How to Get a Health and Care Worker Visa in UK (2026 Update)

One of the most affordable and priority processes of international professionals is to receive a Health and Care Worker Visa in the UK. Nevertheless, the situation has changed by 2026. According to the historic reforms of 2025, the UK has clamped down on the skill levels, wage rates and dependant rights so as to strike a balance in the labor market.

Eligibility and Occupation Will You Qualify in 2026?

You have to ensure that your position is still included in the Appendix Skilled Occupations before applying. In the 2025 changes, most of the Skilled Worker roles were increased to RQF Level 6 (degree), although many healthcare roles are exempt or included on transitional lists.

Operative Terms to Know

SOC 2020 Code: There is a 4-digit Standard Occupational Classification code in every job. You should make sure that your code (e.g. 2231-Midwives) is on the list of eligibility.
Immigration Salary List (ISL): This is the replacement of the previous Shortage Occupation List. Positions in the ISL have somewhat less required salary scales but also have to meet the requirement of the going rate.
Temporary Shortage List (TSL): This is a new list of mid-level roles (RQF 3-5) in critical demand (new in 2026). Note: Dependant Restrictions are typically associated with the Jobs on the TSL.

Sponsorship Winning Your Hiring Offers

This visa is not available without an offer of employment by an A-rated Licensed Sponsor. In the roles of care sector (SOC 6135/6136), the employer should be registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) in England.

The Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)

A digital Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) will be issued by your employer. There are two types:

Defined CoS: To external applicants to the UK.
Unspecified CoS: To those already in the UK (e.g. a change of Graduate Visa).

Salary revision 2026 You need to receive the Going rate of your SOC code or the general threshold-whichever is greater. In the majority of Health and Care jobs, the minimum salary is about 25,000-31, 300, depending on your job and whether this is on a national pay scale.

Mandatory Requirement to the Application

Home Office has intensified the questioning of the 2026 applicants in terms of compliance and communication.

English Language: The New Standard

As of January 8, 2026, the English criteria on the first-time applicants have been increased to the CEFR Level B2 (Upper-Intermediate). You must prove this via:

A UKVI-approved or PTE Academic Secure English Language Test (SELT).
A degree taught in English (authenticated by Ecctis).
A citizen of one of the most speech-English-speaking countries.

Compliance Checks

Criminal Record Certificate: Any country you have stayed in, 12 months and above within the past 10 years.
Tuberculosis (TB) Test: This is mandatory in the event you are applying on one of the countries that has been included in the list of high risk countries by Home Office.
Maintenance Requirement: You need to present at least 1270 in bank account on 28 days unless your sponsor certifies you on maintenance on CoS.

Entitlements, Dependants and Settlement

Among the largest modifications in the 2026 update, family rights are involved.

Dependant Restrictions Care Workers (SOC 6135): Senior Care Workers (SOC 6136) are mostly not allowed to carry partners or children unless they had them on the route before March 2024.
IHS Waiver: You and your family (where applicable) will continue to enjoy an exemption to the Immigration Health Surcharge, which will save you the excess of over 1,000 pounds per person, per year.
Additional Employment: You may have additional 20 hours per week in any other position on the ISL or in a similar position.
Path to ILR: Once you have 5 years of consecutive residence, you are allowed to apply to be given an Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), and this will provide you with permanent residency.

Application Guide Step-by-Step

Find a Sponsor: See the official Register of Licensed Sponsors.
Obtain your CoS: This is to ensure that your employer adopts the right SOC 2020 code.
Take the B2 Test: Book up your English test.
Bring Documents: TB test, Criminal Record and Passport.
Apply online: Complete your application at the gov.uk web site.
Biometrics: Schedule an appointment in a visa center and submit fingerprints and a photograph.

FAQs

Am I able to bring my family in case I am a Nurse (SOC 2237) ?

Yes. Care Workers and Senior Care Workers are the main dependants affected by the ban. RNs and Doctors can still invite partners and children.

What is the “Share Code”?

With the UK switching to digital e- Visas, you do not receive a piece of card anymore. A Share Code is one of the digital keys to your Right to Work that you provide to employers or landlords.

What is the time taken by visa to process?

The nature of the healthcare sector as one with a priority nature has seen most of the Health and Care Worker Visas being processed within 3 weeks in case the visa is applied to whether a person is within or outside the UK.

Final Thoughts

Although the 2026 changes have increased the standard of English proficiency and limited rights of the family concerning some positions, the healthcare talent needed in the UK is at an all-time high. With a role that satisfies the RQF Level 6 or ISL, followed by preparing to pass the B2 English test, you can be rewarded with a successful career in the NHS or with private care services.

Disclosure

The article is intended to inform and educate. It is recommended that readers ensure that they get information on reliable sources, including the official websites of the Government of the United Kingdom (gov.uk) prior to making their decisions or filing applications.