UK Health and Care Worker Visa — For Zimbabwean Nurses and Carers

The Health and Care Worker visa is one of the most popular routes for Zimbabweans, given the strong demand for healthcare staff in the UK NHS and private care sector. Key features: ELIGIBLE ROLES include doctors, nurses, midwives, paramedics, social workers, care workers, senior care workers, and home care workers. SALARY: Care workers minimum £23,200; nurses and other health professionals at the going rate for their role (typically £28,000-35,000+). BENEFITS over standard Skilled Worker: reduced visa fees (£284 for up to 3 years); NO Immigration Health Surcharge (saving £1,035/year); faster processing. NURSING REGISTRATION: Zimbabwean-trained nurses must register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), which requires: CBT (Computer-Based Test), OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examination), English language test (IELTS/OET), and verification of qualifications. The process typically takes 3-12 months. CARE WORKER route: since February 2022, care workers have been eligible for sponsored visas. This opened a major pathway for Zimbabweans, though the government tightened rules in 2024 — care workers can no longer bring dependants on new applications. Many Zimbabwean care workers are recruited through agencies, some of which charge fees (legally, the employer should pay recruitment costs, not the worker). SETTLEMENT: leads to ILR after 5 years, same as Skilled Worker.