Care Worker Visa Route Closes from 22 July 2025

Care Worker Visa to Close from 22 July 2025

The UK Government has confirmed that from 22 July 2025, new applications for the Care Worker and Senior Care Worker visas will close. This means care providers in the UK will no longer be able to sponsor overseas care workers under the Skilled Worker route using SOC codes 6135 and 6136. The decision was announced in the Statement of Changes HC 997 and follows the May 2025 Immigration White Paper, which aims to reduce net migration and clamp down on exploitation in the care sector.

If you’re an employer in the care industry or a care worker hoping to come to the UK, this guide will help you understand what’s changing, why it’s happening, and what you should do now.

Why Is the Care Worker Visa Route Being Closed?

The UK Government says it wants to rebuild the immigration system to focus on reducing migration numbers and preventing abuse in low-paid sectors like care. Concerns about poor working conditions and exploitation of overseas workers have been a driving force behind the decision. Ministers also want to encourage employers to hire and train staff already in the UK, aiming to boost the domestic workforce.

While the Health and Care Visa route remains open for other healthcare professionals, the SOC codes for care workers (6135) and senior care workers (6136) will be removed from new sponsorship options starting 22 July 2025.

What Changes on 22 July 2025?

From 22 July 2025 onwards:

• Employers can’t sponsor new overseas care workers or senior care workers under SOC 6135 or 6136.
• Entry clearance (visa) applications in these roles will be refused.
• These roles will gradually be taken off the Immigration Salary List and Temporary Shortage Occupation List.
• Care providers across the UK, including those regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) in England, must follow these new rules.

Although other healthcare roles under the Health and Care Visa remain open, recruitment of frontline carers from abroad will no longer be possible.

Are There Any Transitional Arrangements?

Yes, there are transitional measures for care workers who are already in the UK before 22 July 2025. These workers will still be able to:

• Change jobs or employers within the care sector, as long as they’ve been employed for at least three months before the new Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) is issued.
• Be sponsored by new employers if those employers are CQC-registered and fully compliant.

These transitional arrangements will stay in place until 22 July 2028. After this date, SOC codes 6135 and 6136 will be permanently removed from sponsorship eligibility, fully closing the route.

What Should Care Employers Do Now?

If your business relies on overseas care workers, it’s crucial to act quickly:

• Stop sponsoring new care workers under SOC codes 6135 and 6136 immediately. 
• Review your sponsor licence and HR processes to ensure you’re compliant with Home Office requirements. 
• Make sure your existing care staff have been employed for at least three months if you plan to switch their sponsorship or employer. 
• Get ready for increased inspections from the Home Office, which could affect your licence. 
• Start creating a plan to recruit and train more UK-based workers so your business is less affected by future immigration changes.

Not preparing could mean losing your licence to sponsor workers, putting your workforce and business reputation at risk.

How Does This Fit Into Wider Immigration Changes?

This closure is part of a bigger overhaul of the Skilled Worker route, which also includes:

• Raising the minimum skill requirement to degree level (RQF Level 6), making fewer roles eligible for sponsorship.
• Increasing minimum salary thresholds for new visa applications.
• Cutting over 100 occupations from the Skilled Worker list.
• Tightening rules around dependants and discounts on visa fees.
• Introducing a temporary Shortage Occupation List, but with fewer roles included.

The government’s clear message is that immigration should only support roles critical to the UK economy and domestic skills strategy.

What Can Care Providers and Workers Do?

Employers and care workers affected by these changes should:

• Understand your legal rights and obligations under the transitional arrangements.
• Make sure existing overseas care staff are sponsored properly and meet the three month employment rule before switching employers.
• Seek professional immigration advice to explore alternatives, like recruiting in other eligible healthcare roles or developing UK based recruitment strategies.

The closure of the Care Worker and Senior Care Worker visa route from 22 July 2025 is a major shift in UK immigration policy. While there’s a transitional window until 2028 for workers already in the country, employers will need to adapt quickly. This is the time to review your sponsorship plans, protect your licence, and invest in training local staff.

By understanding these changes and preparing your workforce strategy, you can keep your business compliant and ready for the future.

Get Expert Help from Solicitors in Manchester Today

Don’t let the care visa changes catch you off guard. Our friendly immigration solicitors in Manchester are ready to help you protect your workforce, secure your sponsor licence, and plan your next steps with confidence.

Call our Manchester office now on 01614644140 Or book your free initial appointment online today  we’re here to support you every step of the way.