The Health and Care visa is the UK's discounted Skilled Worker route for sponsored healthcare and clinical professionals. From 8 April 2026 the application fee rose to £324 (≤3 years) or £628 (>3 years) — still roughly £500 cheaper than the standard Skilled Worker fee for a 3-year grant. Holders are fully exempt from the £1,035 per year Immigration Health Surcharge and their sponsors are exempt from the Immigration Skills Charge. From 8 January 2026 first-time applicants must meet the new B2 English standard (IELTS 5.5 in each component). Care worker (SOC 6135) and senior care worker (SOC 6136) overseas applications closed on 22 July 2025; transitional in-country switching for existing workers continues until 22 July 2028. Full route mechanics live in official Health and Care Worker visa guidance on gov.uk.
The Health and Care visa is a discounted sub-route of the Skilled Worker visa for clinical and allied health professionals sponsored by NHS trusts, NHS suppliers, or CQC-registered adult social care providers. From 8 April 2026 fees stand at £324 (≤3 years) or £628 (>3 years) — same rates inside and outside the UK. Applicants are fully exempt from the £1,035 per year Immigration Health Surcharge for themselves and all dependants. Sponsors are exempt from the Immigration Skills Charge. The general salary floor is £31,300 or £25,000 for occupations on national NHS pay scales. From 8 January 2026 new applicants must meet B2 English (IELTS 5.5 in each component).
Health and Care Visa UK 2026: Fees, Eligibility, IELTS & Settlement Guide
The Health and Care visa operates as a discounted sub-category of the main UK sponsored work permission, designed to attract overseas clinical and allied health professionals to the NHS and CQC-regulated adult social care. Introduced in August 2020 to address chronic staffing shortages, the route preserves three structural advantages over the standard Skilled Worker visa: a substantially lower application fee, full exemption from the Immigration Health Surcharge, and sponsor exemption from the Immigration Skills Charge.
Three policy changes reshape the Health and Care route. From 22 July 2025, care worker (SOC 6135) and senior care worker (SOC 6136) overseas applications closed permanently; existing in-country workers retain transitional switching rights until 22 July 2028. From 8 January 2026, new first-time applicants must demonstrate B2 English (IELTS 5.5 in each of reading, writing, speaking, and listening) — up from B1. From 8 April 2026, application fees rose from £304/£590 to £324/£628 alongside the wider Home Office fee uplift.
What is the Health and Care Visa?
The Health and Care visa is a UK work visa for qualified doctors, nurses, allied health professionals, and adult social care workers in eligible SOC codes. It offers reduced application fees (£324 for up to 3 years from 8 April 2026), full IHS exemption for the worker and dependants, and sponsor exemption from the Immigration Skills Charge. Sponsors must be an NHS trust, an NHS supplier providing services under contract, or a CQC-registered adult social care provider in England.
The NHS workforce relies heavily on international recruitment — approximately 17% of NHS staff report non-British nationality per official NHS workforce statistics. Each grant runs up to 5 years per application, with the route leading to settlement after 5 years of continuous residence subject to the proposed earned-settlement changes under consultation.
Health and Care Visa UK Eligibility Requirements 2026
To qualify in 2026 you must hold a Certificate of Sponsorship from an approved health or care sponsor, work in an eligible SOC code at RQF Level 6 (degree-level), earn at least £31,300 generally or £25,000 if your role sits on national NHS pay scales (whichever is higher with the going rate), meet B2 English (IELTS 5.5 in each component) if applying for the first time on or after 8 January 2026, and hold £1,270 maintenance funds for 28 consecutive days unless your sponsor certifies you.
Eligibility tightened in two material respects since 2024. First, the RQF Level 6 skill threshold rules moved the bar from RQF 3 to RQF 6 on 22 July 2025, removing care worker and senior care worker codes from new overseas recruitment. Second, the English language standard rose from B1 to B2 for first-time applicants on 8 January 2026. Workers already in the UK on the route who are extending or switching internally remain on the B1 standard.
- Valid CoS: from an NHS trust, NHS-contracted supplier, or CQC-registered care provider with active sponsor licence
- Eligible SOC code: RQF Level 6 occupation in health or care — full list below
- Salary threshold: £31,300 general or £25,000 on national NHS pay scales, plus going rate
- English standard: B2 (IELTS 5.5 each component) for new applicants from 8 January 2026; B1 for existing workers extending
- Maintenance funds: £1,270 held for 28 consecutive days unless sponsor-certified
- Identity documents: valid passport or travel document
- TB test: required if you have lived 6+ months in a listed country
- Criminal record certificate: see our guide to the ACRO police clearance certificate rules for health-sector applicants
Eligible SOC Codes 2026
Only RQF Level 6 occupations qualify for new Health and Care visa sponsorship from 22 July 2025. Six roles previously eligible at sub-degree levels were removed from the route. The current eligibility table is published by NHS Employers and cross-references the Appendix Skilled Occupations in the Immigration Rules.
| SOC Code | Occupation | Status 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| 2211 | Medical practitioners (doctors) | Eligible |
| 2212 | Psychologists | Eligible |
| 2213 | Pharmacists | Eligible |
| 2215 | Dental practitioners | Eligible |
| 2217 | Medical radiographers | Eligible |
| 2221 | Physiotherapists | Eligible |
| 2222 | Occupational therapists | Eligible |
| 2223 | Speech and language therapists | Eligible |
| 2231 | Nurses | Eligible |
| 2232 | Midwives | Eligible |
| 3213 | Paramedics | Eligible |
| 6135 | Care workers | Closed to new overseas recruitment (22 July 2025) |
| 6136 | Senior care workers | Closed to new overseas recruitment (22 July 2025) |
Care workers and senior care workers already employed by their sponsor for at least 3 months before 22 July 2025 retain transitional rights to extend permission or switch employers in the same SOC code until 22 July 2028. New overseas applications for these roles cannot be sponsored. Workers facing sponsor licence revocation should understand the published UK employer compliance and licensing framework and the 60-day curtailment window before re-applying with a new sponsor.
IELTS Requirements: B2 from 8 January 2026
From 8 January 2026 new Health and Care visa applicants must demonstrate B2 English (IELTS 5.5 in each of reading, writing, speaking, and listening) — up from B1. Existing workers extending permission or switching within the UK retain the B1 standard. The B2 rise mirrors the increase applied to the wider Skilled Worker route. Exemptions apply for nationals of majority-English-speaking countries, holders of degrees taught in English (verified by UK ENIC), and applicants who passed a regulator-recognised professional body English assessment.
The English language standard for first-time Health and Care visa applicants rose from B1 to B2 on 8 January 2026. This applies to all new entry-clearance and switching applications from outside the route. Existing Health and Care visa holders extending in-country remain on the B1 standard. The change brings the Health and Care route in line with the standard Skilled Worker English standard and reflects a broader policy direction set out in our wider UK CEFR test routes and exemptions guide.
English Language Requirement by Applicant Type
| Applicant Type | CEFR Level | Equivalent IELTS Score |
|---|---|---|
| First-time applicants (from 8 January 2026) | B2 | 5.5 in each component |
| Existing Health and Care visa holders extending | B1 | 4.0 in each component |
| Switching within UK from same route | B1 | 4.0 in each component |
| Applicants applying for ILR settlement | B1 | 4.0 in speaking and listening only |
Approved Secure English Language Tests
- IELTS for UKVI: Academic or General Training (must be the UKVI version, not academic IELTS)
- PTE Academic UKVI: Pearson Test of English UKVI
- LanguageCert International ESOL SELT: Multiple levels available
- Trinity College London ISE: Integrated Skills in English
Healthcare regulatory bodies (NMC, GMC, GDC, HCPC) typically require their own English assessments at OET or IELTS Academic level — these tests can satisfy both the visa and the regulator if scores meet both thresholds. Confirm with the relevant council before booking.
Salary Threshold 2026
The 2026 Health and Care visa salary threshold is the higher of £31,300 (general floor) and the going rate for the SOC code — except for occupations on national NHS pay scales (Agenda for Change bands and STPCD teacher scales), where the floor drops to £25,000 against the published national pay rate. The £31,300 floor replaces the previous £29,000. Going rates derive from ONS ASHE data and are republished annually in Appendix Skilled Occupations Tables 1 to 4.
Health and Care visa salary mechanics work differently from the standard Skilled Worker route. The headline Skilled Worker floor is £41,700, but the Health and Care concession preserves a lower £31,300 floor — and a £25,000 floor for the most common clinical occupations paid under NHS Agenda for Change. Full going-rate mechanics in our Skilled Worker pay threshold guide.
NHS Agenda for Change Pay Bands 2025/26
Most clinical and allied health roles follow Agenda for Change pay bands. Indicative 2025/26 figures are set out below — actual contracts depend on band point progression, location supplements (high-cost area allowances), and on-call enhancements.
| NHS Band | Example Role | Indicative Salary Range |
|---|---|---|
| Band 5 | Staff Nurse (entry) | £27,735 – £34,155 |
| Band 6 | Senior Staff Nurse | £33,384 – £41,787 |
| Band 7 | Advanced Practitioner | £40,057 – £48,303 |
| Band 8a | Matron / Senior AHP | £48,051 – £55,948 |
| Consultant scale | Medical Consultant | £88,364 – £119,133 |
Workers paid under Agenda for Change with high-cost area supplements (Inner London, Outer London, Fringe) clear the £25,000 floor with margin to spare even at Band 5 entry. Higher-rate Inner London supplements add 20% to base salary up to specified caps — Band 5 entry with Inner London supplement clears £33,000.
Health and Care Visa Fees from 8 April 2026
From 8 April 2026 the Health and Care visa application fee is £324 for permission of 3 years or less and £628 for permission longer than 3 years — same rate inside and outside the UK. The route remains exempt from the £1,035 per year Immigration Health Surcharge and the £1,320 (large sponsor) Immigration Skills Charge. A 5-year application costs £628 visa fee — total worker-side outlay against the £6,793 equivalent on the standard Skilled Worker route.
The 8 April 2026 schedule represented a 6.5% increase on prior rates. The Health and Care concession was preserved through the uplift — the differential against standard Skilled Worker pricing actually widened in cash terms. Full fee comparison sits in our complete UK work visa cost breakdown.
| Duration | Health and Care Visa (8 April 2026) | Standard Skilled Worker Visa (8 April 2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Visa fee (≤3 years, outside UK) | £324 | £819 |
| Visa fee (≤3 years, inside UK) | £324 | £943 |
| Visa fee (>3 years, outside UK) | £628 | £1,618 |
| Visa fee (>3 years, inside UK) | £628 | £1,865 |
| Priority service add-on | +£500 | +£500 |
| Super Priority service add-on | +£1,000 | +£1,000 |
Health and Care visa holders are completely exempt from the Immigration Health Surcharge of £1,035 per adult per year and £776 per under-18 per year. Across a 5-year grant for a family of four with two adults and two children, this exemption saves approximately £18,110 against the standard annual NHS funding levy. Sponsors are separately exempt from the Immigration Skills Charge, saving £1,320 per worker per year (large sponsor) or £480 (small or charitable sponsor).
Processing Times and Priority Service
Standard decision timelines after enrolling biometrics on the Health and Care route are approximately 3 weeks from biometrics for both out-of-country and in-country applications — typically faster than the standard Skilled Worker route. Priority service (£500 add-on) targets 5 working days; Super Priority (£1,000 add-on) targets next working day. The 5-working-day Priority service is the most popular add-on for workers approaching agreed start dates. Some applicants face a credibility interview during processing — see our Skilled Worker credibility interview preparation guide for typical questions. Refused applicants should review the most frequent Health and Care refusal triggers before re-applying.
Indefinite Leave to Remain Pathway
The Health and Care route leads to UK long-term settlement after 5 years of continuous residence — although the April 2026 White Paper proposes extending this to 10 years through an earned-settlement model. The 5-year route remains in force for all workers approaching their qualifying anniversary until the new framework is enacted.
Settlement requirements: 5 years of continuous lawful residence on Health and Care or qualifying predecessor routes, salary at or above £31,300 (or £25,000 on national pay scales, plus going rate), Life in the UK test pass, B1 English in speaking and listening, no absence exceeding 180 days in any 12-month rolling period, good character, and ongoing sponsorship in a qualifying role at application date. ILR application fee rose to £3,226 on 8 April 2026 — see our Skilled Worker settlement criteria guide for full mechanics.
- Qualifying residence: 5 years on Health and Care or Skilled Worker (and qualifying predecessor routes) — see the 180-day absence rule for settlement
- Salary at application: at least £31,300 (or £25,000 if on national NHS pay scales) and at or above the going rate
- Settlement knowledge: pass the settlement knowledge assessment
- English at B1: speaking and listening only — degree-in-English and majority-English-nationality exemptions available
- Absences: no more than 180 days outside the UK in any 12-month rolling period
- Good character: no unspent convictions, no immigration breaches, no false representations
- Active sponsorship: still sponsored by a licensed employer in an eligible Health and Care role at application date
The April 2026 White Paper proposes extending the ILR qualifying period from 5 years to 10 years for most workers under an earned-settlement model. Fast-track 5-year settlement may remain available for frontline NHS workers and high earners (£50,270+ over 5 years; £125,140+ over 3 years). The consultation closes on 12 February 2026, with possible implementation from April 2026. Changes would apply prospectively to all workers not yet holding ILR. Workers within 12 months of their 5-year point should consider applying before any new framework takes effect — settlement timing is captured in our wider UK immigration policy landscape guide.
- Visa fees from 8 April 2026: £324 (≤3 years) or £628 (>3 years) — same inside and outside the UK
- Full IHS exemption for worker and dependants — saves £1,035 per adult per year
- Sponsor ISC exemption — saves £1,320 per year (large) or £480 (small) per worker
- B2 English (IELTS 5.5 each component) required for new applicants from 8 January 2026
- Salary floor: £31,300 general or £25,000 on national NHS pay scales
- Care worker (SOC 6135/6136) overseas applications closed 22 July 2025
- Care worker transitional in-country switching available to 22 July 2028
- ILR after 5 years subject to White Paper consultation potentially extending to 10 years
For employer-side mechanics including sponsor licence application and CoS assignment, see the official Home Office Health and Care sponsorship guidance. For application-stage paperwork, see our consolidated document checklist.
Frequently Asked Questions
From 8 January 2026, new Health and Care visa applicants must demonstrate B2 English level — IELTS 5.5 in each of reading, writing, speaking, and listening. This is an increase from the previous B1 standard. Existing Health and Care visa holders extending permission or switching within the UK retain the B1 requirement (IELTS 4.0 each component). Healthcare regulators (NMC, GMC, GDC, HCPC) often impose their own English thresholds at higher levels — an assessment passed for the regulator can satisfy the visa English requirement if scores meet both.
No. From 22 July 2025 the care worker (SOC 6135) and senior care worker (SOC 6136) overseas application routes closed permanently. Care workers already employed by their sponsor for at least 3 months before that date retain transitional rights to extend permission and switch employers in the same SOC code until 22 July 2028. New overseas applications in these codes are not accepted. Other clinical and allied health professional codes remain open on the standard rules.
The 2026 general salary floor is £31,300 — replacing the previous £29,000 floor. For occupations paid on national NHS pay scales (most Agenda for Change clinical roles), the cash floor drops to £25,000. Applicants must always also clear the going rate published for their SOC code. The lower £25,000 cash floor sits well below typical Band 5 nurse entry salaries (£27,735+), so almost all sponsored clinical staff clear the floor with margin to spare.
From 8 April 2026 the application fee is £324 for permission of 3 years or less and £628 for permission longer than 3 years. The same rate applies inside or outside the UK. Dependants pay the same fee per applicant. The route remains fully exempt from the Immigration Health Surcharge (£1,035 per adult per year), so a 5-year application for one worker costs £628 total — against approximately £6,793 on the standard Skilled Worker route once IHS is added.
No. Health and Care visa holders and all their dependants are completely exempt from the Immigration Health Surcharge. The exemption applies to the main applicant and to each accompanying partner, child, or other dependant. With the standard IHS rate at £1,035 per adult per year and £776 per child per year, a 5-year exemption for a family of four with two adults and two children saves approximately £18,110 against equivalent standard Skilled Worker costs.
Standard processing on the Health and Care route is approximately 3 weeks from biometrics — for both out-of-country and in-country applications. Priority service (£500 add-on) targets 5 working days. Super Priority service (£1,000 add-on) targets next working day, subject to availability at the Visa Application Centre. Dependant-only applications may take longer than the main applicant where additional checks are required.
Yes — main applicants in eligible Health and Care SOC codes can bring partners (spouse, civil partner, or unmarried partner aged 18+) and children under 18 as dependants. Dependants can work in the UK without restriction. Note one important exception: care workers (SOC 6135/6136) who arrived on or after 11 March 2024 cannot bring new dependants; existing dependants granted leave before the change retain their rights. Clinical SOC codes (nurses, doctors, allied health professionals) are not affected by the care-worker dependant restriction.
The current rule is 5 years of continuous residence on the Health and Care or Skilled Worker route — though the April 2026 White Paper proposes extending the qualifying period to 10 years through an earned-settlement model. Frontline NHS workers and high earners (£50,270+ over 5 years or £125,140+ over 3 years) may retain 5-year fast-track access if the proposals are enacted. The consultation closes on 12 February 2026, with potential implementation from April 2026. Workers within 12 months of their 5-year point should consider whether to apply ahead of any framework change.
The Health and Care visa is a discounted sub-category of the Skilled Worker visa for eligible health and care occupations. Three structural advantages distinguish it: (1) reduced application fee (£324 vs £819 for 3 years from outside the UK), (2) full Immigration Health Surcharge exemption for the worker and dependants, and (3) sponsor exemption from the Immigration Skills Charge. The eligibility criteria, points test, English standard, and settlement rules otherwise mirror the standard Skilled Worker route. Sponsors must hold an NHS, NHS-supplier, or CQC-registered care provider classification to issue Health and Care Certificates of Sponsorship.