Moving Abroad

UK Health and Care Worker Visa: Requirements and How It Works

2 min read

In this guide
  1. Quick answer
  2. What do you need to apply?
  3. Timeline at a glance
  4. Can family come with you?
  5. Common mistakes
  6. FAQ
    1. Do I pay the healthcare surcharge?
    2. Can I switch employers?
  7. Key takeaways
  8. Related guides
  9. Sources

The UK Health and Care Worker visa lets qualified health and care professionals come to the UK to work for an approved employer. This guide summarises the requirements published by GOV.UK so you know what to expect before you apply.

Quick answer

  • You need a certificate of sponsorship from an approved employer.
  • The job must be eligible and meet a minimum salary.
  • You can stay up to 5 years and then extend.
  • Apply up to 3 months before your job start date; decisions usually take about 3 weeks.
  • You do not pay the immigration health surcharge on this visa.
  • Settlement is possible after 5 years, and dependants can apply.

What do you need to apply?

Three things: a certificate of sponsorship, an eligible job and a salary that meets the minimum. The employer issues the certificate, so your first step is finding a sponsoring employer, not filling in the visa form.

Timeline at a glance

Step Timing
Apply Up to 3 months before start date
Decision Usually about 3 weeks
Stay Up to 5 years, extendable
Settlement Possible after 5 years

Can family come with you?

Yes. Dependants can apply to join you. Check GOV.UK for the current dependant requirements.

Common mistakes

  • Applying without a valid certificate of sponsorship.
  • Assuming any health job qualifies; it must be an eligible role.
  • Applying earlier than 3 months before the start date.

FAQ

Do I pay the healthcare surcharge?

GOV.UK states this visa has no immigration health surcharge.

Can I switch employers?

Changing sponsor has its own rules, so check GOV.UK first.

Key takeaways

  • Get the sponsor and certificate first.
  • Time your application inside the 3-month window.
  • Plan for family applications at the same time.

Last updated: October 2026. This guide is general information, not legal advice. Confirm details with the official source before applying.

Sources

  • GOV.UK: Health and Care Worker visa

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