Can care workers get a Skilled Worker visa in 2026?

The rules for care workers have changed significantly. The Health and Care Worker visa route previously had reduced fees and salary thresholds for care workers. Check the latest Immigration Rules as the government has made several changes to care worker eligibility in response to concerns about exploitation in the sector.

What salary do care workers need?

Care workers on the Health and Care Worker route benefit from a lower salary threshold than the standard Skilled Worker route. The exact figure depends on current rules. The going rate for care workers is set at the occupation's median salary.

Do care workers pay the Immigration Health Surcharge?

Health and Care Worker visa holders are exempt from paying the Immigration Health Surcharge. This is a significant saving, as the IHS can amount to several thousand pounds over the visa period.

Can care worker dependants work in the UK?

This has been a subject of policy change. Previously, dependants of care workers could work freely. Check the current rules as restrictions on dependants have been introduced and modified. See our guide on Skilled Worker dependants for the latest position.

Skilled Worker Visa for Care Workers: UK Guide 2026

Care workers can come to the UK through the Health and Care Worker visa route, which offers benefits like reduced fees and IHS exemption. However, the rules have changed several times in recent years. This guide covers the current position and key considerations.

The Health and Care Worker Route

The Health and Care Worker visa is a variant of the Skilled Worker visa designed for health and social care professionals. Care workers, home carers, and senior care workers are eligible under specific SOC codes.

Key advantages of this route over the standard Skilled Worker visa:

Reduced application fees.
Exemption from the Immigration Health Surcharge.
Lower salary threshold than the standard route.

Employer Requirements

Your employer must:

Hold a sponsor licence .
Be registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) or equivalent regulator.
Assign you a Certificate of Sponsorship.
Pay you at least the applicable salary threshold.
Comply with ethical recruitment standards.

The Home Office has increased scrutiny of care sector sponsors following concerns about worker exploitation. Sponsors must demonstrate genuine vacancies and appropriate working conditions.

Recent Changes

The government has made several changes to care worker immigration in recent years, including adjustments to dependant rights, salary thresholds, and sponsor compliance requirements. The 2026 Skilled Worker changes and the Immigration White Paper set out the current direction of policy.

Check the latest GOV.UK guidance on the Health and Care Worker visa for up-to-date requirements.

Path to Settlement

Care workers on the Health and Care Worker route can apply for ILR after 5 years of continuous residence. The salary threshold for ILR must be met at the time of application.

Protecting Your Rights

Care workers have the same employment rights as all UK workers. If you experience exploitation, unsafe conditions, or unfair treatment:

Contact the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority (GLAA).
Speak to Citizens Advice or your trade union.
Report concerns to CQC.

Next Steps

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