NHS Immigration Changes 2025
In May 2025, the UK government released a paper outlining planned changes to the immigration system. The full UK government article can be found on this link.
We have received a lot of questions regarding the changes and have summarised them below.
I heard the Care Worker Visa is being stopped. Is that true?
Yes — the UK Government has announced that the Care Worker visa for overseas recruitment will no longer be available soon. However, no final cut-off date has been set, and anyone already in the UK can continue to extend or switch into this visa until at least 2028.
I’m currently working in a care home in the UK, what should I do?
You currently have a grace period of three years, but it is likely you will be asked to leave the UK after this point. Your best option is to switch to the NHS into a band 3 position for now such as Healthcare Assistant and then work your way up in the NHS.
Is Band 3 NHS Healthcare Assistant Sponsorship also ending?
As of now it is still available in higher paid roles in Scotland and London (available on our website). However, apply as soon as possible using our service, as it is likely by the end of the year even these will not be eligible for VISA sponsorship.
I’m a Band 3 Healthcare Assistant abroad. Can I still apply?
At the moment, yes — but time is limited. Under the new rules, only roles requiring degree level qualifications (RQF Level 6 or above) will qualify for Skilled Worker visas. Band 3 and Band 4 roles are below that threshold and will soon be ineligible unless they’re added to a Shortage Occupation List.
Can I still apply from abroad for care jobs in the UK?
As of now (May 2025), yes — but we recommend acting quickly. The UK Government is phasing out care-based overseas recruitment. If you’re eligible, apply as soon as possible. If you’re already inside the UK, you’ll still be able to extend your visa or switch into this category even after new restrictions begin.
I’m a Nurse outside the UK, can I still apply?
Great news —you still meet the new Skilled Worker visa requirements. Make sure your degree is recognised, you have English proficiency (IELTS/OET), and your NMC registration is active or underway.
I’m an AHP (radiographer, physiotherapist, paramedic) outside the UK, can I still apply?
Yes, make sure your degree is recognised, you have English proficiency (IELTS/OET), and your HCPC registration is active or underway.
Can International Medical Graduates (Doctors) still apply to the NHS?
Yes, make sure your degree is recognised, you have English proficiency (IELTS/OET), and your GMC registration is active or underway.
Will it now take 10 years to get Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)?
Yes, for most work-related visas, the residency requirement for ILR will increase from 5 to 10 years. However, this does not affect family visas — and some exceptions will be made for people who contribute significantly to the UK (including NHS staff), but the details are still being confirmed. It is likely that NHS staff would continue to receive ILR after 5 years.
Are the visa fees changing too?
Yes — from April 2025, visa fees and employer costs have increased:
• Skilled Worker visa fee: now £885 (up from £625–£719)
• Immigration Skills Charge: up 32% to around £1,320 per year This affects employers, so some may reduce sponsorship offers.
Can my family still join me in the UK?
Yes — family members can still apply as dependants. However, new rules mean they must meet English language requirements earlier, especially if they want to extend their visa or apply for ILR or citizenship in the future.
What should I do now if I want to work in the NHS in 2025?
You should:
1. Apply now if you're eligible — especially if you’re outside the UK.
2. Focus on Band 5 roles or above (nursing, radiography, AHPs, Dr’s) that meet the new rules or if you are not qualified apply in London/Scotland for Band 3 roles.
3. Once in the UK, study part-time or upskill to reach Band 5+ if you start lower.
How can HealthHireUK help with these immigration changes?
Important Message
HealthHireUK can help you secure jobs with VISA sponsorship, and understand the new immigration rules. We can help you strategically plan for citizenship and long-term work in the UK.
We hope you find this article useful. If you are interested in our experts guiding you through the NHS application process, you may be interested in our service.
Our experts will write your full NHS Application including tailored supporting information, guide you step by step from finding jobs to applying for jobs, and also give you a list of NHS interview questions.
We help hundreds of International nurses each month and you could be our next success story. If you are interested in our services, please click here to purchase (Use code NHS50) or fill this form out and our team will be in touch with you.
