Guide · 8 min read

UK Health and Care Visa 2026: A Guide for Nurses

The UK Health and Care Visa continues to be a key route for nurses and eligible healthcare professionals in 2026, despite significant changes affecting care worker sponsorship. We break down the requirements, costs, and application process for those looking to work in the UK's healthcare sector. Understand the new rules and how to successfully apply.

Dreaming of a career in the UK's thriving healthcare sector? The Health and Care Visa continues to be a crucial route for many dedicated professionals in 2026, offering a pathway to live and work in the United Kingdom. However, recent policy changes have introduced some significant updates, especially for care workers, which we'll address head-on. If you're a nurse or an eligible healthcare professional, understanding these changes is key to a successful application.

The Health and Care Visa: Who Is It For?

First, let's clarify who this visa is for. The Health and Care Visa is a specific type of Skilled Worker visa designed for qualified doctors, nurses, and other health professionals who have been offered an eligible job with the NHS, an NHS supplier, or in adult social care. It's a fantastic option because it comes with several benefits, including reduced application fees and an exemption from the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).

To be eligible, you'll need to meet the standard Skilled Worker visa requirements, adapted for this route:

• A Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS): This is an electronic reference number from a licensed UK employer who wants to sponsor you. They must be an approved sponsor.
• An eligible job: Your job must be on the list of eligible occupations for the Health and Care Visa. This includes a wide range of roles from nurses and doctors to paramedics, radiographers, and occupational therapists.
• Salary threshold: You must be paid at least the general salary threshold or the ‘going rate’ for your job, whichever is higher. For most Health and Care Visa roles, this is lower than the general Skilled Worker visa threshold of £41,700. For example, a registered nurse (SOC code 2123) will have a specific going rate based on their experience and band, which is typically well below the general threshold, ensuring that NHS salaries remain competitive for international recruits.
• English language skills: You need to prove your knowledge of English to at least B1 level on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) scale. This is lower than the B2 level required for most general Skilled Worker visas.
• Savings: You need to prove you have enough personal savings to support yourself in the UK, typically £1,270, unless your employer confirms they will cover your costs for the first month.
• Professional registration: Nurses must be registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) to practise in the UK. Doctors will need General Medical Council (GMC) registration, and other professionals will need registration with their relevant bodies.

Crucial Update: Care Worker Sponsorship Changes

Now, for a very important update that affects many looking to come to the UK in care roles. As of July 2025, the UK government closed the Health and Care Visa route for new international care workers (SOC code 6145 - Care Workers and Home Carers). This means that, from that date, employers are generally no longer able to sponsor individuals from overseas for these specific roles.

We know this is disappointing news for many aspiring care workers. If you were already in the UK on a Health and Care Visa as a care worker before July 2025, you generally retain your right to extend your visa and apply for settlement under the previous rules, provided you meet the requirements. However, for those outside the UK or looking to apply for the first time, the general care worker route is no longer available.

This change was implemented to ensure the immigration system supports higher-skilled roles and to address concerns about exploitation in certain sectors. It's vital to understand that this change does not affect nurses, doctors, or other eligible healthcare professionals under different SOC codes. The Health and Care Visa remains very much open for these crucial roles.

Salary Thresholds and Costs in 2026

While the general Skilled Worker visa salary threshold rose to £41,700 in April 2026, the Health and Care Visa benefits from a more favourable, lower threshold. Your salary must meet the going rate for your specific occupation code or £30,960, whichever is higher. For nurses, these going rates are set by the NHS pay scales, which are typically lower than the general threshold, making it more accessible.

Let's talk about the costs. The Health and Care Visa is more affordable than the general Skilled Worker visa, primarily because you are exempt from the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which is normally £1,035 per year. This is a significant saving!

Here’s a breakdown of typical fees for a Health and Care Visa applicant in 2026:

• Visa application fee: This is typically lower than the standard Skilled Worker visa fee. For a visa lasting up to three years, it's around £284, and for over three years, about £551. These fees are subject to change, so always check the latest figures.
• Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) fee: Your employer pays this, currently £525.
• English language test fee: Varies depending on the provider and location, typically around £150-£250.
• NMC registration fees: These vary depending on your pathway to registration.
• Biometrics fee: Usually included in the application fee.

Total costs depend on your specific circumstances and whether you're bringing dependants. For a precise breakdown, we recommend using our free UK visa cost calculator to get an estimate based on your situation.

Finding a Sponsoring Employer as a Nurse

One of the most critical steps is finding a UK employer willing to sponsor you. The NHS is the largest employer of nurses and healthcare professionals in the UK and actively recruits internationally. Private healthcare providers and care homes (for eligible, higher-skilled roles, not general care workers) also hold sponsor licences.

Here’s how to approach your search:

1. Search the official sponsor register: The Home Office publishes a register of licensed sponsors. This is a great place to start, though it lists all sponsors, not just those currently recruiting.
2. Specialised job boards: Look at NHS Jobs, professional bodies' job boards (like the NMC), and major recruitment agencies specialising in healthcare.
3. Network: Connect with other healthcare professionals already in the UK or those who have successfully navigated the process.

Start by browsing our directory of 130,000+ UK visa sponsors filtered by healthcare and your desired location. You can even filter sponsors by city in our directory if you have a specific area in mind, such as London or Manchester.

When you find a potential employer, make sure they are aware of the Health and Care Visa specifics and are prepared to issue a CoS.

The Application Process: Step-by-Step

Once you have a CoS from an approved sponsor, the application process generally follows these steps, which you can track step-by-step using our journey tracker:

1. Gather documents: Collect all necessary documents, including your passport, CoS reference number, proof of English language proficiency, evidence of savings, and your professional registration (or evidence of application for it).
2. Complete the online application: Fill out the online Health and Care Visa application form on the UK government website. Ensure all information is accurate and matches your supporting documents.
3. Pay the application fee: This will be done as part of the online application.
4. Book and attend a biometric appointment: You'll need to provide your fingerprints and a photo at a visa application centre.
5. Submit documents: Depending on your location, you might need to upload or submit your supporting documents at your biometric appointment.
6. Wait for a decision: Processing times can vary, but Health and Care Visa applications often receive priority.

Points-Based System for the Health and Care Visa

Like all Skilled Worker routes, the Health and Care Visa falls under the UK's points-based immigration system. You need to score 70 points to be eligible. These points are typically awarded for:

• Sponsorship: 20 points (having a valid CoS).
• Eligible Job: 20 points (your job being on the approved list).
• Salary: 20 points (meeting the salary threshold).
• English language: 10 points (meeting the B1 English requirement).

If you meet these core requirements, you'll score the necessary 70 points.

Bringing Your Family (Dependants)

Good news for families: if you're granted a Health and Care Visa, your partner and any dependent children under 18 can apply to join you in the UK. They will need to pay their own application fees and show they have sufficient funds to support themselves, typically £285 for a partner, £315 for a first child, and £200 for each additional child, in addition to your own maintenance funds. They are also exempt from the Immigration Health Surcharge.

Don't Give Up on Your UK Dream

The UK remains a welcoming place for healthcare professionals, especially nurses, who are vital to the NHS. While the landscape for care workers has changed, the Health and Care Visa continues to offer a streamlined and beneficial route for many others. It's crucial to stay informed about the latest rules and to ensure your role falls within the eligible occupation codes.

If you have specific questions about your eligibility or unique circumstances, navigating the rules can be tricky. For personalised guidance, consider speaking with our AI immigration assistant, who can help clarify complex scenarios.

We at WiseRoute are committed to providing you with the most up-to-date and practical advice to help you on your journey to the UK.

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