Caregiver Jobs in UK With Visa Sponsorship for Foreigners The UK faces a significant shortage of caregivers due to an aging population and increasing demand in health and social care sectors. As of 2025, there are ample opportunities for foreigners to work as caregivers (including care assistants, home carers, and senior care workers) with visa sponsorship under the Health and Care Worker visa route. This visa allows eligible non-UK residents to live and work in the UK for up to 5 years, after which you may apply for indefinite leave to remain. Sponsorship is provided by approved employers, primarily in the NHS, care homes, and home care services. Demand is high in cities like London, Manchester, Birmingham, and across Scotland and Wales.
Overview of Caregiver Jobs in the UK with Visa Sponsorship for Foreigners;
Key Requirements for Caregiver Jobs with Visa Sponsorship
To qualify for a sponsored caregiver role and the associated visa, you must meet both job-specific and immigration criteria. Here’s a summary:
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Age and Education | Must be at least 18 years old. Minimum high school education; basic or advanced training in caregiving, healthcare, or nursing is preferred or required.3 |
| Experience | At least 1 year of relevant clinical or caregiving experience (e.g., patient care, elderly support, or disability assistance). For nurses or healthcare assistants, qualifications in health and social care are essential.34 |
| English Proficiency | Proficient spoken and written English; UKVI IELTS score of at least 6 overall (5.5 per module) or equivalent.4 |
| Other Checks | Clean criminal record (police clearance required). Medical fitness report. No serious criminal history.13 |
| Personal Traits | Compassionate, patient, and adaptable; ability to handle personal care tasks like assisting with daily activities, medication, and emotional support.13 |
| Visa-Specific | Job must be on the eligible occupation list (e.g., code 6135 for care workers). Offer from an approved sponsor. If switching visas, 3 months of prior work with the sponsor may be needed.2 |
Note: Eligible occupations extend to roles like nursing auxiliaries (6131) and social workers (2461), but core caregiver jobs fall under 6135/6136.
Eligibility for Caregiver Jobs in the UK with Visa Sponsorship for Foreigners (2025 Update)
As of September 2025, eligibility for caregiver roles (such as care workers or home carers under occupation code 6135) under the Health and Care Worker visa—a subset of the Skilled Worker visa—has undergone significant changes. The UK government has implemented restrictions to address concerns over exploitation and dependency in the social care sector. Below is a detailed summary of the current eligibility criteria, based on official guidelines.
Key Eligibility Requirements
To qualify, applicants must meet all of the following:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Job Offer and Sponsor | A confirmed job offer from a UK employer approved as a sponsor by the Home Office. The employer must issue a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) detailing the role. For caregivers, the job must be in an eligible health or social care occupation (e.g., SOC code 6135 for care workers). However, as of 22 July 2025, overseas recruitment for care workers (SOC 6135) and senior care workers (SOC 6136) via the Skilled Worker route is no longer permitted. This means new visa applications from abroad for these roles are banned; sponsorship is limited to those already in the UK on another visa or switching internally.1 Approved sponsors include NHS trusts, CQC-registered care providers, and adult social care organizations. |
| Salary Threshold | The job must pay at least the minimum salary for the occupation, which is £25,000 per year or the “going rate” (whichever is higher). For care workers, the going rate is typically £23,200–£25,000 annually, depending on experience. Hourly equivalents start at £11–£12. No salary discount is available for shortage occupations in care roles post-2025 changes.2 |
| English Language Proficiency | Prove English ability at B1 level (CEFR) or higher. This usually requires an approved test like IELTS (overall 4.0, no less than 4.0 in each skill) or equivalent (e.g., PTE, TOEFL). Nurses or higher roles may need higher scores (e.g., IELTS 7.0). Exemptions apply for those from majority-English-speaking countries or with UK-equivalent qualifications. |
Salaries and Benefits
Salaries for caregivers in the UK vary by experience, location, and shift type, but must meet the visa threshold of at least £25,000 annually (or the job’s “going rate” if higher).2 Hourly rates often start around £12–£15, with enhancements for nights/weekends.
| Experience Level | Annual Salary Range | Hourly Equivalent (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level Care Assistant | £21,000–£23,000 | £11–£12 |
| Experienced Caregiver | £24,000–£26,000 | £12–£13 |
| Senior Care Worker/Supervisor | £27,000–£28,000+ | £13–£15+15 |
Scope of Caregiver Jobs in the UK for Foreigners with Visa Sponsorship (2025)
The scope of opportunities for foreign caregivers has narrowed significantly in 2025 due to the recruitment ban, but demand remains high in the UK’s social care sector, driven by an aging population (over 12 million people aged 65+). Prior to the changes, thousands of visas were issued annually for care roles, with foreigners filling up to 20% of positions. Now, the focus is on domestic recruitment, but limited pathways exist for those already in the UK or via related occupations.
Sample Job Listings (from Indeed, as of Recent Search)
Here are top examples of caregiver jobs explicitly mentioning visa sponsorship (salaries not listed in listings; refer to ranges above):
- Caregiver – The Good Care Group, London E1
- Caregiver – Country Cousins, Horley RH6 9ST
- Caregiver – Country Cousins, Horley RH6 9ST (duplicate listing)
- Caregiver – Sandstone Care Group, Telford (explicit UK visa sponsorship)
- Caregiver – Orbis Support, Seaham
- Caregiver – London Care Limited, Wainscott
- Caregiver – SW Domiciliary Care, Cheltenham GL50 1JN
How To Apply
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Conclusion
While the UK continues to need caregivers amid a chronic shortage, the 2025 ban on overseas sponsorship for care worker roles marks a pivotal shift, prioritizing domestic and EU/EEA workers to curb exploitation and ensure quality. Foreigners with prior UK presence or qualifications in higher-skilled health roles (e.g., nursing) have the best chances, with viable paths to settlement after 5 years. For new applicants, alternatives like studying in the UK or exploring other visas are essential. Success requires thorough preparation, including English tests and sponsor verification. Consult immigration experts or GOV.UK for personalized advice, as policies may adjust further. This route remains rewarding for those who qualify, offering stable employment, NHS access, and long-term residency in a high-demand sector.
FAQs on Caregiver Jobs in the UK with Visa Sponsorship (2025)
Here are answers to the most common questions based on current guidelines:
- Can foreigners still apply for caregiver visas from outside the UK in 2025?
No, as of 22 July 2025, new overseas recruitment for care workers (SOC 6135/6136) is banned under the Skilled Worker route. Existing visa holders can extend, but new applicants must be in the UK on another visa to switch.19 - What is the minimum salary for a sponsored caregiver job?
At least £25,000 annually or the occupation’s going rate (£23,200+ for care workers). This must be guaranteed in the job offer.2 - Do I need IELTS or another English test?
Yes, unless exempt. B1 level is required (e.g., IELTS 4.0 overall). Higher for nurses (7.0). Tests must be from approved providers.34 - How long does the visa last, and can I bring family?
Up to 5 years, renewable. Dependants can join if you meet financial thresholds (£285 for partner + £315 per child) and the role qualifies.5 - What documents are needed for the application?
CoS, job offer, passport, English test results, proof of funds (£1,270), TB certificate, and criminal record check. Apply online via GOV.UK; fees start at £551 for 3 years.