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United KingdomWork permitsLast checked October 16, 2026

Health and Care Worker visa

A sponsored work visa for qualified doctors, nurses, health professionals and some adult social care roles working for an approved UK employer. It has lower fees than the Skilled Worker visa and an exemption from the Immigration Health Surcharge. Care worker and senior care worker roles are now open only to people extending, updating or switching, not to new applicants from abroad.

See requirements ↓
Entry restrictions apply to 1 passports for United Kingdom

The government has suspended some or all visas for holders of these passports. Exceptions exist; see the source.

  • Afghanistan

Source: GOV.UK - Visa brake: changes to the UK visa systemSource: UK Parliament - Written ministerial statement HCWS1379, 5 March 2026Source: GOV.UK - Explanatory memorandum to the Statement of Changes in the Immigration Rules HC 1691, 5 March 2026

Life in United Kingdom

Money

3

Currency

British Pound

GBP

British Pound

Cost of living

92

Price level · US = 100

World Bank price levels, 2025

Tax

20–45%

Income tax (national)

VAT 20% · social security 8%

Personal allowance GBP 12,570 (tapered away above GBP 100,000); 40% from GBP 50,271 and 45% above GBP 125,140. Scotland sets different bands and rates.

Official rates, 2026/27 · headline only

Living

1

Happiness

6.7

#27 of 145 countries

World Happiness Report 2025

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Who it’s for

Qualified health and care professionals with a confirmed job offer from a Home Office-licensed sponsor in an eligible occupation code, such as the NHS, NHS suppliers or adult social care providers.

Eligibility

  • Qualified health or care professional

    You must be a qualified doctor, nurse, health professional or adult social care professional.

  • Sponsored job offer

    You need a confirmed job offer and a certificate of sponsorship from an approved UK employer.

  • Eligible occupation code

    New applicants must have a job in a listed occupation code; the full list is on GOV.UK.

    • Example codes: 2211, 2212, 2231-2237, 2251-2256, 2259, 2461, 3111, 3212, 6131
    What these codes mean (20)
    2211
    Generalist medical practitioners
    2212
    Specialist medical practitioners
    2231
    Midwifery nurses
    2232
    Registered community nurses
    2233
    Registered specialist nurses
    2234
    Registered nurse practitioners
    2235
    Registered mental health nurses
    2236
    Registered children's nurses
    2237
    Other registered nursing professionals
    2251
    Pharmacists
    2252
    Optometrists
    2253
    Dental practitioners
    2254
    Medical radiographers
    2255
    Paramedics
    2256
    Podiatrists
    2259
    Other health professionals not elsewhere classified
    2461
    Social workers
    3111
    Laboratory technicians
    3212
    Pharmaceutical technicians
    6131
    Nursing auxiliaries and assistants
    Official list: UK occupation code (SOC 2020)
    Official wording

    New applicants must be in a listed code such as 2211, 2212, 2231-2237, 2251-2256, 2259, 2461, 3111, 3212 or 6131. The full list is on GOV.UK.

A sneak peek at what's inside

  • Next requirementCare workers: not for new entrants
  • Document checklistCertificate of sponsorship reference number
  • FeesApplication fee, up to 3 years

The full requirements are for members

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  • 6 more requirements
  • 9 documents
  • 5 fees
  • 7 steps
  • Processing times and conditions
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