Health and Care Worker Visa 2025 – Bring Your Family to the UK

The Health and Care Worker Visa allows skilled professionals in healthcare to live and work in the UK.
If you already hold this visa, you can also bring your spouse, partner, and children to join you.

The rules changed in 2025, and many families are unsure about who qualifies and what documents are required. At AHJ Immigration, we help healthcare professionals understand the latest requirements and make sure their loved ones join them in the UK smoothly.

What Is the Health and Care Worker Visa?

This visa is a type of Skilled Worker Visa designed for professionals in the NHS, adult social care, and other medical sectors.
It offers quicker processing, lower fees, and exemption from the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).

You can apply if you:

• Work in a qualifying health or social care role
• Have a job offer from a licensed sponsor
• Meet the English language and salary requirements
• Intend to work in the UK long-term

2025 Salary Requirements

From 2025, the minimum salary for most Health and Care Workers is £23,200 per year.

Some roles allow slightly lower salaries under national pay scales, such as the NHS Agenda for Change.

Bringing Your Family to the UK

You can bring:

• Your spouse or partner
• Your children under 18
• Children over 18 if they are already in the UK as dependants

Each dependant must submit a separate application but can apply at the same time as you or later.

Eligibility for Dependants

Your family members must:

• Show proof of your relationship (marriage certificate or birth certificate)
• Prove they can be supported financially
• Live with you in the UK

Dependants do not need to pass an English test.

Financial Requirement for Dependants

You must show you can support your family.
As of 2025, the required funds are:

You can meet this requirement through savings or by showing that your employer agrees to cover your family’s costs in the sponsorship certificate.

If you are already in the UK, you do not usually need to show funds again.

How to Apply for Dependants

Step 1: Complete the Online Form

Dependants must apply through the Home Office website under the “Join or accompany” category.

Step 2: Pay the Visa Fee

Dependants of Health and Care Workers pay reduced fees and are exempt from the Immigration Health Surcharge.

Step 3: Submit Documents

Required documents include:

• Passports for each family member
• Marriage or birth certificates
• Proof of address
• Bank statements or sponsor letter confirming maintenance

Step 4: Biometrics Appointment

Each dependant must attend a UKVCAS or Visa Application Centre for biometrics.

Step 5: Wait for a Decision

Most family applications are decided within 3 to 8 weeks.

Dependants’ Rights in the UK

Once approved, your family members can:

• Live and travel with you in the UK
• Work in almost any job
• Study full-time
• Access NHS healthcare for free

They cannot claim public funds but can build eligibility for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after five years.

Extending or Switching

Your dependants’ visas will end on the same date as yours.
You can extend their visas when you renew yours or switch together to another visa type, such as ILR.

It’s important that all dependants remain on valid visas.
If their visas expire before renewal, they may lose lawful status.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Applying for dependants before getting your own visa approved
• Forgetting to include maintenance funds
• Using outdated relationship evidence
• Submitting unclear or missing documents
• Applying under the wrong visa category

We check every detail to avoid these issues and ensure quick approval.

Costs in 2025

(Verified October 2025 Home Office guidance)

How AHJ Immigration Can Help

We understand how important it is for families to stay together.
Our team prepares and reviews every document to ensure smooth approval.

Our services include:

• Free 30-minute consultation: Review your eligibility and dependants’ applications.
• 1-hour paid consultation (£120): Detailed document review (deducted from final cost).
• Full application support: From forms to communication with the Home Office.
• Follow-up guidance: Help with extensions and ILR applications later.

📞 Call 0121 828 2224 to start your family’s application today.

Healthcare Workers Dependents FAQs

1. Can my family work in the UK as my dependants?
Yes. Spouses and adult dependants can work without restrictions.

2. Do I need to show proof of funds for my dependants?
Yes, unless your sponsor covers maintenance in the CoS or you are already in the UK.

3. How long does it take to bring my family?
Most applications are decided within 3 to 8 weeks.

4. Will my family pay the health surcharge?
No. Health and Care Workers and their dependants are exempt from the IHS.

5. Can my dependants apply for ILR with me?
Yes. After five years in the UK, your dependants can apply for ILR at the same time as you.

Keep Your Family Close While You Build Your Career

Your career in the UK should include your family by your side.
Let AHJ Immigration make the process clear and stress-free.

📞 Call 0121 828 2224 for a free 30-minute consultation, or book a 1-hour paid session (£120) for a detailed review of your family’s documents.