The Health and Care Worker Visa is now treated as part of the Skilled Worker system, with important post-2025 restrictions for care workers and senior care workers alongside legacy/transitional rules for existing Skilled Worker holders.
Formerly known as the Tier 2 Health and Care Visa.
Reviewed by the Morgan Smith Immigration team — IAA-regulated UK immigration specialists. Last reviewed 2026-07-10.
TL;DR
The Health and Care Worker Visa is for eligible medical, health and adult social care roles sponsored under the Skilled Worker route. The Home Office fee starts at £324, permission can be granted for up to 5 years, and a typical decision is around 3 weeks.
£324
Fee up to 3 years
Up to 5 years
Grant length
3 weeks
Typical decision
What is the Health and Care Worker Visa?
The Health and Care Worker Visa is not a separate standalone points-based route; Home Office guidance confirms it forms part of the Skilled Worker route. Applicants must meet Skilled Worker requirements as well as the Health and Care Visa-specific requirements for eligible health or care employment.
The category has changed significantly. From the 2025 rule changes, the general Skilled Worker and Health and Care skills threshold moved from RQF level 3 to RQF level 6, and overseas entry clearance applications for care workers and senior care workers were closed while limited in-country switching for those occupations was maintained until 22 July 2028.
Legacy and transitional rules matter. Existing Skilled Worker visa holders, or those sponsored before the changes and later granted permission, may be able to continue under transitional arrangements for extensions, employment changes, dependants and supplementary employment in some below-RQF 6 occupations.
Sponsors should assess the occupation code, salary, care-sector restriction, sponsor licence duties and transitional status before assigning a Certificate of Sponsorship.
Eligibility Requirements
You must satisfy all three conditions to qualify for the Health and Care Worker Visa.
📄
Licensed Sponsor
The applicant needs a Certificate of Sponsorship from an approved Skilled Worker sponsor. The sponsor must be authorised for the relevant health or care role.
💼
Eligible Health or Care Role
The job must fall within an eligible occupation and meet current skill and salary rules. Care worker and senior care worker roles are subject to post-2025 restrictions.
£
Transitional Position
Existing Skilled Worker or Health and Care holders may have legacy protection depending on their grant history, occupation and sponsor position. New overseas applications are assessed under the current rules.
What You Can and Cannot Do
Your rights and restrictions while in the UK on a Health and Care Worker Visa.
✓ You Can
- Work for your sponsor in the eligible health or care role.
- Extend or switch if the current rules or transitional rules allow it.
- Bring dependants where the rules permit for the applicant’s occupation and status.
- Take additional work where Skilled Worker rules allow.
- Apply for settlement after meeting the qualifying requirements.
✗ You Cannot
- Access public funds while subject to immigration control.
- Use closed overseas care roles where current rules prevent entry clearance.
- Assume legacy protection without checking the grant history.
- Work outside your sponsored role except where permitted.
- Treat Health and Care as separate from Skilled Worker requirements.
Costs & Fees
Current fees as of 2026. Set by the Home Office — subject to change.
Fees set by the Home Office and subject to change. Last reviewed: July 2026.
| Item | Cost (2026) |
|---|---|
| Up to 3 years | £324 |
| Over 3 years | £628 |
| IHS | £0 for eligible route |
| Certificate of Sponsorship | £525 |
| Maintenance funds | £1,270 unless exempt |
| Priority services | Additional fee — check gov.uk |
How to Apply
Five steps from preparation to decision.
Check the Job Code
Confirm the role is eligible under the current Skilled Worker and Health and Care rules.
Check Legacy Status
For care workers or senior care workers, assess whether current or transitional rules apply.
Assign the CoS
The sponsor assigns a Certificate of Sponsorship with accurate occupation, salary and work details.
Submit the Visa Application
The applicant completes the online form and proves identity.
Receive Your Decision
Health and Care Worker decisions are typically around 3 weeks.
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Sources
Legal information on this page is based on guidance from GOV.UK, the UK Home Office / UK Visas and Immigration, legislation.gov.uk, and Free Movement. Rules change frequently — speak to our team to confirm current requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about the Health and Care Worker Visa from employers and applicants.
What is the Health and Care Worker Visa UK?
The Health and Care Worker Visa is a Skilled Worker-based route for eligible health and adult social care roles. It was formerly known as the Tier 2 Health and Care Visa.
Has the Health and Care Worker Visa changed?
Yes. The route is now firmly treated within Skilled Worker and 2025 changes increased the skills threshold, restricted care worker entry clearance and created transitional arrangements.
Are care workers still eligible from overseas?
The 2025 changes closed Skilled Worker entry clearance applications for care workers and senior care workers, while maintaining limited in-country switching until 22 July 2028.
What are the legacy rules for Health and Care?
Transitional arrangements can allow existing Skilled Worker holders to extend, change employment, bring dependants and take supplementary work in certain below-RQF 6 roles if they meet the conditions.
How much does the Health and Care Worker Visa cost?
The fee is £324 for up to 3 years and £628 for over 3 years under the 2026 Home Office fee table.
Do Health and Care applicants pay the IHS?
Eligible Health and Care Worker applicants are exempt from the Immigration Health Surcharge.
How long can I stay?
Permission can usually be granted for up to 5 years, depending on the CoS and route requirements.
Does the employer need a sponsor licence?
Yes. The employer must hold a Skilled Worker sponsor licence and assign a valid Certificate of Sponsorship.
Can Health and Care lead to settlement?
Yes. The route can lead to settlement after the qualifying period if all requirements are met.
How long does a Health and Care decision take?
The route is normally prioritised, with typical decisions around 3 weeks.
Need Help With Your Health and Care Worker Visa?
Our immigration specialists handle everything from sponsor licence checks to visa approval — for employers and applicants alike.