Understanding the Health and Care Visa
The Health and Care visa is designed specifically for qualified health professionals who wish to work in the UK. It is a specialised route under the broader Skilled Worker visa category, tailored to meet the needs of the health and care sector. This visa not only allows professionals to contribute to the UK's healthcare system but also offers certain advantages over the general Skilled Worker visa.
One key difference between the Health and Care visa and the general Skilled Worker visa is the salary threshold. The Health and Care visa requires a lower salary floor of £25,000 per year, compared to the general Skilled Worker visa threshold of £41,700. This lower threshold makes it more accessible for health and care professionals to meet the financial requirements.
There are additional benefits for those on the Health and Care visa. For instance, visa holders are exempt from paying the Immigration Health Surcharge, a significant financial advantage. The visa also offers faster processing times, though for specific details on processing, it is best to consult gov.uk.
If you are already in the UK and considering a switch to a Health and Care visa, it is crucial to check the current opportunities. You can browse all 4227 live verified sponsorship jobs on GradSponsor to find roles that match your qualifications. This pathway is particularly advantageous for those in the health and care sector, providing a streamlined route to continue working in the UK.
Eligibility to Switch from Within the UK
Switching to a Health and Care visa from within the UK is possible for those already in the country on a valid visa. To be eligible, you must hold a visa type that allows in-country switching. This includes the Graduate visa, which permits up to 2 years of unsponsored work for applications made until 31 December 2026. Always check the latest rules on gov.uk to confirm your eligibility, as not all visas qualify for switching.
Transitional arrangements are in place for care workers and senior care workers, allowing them to switch to the Health and Care visa until 22 July 2028. This applies even though sponsorship of new overseas care worker applicants closed on 22 July 2025. If you're already in the UK on a different visa, this transitional period provides a valuable opportunity to move into care roles.
To switch, you must have a job offer that meets the Health and Care visa salary requirements. The salary floor is £25,000 per year, or £23,200 for care workers, although these figures can be lower for new entrants. Ensure your role meets these thresholds and that your employer holds a valid Home Office sponsor licence. For more tailored guidance, consider using our free AI CV check to find matched sponsored jobs.
Remember that a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) is essential before applying for your visa switch. This document is issued by your employer, who must be listed on the public register of licensed sponsors on gov.uk. Securing a CoS confirms your eligibility to switch and is a crucial step in the application process.
Salary Requirements for Switching
To switch to a Health and Care visa, you must meet specific salary requirements. The minimum salary floor for this visa is £25,000 per year. However, for care workers, the going rate is £23,200, which means the role must meet at least this amount. If you are a new entrant, such as a recent graduate, you may qualify for a reduced rate of £33,400 or 70% of the going rate, whichever is lower, for up to four years.
The salary requirements are crucial as they ensure that the role you are moving into is appropriately compensated. For example, if you're switching to a care assistant role, your salary must meet or exceed the £23,200 going rate to comply with the Health and Care visa rules. This requirement safeguards against underpayment and ensures that the salary aligns with the responsibilities of the position.
For those already in the UK on another visa, there is still an opportunity to switch into care roles under transitional arrangements until 22 July 2028. This is particularly relevant for individuals in roles like care assistants, where live Care Assistant sponsorship jobs are available. It is important to confirm that your prospective employer holds a Home Office sponsor licence, as this is essential for them to issue a Certificate of Sponsorship, a necessary step before applying for your visa.
| Threshold | Annual salary (2026) |
|---|---|
| General Skilled Worker | £41,700 |
| Health & Care roles | £25,000 |
| New entrant (early career / recent graduate) | £33,400 |
Role of the Sponsor Licence
A Home Office sponsor licence is crucial for any UK employer wishing to sponsor workers under the Health and Care Visa. Without this licence, an employer cannot legally issue the necessary Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), which is an essential part of your visa application process. It ensures that the employer is vetted and meets specific requirements to hire overseas workers.
To find licensed employers, you can use the public register available on gov.uk. This register lists all UK employers who currently hold a sponsor licence. When searching for roles, such as senior care worker positions, ensure the employer appears on this list, as it confirms their ability to sponsor your visa.
Before accepting a job offer, verify that the employer can issue a CoS. The CoS is a unique reference number that ties your job offer to your visa application. Without it, you cannot proceed with your Health and Care Visa application. Always confirm with your prospective employer that they are prepared to issue this certificate once you accept the position.
Obtaining a Certificate of Sponsorship
A Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) is a crucial document that your employer must issue before you can apply for a Health and Care Visa. This certificate acts as evidence that your employer is licensed by the Home Office to sponsor you. Without a CoS, your visa application cannot proceed, making it an essential step in the process.
To obtain a CoS, your employer must first ensure they are on the public register of licensed sponsors. Once confirmed, they can assign a CoS through the Sponsorship Management System. The CoS will include important details about your job, such as your role and salary, which must meet the Health and Care visa salary floor of £25,000 per year or the going rate for your specific role.
Securing a CoS is particularly important for those looking to switch to a health and care role from within the UK, as transitional arrangements allow for this until 22 July 2028. For example, if you are a support worker already in the UK on another visa, obtaining a CoS allows you to transition into a care role under these arrangements. Ensuring your employer can issue this certificate is a crucial step towards a successful visa switch.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Salary thresholds are a common stumbling block when switching to a Health and Care Visa. The minimum salary for this visa is £25,000 per year, though care worker roles have a lower going rate of £23,200. It is crucial to meet or exceed these figures, as failing to do so will result in visa rejection. Keep in mind that the general Skilled Worker visa threshold is higher at £41,700 per year, so ensure your role aligns with Health and Care visa criteria.
Always verify your employer's sponsor licence status before proceeding with your application. Only employers with a valid Home Office sponsor licence can issue a Certificate of Sponsorship. This certificate is a mandatory requirement for your visa application. You can check the current list of licensed sponsors on gov.uk to confirm your employer's eligibility.
Do not overlook transitional arrangements if you're switching into a care role. Although new overseas sponsorships for care workers cease on 22 July 2025, those already in the UK on another visa can switch until 22 July 2028. This provides a valuable window for those looking to enter care roles without having to leave the UK. Ensure you stay informed about these timelines to avoid missing critical opportunities.
Next Steps After Switching
Once your Health and Care visa is approved, you can begin working in your new role. Familiarise yourself with the conditions attached to your visa, such as the specific employer and job role you are tied to. Any change in your employment situation, like switching employers, will require a new Certificate of Sponsorship and possibly a new visa application.
Your work rights under the Health and Care visa include working in your sponsored role and taking on additional work in the same sector and level. Part-time study is allowed, but remember that public funds are off-limits. Ensure you understand these conditions to avoid any breaches that could affect your immigration status.
For more detailed information on your rights and responsibilities, visit the official gov.uk page dedicated to the Health and Care visa. This resource will provide the most up-to-date guidance on what you can and cannot do while holding this visa.