Last updated: 11 August 2026
Find Licensed Care Sponsors With Less Risk
Use the care-specific paths below to check employers, compare regions, and avoid fake sponsorship offers.
What is the Health and Care Worker Visa?
The Health and Care Worker visa is a dedicated route within the UK's Skilled Worker visa system, designed specifically for qualified healthcare professionals. It offers significant advantages over the standard Skilled Worker visa:
- Reduced visa fees — Lower application costs than the standard route.
- No Immigration Health Surcharge — Saving £1,035 per year (£3,105 for a 3-year visa).
- Faster processing — Applications are typically prioritised.
- Same path to settlement — Leads to Indefinite Leave to Remain after 5 years.
The visa is available to doctors, nurses, care workers, pharmacists, paramedics, and other healthcare professionals joining CQC-registered or equivalent organisations.
Health & Care Sponsors by Type
NHS Trusts
The largest group of health sponsors. All major NHS trusts across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland hold active licences.
Care Homes
Thousands of residential and nursing care homes. See our dedicated care companies list.
Private Healthcare
Private hospitals, clinics, and specialist healthcare providers including Bupa, Nuffield Health, and Spire Healthcare.
Home Care
Domiciliary care providers that send carers to people's homes. Fastest-growing sponsorship sector.
Eligible Roles for Health and Care Worker Visa
| Role | SOC Code | Min. Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Practitioner (Doctor) | 2211 | £38,700 |
| Registered Nurse | 2231 | £29,970 |
| Senior Care Worker | 6135 | £23,200 |
| Pharmacist | 2213 | £38,700 |
| Paramedic | 2219 | £29,970 |
For full salary details: Eligibility & Salary Guide
Browse Health & Care Sponsors by Location
England
- London — Largest concentration
- Birmingham — Major NHS hub
- Manchester — Growing sector
- Leeds — Strong care presence
Scotland, Wales & NI
- Scotland Care Homes — Dedicated guide
- Glasgow — NHS Scotland hub
- Edinburgh — Growing need
- Cardiff — Wales care hub
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Health and Care Worker visa?
A UK visa route for qualified healthcare professionals offering reduced fees, no NHS surcharge, and faster processing. It covers doctors, nurses, care workers, pharmacists, and other health roles.
How many health and care sponsors are there in the UK?
There are over 10,952 health and care related sponsors on the UKVI register, including NHS trusts, care homes, private hospitals, and home care providers.
Can care workers get sponsored in the UK?
Yes. Senior care workers (SOC 6135) are eligible for the Health and Care Worker visa with a minimum salary of £23,200. Thousands of care companies hold active sponsor licences.
Do I pay the NHS surcharge on a Health and Care visa?
No. Health and Care Worker visa holders are exempt from the Immigration Health Surcharge, saving £1,035 per year compared to the standard Skilled Worker visa.