In 2025–26, the UK implemented major changes to the Health and Care Worker visa, especially affecting overseas care workers. New rules restrict visa sponsorship for care assistants and senior care roles, raise salary thresholds, and remove the right to bring dependants for new applicants. Employers in England must now prove efforts to recruit locally before hiring from abroad. These changes aim to reduce immigration numbers and increase reliance on domestic workers, significantly limiting options for foreign caregivers seeking UK employment.
What’s in It for New Applicants?
As a new applicant for the UK Health and Care Visa, here’s what you’ll get:
1# Fast-Track Processing
Your application will be prioritized. Most visa decisions are made within 3 weeks, compared to the usual 8–20 weeks for other visas.
2# Reduced Visa Fees
Regular Skilled Worker applicants will be required to pay more than you and your eligible dependents. If your employer verifies your eligibility for a Health and Care Visa in the Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), the charge reduction is automatically implemented.
3# No Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)
You’re exempt from paying the IHS, which can otherwise cost up to £1,035 per person per year. Your partner and children are also exempt.
4# Bring Your Family (Important Update)
You can bring your partner and children—except if you’re applying under SOC code 6135 (Care Workers and Home Carers) or 6136 (Senior Care Workers) and your visa was issued after 11 March of last year.
Who Is Eligible?
To qualify, you must:
- Be submitting an application for a skilled worker visa
- Possess a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from a UK employer licensed by the Home Office.
- Be employed in one of the eligible healthcare or social care occupations specified under Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) codes.
Examples of Eligible Roles (SOC Codes):
- 2211: General medical practitioners
- 2235: Mental health nurses
- 2251: Pharmacists
- 2461: Social workers
- 6131: Nursing assistants
- 2254: Medical radiographers
- 2221: Physiotherapists
- 6135: Care workers and home careers (restrictions apply for dependents).
New Application Process (2025 Update):
Follow this updated step-by-step process for a smooth Health and Care Visa application as per new changes (Ref):
Step 1: Secure a Job Offer: Get hired by a UK employer that is:
- Approved by the Home Office, and
- Involved in health or social care (e.g. NHS, local authorities, CQC-registered institutions)
Step 2: Obtain a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS): Your employer issues a CoS that must:
- Clearly verify eligibility for the Health and Care Visa.
- Incorporate the employment title and SOC code.
- Mention the specifics of the contract and the location of the task
Step 3: Prepare Your Documents: You’ll need:
- Passport
- CoS number
- Proof of English proficiency
- Tuberculosis (TB) test results (if required)
- Proof of funds (if not exempt)
- Letter from employer (if dependents are applying separately)
Step 4: Apply Online
Go to: https://www.gov.uk/health-care-worker-visa
Fill out the Skilled Worker visa form and check the Health and Care Visa box to activate benefits (fee reduction + IHS exemption).
Step 5: Biometrics Appointment: Attend your visa center appointment to submit biometrics and supporting documents.
Step 6: Wait for a Decision: Most applications are processed within 3 weeks after biometrics.
Additional Guidance for Employers as Per New Changes for 2025:
Your sponsor must:
- Include a brief statement in the CoS that elucidates the role’s eligibility for the Health and Care Visa.
The new guidance applies from 22 July 2025 onward, and applications are open year-round. Just make sure your sponsor is ready and eligible.
Check Also: UK Shortage Occupation List Highlights Urgent Demand For Skilled Migrants
Important Note About Care Workers (SOC 6135, 6136):
If you’re applying as a:
- Care Worker or Home Carer, or
- Senior Care Worker,
- You have been under the same route since before 11 March 2024 and have already obtained a visa.
- You are submitting an application for an infant born in the United Kingdom.
Frequently Asked Questions:
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What major policy changes are coming in 2025?
From 22 July 2025, the UK will:
Close the Health & Care Worker visa route to new overseas care worker applicants (SOC 6135/6136)
Raise the skills requirement: only roles at RQF Level 6 (degree-level) are eligible for Skilled Worker sponsorship, unless listed on the Temporary Shortage List or Immigration Salary List -
Can current health & care visa holders extend or switch?
Yes—if they:
Were first granted permission before 22 July 2025, or
Are switching from another visa route and have worked for the same sponsor for at least 3 months, or
Apply from within the UK
They can continue until 22 July 2028, even in roles below degree level -
What ae the new salary thresholds?
From 9 April 2025:
Minimum salary for Health & Care visas and care worker jobs rises from £23,200 to £25,000/year or £12.82/hour, whichever is higher
From 22 July 2025:
General Skilled Worker salary threshold increases to £41,700/year (or £31,300 for health & care roles transitioning under special rules)
