What English do you need for the Health and Care Worker visa?
Checked against official sources, October 2026
New applicants usually need to prove English at CEFR level B2 in reading, writing, speaking and listening, by a UK qualification, an English-taught degree, or an approved English test. Doctors, dentists, nurses and midwives do not need to prove it again if they have passed an English assessment accepted by their regulator.
Who this is for
Overseas-trained health professionals preparing a UK visa application.
What the official guidance says
- You can prove English with a UK school qualification begun under 18 (such as a GCSE or A Level), a degree taught in English from a UK institution, a degree taught in English from outside the UK confirmed by Ecctis, or a Secure English Language Test (SELT) from an approved provider.
- With a test, you must prove English to at least level B2 on the CEFR scale in reading, writing, speaking and listening.
- If you had this visa before 8 January 2026 and are extending or updating it, you need level B1 and do not need to prove it again.
- Nationals of countries including Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the USA and several Caribbean countries do not need to prove their English.
- Doctors, dentists, nurses and midwives do not need to prove their English if they have already passed an English language assessment accepted by their professional regulator.
What it does not mean
- A test result accepted for registration with your regulator is not automatically a visa-approved SELT for other professions.
- Older B1 rules apply only to people who already held the visa before 8 January 2026.
- The visa English rule is separate from your regulator’s own English requirement, which you must meet for registration.
What to do next
- 01Check your regulator’s English requirement first (for example the NMC or GMC), since it may also cover the visa.
- 02If you are not a doctor, dentist, nurse or midwife, check whether you need a SELT and book one at B2.
- 03Keep your test reference and results with your visa documents.
Questions
Is IELTS accepted for the Health and Care Worker visa?
GOV.UK says you need a Secure English Language Test from an approved provider unless you have another accepted form of evidence. Check the approved test list on GOV.UK.
I am a nurse who passed OET for the NMC. Do I need another test?
GOV.UK says nurses do not need to prove English if they have passed an English assessment accepted by the relevant regulator. Confirm the NMC accepted your result.
Official sources
Checked October 2026. Immigration rules, fees and thresholds change, so confirm them on the official page before you act.
Plan the whole route, not just the visa
Migo’s registration plans include an English evidence stage for your regulator, with links to its own guidance, and the visa stage links GOV.UK. Ask the free AI assistant which evidence route fits your qualifications.
Related guides
General information, not legal or immigration advice. For advice on your own case, speak to a regulated immigration adviser or lawyer.