Introduction: A New Era for Healthcare Migration

The Health and Care Worker Visa remains the most cost-effective way to move to the UK, but the “Golden Age” of easy entry ended in late 2025. As of January 2026, the Home Office has introduced “suitability” checks and higher language standards to ensure the sustainability of the NHS workforce.

If you are a doctor, nurse, or care professional planning to move this year, you must navigate three major hurdles: the B2 English hike, the Dependant Ban, and the CQC Sponsorship mandate.

1. The Salary Thresholds for 2026

Unlike the standard Skilled Worker visa (which now requires £41,700), the Health and Care route still offers a lower entry point to support the NHS.

The Three Salary Tiers:

• Standard Healthcare Roles: Most roles not on a national pay scale must earn at least

£29,000 to £31,300.

• National Pay Scale Roles: Doctors and Nurses are paid according to NHS Agenda for Change bands. However, the “absolute floor” is now £25,000. If your Band 3 role pays less than this, you cannot be sponsored.
• ISL Roles (Care Workers): If the job is on the Immigration Salary List, the minimum is

£25,000.

2. The Dependant Ban: Can You Bring Your Family?

This is the most “searched” topic in 2026. Whether you can bring your spouse and children depends entirely on your job code (SOC code).

• Care Workers & Senior Care Workers (SOC 6135/6136): * New Applicants: You

cannot bring dependants. This ban, introduced in 2024, remains strictly in place for 2026.

• Existing Workers: If you were already in the UK on this visa before March 11, 2024, you are “protected” and can still extend with your family.

• Doctors, Nurses, & Allied Professionals: * You CAN still bring your partner and children. There are no restrictions for these “high-skill” healthcare roles in 2026.
  

3. The B2 English Requirement (New for Jan 2026)

From January 8, 2026, the level of English required for this visa has increased.

• Level: CEFR B2 (Upper-Intermediate).
• Proof: You must pass an approved SELT (like IELTS 6.5 or PTE 59) or have a UK- recognized degree.
• Renewal Exception: If you are already in the UK on a Health and Care visa, you can renew at your original B1 level. The B2 hike only applies to new overseas applicants and those switching from a Student visa.

4. Mandatory CQC Registration for Sponsors

If you are applying for a role in Adult Social Care in England, your employer must be registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

Warning: In 2026, the Home Office is revoking licenses of “care agencies” that are not active CQC providers. Always ask to see your employer’s CQC rating before signing a contract.

5. Why This is the “Best” Visa Route (Financial Benefits)

Despite the tougher rules, this visa still offers the best financial deal in the UK immigration system:

• No Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): You save £1,035 per person, per year. For a family of four, this is a saving of over £20,000 over 5 years.
• Lower Visa Fees: Standard visas cost ~£800; the Health and Care visa is only £284 – £551.
• Fast Tracking: Decisions are usually made within 3 weeks.

Common 2026 Rejection Reasons to Avoid

1. Wrong SOC Code: Using a “Care Worker” code for a role that is actually “Administrative.”
2. Maintenance Funds: Not having £1,270 in your bank for 28 days (unless your sponsor “certifies” this on the CoS).
3. Criminal Record Certificate: You must provide a certificate from every country you have lived in for 12+ months in the last 10 years. Failure to provide this is the #1 cause of “Administrative Refusal” in 2026.

Summary for 2026 Applicants

The Health and Care route is still the fastest path to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in 5 years.

If you are a qualified professional, the B2 English test is your only major new hurdle.