VISA TYPE:Health & Care Worker
The Health and Care Worker visa is a specific sub-route of the Skilled Worker visa, designed to support recruitment into essential health and social care roles across the UK. It offers a reduced application fee and exemption from the Immigration Health Surcharge.
Applicants must have a confirmed job offer from a UK employer holding a valid Skilled Worker Sponsor Licence, and the role must be an eligible health or care occupation. The route can lead to settlement.
Recruitment under this route is strongest in frontline clinical and care roles. These commonly include doctors, nurses, allied health professionals, care workers, senior care staff and certain clinical support roles. Eligibility depends on the exact role, sponsor and salary structure, rather than the sector alone.
Applications are assessed against both eligibility and suitability requirements. The Home Office considers whether the role is genuine, correctly sponsored and paid at the appropriate rate, alongside the applicant’s immigration history and compliance record. Most issues arise from technical errors in sponsorship details or misunderstanding of eligibility, rather than the role itself.
We support applicants by carrying out a structured eligibility and suitability check before any application work begins. This helps confirm whether the role qualifies for the Health and Care Worker route, whether switching is permitted, and whether the route is appropriate in the circumstances.
Support includes:
Initial eligibility and suitability assessment
Advice on Health and Care Worker route requirements
Review of role eligibility, occupation codes and salary thresholds
Guidance on supporting documentation
Application preparation and submission
Guidance on biometrics and next steps
Dependant advice, where applicable
We act independently of employers and do not provide sponsorship. Our role is to help applicants understand the rules, assess suitability early, and prepare applications that meet current Home Office requirements.
Can I switch into a Skilled Worker Route?
You may be able to switch into the Health and Care Worker route from within the UK if you hold valid leave and meet the route requirements.
Switching is commonly permitted from routes such as:
Student
Graduate
Youth Mobility Scheme
Some work visas
Switching is not permitted from Visitor, Short-term Student and certain temporary routes.
Eligibility depends on your current immigration status, the timing of the application, and continued compliance with your existing visa conditions.
We carry out a switching and suitability check to confirm that switching is permitted and that the Health and Care Worker route is the correct option.
Take the first step today.
Whether you need expert guidance or have questions about your options, book a consultation today and get clear, trusted advice.