Health and Care Worker Visa
United Kingdom
Last updated: December 24, 2025
5 years (renewable)
$408-$791
3 weeks
Medium
About this Visa
This visa lets healthcare workers from other countries work in the UK. It is designed for nurses, doctors, physiotherapists, and similar professionals. You need a job offer from a UK hospital or care provider to apply. You can work full-time in your healthcare role. You can also work extra hours (up to 20 hours per week) in other healthcare jobs. Your family can come with you. You get free NHS healthcare. This visa is cheaper than other work visas. You do not pay the health surcharge (normally £1,000+ per year). The application takes only 3 weeks. You can stay as long as you want by renewing every 5 years. If you are a care assistant or home carer, you cannot apply for a new visa starting July 2025. Nurses and doctors can still apply.
Key Benefits
- Work full-time in healthcare role
- Work extra hours (up to 20 hours per week) in other healthcare jobs
- Free NHS healthcare with no extra charges
- Bring spouse, partner, and children
- Path to permanent residence after 5 years
- Path to British citizenship after 6 years total
- No lifetime limit - renew forever if you want to stay
Eligibility & Requirements
Eligibility Criteria
- Must be 18 or older
- Must be registered with UK healthcare regulator (NMC, GMC, HCPC, GDC, GPhC)
- Must speak English at B1 level minimum
- Must have job offer from licensed UK healthcare employer
- Must earn at least $31,750 per year
- Must have good character with no serious criminal record
- Must pass tuberculosis test if from high-risk country
- Must have employer with Home Office approval to hire international workers
Financial Requirement
Must have $1,701 USD in bank account for 28 days before applying. Add $381 for spouse/partner, $421 per child. Exempt if employer certifies maintenance or you have lived in UK for 12+ months.
Documents
- Valid passportProof of identity
- Job offer letterFrom your UK employer
- Professional registration numberFrom NMC (nurses), GMC (doctors), HCPC (physios/therapists), GDC (dentists), or GPhC (pharmacists)
- English language proofIELTS test score, UK degree, or passport from English-speaking country
- Bank statementsShowing $1,701 if required
- Tuberculosis test resultOnly if from high-risk countries
Disclaimer: The information on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Visa requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Please verify all information with official government sources and consult a qualified immigration attorney before making decisions.