcare immigration lawyers advise healthcare professionals and employers on Health and Care Worker Visa applications and sponsorship matters.
For employers, we can advise on Sponsor Licence requirements, eligible healthcare roles, occupation codes, salary assessments, Certificates of Sponsorship and ongoing immigration compliance.
For individuals, we can advise on eligibility, application documents, English language requirements, dependants, changes of employer and longer-term settlement planning.
Because the Health and Care Worker Visa forms part of the wider Skilled Worker system, we can also advise where an alternative sponsored work route may be more appropriate.
For a broader overview of immigration options for employers and individuals, visit our United Kingdom immigration services page.
If you are a healthcare professional considering work in the UK, or an organisation seeking to sponsor an eligible overseas healthcare worker, speak to Hudson McKenzie for advice based on your circumstances.
