An NHS sponsorship visa refers to the process where the National Health Service (NHS) and affiliated healthcare employers sponsor overseas medical professionals under the UK Health and Care Worker visa route. This visa allows qualified doctors, nurses, care workers, and allied health professionals to live and work legally in the United Kingdom.
The NHS is one of the largest sponsors of foreign healthcare professionals in the UK due to ongoing workforce shortages. This guide explains what NHS sponsorship means, eligibility requirements, employer obligations, the application process, costs, common mistakes, and frequently asked questions.
Contents
What Is an NHS Sponsorship Visa?
An NHS sponsorship visa is not a separate visa category. It refers to sponsorship under the Health and Care Worker visa, a subcategory of the Skilled Worker visa designed specifically for healthcare professionals.
Under this route:
- An NHS trust or approved healthcare employer must hold a valid sponsor licence
- The employer issues a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
- The worker applies for a Health and Care Worker visa
This visa offers reduced fees and exemption from the Immigration Health Surcharge.
Who Can Apply for NHS Sponsorship?
Eligible Healthcare Roles
- Doctors
- Registered nurses
- Midwives
- Paramedics
- Radiographers
- Physiotherapists
- Care workers and senior care workers
- Clinical scientists
The occupation must appear on the UK government’s eligible occupation list for the Health and Care Worker visa.
Worker Eligibility Requirements
- Job offer from an NHS trust or approved healthcare provider
- Certificate of Sponsorship reference number
- Salary meeting minimum threshold requirements
- Proof of English language proficiency
- Relevant professional qualifications
- Registration with the appropriate UK professional body where required
For example, nurses must register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council before starting employment.
Employer Requirements for NHS Sponsorship
NHS trusts and approved healthcare providers must:
- Hold a valid UK sponsor licence
- Offer a genuine vacancy
- Ensure the salary meets required thresholds
- Assign a valid Certificate of Sponsorship
- Maintain compliance with UK immigration rules
Healthcare employers are subject to compliance audits and reporting duties under UKVI regulations.
NHS Sponsorship Visa Process Step-by-Step
Step 1: Secure a Job Offer
The applicant receives a formal job offer from an NHS trust or licensed healthcare employer.
Step 2: Certificate of Sponsorship Issued
The employer assigns a Certificate of Sponsorship detailing the job role, salary, and occupation code.
Step 3: Submit Visa Application
The applicant applies online for a Health and Care Worker visa and provides:
- Certificate of Sponsorship reference number
- Proof of English language ability
- Professional qualification documents
- Biometric enrolment
- Tuberculosis test results if required
Step 4: Visa Decision
Processing times are typically faster than standard Skilled Worker visas. Once approved, the applicant can travel to the UK and begin employment.
Salary Requirements for NHS Sponsorship
Salary thresholds depend on:
- The occupation code
- Whether the role is on the shortage occupation list
- Current UK immigration salary rules
Healthcare roles often benefit from lower salary thresholds compared to general Skilled Worker positions.
Costs of an NHS Sponsorship Visa
Employee Costs
- Reduced visa application fee
- No Immigration Health Surcharge
- Biometric enrolment fee
- English language testing costs
Employer Costs
- Sponsor licence fee
- Certificate of Sponsorship fee
- Immigration Skills Charge
The Immigration Skills Charge is typically paid by the employer and cannot be passed to the worker.
Duration and Extension
The Health and Care Worker visa is usually granted for up to five years. It can be extended if the worker continues employment with an approved sponsor.
After five years of lawful residence, applicants may qualify for Indefinite Leave to Remain, provided they meet residency and salary requirements.
Can Family Members Join?
Yes. NHS-sponsored workers can bring eligible dependants, including:
- Spouse or partner
- Children under 18
Dependants may have the right to work and study in the UK.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Applying without proper professional registration
- Incorrect occupation code selection
- Failing to meet English language standards
- Submitting incomplete documentation
- Accepting roles from employers without valid sponsor licences
Careful preparation improves approval outcomes.
FAQs About NHS Sponsorship Visa
Is NHS sponsorship the same as Skilled Worker sponsorship?
It falls under the Skilled Worker framework but uses the Health and Care Worker visa category, which offers reduced fees and benefits.
Do I need IELTS for NHS sponsorship?
Most applicants must prove English proficiency unless exempt based on nationality or qualifications.
How long does processing take?
Processing times are generally faster than standard Skilled Worker applications.
Can I change employers?
Yes, but the new employer must hold a sponsor licence and issue a new Certificate of Sponsorship.
Does NHS sponsorship lead to permanent residency?
Yes. After five years of lawful residence, eligible workers may apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain.
Final Thoughts
The NHS sponsorship visa pathway remains one of the most accessible routes for international healthcare professionals seeking employment in the United Kingdom. With reduced fees and strong demand for skilled medical staff, this route offers both immediate employment opportunities and long-term settlement potential.
Success depends on securing a valid job offer, meeting professional registration requirements, and ensuring full compliance with UK immigration rules. For many healthcare professionals, NHS sponsorship provides a structured and reliable pathway to building a medical career in the UK.