Skilled Worker Visa for Care Workers
What you need to know
- •Care workers can use the Health and Care Worker visa route.
- •IHS exemption applies, saving thousands of pounds.
- •Salary thresholds are lower than the standard Skilled Worker route.
- •Rules have changed several times; check the latest position.
- •The employer must be a licensed sponsor with a CQC-registered care business.
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.
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Get the exact document list and step-by-step timeline — £149, paid once.
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.
Preparing a UK visa application?
Get the exact document list and step-by-step timeline — £149, paid once.
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
Related guides:
This guide is general immigration information, not immigration advice under s.82 Immigration and Asylum Act 1999. Immigration rules change frequently. For advice on your specific situation, consult an IAA-authorised adviser or an SRA-regulated immigration solicitor. Always check GOV.UK for the authoritative current rules.
Related guides
Preparing a UK visa application?
Get the exact document list and step-by-step timeline — £149, paid once.