Health and Care Worker
Allow at least 3–4 weeks before your employment start date. NHS employers are experienced in sponsoring Indian healthcare professionals and can guide you through the process.
- Toll Free: 1800-210-2427 / +91 77188 82427
- info@leamss.com
What is the Health and Care Worker (HCWV) Visa?
A dedicated sub-category of the Skilled Worker Visa for qualified doctors, nurses, allied health professionals, and adult social care workers in the NHS or NHS-funded bodies. Key benefits: complete IHS exemption (saving £1,035/year per person) and significantly reduced visa application fees. Indians are the largest group of internationally recruited NHS staff.
Who is Eligible?
1
Job offer from the NHS, an NHS-commissioned provider, or an eligible adult social care employer
2
Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from a UKVI-licensed health or care sponsor
3
Eligible health or care occupation (doctors, nurses, midwives, allied health professionals, social care workers)
4
Minimum salary as per the NHS pay scale or occupation going rate
5
English language: B1 level (IELTS 4.0 equivalent)
6
Valid Indian passport
7
GMC, NMC, or relevant professional body registration (or pending) for clinical roles
Step-by-Step Application Process
1
Secure NHS / social care job offer
Obtain a formal offer from an NHS Trust or eligible social care employer with a valid sponsor licence.
2
Obtain professional registration
Register with GMC (doctors), NMC (nurses/midwives), HCPC (allied health), or GPhC (pharmacists). Provisional registration may suffice initially.
3
Receive Certificate of Sponsorship
Employer issues CoS specifying the Health & Care Worker route to ensure fee exemptions apply.
4
Apply via gov.uk/health-care-worker-visa
Select the Health & Care Worker Visa category specifically to access reduced fee structure.
5
Pay reduced fee (no IHS)
Pay £324 (≤3 yrs) or £628 (>3 yrs). No IHS payment required.
6
Biometrics, decision & travel
Attend VFS Global biometrics in India. Standard processing 3 weeks.
Required Documents
GMC registration certificate (doctors)
NMC registration certificate (nurses and midwives)
HCPC registration certificate (allied health professionals)
GPhC registration certificate (pharmacists)
Medical / nursing degree certificates and transcripts
Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) reference number
NHS / employer offer letter and employment contract
OET or IELTS results (as required by GMC/NMC/HCPC for your profession)
TB test certificate from an approved Indian clinic
Valid Indian passport
Processing Time
3 weeks
Visa Application Fees
| Applicant Type | Fees |
|---|---|
Health & Care Worker Visa – up to 3 years |
£324 |
Health & Care Worker Visa – over 3 years |
£628 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need full GMC/NMC registration before applying?
Not always. Indian doctors can often enter on provisional GMC registration and complete PLAB tests in the UK. Nurses may enter on conditional NMC registration. Check with your specific NHS employer and regulatory body for your individual pathway.
