If you have been exploring UK NHS jobs opportunities, especially as someone outside the country, today’s job guide is actually meant for you. Even if you are already in the UK and looking for a path to career growth and visa sponsorship, you will also need to stick around because we have updates you must read.
There have been some major changes recently to the UK immigration policies and many people are asking a lot of questions. In today’s guide, most of those questions will be answered.
You might be asking questions like;
- Is the UK still open for international healthcare workers?
- “Can I still move with my family?”
- Is it the end for care worker visa?
In this guide, we will be walking you through these questions and also providing answers for them.
- What’s changing with the UK immigration?
- What the NHS is still offering?
- Which roles are open for sponsorship, including those that let you bring your spouses and children?
- Also, where you can apply right now with confidence.
If this sounds like what you’ve been searching for, go ahead and read to the end.
UK NHS Jobs
UK Immigration Changes
The UK government has introduced a white paper aimed at reducing net immigration, meaning they want to cut down the number of people moving into the country. As a result, several visa categories are being reviewed and restrictions have been introduced.
One major change is the increase in the salary threshold for the skilled worker visa. It’s now set at £38,700 per year. That’s a pretty high bar for many entry level workers. So naturally, people are asking, does this mean healthcare jobs are no longer an option?
The good news is no. The health and care worker visa has different rules. It’s a specialized route created to help the NHS fill critical roles and the salary requirement is much lower than the new skilled worker thresholds. So if you are applying through the health and care worker visa, this change doesn’t block you out.
Is NHS Still Hiring?
The answer is yes. The NHS recently updated its pay scale for 2025 to 2026. And here is what you need to know. The NHS uses a banding system to categorize job roles. This band determines salary, responsibilities and required qualifications.
Let us break it down for you:
- Band 2: Entry level role: Here are typically support roles such as healthcare assistants or nursing assistants. Starting salary is around £24,000 per year.
- Band 3 to 4: Mid-level support role. Roles like senior health assistants, therapy assistants or maternity support worker, all the assistant jobs. The salary is about £25,000 to £27,500.
- Band 5 and above: Professional roles. This includes registered nurses, allied health professionals like occupational therapists, etc. Salary starts from £28,000 and up, depending on experience.
These pay scales were officially updated in May 2025, even after the immigration white paper was released, proving that the NHS is still actively hiring and updating its workforce plan.
What’s Happening with Care Worker Visa?
That’s another question that a lot of people are asking. Let’s address one of the most worrying updates for many international applicants. The care worker and senior care worker visa. Yes, the UK government is planning to phase out this specific
Visa Route: Also, people in this role are no longer allowed to bring dependents, meaning your spouses or children cannot join you under this kind of visa.
Category: But here is the hopeful part. There are many other roles within the NHS that still qualify for visa sponsorship and allow dependents. So, instead of focusing on just care roles, let’s explore other roles that are safer and more stable right now.
In-demand NHS Roles You can Apply
In-demand NHS roles you can apply for is the next thing we want to talk about. Now, let’s go through a list of roles within the NHS that are still eligible for sponsorship and allow you to also move with your family.
These roles are often included in the shortage occupation list, which means they are high priorities and faster to process:
- Registered nurses
- Psychologists
- Paramedics
- Speech and language therapists
- Physiotherapists
- Occupational therapists
- Dental nurses
- Maternity support workers
- Pharmacists
Also, don’t forget the assistant roles. These are great entry points with lower requirements:
- Physiotherapy assistant
- Occupational therapist assistant
- Speech therapist assistant
- Nursing assistant
- Pharmacy assistant
- Radiography assistant
These roles are often overlooked, but they are valid and eligible for NHS sponsorship. If your background is in healthcare, education, social science, or any health-related field, you could qualify for one of these roles.
Can You Still Move with Your Family Or Not?
Let us clearly answer this question. Yes, if you are applying for any of the roles we just mentioned under the health and care worker visa, you are allowed to bring your spouses and children with you.
Only care worker and senior care routes have restrictions on dependents. So, if you’re looking for a long-term life abroad with your family together, choosing a qualified NHS role is your best path right now.
Where To Apply for this NHS Job?
Here are some official and also trusted sites you can use to search for NHS jobs with sponsorship:
www.jobs.nhs.uk
This is the official NHS job board. Use filters like “international applicants are welcome” or “visa sponsorship available.”
www.track.jobs
Many NHS trusts post directly here. Look for keywords like “title sponsorship” or “skilled worker visa.”
Gov.uk
The UK official government website. Use the register of licensed sponsors to double-check if an NHS employer is legally allowed to also sponsor your visa.
A Tip For You
Apply to Multiple NHS Trusts
Many regions across the UK still have staff shortages and need international professionals urgently.
Conclusion
UK immigration rules are changing, but the NHS is still open. Health and care worker visa is not affected by the salary hike. NHS roles are still eligible for sponsorship and many allow you to move with your family.
The care worker visa may be ending, but your options are far from over. If you have been feeling confused or discouraged, we hope this guide gives you clarity and renews hope.
Looking to move to the UK in 2025 through an NHS job? In this guide, we break down the latest UK immigration changes, the current status of NHS sponsorship jobs, and healthcare roles that still allow you to relocate with your family.
Whether you’re in Nigeria, Ghana, India, or any part of the world, this update is for you. We let you know which roles are still eligible, learn about the new salary bands, understand how the new rules affect dependents, see if NHS is still offering sponsorship and Get tips on how to increase your chances of landing a job.
