NHS & Health and Care Worker visa
How healthcare professionals — nurses, doctors, pharmacists, physiotherapists, radiographers — can work in the UK with lower salary thresholds and faster processing.
Last updated: February 2026
What is the Health and Care Worker visa?
The Health and Care Worker visa is a dedicated pathway within the Skilled Worker route, designed to make it easier and cheaper for the NHS, social care sector, and private healthcare providers to recruit qualified health professionals from overseas. It offers reduced visa fees, exemption from the Immigration Health Surcharge, and faster processing times.
The visa covers roles in the NHS, NHS-commissioned services, and private healthcare organisations. It operates under the same sponsorship framework as the Skilled Worker visa but with its own salary structure and eligible occupation list.
Official source: GOV.UK — Health and Care Worker visa
Eligible roles
The following types of healthcare roles are typically eligible for the Health and Care Worker visa:
Official source: GOV.UK — Health and Care Worker visa eligibility
Salary thresholds
Health and Care Worker visa roles benefit from lower salary thresholds compared to the standard Skilled Worker route:
| Category | Threshold |
|---|---|
| Standard Health & Care roles | ~£31,300 (or going rate) |
| National pay scale roles (NHS Agenda for Change) | Band-specific rates apply |
| Transitional (pre-April 2024 entrants) | As low as £25,000 in some cases |
| New entrant discount | Available — reduced from standard rate |
Benefits over standard Skilled Worker visa
- Lower visa feesReduced application fee compared to the standard Skilled Worker route
- No Immigration Health SurchargeHealth and Care visa holders are exempt from the annual £1,035 IHS — saving thousands over a 5-year visa
- Faster processingApplications are typically prioritised by UKVI with faster turnaround times
- Lower salary thresholdsMinimum salary starts around £31,300 rather than the general £41,700
- Dependants allowedYou can bring your spouse/partner and children, who can work without restriction
- Path to settlementSame ILR pathway as standard Skilled Worker — apply after 5 years continuous residence
NHS Trusts as sponsors
NHS Trusts are among the largest and most reliable visa sponsors in the UK. As direct public sector employers, they offer several advantages for visa applicants:
- Almost all NHS Trusts hold a valid Sponsor Licence — they are verified on the GOV.UK register
- NHS Trusts are direct employers (not recruitment agencies), which simplifies the sponsorship process
- Structured pay bands (Agenda for Change) provide salary transparency
- NHS Trusts typically handle the COS process and support visa applications
- Large Trusts like Barts Health, Guy's & St Thomas', and University Hospitals Birmingham regularly recruit internationally
Official source: GOV.UK — Register of licensed sponsors
Professional registration
Most healthcare roles in the UK require registration with the relevant professional body before you can practise:
Find NHS jobs with visa sponsorship
JobWizard AI scans NHS Jobs directly and verifies every NHS Trust against the COS sponsor register. We match healthcare roles to your qualifications, experience, and visa requirements.
Start matching jobsDisclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute immigration or legal advice. Always refer to GOV.UK and consult a qualified immigration advisor.