Healthcare · All professionals
The UK actively recruits doctors, nurses, allied health professionals and other healthcare staff from overseas. This is the main visa route for them, with lower fees and faster decisions than other work visas.
- Usual stay
- Up to 5 years, can be extended
- When to apply
- Up to 3 months before your start date
- Typical decision
- About 3 weeks
- Health surcharge
- Exempt on this route
Overview
What the Health and Care Worker visa is.
The Health and Care Worker visa lets qualified healthcare professionals work in the UK for the NHS, an organisation providing services to the NHS, or an eligible adult social care provider.
It sits under the points-based system and works like the Skilled Worker visa, but with reduced fees, no Immigration Health Surcharge and a dedicated fast processing service.
Eligible professions
Who can use this route.
- Doctors
- Nurses
- Midwives
- Paramedics
- Physiotherapists
- Occupational therapists
- Radiographers
- Pharmacists
- Speech and language therapists
- Dietitians
- Biomedical scientists
- Psychologists
- Social workers
Compare
Health and Care Worker vs Skilled Worker.
| Health and Care Worker | Skilled Worker | |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application fee | Reduced | Standard |
| Immigration Health Surcharge | Exempt | Payable |
| Typical decision time | About 3 weeks | About 3 weeks |
| Employer | NHS, NHS suppliers or eligible care providers | Any approved sponsor |
| Dependants | Usually allowed | Usually allowed |
Eligibility
What you need.
- 01A job offer in an eligible healthcare occupation
- 02A Certificate of Sponsorship from an approved employer
- 03Registration with the relevant UK regulator, such as the GMC, NMC or HCPC
- 04English language at level B1 or above, or as your regulator requires
- 05A salary that meets the rules for your occupation
Registration
Your UK professional regulator.
General Medical Council
Doctors register with the GMC, usually after passing the PLAB tests or holding an accepted postgraduate qualification.
Nursing and Midwifery Council
Nurses and midwives register with the NMC through the CBT and OSCE.
Learn more →Health and Care Professions Council
Paramedics, physiotherapists, radiographers, OTs and other allied health professionals register with the HCPC.
General Pharmaceutical Council
Pharmacists trained overseas complete the GPhC’s registration process, including an assessment.
Process
How to apply.
- 1
Check your regulator requirements
Start professional registration early. It is often the longest part of the process.
- 2
Get a job offer and CoS
Your employer confirms the role, salary and occupation code on your Certificate of Sponsorship.
- 3
Prepare documents
Gather passport, English evidence, TB test, criminal record certificate and dependant documents.
- 4
Apply online
Complete the application and pay the visa fee. No health surcharge is due on this route.
- 5
Biometrics and decision
Attend your appointment. Most decisions arrive within about three weeks.
- 6
Travel and start work
Access your eVisa, travel to the UK and begin your role.
FAQ
Common questions.
Cannot find your answer? Email replies@myimmigration.uk or message us on WhatsApp.
Can I switch to this visa from inside the UK?
Often yes, for example from a Student or Skilled Worker visa, if you have an eligible job offer. Some visa types cannot switch, so we check your situation first.
What happens if I change employer?
You usually need a new Certificate of Sponsorship and a new application before you start working for the new employer.
Can I do extra work alongside my main job?
In some cases you can do limited additional work in an eligible occupation. The rules are specific, so check before taking on extra shifts elsewhere.
Contact us
Talk to us about your healthcare career in the UK.
Tell us about your plans and we will get back to you within one business day.
- Call or text+44 7882 503373
- WhatsApp+44 7798 958198
- Emailreplies@myimmigration.uk
- HoursMonday to Friday, 09:00 to 17:30
