Can I bring my family on a Health and Care Worker visa?

In most eligible clinical roles, yes — partners and children can apply as dependants. Rules differ for some care worker occupations and have changed recently, so check the current position for your exact job title before you apply.

Do I pay the immigration health surcharge?

No. Health and Care Worker visa applicants are exempt from the surcharge, which is one of the main financial advantages of the route.

Do I need to be registered before I apply?

Where the role is a regulated profession, your employer will normally require registration, or a clear route to it, before issuing the Certificate of Sponsorship.

Can I change employer later?

You can, but you generally need a new Certificate of Sponsorship from the new licensed sponsor and must update your visa accordingly.

UK Health and Care Worker visa

This is the route most internationally recruited clinicians use to come to the UK. Immigration rules change frequently — this guide explains the shape of the route and links to the official pages for the current thresholds. It is general information, not immigration advice.

Last updated 1 September 2026

The short answer

The Health and Care Worker visa is the UK's Skilled Worker route for eligible medical and care professionals. You need a job offer from a Home Office licensed sponsor, a Certificate of Sponsorship for an eligible occupation, salary at or above the applicable threshold, and English language evidence. It carries reduced application fees and exemption from the immigration health surcharge.

The core requirements

What you must satisfy
Requirement	Detail
Licensed sponsor	Your employer must hold a Home Office sponsor licence
Certificate of Sponsorship	Issued by the employer for a specific eligible role
Eligible occupation	Your role must appear on the eligible occupation list for the route
Salary	At or above the applicable threshold, including any occupation-specific rate
English language	Evidence at the required level, or an accepted exemption
Professional registration	Where the role requires it, from the relevant UK regulator

Costs and what is different about this route

Application fees for this route are lower than the standard Skilled Worker fees
Applicants are exempt from the immigration health surcharge
Your employer normally covers the sponsorship costs; you usually pay the application and any dependant fees
Fees and thresholds are reviewed regularly — always check the current figures on GOV.UK

Bringing your family

Dependant partners and children can normally apply on this route, subject to the rules in force when you apply. Dependant rules for care roles have changed in recent years, so confirm your specific occupation before making family plans.

Each dependant makes their own application linked to yours
You will need evidence of the relationship and, in some cases, of finances
Dependant partners generally have the right to work

Settlement

Time on this route can normally count towards indefinite leave to remain, provided you continue to meet the requirements and remain in eligible employment. The qualifying period and conditions are set in the immigration rules and have been subject to change.

Frequently asked questions

Primary sources

Fees, thresholds and rules change. Always confirm the current position with the body concerned.

Visa services from our compliance team

Application preparation, document checks and submission support for healthcare professionals and their families.

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