The landscape of live-in care jobs UK visa sponsorship has undergone dramatic changes in 2025, with significant impacts on international care workers seeking employment in Britain. As of 2025: Care assistant roles (RQF Level 3 and below) are no longer eligible for new Skilled Worker visa sponsorship. The UK government has closed the care worker visa route to reduce net migration.
However, opportunities still exist for qualified international care professionals through specific visa pathways and higher-skilled positions. We’re excited to provide visa sponsorship to overseas and European applicants with suitable qualifications and experience in Health & Social Care for jobs as UK carers, demonstrating that certain employers continue supporting international recruitment despite regulatory changes.
Understanding the 2025 Care Worker Visa Changes
Major Policy Shifts
From 22 July 2025, the minimum skill level requirement for the UK Skilled Worker visa has been raised to RQF Level 6 (equivalent to degree level). As a result, roles below RQF Level 6 are no longer eligible for the Health and Care Worker visa, unless they appear on the Immigration Salary List.
These changes fundamentally affect the live-in carer visa sponsorship UK landscape, requiring new approaches for both employers and international candidates.
Transitional Protections
A transition period applies, where skilled workers can continue to be sponsored in RQF 3-5 level occupations if they are already in the route (have a visa or have a Certificate of Sponsorship issued) before 22 July 2025, even where an occupation is not on the Immigration Salary List.
This means existing visa holders and those with pre-July 2025 certificates maintain their eligibility under previous requirements.
Current Visa Options for Care Workers
Health and Care Worker Visa
Apply for a Health and Care Worker visa (formerly a Tier 2 Health and Care visa) if you’re a medical professional who’s been offered a job with the NHS, an NHS supplier or in adult social care – eligibility, fees, documents, extend or switch, bring your family, taking on additional work.
The Health and Care Worker visa remains available for qualifying positions, though eligibility criteria have become more restrictive.
Current Eligibility:
- You must have a job offer from an approved UK employer before you apply for a Health and Care Worker visa. Approved employers are also known as sponsors, because they are sponsoring you to come to or stay in the UK.
- Position must meet current skill level requirements
- Employer must hold appropriate sponsor license
- Role must be in eligible care sector
Skilled Worker Visa Alternative
While alternatives like the Skilled Worker visa may remain available for non-eligible Health and Care roles, applicants must meet its higher skill level (RQF 6+) and salary thresholds (£41,700 general minimum or going rate).
This pathway requires significantly higher qualifications and salary levels than previously required for care positions.
Types of Live-in Care Positions Available
Traditional Live-in Care Roles
Live-in carers live with a client for the duration of their chosen rota pattern (e.g 2, 4 or 6 weeks or On-going). You’ll look after one person or at times a couple, providing both care and companionship. Following a person-centred care plan, you will tailor your support to meet your clients’ needs, assisting with daily activities, personal care, or support in managing conditions such as dementia.
These positions offer immersive care experiences with comprehensive client relationships.
Residential Care Opportunities
Care Home Positions: Residential care facilities continue offering care jobs with visa sponsorship UK for qualified international workers, particularly in specialized areas requiring advanced skills.
Supported Living Services: Community-based supported living services provide care for individuals with disabilities, learning difficulties, and complex needs.
Nursing Home Roles: Nursing roles (RQF Level 6) and senior care roles remain eligible under specific visa categories, offering pathways for qualified nursing professionals.
Specialized Care Services
Dementia Care: Specialized dementia care services require trained professionals capable of providing person-centered care for individuals with cognitive impairments.
Complex Care: High-needs clients requiring medical oversight, medication management, and specialized interventions represent higher-skilled opportunities.
Pediatric Care: Children’s care services, including respite care and complex needs support, maintain demand for qualified international professionals.
Current Salary Expectations
Market Rates
Explore elderly care jobs in the UK with salaries from £20000–£30000/year. Full-time shifts include mornings, evenings, nights and weekends with visa available.
However, salary requirements for visa sponsorship have increased significantly, creating potential challenges for traditional care roles.
Visa Salary Thresholds
The increased minimum salary threshold, effective from 22 July 2025, is £41,700 gross per year, an increase from £38,700. The Skilled Worker Visa holders’ salary must be the higher of: The general minimum salary threshold of £41,700, or the going rate for the specific occupation.
This creates a significant gap between typical care salaries and visa requirements, affecting sponsorship viability.
Employers Still Offering Visa Sponsorship
Healthcare Organizations
NHS Trusts: Continue sponsoring qualified healthcare professionals for nursing and senior care positions meeting current visa requirements.
Private Healthcare Groups: Established healthcare organizations maintain sponsorship programs for appropriately qualified international staff.
Specialist Care Providers
Agincare International: As demonstrated by their commitment to provide visa sponsorship to overseas and European applicants with suitable qualifications and experience in Health & Social Care, certain specialized providers continue supporting international recruitment.
G&H Personnel: Continues offering opportunities for live-in care worker visa UK candidates meeting current requirements and skill levels.
Regional Care Services
Community Care Organizations: Local authorities and community care providers maintain selective sponsorship for roles meeting new eligibility criteria.
Residential Care Chains: Large-scale residential care operators continue sponsoring for senior care positions and specialized roles.
Application Requirements and Process
Enhanced Qualification Requirements
Educational Standards: Higher skill level requirements demand relevant qualifications, certifications, and professional development credentials.
Experience Verification: Employers require comprehensive documentation of care experience, professional references, and competency demonstrations.
English Language Proficiency: Maintain strong English language requirements through approved testing or qualifying educational backgrounds.
Visa Application Process
Certificate of Sponsorship: You can apply for a visa up to 3 months before the day you are due to start work in the UK. This date is listed on your certificate of sponsorship.
Documentation Requirements:
- Valid passport and photographs
- Educational qualifications and professional certifications
- English language test results
- Criminal record certificates
- Medical examinations as required
Processing Considerations: Applications require careful attention to current eligibility criteria and enhanced documentation standards.
Challenges in the Current Market
Reduced Eligibility
More than 160 roles below RQF Level 6 have been removed from eligibility. Employers should check with the list of removed occupations, Temporary Shortage List, and the Immigration Salary List.
This dramatically reduces available positions for traditional care assistant roles.
Policy Uncertainty
Jobs assessed as being medium-skilled – RQF levels 3-5 – will not be sponsorable unless the Migration Advisory Committee recommends an exemption and the industry is demonstrating efforts to recruit domestically. Ending an existing exemption for social care workers: employers will no longer benefit from previous flexibility in care worker recruitment.
Market Adaptation
Employers and candidates must adapt to new requirements, focusing on higher-skilled positions and enhanced qualification pathways.
Alternative Pathways and Strategies
Qualification Enhancement
Professional Development: Pursue additional qualifications, certifications, and training programs that elevate skill levels to meet current visa requirements.
Degree-Level Education: Consider pursuing relevant degree programs in health and social care to meet RQF Level 6 requirements.
Specialized Training: Focus on specialized care areas requiring advanced skills and commanding higher salaries.
Career Progression Approach
Entry Through Other Routes: Consider alternative visa pathways that might provide entry to the UK care sector, with progression to sponsored roles.
Skill Development Strategy: Build experience and qualifications in home countries before applying for higher-skilled UK positions.
Regional Considerations
Scotland and Wales: Devolved administrations may offer different approaches to care worker recruitment and sponsorship.
Rural Opportunities: Remote and rural areas may have different recruitment priorities and potential flexibility in application of new requirements.
Family and Settlement Provisions
Dependent Rights
Your partner and children may be able to apply to join you or stay in the UK as your ‘dependants’. Family provisions remain available for successful visa holders.
Family Benefits:
- Spouse/partner work authorization
- Children’s education access
- Healthcare access through visa provisions
Long-term Settlement
Successful visa holders can pursue permanent settlement pathways, though requirements may be affected by policy changes and visa category specifications.
Success Tips for International Candidates
Preparation Strategies
Qualification Verification: Ensure all qualifications meet UK recognition standards and obtain proper credential evaluations.
Experience Documentation: Compile comprehensive evidence of care experience, professional development, and competency achievements.
Market Research: Research employers maintaining active sponsorship programs and understand their specific requirements and preferences.
Application Approach
Targeted Applications: Focus on employers and positions explicitly offering visa sponsorship and meeting current eligibility requirements.
Professional Presentation: Develop applications that clearly demonstrate qualification levels, experience depth, and potential contribution to UK care services.
Flexibility: Consider various care settings, geographic locations, and specialized areas to maximize sponsorship opportunities.
Future Outlook and Recommendations
Industry Adaptation
The care sector continues adapting to new immigration requirements while addressing ongoing staffing challenges and demographic pressures.
Policy Evolution
Immigration policies may continue evolving based on sector needs, economic conditions, and political considerations affecting care worker recruitment.
Strategic Planning
International care professionals should focus on qualification enhancement, specialized skills development, and understanding evolving market requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I still get visa sponsorship for live-in care jobs in the UK? A: Yes, but opportunities are now limited to roles meeting RQF Level 6 requirements or appearing on specific shortage lists, with much higher salary thresholds than traditional care positions.
Q: What qualifications do I need for care worker visa sponsorship in 2025? A: Most positions now require degree-level qualifications (RQF Level 6) or exceptional circumstances with approved employers offering roles on shortage occupation lists.
Q: Are there transitional arrangements for existing care workers? A: Yes, workers who obtained visas or certificates of sponsorship before 22 July 2025 may continue under previous arrangements during transitional periods.
Q: What salary do I need for care worker visa sponsorship? A: Minimum salary thresholds are now £41,700 annually or the going rate for the specific role, whichever is higher, creating challenges for traditional care positions.
Q: Which employers still offer visa sponsorship for care workers? A: NHS organizations, specialized private healthcare providers, and residential care operators continue sponsoring for roles meeting current eligibility requirements.
Q: Can my family join me on a care worker visa? A: Yes, spouses/partners and dependent children can apply to accompany visa holders, with work authorization typically granted to partners.
Conclusion
The landscape of live-in care jobs UK visa sponsorship has transformed significantly in 2025, with new challenges requiring strategic adaptation by international candidates. While traditional care assistant roles face restricted sponsorship eligibility, opportunities remain for qualified professionals in higher-skilled positions meeting current visa requirements.
Success in securing care jobs with visa sponsorship UK now demands enhanced qualifications, specialized skills, and strategic targeting of employers maintaining active sponsorship programs. The sector continues requiring international talent, but through pathways emphasizing professional development and advanced competencies.
Despite increased challenges, the UK’s aging population and care sector needs ensure ongoing opportunities for appropriately qualified international care professionals who understand current requirements and adapt their career strategies accordingly.
Ready to explore live-in care worker visa UK opportunities? Focus on qualification enhancement, research employers offering current sponsorship programs, and develop applications highlighting advanced skills and professional competencies that meet 2025 eligibility standards.
The evolving care sector continues offering rewarding careers for international professionals who successfully navigate new requirements while contributing essential services to Britain’s most vulnerable populations.