Understanding the requirements for a Skilled Worker visa is crucial for care workers planning to work in the UK. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know for 2025.
Overview: Two Visa Types for Care Workers
Care workers can apply under two different visa routes, each with different requirements:
Health and Care Worker Visa
- Lower salary threshold
- Reduced visa fees
- IHS fee waived
- Limited to care roles
Standard Skilled Worker
- Wider job options
- 5-year ILR route
- Higher salary required
- Full visa fees
Salary Requirements
Health and Care Worker Visa
For most care worker roles, you must meet the lower of:
- General threshold: £23,200 per year (for 2025)
- Going rate: Specific to your job role
Common Care Worker Salaries (2025)
| Role | Minimum Salary |
|---|---|
| Care Worker | £23,200 |
| Senior Care Worker | £24,500 |
| Registered Nurse | £29,970 |
| Care Home Manager | £35,000+ |
Standard Skilled Worker Visa
For senior care roles not eligible for Health and Care Worker visa:
- General threshold: £38,700 per year
- Or going rate: Whichever is higher
English Language Requirements
All applicants must prove English language ability at CEFR Level B1 or higher.
Accepted Qualifications:
IELTS (Academic or General)
Minimum scores required:
- Speaking: 4.0
- Listening: 4.0
- Reading: 4.0
- Writing: 4.0
OET (Occupational English Test)
Popular with healthcare workers:
- Minimum Grade B in all sections
- More relevant for healthcare context
- Accepted by NMC for nursing registration
Academic Qualification
Degree taught in English:
- From majority English-speaking country
- Must provide NARIC confirmation
- Saves test fees
Exempt Countries
Nationals from these countries don't need to prove English:
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Australia
- The Bahamas
- Barbados
- Belize
- Canada
- Dominica
- Grenada
- Guyana
- Ireland
- Jamaica
- Malta
- New Zealand
- St Kitts and Nevis
- St Lucia
- St Vincent and the Grenadines
- Trinidad and Tobago
- United States of America
Read our detailed guide on English requirements
Document Checklist
You'll need to provide these documents with your visa application:
Essential Documents
-
Valid passport
With at least one blank page
-
Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
Reference number from your employer
-
English language proof
IELTS, OET, or degree certificate
-
Financial evidence
£1,270 held for 28 days (if required)
-
Tuberculosis test results
From approved clinic if from listed country
Supporting Documents (If Applicable)
- Care qualifications (NVQ Level 2 or equivalent)
- Professional registration (NMC for nurses)
- Previous employment references
- Criminal record certificate
- Marriage certificate (for dependants)
- Birth certificates (for children)
Financial Requirements
Maintenance Funds
You must show you have enough money to support yourself, unless your sponsor certifies maintenance.
Amount Required
- Main applicant: £1,270
- Partner (if applying): Additional £285
- First child: Additional £315
- Each additional child: Additional £200
Must be held in your account for 28 consecutive days ending no more than 31 days before application
Sponsor Certification
Many sponsors will certify maintenance on your CoS, meaning you don't need to show funds. Check your Certificate of Sponsorship for "Sponsor certifies maintenance: Yes"
Application Fees and Costs
Health and Care Worker Visa
| Visa application fee | £284 |
| Immigration Health Surcharge | £0 (Waived) |
| English test (IELTS) | ~£180 |
| TB test (if required) | ~£80-£150 |
| Total (approximate) | £544-£614 |
Standard Skilled Worker Visa
| Visa application fee (3 years) | £719 |
| Immigration Health Surcharge (3 years) | £3,105 |
| English test (IELTS) | ~£180 |
| TB test (if required) | ~£80-£150 |
| Total (approximate) | £4,084-£4,154 |
Application Timeline
Typical Timeline
- Before CoS: 4-8 weeks job search and interviews
- CoS issuance: 1-2 weeks from job offer
- Document preparation: 1-2 weeks
- Application submission: 1 day (online)
- Biometrics appointment: Within 1 week
- Decision time: 3-8 weeks
- Visa collection: 1-2 weeks
Total: 10-21 weeks from job search to travel
Priority Services
Faster processing is available for additional fees:
- Priority (5 working days): Additional £500
- Super Priority (1 working day): Additional £1,000
Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
The CoS is the most important document for your application.
What is a CoS?
- Electronic reference number (not a physical document)
- Assigned by your sponsor employer
- Contains details of your job and salary
- Valid for 3 months from date of issue
- Costs your employer £239 to issue
What's on Your CoS?
- CoS reference number
- Your personal details
- Job title and SOC code
- Salary details
- Sponsor licence number
- Start date
- Maintenance certification status
Common Reasons for Refusal
Avoid these common mistakes:
- Invalid CoS: Expired, revoked, or incorrect details
- Insufficient funds: Not held for full 28 days
- English evidence: Test results older than 2 years
- Missing documents: Incomplete application
- Salary below threshold: Job doesn't meet minimum
- Previous immigration breaches: Overstaying or working without permission
- False information: Any dishonesty in application
Your Action Plan
Step-by-Step Checklist
- 1. Find a licensed sponsor employer
- 2. Secure a job offer meeting salary requirements
- 3. Book and pass English language test
- 4. Get TB test if from listed country
- 5. Gather all supporting documents
- 6. Receive Certificate of Sponsorship from employer
- 7. Complete online visa application
- 8. Pay visa fee and IHS (if applicable)
- 9. Book biometrics appointment
- 10. Attend appointment and submit documents
- 11. Wait for decision (3-8 weeks)
- 12. Collect visa and plan travel to UK
Conclusion
Meeting the Skilled Worker visa requirements is straightforward if you're organized and prepared. The Health and Care Worker visa route offers significant cost savings for eligible care workers.
Use CareVisa to find licensed sponsors, and start preparing your documents early to ensure a smooth application process.