Health and Care Worker Visa Applications – Immigration Solicitors Manchester
The Health and Care Worker Visa allows qualified healthcare professionals from around the world to live and work in the United Kingdom in eligible roles within the NHS, NHS suppliers, and adult social care organisations approved by the Home Office.
This visa route forms part of the UK’s immigration system designed to support the health and social care sector by enabling skilled international professionals to work lawfully in the UK.
At TM Fortis Solicitors, our specialist immigration solicitors provide expert legal advice to healthcare professionals applying for the Health and Care Worker Visa, including doctors, nurses, allied health professionals and adult social care workers. We guide clients through every stage of the process, from assessing eligibility to preparing visa applications and planning long-term settlement in the UK.
What Is the Health and Care Worker Visa?
The Health and Care Worker Visa is a specialised immigration route within the Skilled Worker visa category.
It is designed for healthcare professionals who have a job offer from an approved UK employer in the health or social care sector.
The visa allows qualified professionals to:
- Live and work in the United Kingdom
- Work in eligible healthcare or social care roles
- Bring certain family members to the UK (subject to eligibility)
- Apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain after five years
This route also benefits from reduced visa application fees and exemption from the Immigration Health Surcharge.
Who Can Apply for a Health and Care Worker Visa?
You may be eligible for a Health and Care Worker Visa if you are a qualified professional working in an eligible healthcare or social care occupation.
Typical eligible roles include:
- Doctors
- Nurses
- Allied health professionals
- Adult social care professionals
- Senior care workers
- Other regulated healthcare professionals
Applicants must normally have a confirmed job offer from an approved UK employer.
Health and Care Worker Visa Requirements
To qualify for a Health and Care Worker Visa, applicants must meet several eligibility requirements.
Applicants must:
- Have a confirmed job offer from a Home Office approved sponsor, such as an NHS Trust or registered care provider
- Receive a Certificate of Sponsorship from their employer
- Be paid at least the minimum salary threshold or the going rate for the occupation
- Demonstrate the required English language ability
- Work in an occupation that appears on the eligible healthcare occupations list
The Home Office will review the sponsor details and employment offer before granting the visa.
Certificate of Sponsorship
A Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) is an electronic document issued by the sponsoring employer confirming that a job offer has been made to the applicant.
The certificate contains details such as:
- The job role
- Salary
- Employer information
- Start date of employment
Applicants must include the Certificate of Sponsorship reference number when submitting their visa application.
Length of the Health and Care Worker Visa
A Health and Care Worker Visa may be granted for up to five years depending on the length of the employment contract.
The visa can be extended provided that the applicant continues to meet the eligibility requirements.
After completing five years of lawful residence, many applicants may be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in the United Kingdom.
Dependants of Health and Care Worker Visa Holders
In many cases, applicants can bring family members to the United Kingdom as dependants.
Eligible dependants may include:
- A partner or spouse
- Children under the age of 18
However, immigration rules introduced in March 2024 restrict dependant applications for certain roles.
Partners and children of Care Workers and Senior Care Workers are generally not permitted to apply as dependants, unless the worker was already employed in the UK on a Health and Care Worker Visa before 11 March 2024 and one of the following applies:
- The worker is still on a Health and Care Worker Visa
- The worker is extending their visa with the same employer
- The worker is changing to a new job within the same occupation code
Settlement in the UK
The Health and Care Worker Visa provides a pathway to permanent residence in the United Kingdom.
After completing five years of continuous residence in the UK under this route, applicants may be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain.
To qualify for settlement, applicants must normally demonstrate that they:
- Meet the required residence requirements
- Pass the Life in the UK Test
- Meet the English language requirement
After obtaining settlement, individuals may later apply for British citizenship.
Evidence Required for a Health and Care Worker Visa
Applicants must submit documentation demonstrating that they meet the requirements of the visa route.
This may include:
- A valid passport
- Certificate of Sponsorship
- Evidence of professional qualifications
- English language test results
- Employment contract and salary information
Providing accurate documentation is essential to ensure that the application is processed successfully.
How Our Immigration Solicitors Can Help
Our immigration solicitors provide specialist legal advice to healthcare professionals applying for the Health and Care Worker Visa.
We assist clients with:
- Assessing eligibility for the visa
- Preparing visa applications
- Reviewing Certificates of Sponsorship
- Advising healthcare employers and professionals
- Visa extensions and settlement applications
Our aim is to ensure that applications are carefully prepared and submitted with the correct supporting documentation.
Contact Our Immigration Solicitors
If you are a healthcare professional seeking to apply for a Health and Care Worker Visa, our experienced immigration solicitors can assist you throughout the process.
Contact TM Fortis Solicitors today on 0161 220 6040 for expert legal advice on Health and Care Worker Visa applications.
