Ultimate Guide: How to Secure a UK Sponsorship Health and Care visa for nurses 2025

If you’re a qualified nurse searching for UK Sponsorship Health and Care visa for nurses, you’re in the right place. The UK Health and Care Worker visa offers a golden opportunity for international nurses to work in the United Kingdom’s healthcare system. With NHS and private hospitals facing critical staff shortages, many institutions are actively offering visa sponsorship for overseas nurses, creating a clear path for relocation and career growth.

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What is the UK Sponsorship Health and Care visa for nurses?

The UK Health and Care Worker visa is a fast-track immigration route for foreign healthcare professionals, including nurses, to live and work in the UK. It’s part of the Skilled Worker visa program but is tailored specifically to meet the urgent demand in the health and social care sector.

International nurses who receive a job offer from a licensed UK employer in an eligible role can apply under this visa route. Once approved, you’ll gain access to:

• Faster visa processing

• Reduced application fees

• Exemption from the NHS Immigration Health Surcharge

• A potential path to permanent residency (Indefinite Leave to Remain) after 5 years

http://How to Apply for UK Health and Care Worker Visa

http://Eligibility Requirements for the UK Sponsorship Health and Care visa

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Why UK Hospitals Need Sponsored Nurses in 2025

As the UK’s healthcare system continues to face staffing shortages post-pandemic, more UK hospitals are offering sponsorship to international nurses in 2025. Both the NHS (National Health Service) and many private healthcare providers are relying on skilled nurses from abroad to fill urgent gaps across departments like:

• General nursing

• Mental health

• A&E (Accident and Emergency)

• Elderly and palliative care

• Operating theatres

If you meet the criteria, now is the perfect time to apply — hospitals are actively seeking qualified candidates.

Check this : http://Best Opportunities for Nurses in UK (2025 Guide)

/how-to-apply-nursing-job-uk-visa-sponsorship

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Eligibility Requirements for UK Sponsorship Health and Care visa for nurses

To apply for the UK Health and Care visa as a nurse, you must meet several requirements:

1. Have a job offer from a licensed sponsor (NHS or approved private hospital)

2. Be a registered nurse with a nursing qualification equivalent to UK standards

3. Pass the English language test (IELTS/OET)

4. Register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) in the UK

5. Meet salary thresholds, usually a minimum of £20,960 or £10.75 per hour (as of 2025 updates)

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Benefits of the Health and Care Visa for Nurses

Choosing the Health and Care Worker visa route has multiple advantages:

• Fast-track processing: Get your visa within 3 weeks (if applying from outside the UK)

• Lower visa costs: Application fees are significantly reduced

• No health surcharge: You won’t pay the annual NHS surcharge (which saves hundreds of pounds)

• Bring your family: Spouses and children can also apply as dependents

• Pathway to permanent settlement: Eligible for Indefinite Leave to Remain after 5 years

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How to Find UK Sponsorship Health and Care visa for Nurses in 2025

Finding the right employer is key. Here are steps to identify UK visa sponsorship hospitals for nurses in 2025:

• Visit the official UK government list of licensed sponsors

• Explore job boards like NHS Jobs, Trac.jobs, and Indeed UK

• Search directly on NHS Trust websites (e.g., Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Barts Health NHS Trust)

• Use LinkedIn filters: search for “Nursing Jobs + UK Visa Sponsorship”

• Work with ethical international recruitment agencies that specialize in healthcare placements

http://How to Apply for UK Health and Care Worker Visa

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Application Process: Step-by-Step

1. Secure a job offer from a UK Sponsorship Health and Care visa for nurses

2. Pass your English test (IELTS or OET)

3. Register with the NMC

4. Receive your Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)

5. Apply online for the Health and Care visa

6. Attend biometric appointment or submit digital verification

7. Receive your visa and prepare to relocate

Latest July 2025 Updates to the Health and Care Worker Visa

As you explore opportunities through UK Sponsorship Health and Care visa for nurses 2025, it’s vital to stay up-to-date with recent immigration policy changes that could affect your eligibility. In May 2025, the UK government released a white paper outlining key reforms to the Health and Care Worker visa, followed by official Statements of Changes from the Home Office. These updates will have a significant impact on international applicants, especially those targeting roles as care workers.

Key Changes Effective from 22 July 2025:

One of the most notable changes comes under Statement of Changes HC 994, which closes new Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS) for two specific occupation codes:

• 6135 – Care Worker

• 6136 – Senior Care Worker

From 22 July 2025, new international applications for these roles will no longer be accepted under the Health and Care visa route. UK employers will not be permitted to sponsor new care or senior care workers under these codes. However, there are transitional allowances:

• If a care worker is already in the UK and has been employed for at least three months by the same sponsor, that employer may still assign a CoS — valid until 22 July 2028 — as long as the job role and sponsor remain unchanged.

This change mainly impacts overseas care workers, but UK Sponsorship Health and Care visa for nurses in 2025 remain opened, as nursing roles fall under different occupation codes that are still active and highly in demand.

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New Minimum Skill & Salary Thresholds

Another major update is the increase in the minimum skill level required for the Skilled Worker visa. From 22 July 2025:

• The requirement will rise from RQF Level 3 (A-level equivalent) to RQF Level 6 (graduate-level).

• This means job roles below RQF 6, including care worker positions, will no longer qualify, even if the salary meets the threshold.

However, nursing roles (e.g., registered nurses) generally meet the RQF Level 6 requirement, so this change does not impact nurses applying for UK visa sponsorship in 2025.

Additionally, while salary thresholds across skilled occupations are being adjusted:

• For SOC codes 6135/6136, the set salary remains at £23,200 under the Immigration Salary List (Option D).

• Employers must still pay whichever is higher: the £23,200 or the full SOC going rate.

• The universal floor of £17.13 per hour does not increase this specific salary requirement.

check this : http://Registered Nurse (RGN) – Bank – Care Home

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Upcoming English Language Requirement Adjustments

The UK Government has also proposed raising the English language proficiency requirement to CEFR Level B2. This is a higher standard than the current requirement (usually CEFR B1 for most healthcare roles).

⚠️ Important: As of now, no official date has been published for this change, and no draft rules have been enacted. But it’s wise for potential applicants to begin preparing for a higher language benchmark, especially if English is not your first language.

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Restriction on New Dependants

From 2025 through 2028, another critical restriction applies:

• New dependant applications are not allowed for those entering the UK as care workers.

• However, existing dependants are not affected, as long as they held valid immigration leave before the rule change or were granted leave under the transitional rules.

Again, it’s important to note that this restriction currently applies only to care worker roles. If you’re applying for nursing roles under UK Sponsorship Health and Care visa for nurses 2025, you are still eligible to bring dependants such as a spouse or children.

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What This Means for Aspiring International Nurses

These changes highlight the UK government’s intention to raise standards and target highly skilled professionals in its immigration system. While care worker routes are being restricted, the demand for internationally trained nurses remains strong in 2025, especially in NHS and private hospitals offering sponsorship.

If you’re preparing to apply to UK Sponsorship Health and Care visa for nurses, here’s what you need to remember:

• Nursing jobs still qualify under the Health and Care visa

• You must meet English language, salary, and skill level requirements

• Changes affecting care workers do not restrict nursing applicants

• Begin your NMC registration and IELTS/OET preparation early

Who Is Eligible to Apply for the Health and Care Worker Visa in 2025?

If you’re exploring UK Sponsorship Health and Care visa for nurses, it’s essential to understand who qualifies under the Health and Care Worker visa route. This visa falls under the broader Skilled Worker visa category and is specifically designed for qualified healthcare professionals who have secured a job offer in one of the approved roles listed under the UK’s Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) codes.

This specialized visa is not only tailored to meet the UK’s urgent healthcare staffing needs but also offers attractive benefits like fast-tracked processing, reduced fees, and exemption from the Immigration Health Surcharge.

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 Eligible Healthcare Occupations for the Health and Care Visa

To qualify, applicants must have a job offer from a licensed UK employer in an approved healthcare role. If you’re unsure of your occupation code, you should ask your potential UK employer for the correct SOC code.

Below is a curated list of occupations currently eligible under the Health and Care Worker visa in 2025:

✅ Note: All registered nursing roles, including general nurses, mental health nurses, community nurses, and nurse practitioners, remain fully eligible under the Health and Care visa in 2025 — making this an excellent pathway for those seeking UK visa sponsorship hospitals for nurses.

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 July 2025 Changes: Roles Removed from Eligibility

As discussed in the previous section, from 23 July 2025, the following roles will be removed from the eligibility list for new visa sponsorship:

• SOC 6135 – Care Workers and Home Carers

• SOC 6136 – Senior Care Workers

From that date, new Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS) cannot be issued for these roles. However, a limited transition window allows UK care providers to continue sponsoring workers already in the UK, as long as:

• The employee has been on the payroll for at least three months prior to assigning the CoS.

• The worker continues in the same job role and with the same employer.

• This arrangement is valid until 22 July 2028.

These restrictions do not apply to nursing roles, meaning that internationally trained nurses are still in high demand across UK hospitals and care homes with sponsorship licenses.

http://Step-by-Step UK Nursing Application Process

Sponsor Requirements for UK Sponsorship Health and Care visa for nurses in 2025

To successfully apply for the Health and Care Worker visa, it’s not enough for your job role to fall under the eligible SOC codes—your prospective employer must also meet specific sponsorship criteria laid out by the UK Home Office.

If you’re aiming to work with UK Sponsorship Health and Care visa for nurses in 2025, your job offer must come from an organization that holds a valid sponsor licence. These organizations are typically NHS bodies or trusts, approved healthcare providers to the NHS, adult social care providers, or certain recognized medical institutions. Only employers that are officially licensed to sponsor overseas workers under the Skilled Worker visa route can issue a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)—a mandatory document for your visa application.

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 Eligible Sponsor Types

Here’s a list of the main healthcare bodies and professional councils your sponsor may be registered or affiliated with. These sponsors are typically eligible to hire international nurses:

• a. General Chiropractic Council

• b. General Dental Council

• c. General Medical Council

• d. General Optical Council

• e. General Osteopathic Council

• f. General Pharmaceutical Council

• g. Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)

• h. Northern Ireland Social Care Council

• i. Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC)

• j. Pharmaceutical Society of Northern Ireland

• k. Scottish Social Services Council

• l. Social Care Wales

Nurses applying for jobs in the UK must typically be registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), which ensures their qualifications and training meet UK standards. Most UK Sponsorship Health and Care visa for nurses in 2025 will either be part of the NHS or work under a contract with the NHS and are expected to uphold these standards.

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 Special Notes for Private Healthcare Employers

If your job offer comes from a private healthcare organization—such as a care home or agency—providing NHS-commissioned services, your employer may be asked to submit supporting documentation proving their contractual relationship with the NHS. This helps confirm their eligibility to sponsor healthcare professionals under the Health and Care Worker visa route.

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 Regulatory Requirements for Care Providers in 2025

There are also additional compliance requirements depending on the type of care provider:

• As of 11 March 2024, care providers in England must be registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) before sponsoring new overseas healthcare workers.

  • ❗ This does not apply retroactively—those already employed under the visa before this date can still extend their stay or settle permanently without needing a CQC-registered sponsor.

• Effective from 9 April 2025, care providers in England looking to recruit care workers or senior care workers must first show they have attempted to recruit local UK-based workers by collaborating with regional workforce partnerships.

  • Only if those efforts are unsuccessful can they proceed to sponsor overseas candidates for these two roles.

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What This Means for Nurses in 2025

Fortunately for international nurses, these added layers of regulation primarily affect care worker roles, which—as previously noted—will no longer be eligible for sponsorship after 23 July 2025. However, nurses remain in high demand, and the majority of UK Sponsorship Health and Care visa for nurses are fully compliant with Home Office sponsorship requirements.

This makes 2025 an ideal time for internationally trained nurses to take advantage of available pathways, especially through NHS hospitals, private clinics, and approved care organizations actively recruiting skilled professionals from overseas.

Eligibility Requirements for the UK Sponsorship Health and Care visa for nurses in 2025

If you’re a nurse aiming to land a job with UK Sponsorship Health and Care visa for nurses in 2025, it’s important to understand the eligibility rules set by the UK Home Office under the Health and Care Worker visa, which falls under the Skilled Worker visa route.

To qualify, applicants must meet several strict criteria, ensuring both their qualifications and circumstances align with UK immigration standards.

Here are the key eligibility requirements every international nurse must fulfill:

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 1. Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)

You must have a valid Certificate of Sponsorship issued by a UK-licensed sponsor, such as an NHS hospital or authorized healthcare provider. This CoS outlines your job role, duties, and confirms that your employer is authorized to hire overseas workers.

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 2. Qualifying Job Offer

Your job offer must meet the required salary threshold for the occupation. For most registered nursing roles in 2025, this typically means meeting or exceeding the salary floor specified under the Skilled Worker visa route or the Immigration Salary List (ISL) if applicable.

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 3. Financial Requirement

In some cases, you may need to show that you have enough personal savings to support yourself upon arrival in the UK. This usually means having at least £1,270 in your bank account for 28 consecutive days, unless your sponsor confirms they will cover your first month’s expenses.

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 4. English Language Proficiency

You must demonstrate a good working knowledge of English. This can be done by:

• Passing an approved English language test (like IELTS or OET)

• Holding a degree taught in English

• Being a citizen of a majority English-speaking country (as recognized by UKVI)

Most nurses meet this requirement through the NMC registration process, which includes English assessment.

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 5. Travel and Immigration History

You will need to prove that you’re able to travel to the UK and provide your travel history for the past five years. This ensures immigration transparency and security compliance.

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 6. Tuberculosis (TB) Test (If Applicable)

If you’re from a country listed by UKVI as requiring a TB test, you must submit valid TB test results from an approved clinic. This is a standard health check to prevent the spread of infectious diseases.

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 7. Criminal Record Certificate

If you will be working with vulnerable groups—which most healthcare roles involve—you must provide a criminal record certificate from any country where you’ve lived for 12 months or more in the last ten years. This ensures you are suitable for frontline health or social care roles.

1. Minimum Salary Requirements for the UK Sponsorship Health and Care visa for nurses in 2025

To qualify for a UK Sponsorship Health and Care visa for nurses, applicants must meet specific salary criteria outlined in the UK Immigration Rules. These requirements vary depending on the job type, whether the role follows a national payscale, the application date, and whether the position appears on the Immigration Salary List (ISL).

As of 22 July 2025, major policy updates will reshape salary thresholds and eligibility across the Health and Care route.

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a. Standard Salary Requirement

Applicants must earn whichever is higher of the following:

• The applicable salary threshold based on their Option (A–J) under Appendix Skilled Worker,

• And the full going rate for the occupation, as defined under the relevant Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code listed in Appendix Skilled Occupations.

In most cases, this means meeting a minimum hourly wage of £17.13, calculated based on a maximum 48-hour work week. This dual-check ensures your salary is fair both annually and hourly.

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b. National Payscales

For roles covered by national pay structures—such as NHS-employed nurses, doctors, and paramedics—the salary must match the relevant official pay band instead of general salary thresholds.

These positions are typically exempt from the £17.13/hour rule, as NHS payscales already guarantee fair compensation. However, applicants must still meet the full going rate unless a valid discount option applies under the Skilled Worker route.

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c. Immigration Salary List (ISL)

Some healthcare jobs qualify for sponsorship at a reduced minimum salary if they appear on the Immigration Salary List (ISL).

Starting July 2025, ISL-listed positions—such as care workers (SOC 6135) and senior care workers (SOC 6136)—must meet a minimum salary of £23,200 per year, in addition to the full going rate for the role.

Once this salary is satisfied, the £17.13 hourly wage rule is automatically considered met under paragraph SW 14.3A(c) of the Immigration Rules.

Important Note: From 22 July 2025, no new Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS) can be issued under SOC 6135 or 6136. These roles will be closed to new overseas applicants under both the Skilled Worker and Health and Care Worker routes.

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d. Transitional Provisions for Care Workers (SOC 6135/6136)

While care worker sponsorship is closing for new applicants, the government has provided transitional measures valid until 22 July 2028.

You may still be eligible if:

• You already hold a Skilled Worker or Health and Care visa under SOC 6135/6136 before 22 July 2025, or

• You’re already in the UK and have been working for the same sponsor for at least three months before a new CoS is issued.

In these cases, sponsorship may continue using the ISL salary rate of £23,200 plus the full going rate.

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e. Tradeable Salary Options (A–J)

Certain applicants can qualify under Tradeable Salary Options B–J, which allow for reduced salary thresholds in special circumstances, such as:

• Holding a relevant PhD (Options B/C)

• Being a new entrant to the workforce (Option E)

• Working in a shortage occupation or ISL-listed job (Option D)

Each option includes specific minimum salary levels, often calculated as 70%, 80%, or 90% of the going rate, along with strict eligibility rules.

However, from 22 July 2025, care worker roles (SOC 6135 and 6136) will no longer qualify for any salary discounts—even under these tradeable options.

2. Financial Maintenance Requirement for the Health and Care Worker Visa

In addition to meeting the salary threshold, some applicants must also demonstrate that they have sufficient personal funds to support themselves during their initial stay in the UK.

If you’re applying for the Health and Care Worker visa from outside the UK, you will need to show that you’ve had at least £1,270 in your personal bank account consistently for 28 consecutive days. The final (28th) day must fall within 31 days of the date you submit your visa application.

This requirement ensures that applicants can sustain themselves upon arrival without needing public funds.

3. English Language Requirement for the Health and Care Worker Visa

To qualify for a Health and Care Worker visa, applicants must meet the English language proficiency standard, unless exempt.

Unless you are a citizen of a majority English-speaking country (as defined by UKVI), you must demonstrate your ability to read, write, speak, and understand English to at least CEFR level B1.

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How to Meet the English Language Requirement

You can prove your English proficiency in one of the following ways:

• Pass an approved English language test (such as IELTS for UKVI or OET) with at least CEFR level B1 in all four skills: reading, writing, speaking, and listening.

• Hold a degree-level academic qualification that was:

  • Taught in English, and

  • Recognised by Ecctis (formerly UK NARIC) as being equivalent to a UK bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD degree.

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Profession-Specific Exemptions

If you are applying as a doctor, nurse, dentist, or midwife, you can rely on the assessment made by your professional regulatory body (e.g., the Nursing and Midwifery Council or General Medical Council) as evidence of meeting the English language requirement.

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Upcoming Changes to Language Standards

Under proposals outlined in the UK’s Immigration White Paper, the English language requirement is expected to rise to a higher standard in the near future. While this change is currently under consultation, applicants are advised to stay updated on policy developments, particularly those submitting applications in or after late 2025.

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 Tip: Taking your English test early and keeping your results ready can help speed up your visa application. Make sure your chosen test provider is approved by the UK Home Office.

How to Apply for a UK Sponsorship Health and Care visa for nurses

To begin the process of applying for a Health and Care Worker visa, you must first be assigned a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) by a UK-licensed employer. This certificate is a unique reference number that confirms your job offer and eligibility, and is required to submit your visa application online.

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Step-by-Step Application Process

1. Obtain Your Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS):
   Your UK sponsor (such as an NHS trust or care provider) must assign your CoS, which will contain details of your job, including salary, start date, and employer information.

2. Complete the Online Application Form:
   Using your CoS reference number, visit the official UK Home Office website to fill in the Skilled Worker visa application form under the Health and Care Worker route.

3. Pay the Visa Fee:
   While Health and Care visa applicants benefit from reduced visa fees and exemption from the Immigration Health Surcharge, a standard application fee is still required, depending on your visa duration.

4. Submit Supporting Documents:
   You must upload or present the necessary documentation to support your application (see list below).

5. Biometric Enrolment:
   After submission, you may be required to book a biometrics appointment at a visa application centre, or you may be invited to enrol your biometrics using the UK Immigration ID Check app, if eligible.

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Required Supporting Documents

You must prepare and submit the following documents, as applicable:

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Processing Times

Health and Care Worker visa applications are typically processed within 3 weeks when applying from outside the UK. In-country applications may take longer, depending on individual circumstances.

http://UK Government: Health and Care Worker Visa Overview

http://UK Visa and Immigration (UKVI)