Update - IBMS Statement on Visa Renewal issues

Update 11 May 2026

The IBMS continues to work closely with NHS Employers, the Department of Health and Social Care, NHS England and the Health and Care Professions Council to seek a suitable outcome for members affected by visa renewal issues.

Discussions remain ongoing behind the scenes and we are continuing to press the importance of resolving these issues urgently to protect both the biomedical science workforce and the services patients rely on.

We will also shortly be launching a member campaign to help raise awareness of the impact these issues are having across the profession. Members will be encouraged to support the campaign by sharing key messages with their local MPs.

By working together, we can help ensure policymakers understand the risks these ongoing challenges pose to workforce sustainability and service delivery across the NHS.

Update 14 August 2025

There is no change to report at this time. The IBMS continues to work with NHS Employers, the Department of Health and Social Care, NHS England and the Health and Care Professions Council to secure a suitable outcome for affected members.

We have contributed to a paper drafted by NHS Employers at the request of the Department of Health and Social Care, setting out the issues that require resolution. We remain in regular contact with NHS England colleagues and will update members as soon as there is progress.

If you are directly affected, please speak to your employer in the first instance.

Update 26 September 2024

The IBMS wishes to inform affected members that we are still working with a number of other healthcare organisations to influence a suitable outcome. We are confident that this issue is getting the required attention from the healthcare system.

The IBMS has contributed to a paper drafted by NHS Employers at the request of the Department of Health and Social Care that we hope will clearly set out the issues for resolution by the government. We are also in regular contact with NHS England colleagues on this matter and will continue to update members on progress.

Original news story 28 June 2024

The IBMS is acutely aware of the challenges posed by the recent increase in pay thresholds for international recruitment and the changes to occupation codes that came into effect on 4 April 2024.

We are actively working with NHS England (NHSE), the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and the Department of Health and Social Care to address this issue. We shall inform members of updated information when available and encourage anyone affected to speak to their employer in the first instance.