Switching from a Health and Care Worker Visa to a Skilled Worker Visa is a topic that has become increasingly relevant for many professionals who are rethinking their long-term plans in the UK. As visa categories evolve and career ambitions grow, the decision to move from a dedicated Health and Care Worker route to the broader Skilled Worker pathway can feel both strategic and necessary. For some, the motivation comes from career progression; for others, it may be the desire for greater flexibility or alignment with changing job roles. And for many, the question of whether to switch care workers to a skilled visa is tied to personal aspirations, employer needs, and a shifting sense of what long-term stability looks like.
Health and Care Worker Visa vs Skilled Worker Visa
To begin, it is important to understand how the Health and Care Worker visa relates to the Skilled Worker visa. According to the UK government’s Health and Care visa guidance, the Health and Care route is not a separate category but actually a sub-route within the wider Skilled Worker framework.
The Health and Care Worker visa was created to make it simpler for qualified health professionals—such as doctors, nurses, and certain social care workers—to come to the UK or extend their stay. It offers several advantages, including lower visa fees and exemption from the immigration health surcharge for both the visa holder and their dependants.
In July 2025, the government introduced significant changes that affect care workers, specifically those working under Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) codes 6135 (care workers) and 6136 (senior care workers). For anyone currently on the Health and Care Worker visa, understanding these updates is essential before deciding whether to switch to the standard Skilled Worker visa.
What Changed in 2025?
Some of the most important immigration rule changes impacting care workers came into force on July 2025. These are not speculative; they are already active, and they matter.
Here is a breakdown of the key July 2025 changes:
- Skills Threshold Raised
The minimum required skill level for a Skilled Worker visa has been raised to RQF 6 (degree level) for many roles, removing more than 100 occupations that previously qualified. - Salary Threshold Increase
The general salary threshold for the Skilled Worker visa has been increased from £38,700 to £41,700 for new applicants. - Care Worker Route Restriction
New Skilled Worker visa applications for care workers and senior care workers are no longer permitted for overseas applicants after 22 July 2025.- However, there is a transition period until 22 July 2028, during which in-country switching or extending of existing visas in these occupation codes is still possible under specific conditions.
- One such condition: the worker must already have three months’ prior legal employment with their sponsor before they can be assigned a new Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS).
- After 22 July 2028, SOC 6135 and 6136 are scheduled to be removed entirely from the Immigration Salary List (ISL) and the Temporary Shortage Occupation List (TSL).
- CQC Sponsorship Requirement
Employers (sponsors) in England for care worker and senior care worker roles must be Care Quality Commission (CQC)-registered. - Restricted Dependants Rule
According to NHS Employers, after 22 July 2025, new care worker Skilled Worker visa holders under sub-degree roles will not be able to bring dependants during the transition phase.
These changes are significant, and they underscore why many existing Health and Care Worker visa holders are carefully reviewing their options, including whether to switch care worker to a skilled visa (i.e., a standard Skilled Worker visa) under the updated rules.
Why Consider Switching?
Given the evolving immigration rules, there are several reasons why someone on the Health and Care Worker visa might consider switching to a standard Skilled Worker visa, assuming they are eligible. Here are some of the most common motivations:
- Long-Term Career Flexibility
The standard Skilled Worker visa may provide more flexibility in terms of job mobility, especially if the worker’s role evolves beyond purely care-based duties or moves into other skilled occupations. - Dependants
Although the current transition rules restrict dependants for new care worker Skilled Worker visa holders, switching to other skilled roles might restore or secure better family visa rights in the future. - Settlement / Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)
Many Skilled Worker visa holders view their visa as a pathway to settlement. Depending on future rules (which may evolve further), switching could align better with long-term immigration goals. - Salary Considerations
While the salary threshold for Skilled Worker visas has increased, some care worker roles under the Health and Care visa have diminishing pathways under the new regime. Switching to a different skilled role could meet or exceed new salary requirements, depending on the job and employer. - Employer-Sponsored Career Growth
If your employer (or another sponsor) offers a role with a higher SOC code, or a different, more senior, skilled job, switching allows you to take advantage of career progression.
Who Is Eligible to Switch?
If you’re considering making the move, here are the core eligibility criteria for switching from a Health and Care Worker visa to a standard Skilled Worker visa:
- You must already be in the UK, on a visa that allows switching.
- You need a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from a UK employer that holds a sponsor licence for the role you are switching into.
- Your job (role) must meet the Skilled Worker eligibility requirements, including:
- Being on the list of eligible occupations.
- Meeting the required skill level (which is now RQF 6 or higher for many roles, per the July 2025 changes).
- You must meet the English language requirement (reading, writing, speaking, understanding).
- You must be paid the correct salary for the role:
- For Skilled Worker visas, this may be at or above the new thresholds (e.g., the new minimum salary of £41,700 for many roles).
- If you are switching into a role formerly under a Health and Care visa (like care worker / senior care worker), there are transitional provisions — but you must already have worked in the role for at least three months with the same sponsor before being assigned a new CoS.
- For care workers and senior care workers, your employer must be CQC-registered (in England).
- You must apply before your current visa expires, and you should not leave the UK while applying (unless stated otherwise).
Step-by-Step Guide
Here’s a practical guide to navigating the switch:
- Check Your Job Status
Confirm your SOC code, current role, and whether your employer is CQC-registered (if required). - Secure a New Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
Ask your employer (sponsor) to assign a new CoS for the Skilled Worker role you intend to switch into. - Ensure Three Months’ Employment (if needed)
If you are a care worker, make sure you have completed at least three months of continuous, legal employment with your sponsor before applying. - English Language Test
Arrange to prove your English proficiency if not already done: reading, writing, speaking, and understanding. - Salary Verification
Confirm that your job meets the minimum salary threshold for the Skilled Worker visa under the new rules. - Apply Online — Before Your Current Visa Expires
Use the UK government online visa application system.- Don’t travel outside the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man until you receive a decision on your application.
- Include all necessary supporting documents, including your CoS, proof of employment, and identity documents.
- Biometrics (fingerprints and a photo) will be taken — there is no fee for the biometrics themselves.
- Be prepared to pay the application fee and, in many cases, the Immigration Health Surcharge—but note: if you previously held a Health and Care Worker visa and switch to Skilled Worker, you may lose the healthcare surcharge exemption, depending on the role.
- Wait for the Decision
Most decisions are made within eight weeks for in-country switching. - If Approved, Update Your Status
After a successful switch, you should receive your visa decision and a new visa valid under the Skilled Worker category. You may also need to consider future steps like extension or settlement.
Risks, Pitfalls, and Considerations
Switching visas is not without challenges. Here are some key warnings and considerations:
- No Dependants Option for Some: If you’re a care worker, switching during the transition period, you may not be able to bring dependents under certain conditions.
- Termination of Sponsorship: If your employer is not CQC-registered and your role requires it, you may not qualify.
- Changes After 2028: Once SOC 6135/6136 are removed post-July 2028, switching or extending those roles may no longer be possible.
- Salary Threshold Risk: If your role does not meet the higher Skilled Worker salary threshold, you may not be eligible for the standard Skilled Worker visa.
- ILR / Settlement: Future changes in immigration rules could affect eligibility for settlement (e.g., indefinite leave to remain) or the visa renewal process.
- Dependents & Family: Depending on the date of your visa application and your role, bringing dependents might be restricted.
Conclusion!
Switching from a Health and Care Worker visa to a standard Skilled Worker visa is ultimately a personal decision shaped by your ambitions, circumstances, and long-term plans in the UK. While the process can feel technical at times, approaching it with clarity and intention allows you to choose the path that best supports your career and stability. Whether you’re thinking about future progression, family considerations, or simply wanting to align your visa with your evolving professional journey, taking the time to explore your options will always serve you well. Stay informed, stay proactive, and stay confident in the decisions that shape your future. And for clear guidance, thoughtful analysis, and ongoing updates, make sure you continue following Skilled Worker Mag — your trusted source for navigating UK work visas with confidence.
