GB Skilled & work Temporary
Health and Care Worker visa
IHS-exempt Skilled Worker branch for NHS and eligible health professionals.
Official United Kingdom pageWho this route is for
Doctors, nurses, allied health professionals and adult social care managers sponsored by the NHS, an NHS supplier, or a CQC-registered provider.
Eligibility requirements
- Job offer in an eligible health/care occupation from an approved health/care sponsor.
- Lower salary threshold than standard Skilled Worker (often around 25,000 pounds or the going rate).
- Professional registration where required (e.g. GMC for doctors, NMC for nurses).
- English at CEFR B1 (this route keeps B1, not B2).
- Care worker / senior care worker roles (SOC 6135/6136) closed to new overseas applicants from 22 July 2025; in-country switching being phased out.
Requirements reviewed June 2026. They change frequently — confirm the current rules on the official page before relying on them.
Check your points first
Use the free Skilled Worker Points & Salary Checker to see if you're likely to qualify before you start.
Other United Kingdom routes
Skilled Worker visa
TemporaryThe UK's main sponsored work visa.
Global Talent visa
TemporaryUnsponsored visa for leaders in research, arts/culture or digital technology.
Scale-up Worker visa
TemporarySponsored for 6 months, then work freely with no sponsor for a fast-growing UK firm.
Senior or Specialist Worker visa (Global Business Mobility)
TemporaryIntra-company transfer route for senior staff sent to a linked UK branch.