Publication date: 03.02.2026
Inga Verdes is a UK-based lawyer with extensive experience in corporate, immigration, and international law. She specializes in company formation, residence permit support, business plans, and legal services for international entrepreneurs doing business in the United Kingdom.
The Care Worker Visa in the United Kingdom is a work visa for the care sector in the United Kingdom designed for foreign professionals who plan to legally work in healthcare or social care. This visa falls under the Health and Care Worker Visa route and aims to attract skilled workers to roles experiencing staff shortages in the UK.
It is suitable for those who have received an official job offer from a UK employer and are seeking long-term employment with the possibility of extending their stay in the UK.
Who Can Obtain a Care Worker Visa in the United Kingdom
To apply for a Care Worker Visa UK, applicants must meet the requirements for Care Worker Visa set by UK immigration law.
Job Role and Sector
You must have a job offer for a position included in the list of eligible roles in the care and social care sector. Common positions include:
care assistant
support worker
home care worker
personal care assistant
UK Sponsor
You must have a sponsor for Care Worker Visa UK. The employer with a sponsor licence must provide you with a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS). Without a valid sponsor, obtaining this visa is impossible.
- Skill Level
The role must meet at least RQF Level 3 or the minimum skill requirements set by the Home Office for care positions.
- Salary
In 2025, the minimum salary requirements for the Health and Care Worker Visa are updated. Your salary must meet the threshold for qualified workers in the care sector, including the required hourly rate for care workers.
- English Language
You must demonstrate English proficiency at B1 (CEFR) or higher through an approved test or other accepted evidence.
- Financial Requirement
Applicants must show sufficient funds to support themselves in the UK or provide confirmation that the sponsor will cover initial living costs.
- Criminal Record Certificate
Certain care roles may require a criminal record certificate from countries of residence over previous years.
How to Apply for a Care Worker Visa: Step-by-Step Guide
The Care Worker Visa application process in the UK consists of several steps:
- Obtain an official job offer from an employer with a sponsor licence.
- Receive a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from your employer.
- Submit an online application on the UK government website.
- Pay the visa fee and Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).
- Prepare all required documents: English language proof, CoS, and financial evidence.
- Attend a biometric appointment at a visa centre (if required).
- Wait for a decision (processing times range from a few weeks to several months).
Question
What should you do if your sponsoring employer loses their licence while your Care Worker Visa is valid?
Answer
If your sponsoring employer loses their licence, you must quickly find a new sponsor for Care Worker Visa UK and obtain a new Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS). You will then need to apply to update your sponsorship details or visa conditions. Failure to act promptly may result in your visa being cancelled and losing your lawful status in the UK.
Moving to the UK with Your Family on a Care Worker Visa
A key benefit of the Care Worker Visa in the United Kingdom is the ability to relocate with your family, including:
- spouse or partner
- children under 18
Conditions for family members:
- proof of financial ability to support dependants
- separate visa applications for each family member
- family members can work or study in the UK
Benefits of the Care Worker Visa in the United Kingdom
Legal employment in the care sector
Long-term stay with the possibility of visa extension
The right to bring your family
Access to the NHS healthcare system
A realistic pathway to stable employment in the UK
Professional Support with Care Worker Visa Applications
The process of obtaining a Care Worker Visa UK can be complex: finding a sponsor, ensuring the role meets requirements for Care Worker Visa, preparing documents, and completing the application form correctly. Mistakes can lead to refusal and wasted time.
- Legal assistance can help you:
- verify the employer and sponsor licence
- prepare a complete Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) and document package
- reduce the risk of refusal
- support you through the process until a decision is made
The Care Worker Visa in the United Kingdom in 2025 offers a real opportunity for foreign professionals to legally work in the care sector, gain stable status in the UK, and bring their family. With constantly changing visa rules, proper document preparation and a strategic application approach are crucial for success.
If you need guidance on how to get a Care Worker Visa, sponsor requirements, or your chances of approval, seek professional assistance.
