Switching into Care Sector Skilled Worker Visa 2025: The 3 Month Rule Explained

Switching into a care sector Skilled Worker visa in the UK 2025 now involves a key new condition. From 22 July 2025, anyone already in the UK and looking to switch into a care role must show they’ve been working for the same sponsor for at least three months before applying. This update is part of the new Home Office rules under HC 997 and applies to care workers and home carers. Whether you’re on a student visa or here as a dependant, this guide will help you understand what the new rule means for you.

What is the New 3 Month Requirement for Care Visa Switching?

Under the updated immigration rules (HC 997), those looking to switch into a Skilled Worker visa for care jobs (Standard Occupational Classification codes 6135 and 6136) from inside the UK must now have worked for the same employer for at least three months before applying. This means paid employment not unpaid volunteering is required. The employer must also be offering visa sponsorship.

This rule was introduced to address concerns around abuse of the care visa route. It’s aimed at making sure employers are not offering sponsorship too casually and that applicants are already integrated into the care environment.

Who Needs to Meet the 3 Month Work Rule?

The new three-month work rule affects anyone already in the UK on a different visa who wishes to switch into a Skilled Worker visa for a care job. This includes:

• Students on a Student visa who receive a care job offer
• Graduates on a Graduate visa looking to move into care work
• Dependants of other visa holders who want to change their visa type
• Visitors or other visa holders currently living in the UK and seeking work in care

If you fall into one of these categories and wish to work in a care role that requires sponsorship, you must have already worked for that care employer for at least three months before submitting your visa application.

Who is Exempt from the Rule?

This new rule only applies to people already inside the UK. If you’re applying from outside the UK, the three-month employment requirement does not apply. Others who are not affected include:

• Overseas applicants applying directly from their home country
• Those who already hold a Skilled Worker visa and are simply switching between care employers
• Applicants switching into Skilled Worker roles that are not in the care sector, such as engineers or teachers

So, if you’re overseas and want to start a care job in the UK, the rule won’t delay your application.

What Counts as ‘3 Months of Work’?

To meet this requirement, you must be in paid employment for at least three months before applying to switch visas. The job must be with the same employer who is offering you the Skilled Worker visa sponsorship.

This means:

• You must be on the payroll and receiving regular wages
• The work must match the role on the Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
• The employer must be approved and registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) if applicable

Voluntary work does not count, and switching employers during the three month period will reset the clock.

What Documents Do You Need to Prove 3 Month Employment?

When applying to switch into a Skilled Worker visa in the care sector, you’ll need to provide solid evidence to show that you’ve worked continuously for the sponsor for three months. The Home Office will expect to see:

• Payslips covering the past three months
• A formal employment letter confirming your job title, start date, and work schedule
• A signed employment contract with the care provider
• A Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) that reflects the same role you’ve been doing
• Details confirming the employer is a CQC registered provider (if applicable)

It’s important to make sure your paperwork is clear and consistent, otherwise your visa application could be delayed or refused.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Switching into a Care Role

With the new rule in place, timing and accuracy are more important than ever. Here are a few common mistakes that could affect your application:

• Applying too early: If you haven’t completed the full three months of work before applying, your application will likely be refused.
• Switching employers: If you move to another care provider within the three months, the time resets. You’ll need to complete another full three months with the new employer.
• Lack of proper documents: Missing payslips, unclear job roles, or an outdated contract can cause delays.
• Volunteering instead of working: Only paid roles count. Voluntary work won’t meet the requirement, even if it’s full-time.

Real Life Example: How the Rule Works in Practice

Let’s take an example to make this clearer.

Tanaka is a student in the UK. His Student visa expires in August 2025. He receives a job offer from a care home that is a registered sponsor.

Tanaka begins working for them on 1 August 2025.

Before he can apply to switch to a Skilled Worker visa, he must wait until he has worked for at least three full months with that employer. This means the earliest date he could apply for his visa is 1 November 2025.

If he applies before this date, even by a few days, his application could be refused.

Can You Volunteer to Meet the Requirement?

No. The rule is clear that only paid employment will meet the three-month requirement. Volunteering does not count.

The Home Office wants to see evidence of regular, paid work that matches the role being sponsored. Volunteering, even with the same employer, won’t be accepted as a substitute.

If you’re offered a volunteer position while waiting for a paid role to begin, you should still aim to start paid work as soon as possible to begin counting the three months.

What if You Don’t Meet the Requirement Yet?

If you’ve just received a job offer in the care sector and haven’t yet completed three months of paid work with the employer, you’ll need to wait before applying to switch your visa.

Here are your options:

• Delay your application until the full three months are completed
• Start working sooner, if your current visa allows it, to begin counting the time
• Consider applying from overseas, if eligible, to avoid the restriction

It’s important to plan ahead. If your current visa is expiring soon, you may need legal advice to avoid gaps or refusals.

Other Care Visa Changes in 2025 You Should Know About

The 3 month rule isn’t the only update affecting care roles in 2025. Here are a few other changes worth noting:

• Salary thresholds for Skilled Worker visas have increased
• English language requirements remain in place
• Shortage Occupation List adjustments are being reviewed

These changes could affect your eligibility or the documents you need to provide. Always check the latest Home Office guidance or speak to an immigration solicitor before submitting your application.

FAQs About Switching into Care Sector Skilled Worker Visa

Can I switch from a student visa to a care job in the UK? 

Yes, but only if you have already worked in a paid role for the sponsoring employer for at least three months.

Does volunteering count towards the 3 month requirement? 

No. Only paid employment with the sponsoring care provider counts.

Can I apply before completing the full three months? 

No. Your application may be refused if you apply even one day too early.

I’ve been offered a job in care. Can I start working right away? 

Only if your current visa permits work. Check your visa conditions before starting.

What if I switch employers during the 3 months? 

You must complete the full three months with the same employer who is offering the sponsorship.

Switching into a Skilled Worker visa for a care job in the UK now requires more than just a job offer. If you’re already in the UK and applying from within, you must show that you’ve worked for the sponsoring care employer for at least three months. This rule is designed to protect both workers and employers, and to make sure visa sponsorship is handled properly. With careful planning, the right documents, and a bit of patience, you can still make a successful switch.

Need Help Switching Into a Care Role? Call Our Immigration Solicitors in Manchester Team Today

If you’re unsure whether you meet the new 3 month requirement, our team at Solicitors in Manchester is here to help. We offer free 5 minute legal advice to check your eligibility and guide you through the Skilled Worker visa process.

Call us on 0161 464 4140 or  Book your free appointment now