In This Guide
Requirements Overview
The UK Health and Care Worker visa has specific eligibility requirements set by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). Meeting every single requirement is mandatory — failing even one will result in your application being refused. This guide provides a comprehensive checklist of every requirement as of March 2026.
The requirements fall into several categories: sponsorship, salary, English language, qualifications, financial means, health, and character. Some requirements are universal (apply to everyone) while others depend on your nationality, age, or specific role.
Important Changes in 2025–2026
The UK Government introduced several changes affecting care visa requirements. The 2026 visa changes include restrictions on dependants for care workers and a move to B2 English requirements for new applicants. Make sure you check the latest rules before applying.
Sponsorship Requirement
You must have a genuine job offer from a UK employer who holds a valid Sponsor Licence. Your employer must assign you a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) which is an electronic record containing details of your job, salary, and working conditions.
What your sponsor must provide:
- A valid Sponsor Licence (check the register of licensed sponsors or use CareVisa sponsor search)
- A Certificate of Sponsorship with the correct SOC code for your role
- A genuine job that meets the minimum salary threshold
- The role must be in an eligible health or social care occupation
Eligible occupation codes include:
See the full list on our complete visa guide.
Salary Thresholds 2026
Your salary must meet the minimum threshold set by the Government. For the Health and Care Worker visa, the thresholds are lower than the standard Skilled Worker visa. Your salary must meet the higher of the general threshold or the going rate for your specific SOC code.
| Category | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| General threshold | £23,200 | £11.90 |
| New entrant rate | £20,960 | £10.75 |
| Care worker going rate (SOC 6145) | £23,200 | £11.90 |
| Nurse going rate (SOC 2231) | £29,970 | £15.37 |
New Entrant Discount
You qualify as a new entrant if you are under 26, are switching from a Student or Graduate visa, or are in a UK graduate programme. The new entrant rate is 70% of the going rate. This discount is available for the first 4 years of sponsored employment.
For detailed salary information, see our 2026 salary guide and salary breakdown with after-tax figures.
English Language Requirement
You must prove your English ability to at least B1 level on the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR). From April 2025, new care worker applicants may need to meet the B2 standard. The accepted methods of proof are:
B2 Requirement Change
From April 2025, new care worker visa applicants may need to demonstrate B2 English (IELTS 5.5 in each component). Check our B2 English requirement guide for the latest details and whether this applies to your application.
Qualifications & Registration
Qualification requirements depend on your specific role. Care worker roles (SOC 6145) do not have formal qualification requirements — training is typically provided on the job. However, regulated healthcare professions require specific qualifications and registration:
Nurses (SOC 2231)
Must hold a nursing degree or diploma recognised in the UK. Must register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC). The NMC registration process includes a CBT (Computer Based Test) and an OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examination). This can take 3–6 months.
Social Workers (SOC 2442)
Must hold a recognised social work qualification and register with Social Work England (in England) or the equivalent body in Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland.
Physiotherapists, OTs & Allied Health (SOC 2221/2222)
Must register with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). Requires relevant degree and evidence of professional competence.
Care Workers & Home Carers (SOC 6145/6146)
No formal qualification requirement for the visa. Employers provide induction training including the Care Certificate (15 standards). Some employers prefer NVQ/QCF Level 2 or 3 in Health and Social Care but this is not a visa requirement.
Financial Requirement
You must demonstrate that you can support yourself financially when you arrive in the UK. The requirement is £1,270 held in your bank account for 28 consecutive days, ending no more than 31 days before the date of your application.
Employer Certification (Most Common)
Most employers certify maintenance on the Certificate of Sponsorship, meaning you do NOT need to show personal savings. This is indicated on your CoS. If your employer certifies maintenance, you can skip this requirement entirely. Always confirm with your employer before relying on this.
If you need to show savings:
- The £1,270 must be in your name (not a joint account, unless you are a named holder)
- Funds must not drop below £1,270 at any point during the 28 days
- Bank statements or a bank letter are accepted (original, not printed from online banking)
- If the funds are in a currency other than GBP, UKVI will use the OANDA exchange rate on the date of your application
- Funds in certain restricted accounts (e.g., fixed deposits you cannot access) may not be accepted
Criminal Record Checks
Because the Health and Care Worker visa is for roles involving vulnerable people, criminal record checks are more stringent than for the standard Skilled Worker visa. You must provide a criminal record certificate from every country where you have lived for 12 months or more in the last 10 years.
Start Early
Criminal record certificates can take 2–8 weeks to obtain depending on the country. Some countries require in-person applications. Start this process as soon as you receive your job offer — this is the document that most often causes delays.
The certificate must:
- Be issued recently (typically within the last 6 months)
- Cover the entire period you lived in that country
- Be translated into English by a certified translator (if not in English)
- Include your full name and date of birth
Additionally, once in the UK and employed, your employer will conduct a DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check at the enhanced level, which is standard for all health and social care roles.
Health Requirements
Health requirements for the care visa include:
Age & Other Criteria
Additional eligibility criteria to be aware of:
- Age: You must be 18 or over to apply for the Health and Care Worker visa. There is no upper age limit.
- Genuine intention: You must intend to work in the role stated on your CoS. UKVI may interview you to confirm this.
- Previous visa compliance: If you have previously overstayed or breached visa conditions in the UK, this may affect your application.
- No deception: Any false information or forged documents will result in a 10-year ban from the UK.
- Not a banned individual: You must not have an exclusion order or deportation order against you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the basic requirements for a UK care visa in 2026?
You need: a job offer from a licensed sponsor, a CoS, minimum salary of £23,200/year, English at B1/B2, £1,270 savings (unless employer certifies), a valid passport, and criminal record certificates.
What is the minimum salary for a care visa in 2026?
£23,200/year or £11.90/hour. New entrants may qualify at £20,960. Some roles like nursing have higher going rates.
Do I need IELTS for a UK care visa?
You need English at B1 (IELTS 4.0) or potentially B2 (IELTS 5.5) level. Alternatives include OET, a degree in English, or nationality of an English-speaking country.
What qualifications do I need?
Care workers (SOC 6145) do not need formal qualifications. Nurses need NMC registration. Other healthcare professionals need HCPC or relevant body registration.
Can I get a care visa with a criminal record?
It depends on the severity. Minor offences may not be a barrier. Serious offences involving violence or drugs likely result in refusal. Each case is assessed individually. You must declare all convictions.
How much money do I need in my bank?
£1,270 for 28 consecutive days, unless your employer certifies maintenance on your CoS (most do). Check with your employer.