Is the Health & Care Worker Visa Closed to New Filipino Applicants?

 

In 2025, the landscape for Filipino healthcare workers seeking opportunities in the UK has undergone a major shift. As of May, the UK government has officially closed overseas applications for new care and senior care worker roles under the Health & Care Worker visa route. This move marks the end of fresh recruitment under SOC codes 6135 and 6136 from countries like the Philippines. While those already working in the UK under this visa can extend their stay, switch employers, or apply for settlement until 2028, new applicants from abroad are now excluded from this pathway. Adding to the shift, since April 9, 2025, English care providers are mandated to prioritize domestic or already-present migrant workers before turning to international recruitment.

It’s important to note that this restriction applies specifically to care and senior care roles. Other healthcare professions such as nursing, medicine, pharmacy, and allied health services remain unaffected. Filipino applicants who hold qualifications in these fields can still apply under the broader Health & Care Worker visa, which continues to welcome international talent and permits dependents to accompany them. The current salary threshold, however, has been raised to at least £25,000, making financial eligibility a key consideration for new applicants.

For Filipinos already residing in the UK on care worker visas, the transition period provides a crucial window to plan next steps. Whether switching employers, extending their current visa, or preparing for long-term settlement, they must remain compliant with Home Office regulations and stay updated through local recruitment bodies. On the other hand, those in the Philippines hoping to enter the UK as care workers must now reconsider their options. The most viable alternatives include pursuing careers as nurses, doctors, or paramedics—roles still actively in demand and open to sponsorship by licensed UK employers.

Although this policy change limits one of the most popular migration paths for Filipinos, it also underscores the importance of strategic career planning and qualifications. For those aiming to shift into eligible roles, earning a UK-recognized certification such as an NVQ or passing English language exams like IELTS or OET could open up doors within the healthcare system. Exploring the Skilled Worker visa route is also an option, particularly for applicants with experience in higher-skilled sectors that meet the salary and English proficiency benchmarks.

In summary, while the closure of the care worker route comes as a setback for many aspiring migrants, opportunities still exist for Filipino healthcare professionals who meet the criteria for other roles. For those already working in the UK’s care sector, the focus now shifts to retaining legal status and securing long-term pathways. For new applicants, the clearest route forward lies in qualified, professional healthcare roles—offering not just job access but the possibility of settlement and family migration as well.

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