Health and Care Worker Dependant Visa 2025 UK Guide

The Health and Care Worker Dependant Visa lets close family members of Health and Care Worker visa holders live, work and study in the UK. If you’re a care worker or NHS professional already in the UK, this guide explains how your spouse, partner, or children can join you legally.

We’ll break down the 2025 rules, eligibility, application process, and everything else you need to know about bringing your loved ones to live with you in the UK.

What Is the Health and Care Worker Dependant Visa?

This visa route is designed for family members of people who already hold a Health and Care Worker visa. It allows dependants to stay in the UK for the same length as the main visa holder.

Dependants can:

• Live in the UK
• Work in most jobs
• Study at school, college, or university
• Use the NHS

The dependant visa does not lead to permanent settlement on its own, but dependants may qualify for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after 5 continuous years if other criteria are met.

Who Can Apply as a Dependant?

Eligible Relationships

To qualify as a dependant, the applicant must be:

• The husband, wife, or civil partner of the main visa holder
• An unmarried partner (you must have lived together for at least 2 years in a relationship like marriage)
• A child under 18 (or over 18 if already in the UK as your dependant and not living independently)

Proof Required

You’ll need to provide documents showing the family connection, including:

• Marriage or civil partnership certificate
• Evidence of shared living arrangements for at least 2 years (if unmarried)
• Birth certificates for children
• The main applicant’s Health and Care Worker visa details

Dependant Visa Requirements (2025 Update)

To be eligible for a Health and Care Worker Dependant Visa in 2025, you must:

• Prove your family relationship (with documents listed above)
• Show that the main applicant holds a valid Health and Care Worker visa
• Demonstrate you can financially support your dependants (in some cases)
• Provide a TB test certificate if applying from certain countries

Unlike the main visa, English language requirements do not apply to dependants.

Important 2024 Rule Change

As of 11 March 2024, new applicants coming to the UK as care workers or senior care workers can no longer bring new dependants with them. However, this does not affect:

• Existing Health and Care Worker visa holders who brought their dependants before 11 March 2024
• Dependants of care workers who already had their visa granted before the rule change
• Applicants working in other eligible health professions (e.g. nurses, doctors, social workers)

How to Apply for the Dependant Visa

Application Steps

• Complete the dependant visa application online
• Upload all supporting documents
• Book a biometrics appointment at a visa application centre
• Pay the visa fee and Immigration Health Surcharge (if applicable)
• Wait for a decision (standard or priority processing available)

Required Documents

• Valid passport for each family member
• Proof of relationship (marriage/birth certificates, cohabitation documents)
• The main visa holder’s Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) or visa number
• Financial documents (if required to show support)
• TB test results (only if from a listed country)

Visa Fees and Processing Times

• Visa Fee: £304 to £590 per person (this may change slightly depending on where you apply)
• Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): Free for eligible Health and Care Worker visa holders and their dependants
• Processing Time: 3–8 weeks on average

You may be able to pay extra for:

• Priority Service (5 working days)
• Super Priority Service (1 working day) – only available in some locations

Delays can happen if extra documents are needed or there is high demand.

What Your Family Can Do in the UK

Allowed:

• Work in most types of jobs (no sponsorship needed)
• Study at any level
• Use the NHS
• Travel in and out of the UK freely

Not Allowed:

• Claim public funds (benefits such as Universal Credit, Housing Benefit etc.)
• Work as a professional sportsperson or coach

Switching or Extending in the UK

Switching to a Dependant Visa

If your family member is already in the UK on another visa (e.g. Student or Skilled Worker), they may be able to switch to a dependant visa as long as they’re not on a visitor visa or in breach of immigration laws.

Extending the Dependant Visa

When the main applicant extends their Health and Care Worker visa, each dependant must also apply to extend their own visa. Applications can be made at the same time or separately.

All dependants must still meet the eligibility criteria and provide updated documents.

Can You Get Indefinite Leave to Remain?

Yes, dependants can apply for ILR after living in the UK continuously for 5 years  provided:

• They have spent those 5 years on a dependant visa
• They meet the absence rules (no more than 180 days outside the UK in any 12 month period)
• They pass the Life in the UK Test
• The main visa holder also qualifies for ILR

Children born in the UK can apply for British citizenship once one parent is settled.

FAQs – Health and Care Worker Dependant Visa UK

Can my partner work in the UK on a dependant visa?

Yes. Partners and spouses can work full-time, part-time, or be self-employed. No sponsorship is needed.

Do I have to pay the IHS for my family?

No. If the main applicant is exempt from the Immigration Health Surcharge, dependants are also exempt.

Can I bring my children to the UK on a care visa?

Only if you held your visa before 11 March 2024. If your visa was granted after that date as a care or senior care worker, you cannot bring dependants under the current rules.

How long can dependants stay?

They can stay as long as the main visa holder’s visa remains valid. If the main applicant extends their visa, the dependants must apply to extend as well.

Can dependants apply from inside the UK?

Yes  as long as they are not on a visitor visa or in breach of immigration conditions.

Alternatives If You Cannot Bring Dependants

Due to the March 2024 rule change, care workers and senior care workers granted visas after this date cannot bring new dependants to the UK. However, here are a few other options:

• Skilled Worker Visa Route: Some care staff may qualify under the broader Skilled Worker route if their employer is registered for it. This visa still allows dependants.
• Family Visa: Your spouse or child may be eligible for a Family Visa if you are settled in the UK or have a long-term route to settlement.
• Switching Visa Types: If you move to a visa route that does allow dependants (like a general Skilled Worker visa or ILR), you can then sponsor your family members.

Every case is different, so it’s best to speak to an immigration solicitor before applying.

Need Help Bringing Your Family to the UK?

The Health and Care Worker Dependant Visa provides a way for healthcare professionals to reunite with their family in the UK  but new rules mean timing is everything. If you were granted your visa before 11 March 2024, you still have options. For everyone else, it’s worth exploring alternative routes like Skilled Worker or Family Visas.

Whether you’re applying from abroad or switching visas inside the UK, our Manchester based immigration team can help you understand your options and avoid delays.

Call us now on 0161 464 4140 or book an appointment at solicitors in Manchester, we offer free 5 minute legal advice on WhatsApp, phone, live chat or email and step by step help with your application.