Someone asked me the above question via email recently. The simple answer is YES, with a little modification.

Below, I discuss the changes and how you can still get your sponsorship for Health and Social Care Visa for Band 3 roles within the NHS.

After that, I have job listing of Band 3 roles that you can apply right away

What Has Changed

• New salary thresholds:
  Currently, only jobs that can pay you up to £25,000 can sponsor you for Band 3.
  👉 Source: gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa

• Impact on Band 3 roles:
  If you are just entering the NHS at a Band 3 role, you may be started around £24,000 so you cannot not be sponsored, however, as soon as you have that NHS experience and especially with the NHS Care Certficate you are entitled to be moved into £25,000 which is within the sponsorship threshold. Many people use this route to get sponsorship, some even enter at Band 2 and move up to sponsorship threshold within 6 months. The beauty of this is that are not not tied to any NHS Trust and everything depends on you.
  👉 Source: nhsemployers.org/news/home-office-announces-new-immigration-policy-changes

Where Sponsorship Is Still Possible

• High-Cost Area Supplements (HCAS):
  Band 3 roles in certain locations considered high cost areas like London and the South East often include supplements that raise pay above £27,000 — bringing them back into eligibility.

• Specialised or critical posts:
  Specialised skills are considered scarce therefore, some posts (e.g. mental health, community rehab, neuro or oncology support) may justify sponsorship due to their skill level or shortage status.

• Experienced or senior Band 3 staff:
  Applicants placed at the top pay point on the Agenda for Change scale can meet the UKVI “going rate” requirement.
  
  

👉 Source: nhsemployers.org/articles/impacts-changes-uk-immigration-policy

What You Should look out for

• Always check the exact salary band, location allowance, and whether the Trust is a licensed sponsor before applying.

👉 Source: nhsemployers.org/articles/immigration-and-skilled-worker-recruitment-process

The NHS still offers sponsorship for some Band 3 roles, but only where the pay and job scope meet the updated Skilled Worker Visa criteria.

Site & Location: Bone Marrow Transplant Unit, Ward 4B – Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, Glasgow
Job Title: Health Care Support Worker (Bone Marrow Transplant Unit) – Band 3
Trust/Employer: NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde
Contract & Hours: Permanent, Full-time – 37 hours per week (Shift pattern as per rota)
Salary: £28,011 – £30,230 per annum
Apply by: 26 October 2025

Apply here

Site & Location: Ward 64, Institute of Neurological Sciences – Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, Glasgow
Job Title: Health Care Support Worker (Neurosurgery) – Band 3
Trust/Employer: NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde
Contract & Hours: Permanent, Full-time – 37 hours per week (12-hour shifts, days/nights/weekends)
Salary: £28,011 – £30,230 per annum
Apply by: 26 October 2025

Apply here

Site & Location: Ffordd Las Clinic – Rhyl
Job Title: Maternity Support Worker – Band 3
Trust/Employer: Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board
Contract & Hours: Permanent, Full-time – 37.5 hours per week (5 × 7.5-hour shifts, Monday to Friday)
Salary: £25,313 – £26,999 per annum
Apply by: 27 October 2025 – 23:59

Apply here

Site & Location: St Woolos Hospital – Newport
Job Title: Rapid Response Health Care Support Worker – Band 3
Trust/Employer: Aneurin Bevan University Health Board
Contract & Hours: Permanent, Full-time – 37.5 hours per week (some weekend working)
Salary: £25,313 – £26,999 per annum
Apply by: 23 October 2025 – 23:59

Apply here

Site & Location: Homerton Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust – East London
Job Title: Health Care Support Worker (Outpatients) – Band 3
Trust/Employer: Homerton Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
Contract & Hours: Permanent, Full-time – 37.5 hours per week
Salary: £30,546 – £32,207 per annum (inclusive)
Apply by: 3 November 2025 – 23:59
Apply here

Site & Location: Alderbourne Rehabilitation Unit – Hillingdon Hospital, Hillingdon
Job Title: Healthcare Assistant (Alderbourne Rehabilitation Unit) – Band 3
Trust/Employer: The Hillingdon Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Contract & Hours: Permanent, Full-time – 37.5 hours per week
Salary: £29,179 per annum
Apply by: 28 October 2025 – 23:59
Apply here

The NHS has not closed its doors to Band 3 sponsorship — it has simply raised the bar. With the right mix of experience, Care Certificate, and salary progression, you may build a sustainable career pathway into sponsorship.

Remember:

• Start where you are — even a Band 2 entry role can become your bridge to sponsorship within months.

• Focus on Trusts with licensed sponsorship and roles above £25,000 (especially those in London or specialist units).

• Keep learning — your Care Certificate, NVQ 3, and continuous improvement will move you to the next level.

So, if you’re ready to take that next step, go through the listings above, apply early, and keep updating your CV and supporting statements. And if you need help tailoring your application, my free templates, interview guides, and NHS free ebooks are ready for you below.

Let’s keep pushing boundaries and proving that with focus and preparation, the door to NHS sponsorship still opens — for those who know how to knock.