Health and Care Worker Visa salary threshold
From Wednesday 1 April 2026, the full-time Agenda for Change Band 3 entry point increases to £25,760 meaning that healthcare support workers will be eligible for international sponsorship, as the role appears on the Immigration Salary List (under SOC code 6131).
This was confirmed in the government’s announcement in February 2026 and exceeds the minimum salary requirement for the Health and Care Worker Visa which remains at £25,000.
What this means for employers
This is positive news and will ease the difficulties many have faced switching from other visa routes, such as the Graduate Visa, into the Health and Care Visa route, to remain in post.
Visa salary thresholds are reviewed periodically by the Home Office and may increase in the future.
Employers should ensure staff and prospective applicants understand that future visa renewals or switches will be assessed against the rules in place at the time they apply so they can make informed decisions. There is no guarantee that roles meeting current thresholds will meet future thresholds.
Questions and answers
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