Health and Care Worker Visa UK 2025: Easiest Route for Nurses & Caregivers

Introduction

The UK Health and Care Worker Visa 2025 continues to be one of the fastest and most accessible ways for international nurses, caregivers, and healthcare professionals to move to the UK for work. With rising demand in the UK’s NHS and private care sector, skilled healthcare workers are now being offered direct sponsorship, reduced visa fees, and a fast-tracked immigration process. This blog is a complete guide covering everything you need to know — eligibility, salary, step-by-step application process, approved employers, and much more.

What is the UK Health and Care Worker Visa?

The UK Health and Care Worker Visa is a subcategory of the Skilled Worker Visa introduced to address staff shortages in the healthcare sector. Launched in August 2020, it allows qualified health professionals from around the world to live and work in the UK. The visa is specifically designed for workers employed by the National Health Service (NHS), an NHS supplier, or adult social care providers.

Unlike other visa routes, this visa is faster, cheaper, and offers direct pathways to settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain). For Indian nurses and caregivers, it is currently the easiest legal route to enter the UK job market.

Who is Eligible?

You can apply for the Health and Care Worker Visa if you:

• Are a qualified nurse, caregiver, paramedic, or healthcare assistant
• Have a job offer from an approved UK sponsor
• Meet the English language and financial requirements
• Hold a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from a licensed UK employer

Common eligible roles:

• Registered Nurse
• Senior Care Assistant
• Nursing Assistant
• Health Care Support Worker
• Physiotherapist
• Paramedic
• Occupational Therapist

 

Health and Care Worker Visa Requirements

To qualify for the UK Health and Care Worker Visa, you must meet the following:

• A valid job offer from a UK employer approved by the Home Office
• A Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from your employer
• Minimum salary (usually £20,960 or £10.75 per hour, varies by role)
• English language proficiency (IELTS or OET for most nurses)
• Proof of qualifications relevant to your role
• Police clearance certificate
• Tuberculosis test result (for some countries like India, Nigeria, etc.)

 

Step-by-Step Application Process

1. Apply for a healthcare job in the UK with a licensed sponsor.
2. Once selected, your employer will issue you a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS).
3. Prepare all required documents, including passport, police certificate, English scores, and job offer.
4. Submit your application online through the UK Visa and Immigration portal.
5. Attend a biometric appointment and wait for a decision (usually 3 weeks).
6. Once approved, travel to the UK and begin your job.

 

Visa Fees & Processing Time

One of the key benefits of this visa is its reduced cost:

• Visa fee for up to 3 years: £284
• Visa fee for more than 3 years: £551
• No Immigration Health Surcharge (normally £624 per year)
• Decision time: Most applications are processed within 3 weeks

Salary Structure for Nurses & Care Workers in the UK

Under the UK Health and Care Worker Visa 2025, the government mandates specific minimum salary thresholds based on job roles. A Registered Nurse in the UK typically earns between £26,200 and £32,934 per year. Some Band 5 NHS nurses even start at £28,407 annually, with salaries increasing based on experience and location.

A Senior Care Assistant usually earns between £20,960 and £23,000 per year, while Caregivers or Support Workers can expect a salary ranging from £20,480 to £23,000 annually. For Paramedics, the average annual salary falls between £30,000 and £38,000, depending on qualifications and experience.

These salary ranges meet or exceed the visa requirements and ensure eligibility under the Skilled Worker points-based immigration system.

 

Benefits of the Health and Care Worker Visa

• Fast-track visa process
• No health surcharge
• Low visa fees
• Work for NHS or registered care homes
• Bring dependents (spouse and children)
• Route to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after 5 years
• Access to UK healthcare, housing, and education
• Eligible for permanent residency and British citizenship

 

List of Approved UK Sponsors (Caregiver & Nurse Jobs)

To apply successfully, you must receive a job offer from an approved UK sponsor. These include:

• NHS Trusts across England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland
• CQC-registered adult care homes
• Licensed recruitment agencies working with UK hospitals
• Private hospitals and clinics with Home Office sponsorship licence

You can check the full sponsor list on the UK Government website.

 

Tips to Secure a Job Offer

• Apply directly on https://www.jobs.nhs.uk/ (official NHS jobs portal)
• Search LinkedIn for UK-based healthcare recruiters
• Contact UK-based care homes with a sponsor licence
• Register with agencies like Kate Cowhig International, HCL Workforce, or Medacs Healthcare

 

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Applying without a CoS
• Not meeting minimum IELTS/OET scores
• Submitting incomplete or incorrect documents
• Applying for non-approved job roles
• Not using an approved sponsor

 

Conclusion

The UK Health and Care Worker Visa 2025 remains the fastest and most affordable route for Indian and international nurses and caregivers to move to the UK. With thousands of open positions, no health surcharge, and family-friendly benefits, this visa route is ideal if you’re looking to build a career abroad. Start preparing your documents, apply for a sponsored job, and take the next big step in your career.

 

✅ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I bring my family with me on a UK Health and Care Worker Visa?

Yes, you can. Your spouse/partner and children under 18 can apply as your dependents. They will be granted the same visa duration and can live, study, or work in the UK.

 

2. Do I need IELTS or OET to apply for this visa?

If you’re applying as a nurse, you typically need IELTS (Academic) with at least 7.0 in reading, listening, and speaking, and 6.5 in writing — or OET with a B in the same modules. Some caregiver roles may not require formal testing but still need CEFR B1 level proof of English.

 

3. What is the age limit to apply for a UK Care Worker Visa?

There is no upper age limit to apply, as long as you are physically fit for the job and meet the qualification and English requirements.

 

4. Can I change employers in the UK after getting the visa?

Yes, but you must get a new Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from your new employer and update your visa with the Home Office before starting the new job.

 

5. Is this visa a path to permanent residency (ILR)?

Yes. After 5 years of continuous legal stay, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), and after that, even British citizenship, provided you meet all requirements.