UK Care Assistant Jobs with Visa Sponsorship: 2024 Guide

uk care assistant jobs with visa sponsorship opportunities vary by employer and program. Verify official requirements before applying.

Fast Answer: Can You Still Get UK Care Assistant Sponsorship?

Yes, you can still obtain sponsorship for care assistant roles in the UK, but the landscape changed significantly in early 2024. While the Health and Care Worker visa remains an active route for international recruitment to fill critical vacancies, the UK government has introduced stricter regulations that applicants must understand before starting their journey.

The most critical update for 2024 is that care workers (SOC 6145) and senior care workers (SOC 6146) are typically no longer permitted to bring dependents (partners or children) to the UK. If you are applying for a new visa under these codes, you should expect to travel alone. This policy change is a major shift from previous years and is designed to manage net migration levels.

To successfully secure sponsorship in the current climate, your application must generally meet these core criteria:

• Approved Employer: Your job offer must come from a Home Office-licensed sponsor. In England, the employer must also be regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).
• Salary Thresholds: You must be paid at least the minimum salary requirement, which is typically GBP23,200 per year or the “going rate” for the specific role, whichever is higher (though specific rates may vary based on individual circumstances).
• English Proficiency: You must demonstrate English language skills at CEFR Level B1 (typically via a SELT or recognized degree).

Immediate Next Steps:

• Verify the Sponsor: Before sharing personal documents, check the official “Register of licensed sponsors” on GOV.UK to ensure the company has the authority to issue a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS).
• Review the Salary: Confirm with the employer that the offered salary meets the 2024 thresholds to avoid visa refusal.
• Check Family Eligibility: If you intended to move with family, you may need to explore alternative visa routes or prepare for a solo relocation, as the 2024 restrictions are currently in effect.

While the demand for care staff remains high, the process is more regulated than ever. Always verify the latest policy updates on official government sources, as immigration rules are subject to frequent change.

The Health and Care Worker Visa: Key Facts

The Health and Care Worker visa is a specialized immigration route designed to bring qualified healthcare professionals and adult social care staff to the UK. It functions as a subset of the Skilled Worker visa but offers distinct advantages, such as reduced application fees and a significant exemption from the annual Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), making it a more affordable pathway for international applicants.

To qualify for sponsorship in a care-related role, your job must fall under specific Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) codes. For 2024, the primary eligible codes for the social care sector are:

• SOC Code 6145: Care assistants and nursing auxiliaries.
• SOC Code 6146: Home carers and support workers.

A non-negotiable requirement for this visa is that your prospective employer must be a Home Office-approved sponsor. This means the organization-whether it is an NHS Trust, a private care home, or a home care agency-must hold a valid “Worker” license and be authorized specifically to sponsor Health and Care Worker visas. Without a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from a licensed employer, a visa application cannot proceed.

Practical Guidance and Next Steps:

• Consult the Official Register: Before submitting a job application, cross-reference the company name against the “Register of licensed sponsors: workers” on the GOV.UK website to ensure they have the legal authority to hire from abroad.
• Confirm the Job Description: During the recruitment process, verify with the employer that the role is officially classified under SOC code 6145 or 6146. This classification is vital for your visa eligibility.
• Review Sponsor Rating: Focus your search on “A-rated” sponsors. These are established organizations that the Home Office has approved to provide the necessary Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS).

While this visa category provides a clear path to employment in the UK, applicants should remain aware that immigration policies are subject to change. Always verify the current salary thresholds and suitability requirements on official government channels before making financial or professional commitments.

Mandatory Eligibility Criteria for Applicants

To successfully apply for a Health and Care Worker visa as a care assistant, you must meet several non-negotiable requirements set by the UK Home Office. Meeting these criteria is the first step in ensuring your application is not rejected during the initial screening process.

1. A Valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)

You cannot apply for the visa without a formal job offer. Your employer must be a Home Office-approved sponsor authorized to hire overseas workers. Once you secure a role, the employer will issue a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS). This is a digital reference number that contains information about the job, your salary, and the duration of your employment. Verify that your CoS is “defined” or “undefined” as per your specific recruitment route.

2. English Language Proficiency

Effective communication is vital in a care setting. Applicants are typically required to prove they can speak, read, write, and understand English to at least CEFR Level B1. You can meet this requirement by:

• Passing a Secure English Language Test (SELT) from an approved provider, such as IELTS for UKVI or PTE Academic UKVI.
• Having an academic degree that was taught in English (this usually requires a confirmation from Ecctis).
• Being a citizen of a majority English-speaking country as recognized by the UK government.

3. Financial Requirements (Maintenance)

You must demonstrate that you have sufficient personal savings to support yourself when you arrive in the UK. This typically requires showing at least GBP1,270 in a bank account for 28 consecutive days before you apply. However, you may be exempt from this requirement if your employer agrees to “certify your maintenance” on your Certificate of Sponsorship, meaning they will cover your costs during your first month in the UK.

4. Criminal Record and Health Clearances

Because care assistant roles involve working with vulnerable people, you will likely need to provide a criminal record certificate from any country you have lived in for 12 months or more over the past 10 years. Additionally, if you are applying from a specific list of countries, you may be required to provide a valid Tuberculosis (TB) test certificate.

Actionable Next Steps

Before applying for jobs, verify your current English language level. If you do not have a qualifying degree, book your SELT exam early, as test centers can have long waiting lists. Always verify the latest financial thresholds on the official GOV.UK website, as these figures are subject to periodic updates.

2024 Salary Thresholds for Care Assistants

To qualify for sponsorship under the Health and Care Worker visa, your job offer must meet specific financial criteria set by the UK Home Office. While many UK work visa categories saw significant salary increases in April 2024, care assistants and home carers (SOC codes 6145 and 6146) typically fall under specific exemptions because these roles are currently included on the Immigration Salary List (ISL).

For most applicants, the minimum salary floor for sponsored care roles is generally set at GBP23,200 per year, or a specific hourly rate-typically GBP11.90 per hour-whichever is higher. It is vital to understand that your salary must meet these thresholds based on your actual working hours. If your contract specifies more than a 37.5-hour work week, your annual pay must scale upward to ensure the hourly rate remains compliant.

Understanding the “Going Rate”

The “going rate” is the minimum salary the UK government considers appropriate for a particular profession to prevent wage suppression. For care assistants, the salary requirements involve three main checks:

• The Annual Threshold: Usually a minimum of GBP23,200 for most new applicants entering the care sector.
• The Hourly Minimum: Typically GBP11.90 per hour, which serves as a mandatory floor regardless of the annual total.
• CoS Documentation: Your sponsor must explicitly state your gross salary and guaranteed hours on your Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) to match these requirements.

Actionable Guidance for Applicants

• Review your offer: Carefully check your formal job offer or contract to ensure the gross salary meets or exceeds the GBP23,200 threshold.
• Calculate your rate: Divide your annual gross pay by your total yearly hours to confirm the hourly rate is at or above GBP11.90.
• Confirm the SOC code: Ensure your employer is using the correct code (6145 for Care Assistants or 6146 for Home Carers) as these are the codes eligible for the ISL salary lowerings.
• Monitor updates: Immigration rules and “going rates” are subject to frequent changes. Always verify your specific figures against the latest tables on the official GOV.UK website.

Please note that salary requirements may differ if you are already in the UK on a different visa or if you are considered a “new entrant” in the labor market. Always verify your specific circumstances with your employer’s HR department or a qualified immigration advisor before submitting your visa application.

How to Find Approved UK Care Sponsors

Identifying a legitimate employer is the most critical step in your journey. To hire an international care assistant, a UK company must hold a valid “Worker” license issued by the Home Office. Applying to organizations without this license will result in an automatic visa refusal, as they cannot issue the required Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS).

The most reliable way to verify an employer is to consult the official Register of licensed sponsors: workers on the GOV.UK website. This database is updated frequently and lists every organization currently authorized to sponsor staff. When using the register, ensure the employer is listed as “A-rated” and approved for the Health and Care Worker visa route.

To find active vacancies with these approved employers, focus your search on these reputable platforms:

• NHS Jobs: This is the primary portal for the National Health Service. While many care assistant roles are in the private sector, the NHS frequently recruits for Healthcare Support Workers. These roles typically offer clear pathways for sponsorship.
• Find a Job (DWP): This official government job board allows you to search for vacancies across the UK. Use search terms like “visa sponsorship” or “care worker sponsorship” to filter results, but always cross-reference the company name with the official register.
• Major Care Groups: Large-scale private care providers often have dedicated international recruitment departments. Visit the “Careers” section of their official websites to check for sponsorship availability.

Actionable Next Steps:

• Download the Register: Access the CSV or PDF version of the sponsor register from GOV.UK and use the “find” function to check specific care homes.
• Filter Your Search: On job boards, use keywords like “SOC 6145” or “SOC 6146” alongside “sponsorship” to find relevant codes for care and home care roles.
• Direct Verification: If a job advert is unclear, contact the HR department directly to ask if they are currently issuing Certificates of Sponsorship for the role.
• Stay Cautious: Be wary of third-party recruiters who demand payment for job placements. Legitimate UK employers typically cover the costs of recruitment.

Always verify the current status of a sponsor on official government channels before sharing personal documents or paying for English language tests, as licensing statuses may change.

Step-by-Step: How to Apply for a Sponsored Care Role

Securing a care assistant role with visa sponsorship requires careful planning and attention to detail. The process typically follows a specific sequence to ensure both the employer and the applicant meet Home Office requirements. Following these steps systematically may help reduce the risk of application delays.

Step 1: Prepare Your UK-Style CV
Tailor your resume to the UK healthcare sector. Highlight any previous experience in elderly care, disability support, or clinical settings. Ensure you include relevant certifications and emphasize “soft skills” like empathy and patience, which are highly valued by UK recruiters. You should also be prepared to provide references from previous employers.

Step 2: Pass an Approved English Language Test
Most applicants must prove their English proficiency to qualify for the Health and Care Worker visa. You typically need to achieve at least CEFR Level B1 in reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Verify which providers are currently accepted, such as IELTS for UKVI or PTE Academic UKVI, as standard general tests may not be sufficient for immigration purposes.

Step 3: Apply to Licensed Sponsors
Focus your job search exclusively on employers holding a valid license to sponsor workers. You can verify an organization’s status via the official “Register of licensed sponsors” on GOV.UK. Use reputable platforms like NHS Jobs or the “Find a Job” service to identify vacancies that explicitly mention visa sponsorship for care roles.

Step 4: Receive Your Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
Once you have successfully interviewed and received a job offer, the employer will issue a Certificate of Sponsorship. This is a digital reference number, not a physical document. This CoS confirms your role’s details, your salary, and the duration of your employment, and it is a mandatory requirement for the next stage.

Step 5: Submit the Online Visa Application
Apply for the Health and Care Worker visa through the official GOV.UK portal. You will need your CoS number, proof of English proficiency, and a valid passport. During this stage, you may also be required to provide a criminal record certificate from any country you have lived in for 12 months or more over the last 10 years.

Step 6: Complete Biometrics and TB Testing
After submitting your online application, you will typically need to visit a visa application center to provide your biometrics (fingerprints and photograph). Depending on your country of residence, you may also be required to provide a valid tuberculosis (TB) test certificate from a Home Office-approved clinic.

The Application Checklist: Verification Points

Before you commit to the visa application fee, you must ensure your documentation is airtight. Small discrepancies between your job offer and your visa submission can lead to delays or immediate refusals. Use this practical checklist to verify your status before proceeding.

• Verify Sponsor License Status: Do not rely solely on a job advert. Cross-reference the employer’s name against the official “Register of licensed sponsors: workers” on the GOV.UK website. Ensure their license is active and they are authorized to sponsor the Health and Care Worker route.
• Check Tuberculosis (TB) Test Requirements: If you are a resident of a country listed by the Home Office for TB testing, you must provide a valid medical certificate. This test must be performed at a clinic specifically approved by the Home Office; results from non-approved centers are typically rejected.
• Gather Criminal Record Certificates: You are generally required to provide a criminal record certificate from every country you have lived in for a total of 12 months or more over the last 10 years (since the age of 18). Obtaining these can take several weeks, so verify the process for your specific region early.
• Confirm SOC Code Alignment: Ensure your Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) lists the correct Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code. For care assistants, this is typically 6145 (Care workers and home carers) or 6146 (Senior care workers).
• Financial Maintenance: Check your CoS to see if your employer has “certified maintenance.” If they have not, you must provide evidence that you have held a specific amount of personal savings (as defined by current Home Office thresholds) for at least 28 consecutive days.
• English Language Validity: Verify that your Secure English Language Test (SELT) provider is approved by the Home Office and that your certificate is still within its two-year validity period.

Next Step: Once you have checked every item on this list, your next move is to organize your digital scans. Ensure all documents are in the required format before you begin the step-by-step application process outlined in the “How-to” section of this guide.

Important: Avoiding Recruitment Scams

The high demand for healthcare professionals in the UK has unfortunately led to a rise in sophisticated recruitment fraud. As you search for care assistant roles, your priority must be protecting your personal information and finances from predatory individuals or agencies claiming to “sell” job offers or Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS).

The Legal Reality: In the United Kingdom, it is strictly illegal for a recruitment agency to charge a job seeker a fee for finding them a job. Furthermore, an employer or sponsor cannot legally sell a Certificate of Sponsorship to an applicant. If any individual or organization asks for payment to “reserve” a position, “process” your visa sponsorship, or “guarantee” an offer, you are likely being targeted by a scam.

To stay safe during your job search, look out for these common red flags:

• Upfront Fees: Any request for “administrative fees,” “security deposits,” or “training costs” before a contract is signed.
• Unprofessional Communication: Recruiters contacting you solely via WhatsApp, Telegram, or social media, or using generic email addresses (e.g., @gmail.com, @yahoo.com) instead of an official company domain.
• No Formal Interview: Receiving a job offer without undergoing a rigorous interview process, typically involving a video call or face-to-face meeting.
• Pressure Tactics: Claims that you must pay immediately because there are “only a few spots left” for sponsorship.

Actionable Steps to Verify an Offer:

• Check the Register: Cross-reference the employer’s name against the official UK Register of Licensed Sponsors. If they are not on this list, they cannot legally sponsor your visa.
• Verify the Domain: Research the company’s official website and ensure the recruiter’s email matches the official domain exactly.
• Contact Directly: If you receive an offer from an agency, find the care home’s official contact details independently and call their HR department to verify the vacancy exists.

If you encounter a suspicious job advert or have been asked to pay for a CoS, you should report it immediately to Action Fraud (the UK’s national reporting center for fraud and cybercrime) via their official website. You can also report suspicious immigration activity or “ghost” consultants directly to the Home Office via GOV.UK.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I bring my partner or children to the UK?

Under the policy changes implemented in March 2024, care workers (SOC 6145) and senior care workers (SOC 6146) are typically no longer permitted to bring dependents on their Health and Care Worker visa. This restriction applies to most new applicants entering the care sector. However, if you were already granted a visa under this route before the 2024 rule change, you may still be eligible to have your family stay with you or join you. It is essential to verify your specific status on the official GOV.UK website.

How long does the Health and Care Worker visa last?

The visa is usually granted for the period covered by your Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), up to a maximum of five years. Important considerations for your stay include:

• Extensions: You may apply to extend your visa as many times as you like, provided you still meet the eligibility requirements and have a valid job offer.
• Settlement: After five years of continuous residence in the UK on this visa, you may become eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).
• Contract Length: If your job contract is shorter, your visa duration will likely match that specific timeframe.

Am I allowed to switch to a different employer?

Yes, you can change employers, but the process is not automatic. To remain compliant with your visa conditions, your new employer must be a Home Office-approved sponsor. You will need to obtain a new Certificate of Sponsorship from them and apply to update your visa. You should typically wait until your new visa application is approved before starting work at the new location.

Do I have to pay for my Certificate of Sponsorship?

It is illegal for a UK employer or recruitment agency to charge a candidate a fee for a job offer or for the issuance of a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS). If a recruiter asks for payment to “guarantee” you a role, this is a significant red flag. To stay safe, you should:

• Cross-reference the company name with the official Register of Licensed Sponsors.
• Avoid sharing sensitive financial information early in the recruitment process.
• Report suspicious job offers to Action Fraud or the Home Office.

What is the next step if I find a sponsor?

Once you have a formal offer and a CoS, your next step is to gather your supporting documents, including your English language test results and TB certificate (if applicable). You should then begin your online application via the GOV.UK portal as soon as possible, as processing times can vary.

Official Resources for Final Verification

UK immigration policies and salary thresholds are subject to frequent updates. While this guide provides a comprehensive overview of the 2024 landscape for care assistant roles, you must verify all current requirements directly through official government channels before making financial commitments or resigning from your current employment.

The following GOV.UK resources are the only authoritative sources for visa rules, sponsor status, and application fees. We recommend bookmarking these pages for use during your application process:

• Health and Care Worker Visa: Overview – The primary source for eligibility criteria, application costs, and the most recent policy updates regarding family members and dependents.
• Register of Licensed Sponsors: Workers – A frequently updated database of all UK employers authorized to issue a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS). Verify your potential employer here before applying.
• English Language Requirements – Detailed information on approved English language tests (SELT), required CEFR levels, and exempt countries.
• Mandatory Documents Checklist – A guide to the evidence you typically need, including TB test results and criminal record certificates for specific jurisdictions.

Practical Next Steps for Applicants

To ensure your application is based on the most current data, follow these actionable steps:

• Review Caseworker Guidance: Search GOV.UK for the “Health and Care Worker Visa: caseworker guidance.” This document explains the internal criteria Home Office staff use to evaluate and approve or refuse applications.
• Cross-Reference SOC Codes: Confirm that your job offer aligns with the specific Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) codes for care workers (typically 6145 or 6146) to ensure the role qualifies for sponsorship.
• Monitor the Sponsor Register: Check the register of licensed sponsors regularly. An employer’s ability to sponsor may change, and licenses can be suspended or revoked without public notice.

Disclaimer: This guide is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or professional immigration advice. Immigration rules may change rapidly. Always consult a qualified solicitor or an advisor regulated by the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC) for guidance tailored to your specific situation.

uk care assistant jobs with visa sponsorship Overview

This section summarizes key requirements, process checkpoints, and risk controls for uk care assistant jobs with visa sponsorship.