Care Worker Visa UK

The UK’s Care Worker Visa offers a clear route for overseas care professionals who want to work legally in the UK health and social care sector. Whether you’re an experienced care assistant or just starting out, this visa allows you to take up jobs in residential homes, nursing facilities, and even offer home based care.

It’s part of the Skilled Worker route and plays a vital role in helping the UK fill much needed care roles.

What Is a UK Care Worker Visa?

The Care Worker Visa sits under the Skilled Worker route and is designed specifically for roles in adult social care. It includes care assistants, home carers, and support workers in both private and public care settings. You may also hear it referred to as the Health and Care Worker Visa, especially if the role involves work in a hospital or medical setting.

One of the main draws of this visa is that it’s open to a wide range of applicants from experienced senior care workers to people with no formal UK qualifications, as long as there is a genuine job offer in place from an approved sponsor.

Who Can Apply for a Care Worker Visa?

To apply for the Care Worker Visa, you’ll need to meet the following:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Have a confirmed job offer from a UK employer with a sponsor licence
• Meet the English language requirement (usually CEFR level B1)
• Provide a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from your employer
• Meet the salary requirements for the role

The good news is that there’s no need to have a university degree or previous UK work experience. If your heart is in the care profession and you’re committed to helping others, this visa could be your pathway to a rewarding job and a new life in the UK.

What Jobs Are Eligible Under the Care Worker Visa?

Eligible Occupations

Roles that fall under this visa include:

• Care assistants
• Home carers or domiciliary care workers
• Support workers in residential care settings
• Senior care workers

These jobs typically involve helping elderly, disabled or vulnerable individuals with daily tasks, offering companionship, and supporting their independence.

Shortage Occupation List (SOL) Advantage

Care workers are currently on the Shortage Occupation List, which gives applicants several advantages:

• Lower minimum salary threshold
• Reduced visa application fees
• Faster processing and priority when applying

Being on the shortage list reflects how urgently the UK needs care professionals, and this gives you a better chance of success if you meet the criteria.

Care Worker Visa UK Requirements

To qualify, you’ll need to provide:

• A Certificate of Sponsorship from your UK based employer
• A job that pays the minimum salary required for care workers (often lower if the job is on the Shortage Occupation List)
• Proof of English language skills, typically a test like IELTS or a qualification taught in English
• A TB test if you’re applying from certain countries
• A criminal record certificate from any country where you’ve lived for more than 12 months in the last 10 years

It’s vital to double check that your employer is listed as an approved sponsor before applying.

How to Apply for a Care Worker Visa

Follow the steps to apply for care worker visa uk

• Get a job offer from a licensed UK care employer
• Receive your Certificate of Sponsorship
• Complete the online application through the UK Government website
• Book and attend your biometrics appointment

You can apply from outside the UK, or if you’re already in the UK on another eligible visa, you may be able to switch.

Required Documents

Have these documents ready when applying:

• A valid passport
• Your Certificate of Sponsorship reference number
• Proof of your English language level
• TB test results (if required)
• Criminal record certificate from any relevant countries

Make sure your documents are updated and translated into English if they’re in another language.

Visa Fees and Health Surcharge (IHS)

The visa fee depends on where you’re applying from and how long your visa will last. Most applicants pay around £304 if the job is on the shortage list.

However, this can vary. One major benefit of this visa is that you don’t need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) if your job qualifies under the Health and Care Worker route. This can save you hundreds of pounds and gives you access to NHS services without extra cost.

There are a few costs and financial requirements you’ll need to plan for. 

Application Fees

The visa application fee is relatively straightforward:

• Up to 3 years: £304 per person
• More than 3 years: £590 per person

These fees apply whether you’re applying from inside the UK or overseas there’s no difference.

Proof of Funds – Supporting Yourself

Unless you’re exempt, you’ll need to show you’ve got enough money to support yourself when you arrive in the UK.

• You’ll need to have at least £1,270 in your bank account.
• That money must have been in your account for at least 28 consecutive days.
• Day 28 must fall within the 31 days before you apply for your visa.

You won’t normally need to show this if you’ve already been living in the UK with a valid visa for 12 months or more, or if your employer agrees to cover your costs during your first month here.

Source: https://www.gov.uk/health-care-worker-visa/how-much-it-costs

What About Family Members?

If you’re bringing your partner or children with you, they’ll also need to show they can support themselves financially. The amount needed depends on who’s applying with you, so it’s worth checking the official guidance or speaking to an adviser to get clear figures.

Employer Supported Maintenance

In some cases, your employer can confirm on your Certificate of Sponsorship that they’ll support you financially when you arrive. If they’re doing this, they need to tick the right box under ‘sponsor certifies maintenance’ in the ‘Additional data’ section.

Bringing Dependants to the UK on a Care Worker Visa

Your immediate family can come with you if you meet the requirements. This includes:

• Your husband, wife or partner
• Your children under 18, or over 18 if they’re already in the UK as your dependant

Each family member must apply separately but can link their application to yours. They’ll have the right to live, work and study in the UK, and can also use the NHS.

How Long Does the Care Worker Visa Last?

This visa is usually granted for up to 5 years. You can renew it if your job and sponsorship continue.

It also counts towards Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), which means you could apply for permanent residency after 5 years, as long as you meet the requirements.

Pathway to Permanent Residence (ILR)

After spending 5 continuous years in the UK on this visa, you may qualify for Indefinite Leave to Remain.

To apply for ILR, you’ll need to show:

• 5 years of continuous stay in the UK on a qualifying visa
• No long absences from the country
• Proof you still meet the original visa conditions
• You’ve passed the Life in the UK Test
• You meet the English language requirement for ILR

Getting ILR means you can stay in the UK permanently and no longer need a visa.

FAQs – Care Worker Visa UK

Is the UK still accepting care workers from abroad in 2025?

Yes, care workers remain in high demand, and the UK continues to welcome overseas applicants through the Care Worker Visa route.

Do I need previous care experience?

While experience helps, many care roles offer training on the job. As long as you have a confirmed offer from a sponsor and meet the language and salary rules, you can apply.

Can I get sponsorship as a home carer?

Yes, many UK domiciliary care providers hold sponsor licences. Just make sure the employer is on the government’s list of licensed sponsors.

How much does a UK care worker earn in 2025?

Salaries can vary, but most care workers on this visa earn at least £23,200 per year or £10.75 per hour, which meets the minimum salary for shortage list jobs.

Can my family join me on a Care Worker Visa?

Yes, your partner and children can apply as dependants and live with you in the UK.

The Care Worker Visa offers overseas workers a great chance to live and work in the UK’s growing health and social care sector. With simplified requirements, strong job availability, and the option to bring your family, this route is ideal for anyone looking for a secure and meaningful career in care.

But getting the details right matters. From gathering documents to choosing the right sponsor, taking time to prepare your application properly can save you time and stress.

Need Help with Your Care Worker Visa?

If you’re unsure about your eligibility or need help applying, our friendly immigration solicitors in Manchester can support you from start to finish.

Call: 01614644140 or book an appointment for free legal advice on your Care Worker Visa today.