Health And Care Worker Visa

The Health and Care Worker visa is open for medical professionals such as qualified doctors, and nurses to come to or stay in the UK to do an eligible job with the NHS, as an NHS supplier or in adult social care.

The Health and Care visa is part of the Skilled Worker visa. You must meet the requirements of the Skilled Worker visa in addition to the requirements set out in this guidance to be eligible for the Health and Care visa.

If you or your family are from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein

If you or your close family member started living in the UK before 1 January 2021, you may be able to apply to the free EU Settlement Scheme. Otherwise, you need a visa to work in the UK. Irish citizens do not need to apply for a visa or to the EU Settlement Scheme.

Health and Care Worker visa requirements

To qualify for a Health and Care Worker visa, you must:

• be a qualified doctor, nurse, health professional or adult social care professional
• work in an eligible health or social care job
• work for a UK employer that's been approved by the Home Office
• have a 'certificate of sponsorship' from your employer with information about the role you've been offered in the UK
• be paid a minimum salary - how much depends on the type of work you do

You must have a confirmed job offer before you apply for your visa.

You must also meet all the other eligibility requirements. Please contact us for initial assessment to determine your eligibility, and to discuss the options.

Your partner and children

Your partner and children can apply to join you or to stay in the UK as your 'dependants' if they're eligible. If their application is successful, their visa will end on the same date as yours.

Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)

The employer is required to include a brief explanation in the Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) setting out how the employee meets the Health and Care Visa eligibility requirement.

The employer will also be responsible for informing the applicant they are eligible for the Health and Care Visa so the applicant can correctly complete the visa application form.

Where an employer is an organisation that provides services commissioned by the NHS, evidence of the contract arrangements with the NHS may need to be provided to UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) as proof that applicants are eligible to apply for a Health and Care Visa.