Health and Care Worker Visa to ILR

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What is Health and Care Worker Visa to ILR UK?

The Health and Care Worker Visa to ILR UK route allows qualified healthcare professionals working in eligible roles to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after completing a continuous 5-year period in the UK.

ILR, also known as settlement, removes immigration restrictions, giving applicants the right to live, work, and remain in the UK permanently. Once you obtain ILR, you can later apply for British citizenship and sponsor family members more easily.

This route applies to individuals on the Health and Care Worker Visa—a special category within the Skilled Worker Visa system, which includes care workers, nurses, senior care workers, and other essential health professionals.

Who is Health and Care Worker Visa to ILR for? 

This ILR route is designed for:

Individuals holding a valid Health and Care Worker Visa (previously under Tier 2)

Individuals holding a valid Health and Care Worker Visa (previously under Tier 2)

Individuals holding a valid Health and Care Worker Visa (previously under Tier 2)

Individuals holding a valid Health and Care Worker Visa (previously under Tier 2)

Professionals employed in eligible health and social care roles

Professionals employed in eligible health and social care roles

Professionals employed in eligible health and social care roles

Professionals employed in eligible health and social care roles

Visa holders who have completed 5 years in the UK under a qualifying visa category

Visa holders who have completed 5 years in the UK under a qualifying visa category

Visa holders who have completed 5 years in the UK under a qualifying visa category

Visa holders who have completed 5 years in the UK under a qualifying visa category

Those who have held a certificate of sponsorship from an approved UK employer

Those who have held a certificate of sponsorship from an approved UK employer

Those who have held a certificate of sponsorship from an approved UK employer

Those who have held a certificate of sponsorship from an approved UK employer

Healthcare workers in roles such as:

Nurses and midwives

Nurses and midwives

Nurses and midwives

Nurses and midwives

Senior care workers

Senior care workers

Senior care workers

Senior care workers

Adult social care staff

Adult social care staff

Adult social care staff

Adult social care staff

Doctors and medical practitioners

Doctors and medical practitioners

Doctors and medical practitioners

Doctors and medical practitioners

Paramedics, therapists, radiographers

Paramedics, therapists, radiographers

Paramedics, therapists, radiographers

Paramedics, therapists, radiographers

Health professionals regulated by the Care Quality Commission

Health professionals regulated by the Care Quality Commission

Health professionals regulated by the Care Quality Commission

Health professionals regulated by the Care Quality Commission

You may also include time on a previous Tier 2 visa or Skilled Worker visa, provided it contributes to the continuous 5-year period.

What is the Application Process of Health and Care Worker Visa to ILR? 

The process of applying for ILR as a health and care worker involves confirming eligibility, preparing the right documentation, and submitting an application to UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).

Step-by-Step ILR Application Process

  1. Confirm Eligibility
    Ensure you have completed 5 years in the UK on a qualifying visa category, including the Health and Care Worker Visa.

  2. Gather Supporting Documents
    Collect your passport, biometric residence permit, certificate of sponsorship, proof of continuous residence, and employment history in the health or social care sector.

  3. Pass Required Tests
    Unless exempt, applicants must pass the Life in the UK Test and meet the English language requirement at B1 CEFR level.

  4. Submit the ILR Application
    Apply online through the UK government portal, complete the ILR application form, and pay the required visa fees.

  5. Attend a Biometric Appointment
    You’ll need to attend a UKVCAS centre to provide biometric information (photo and fingerprints).

  6. Receive a Decision
    Most ILR applications are processed within 6 months, but you may choose the ILR application within 24 hours priority service.

You can apply for ILR up to 28 days before completing your qualifying period.

What Are the Requirements for Health and Care Worker Visa to ILR? 

To successfully obtain ILR as a health and care visa holder, you must meet the following eligibility requirements:

1. Continuous Residence in the UK

You must have lawfully lived in the UK for 5 years on a Health and Care Worker Visa, Skilled Worker Visa, or Tier 2 visa

You must have lawfully lived in the UK for 5 years on a Health and Care Worker Visa, Skilled Worker Visa, or Tier 2 visa

You must have lawfully lived in the UK for 5 years on a Health and Care Worker Visa, Skilled Worker Visa, or Tier 2 visa

You must have lawfully lived in the UK for 5 years on a Health and Care Worker Visa, Skilled Worker Visa, or Tier 2 visa

You must not have spent more than 180 days outside the UK in any 12-month period

You must not have spent more than 180 days outside the UK in any 12-month period

You must not have spent more than 180 days outside the UK in any 12-month period

You must not have spent more than 180 days outside the UK in any 12-month period

Time on a Student Visa or Visitor Visa does not count toward the qualifying period

Time on a Student Visa or Visitor Visa does not count toward the qualifying period

Time on a Student Visa or Visitor Visa does not count toward the qualifying period

Time on a Student Visa or Visitor Visa does not count toward the qualifying period

2. Sponsorship

You must hold or have held a certificate of sponsorship issued by a UK employer licensed to sponsor under the Health and Care Visa route

You must hold or have held a certificate of sponsorship issued by a UK employer licensed to sponsor under the Health and Care Visa route

You must hold or have held a certificate of sponsorship issued by a UK employer licensed to sponsor under the Health and Care Visa route

You must hold or have held a certificate of sponsorship issued by a UK employer licensed to sponsor under the Health and Care Visa route

Your job must continue to meet sponsorship requirements

Your job must continue to meet sponsorship requirements

Your job must continue to meet sponsorship requirements

Your job must continue to meet sponsorship requirements

3. Job Role Eligibility

You must have worked in an approved occupation listed under the Health and Care roles

You must have worked in an approved occupation listed under the Health and Care roles

You must have worked in an approved occupation listed under the Health and Care roles

You must have worked in an approved occupation listed under the Health and Care roles

Your job must comply with salary and code requirements set by UK immigration rules

Your job must comply with salary and code requirements set by UK immigration rules

Your job must comply with salary and code requirements set by UK immigration rules

Your job must comply with salary and code requirements set by UK immigration rules

4. Life in the UK Test

A multiple-choice test assessing knowledge of UK laws, culture, and history

A multiple-choice test assessing knowledge of UK laws, culture, and history

A multiple-choice test assessing knowledge of UK laws, culture, and history

A multiple-choice test assessing knowledge of UK laws, culture, and history

Required for all applicants unless exempt due to age or medical condition

Required for all applicants unless exempt due to age or medical condition

Required for all applicants unless exempt due to age or medical condition

Required for all applicants unless exempt due to age or medical condition

5. English Language Requirement

Meet the English language requirement at B1 CEFR level unless you are from a majority English-speaking country or hold a degree taught in English

Meet the English language requirement at B1 CEFR level unless you are from a majority English-speaking country or hold a degree taught in English

Meet the English language requirement at B1 CEFR level unless you are from a majority English-speaking country or hold a degree taught in English

Meet the English language requirement at B1 CEFR level unless you are from a majority English-speaking country or hold a degree taught in English

6. Application Timing

You may apply up to 28 days early (before the full 5 years)

You may apply up to 28 days early (before the full 5 years)

You may apply up to 28 days early (before the full 5 years)

You may apply up to 28 days early (before the full 5 years)

You must submit your ILR application before your visa expires

You must submit your ILR application before your visa expires

You must submit your ILR application before your visa expires

You must submit your ILR application before your visa expires

Key Benefits of Health and Care Worker Visa to ILR

Securing ILR as a health and care worker unlocks long-term stability and freedom in the UK:

Remain in the UK permanently, with no need to renew your visa

Remain in the UK permanently, with no need to renew your visa

Remain in the UK permanently, with no need to renew your visa

Remain in the UK permanently, with no need to renew your visa

Work in any job, with no restrictions on employers or hours

Work in any job, with no restrictions on employers or hours

Work in any job, with no restrictions on employers or hours

Work in any job, with no restrictions on employers or hours

Bring family members with fewer immigration conditions

Bring family members with fewer immigration conditions

Bring family members with fewer immigration conditions

Bring family members with fewer immigration conditions

Access NHS services, public education, and state benefits

Access NHS services, public education, and state benefits

Access NHS services, public education, and state benefits

Access NHS services, public education, and state benefits

Apply for British citizenship after holding ILR for 12 months

Apply for British citizenship after holding ILR for 12 months

Apply for British citizenship after holding ILR for 12 months

Apply for British citizenship after holding ILR for 12 months

Avoid future visa application and sponsorship fees

Avoid future visa application and sponsorship fees

Avoid future visa application and sponsorship fees

Avoid future visa application and sponsorship fees

Travel freely without losing your immigration status (unless away for more than 2 years)

Travel freely without losing your immigration status (unless away for more than 2 years)

Travel freely without losing your immigration status (unless away for more than 2 years)

Travel freely without losing your immigration status (unless away for more than 2 years)

ILR also removes reliance on your employer’s sponsorship and lets you take on new roles or become self-employed.

Why Choose Bekenbey for Health and Care Worker Visa to ILR?

At Bekenbey Immigration, we specialise in supporting health and care workers with their ILR applications. Whether you’re a nurse, carer, or senior health worker, we help ensure your application is complete, compliant, and compelling.

We help with:

  • Verifying whether you’re eligible to apply

  • Ensuring your visa history and employment meet requirements

  • Calculating your 5-year qualifying period

  • Managing absences from the UK and special considerations

  • Preparing your online application form and supporting evidence

  • Submitting your application within the required timeline

  • Helping you extend your visa if not yet eligible

Our immigration solicitors offer professional, personalised guidance for every step.

Apply for ILR as a Health and Care Worker Today with Bekenbey

If you’ve spent 5 years on a Health and Care Worker Visa, you may be eligible to apply for indefinite leave and start your path to permanent residence.

To proceed:

  • Confirm your qualifying continuous period of 5 years

  • Make sure your employment meets visa category standards

  • Prepare your application form, documents, and biometrics

  • Submit your ILR application before your visa expires

  • Let Bekenbey help you make a successful and timely application

We also assist applicants who need to extend their visa or are unsure whether they’ve met all the eligibility requirements for ILR.

Documents Needed

We’ve listed all the key documents required for your application to make your process as smooth as possible. Here are some common documents you may need to provide:

1

Valid passport

1

Valid passport

1

Valid passport

1

Valid passport

2

Current biometric residence permit

2

Current biometric residence permit

2

Current biometric residence permit

2

Current biometric residence permit

3

Certificate of sponsorship or job contract

3

Certificate of sponsorship or job contract

3

Certificate of sponsorship or job contract

3

Certificate of sponsorship or job contract

4

Employment records showing work in health and care roles

4

Employment records showing work in health and care roles

4

Employment records showing work in health and care roles

4

Employment records showing work in health and care roles

5

Travel history proving 180-day compliance

5

Travel history proving 180-day compliance

5

Travel history proving 180-day compliance

5

Travel history proving 180-day compliance

6

Life in the UK Test certificate

6

Life in the UK Test certificate

6

Life in the UK Test certificate

6

Life in the UK Test certificate

7

Proof of meeting the English language requirement

7

Proof of meeting the English language requirement

7

Proof of meeting the English language requirement

7

Proof of meeting the English language requirement

8

Letter of employment from current NHS or care provider

8

Letter of employment from current NHS or care provider

8

Letter of employment from current NHS or care provider

8

Letter of employment from current NHS or care provider

9

Payslips and job codes where applicable

9

Payslips and job codes where applicable

9

Payslips and job codes where applicable

9

Payslips and job codes where applicable

You may also need to include documents for any dependents applying with you.

Your Immigration
Questions, Answered

Have questions about UK immigration? We’ve got you covered. If you have more questions, you can contact us.f

Can I include time on a Tier 2 or Skilled Worker Visa?

Yes. You may include time spent on a Tier 2 visa or Skilled Worker Visa if it directly led into your Health and Care Visa and is part of a continuous 5-year period in the UK.

Can I include time on a Tier 2 or Skilled Worker Visa?

Yes. You may include time spent on a Tier 2 visa or Skilled Worker Visa if it directly led into your Health and Care Visa and is part of a continuous 5-year period in the UK.

Can I include time on a Tier 2 or Skilled Worker Visa?

Yes. You may include time spent on a Tier 2 visa or Skilled Worker Visa if it directly led into your Health and Care Visa and is part of a continuous 5-year period in the UK.

Can I include time on a Tier 2 or Skilled Worker Visa?

Yes. You may include time spent on a Tier 2 visa or Skilled Worker Visa if it directly led into your Health and Care Visa and is part of a continuous 5-year period in the UK.

When is the earliest I can apply?

You can apply for ILR up to 28 days before completing 5 years on your visa. Submitting earlier may result in rejection. We help calculate your exact eligibility date.

When is the earliest I can apply?

You can apply for ILR up to 28 days before completing 5 years on your visa. Submitting earlier may result in rejection. We help calculate your exact eligibility date.

When is the earliest I can apply?

You can apply for ILR up to 28 days before completing 5 years on your visa. Submitting earlier may result in rejection. We help calculate your exact eligibility date.

When is the earliest I can apply?

You can apply for ILR up to 28 days before completing 5 years on your visa. Submitting earlier may result in rejection. We help calculate your exact eligibility date.

What if I haven’t completed 5 years yet?

If you haven’t met the 5-year requirement, you can apply to extend your visa and continue working. We’ll help you update your visa correctly and prepare for ILR when the time comes.

What if I haven’t completed 5 years yet?

If you haven’t met the 5-year requirement, you can apply to extend your visa and continue working. We’ll help you update your visa correctly and prepare for ILR when the time comes.

What if I haven’t completed 5 years yet?

If you haven’t met the 5-year requirement, you can apply to extend your visa and continue working. We’ll help you update your visa correctly and prepare for ILR when the time comes.

What if I haven’t completed 5 years yet?

If you haven’t met the 5-year requirement, you can apply to extend your visa and continue working. We’ll help you update your visa correctly and prepare for ILR when the time comes.