UK Care Worker Visa
Changes 2025
Direct overseas recruitment into adult social care roles (SOC 6145/6146) is heavily restricted from 2025. However, regulated healthcare roles — nurses, physios, occupational therapists — remain open. Here's what still works and what doesn't.
Adult social care route severely restricted
Since 2024, overseas recruitment into SOC 6145 (care workers) and 6146 (home carers) has been heavily curtailed. New overseas care workers and dependant restrictions apply. If you work in care, regulated healthcare roles are your most viable path.
Restricted Roles
Care worker (SOC 6145) — Heavily restricted
Direct overseas recruitment severely limited. No dependants permitted.
Home carer (SOC 6146) — Heavily restricted
As above — overseas recruitment largely blocked for new entrants.
Senior care worker — Restricted
May qualify if role genuinely meets skill/salary level, but scrutiny is high.
Healthcare Roles That Still Qualify
Regulated healthcare professions remain actively sponsored and qualify for the Health and Care Worker visa — with lower fees and no Immigration Health Surcharge.
Registered Nurse (RN) SOC 2221
NHS and private. Health & Care Worker visa available. High demand.
Occupational Therapist SOC 2218
NHS and private sector. Going rate: £38,700+.
Physiotherapist SOC 2217
NHS and private. Health & Care Worker visa available.
Pharmacist SOC 2213
NHS and retail pharmacy. Salary typically above threshold.
Dental Practitioner SOC 2215
NHS and private dentistry. Active sponsorship.
Radiographer SOC 3217
NHS demand. Going rate meets threshold.
Medical Practitioner (Doctor) SOC 2211
NHS. Going rate £49,000+. Health & Care Worker visa.
Nursing Associate SOC 2223
NHS. Growing role. Check individual going rate.
The Health and Care Worker Visa — What It Offers
For eligible regulated healthcare professionals, the Health and Care Worker visa provides significant cost savings compared to the standard Skilled Worker route:
Reduced visa fees
Significantly lower application fee than standard Skilled Worker
No health surcharge
Exempt from the Immigration Health Surcharge (worth £1,000+/year)
Faster processing
Priority processing available at the standard fee
Dependants permitted
Regulated healthcare workers can typically bring dependants (unlike care workers)
Salary requirements are the same as the Skilled Worker visa — £41,700 general minimum from July 2025 (or £33,360 for new entrants, where applicable).
Browse healthcare roles with sponsorship
Find NHS and private sector healthcare employers actively sponsoring nurses, therapists, pharmacists, and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Based on Home Office rules effective 2024–2025. See GOV.UK Health and Care Worker visa for official guidance. Not legal advice.