Are you a kind and hardworking person who wants to work as a care assistant in the UK? The UK needs many care workers right now. This is a big chance for people from other countries to come and work here with visa sponsorship. But in 2025, the UK changed the visa rules. This guide explains everything in very simple English. It will help you understand the new rules and how to get a Health and Care Worker visa in 2025–2026.
The New Immigration Reality: 2025 Visa Changes You Must Know
The UK still needs care workers a lot, but the sponsorship rules became stricter in 2025.
Understanding the Health and Care Worker Visa
This is the main visa for care jobs. It is part of the Skilled Worker visa but cheaper and better for health and care staff.
Good things about this visa:
- Lower application fee
- No need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (you save £1,000+ per year)
- Faster processing
To get it, you need a job offer and a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from a licensed UK employer.
Eligible Job Roles (Post-July 2025 Update)
Big change from 22 July 2025: Normal “Care Worker” or “Care Assistant” (code 6135) is NOT allowed for new people from overseas.
These jobs are still open for new overseas applicants:
| SOC Code | Job Title | Open or Closed for new applicants? |
|---|---|---|
| 6131 | Nursing Auxiliary / Healthcare Assistant (HCA) | OPEN |
| 6136 | Senior Care Worker | CLOSED for new overseas (only for people already in UK) |
| 1232 | Care Manager / Registered Manager | OPEN (needs high qualifications) |
Best choice for most people: Look for Healthcare Assistant (HCA) jobs with SOC code 6131.
Meeting the New Salary and Financial Requirements
From April 2025, the minimum pay is higher.
| Job Role | Minimum hourly pay | Minimum yearly pay (39 hours/week) |
|---|---|---|
| Healthcare Assistant (6131) | £12.82 per hour | Around £26,200 per year |
The employer must pay at least this amount. Good employers pay more.
Financial and Language Checks
English Language
You must prove you can speak, read, write and understand English at B1 level.
Easy ways:
- Take IELTS for UKVI (minimum scores needed)
- Or if you studied a degree taught in English, you may not need a test
- Or if you are from a country like Nigeria, Philippines, India (for some cases), check the rules
Many people ask: “Can I get care job without IELTS?” Answer: Sometimes yes, if you have an English-taught qualification.
Maintenance Funds
You need to show you have £1,270 in your bank for at least 28 days, OR your employer can cover this cost and write it on your Certificate of Sponsorship.
Finding Sponsorship Jobs UK in High-Demand Regions
Many areas in the UK need workers badly.
Best places to look:
- South East England
- Scotland (especially rural areas)
- Wales
- Birmingham and West Midlands
- North England
Best Types of Employers That Give Sponsorship
- Big care home chains (they have many homes and experienced HR teams)
- Domiciliary (home care) agencies
- Some NHS hospitals and NHS-connected organisations for Healthcare Assistant roles
Always check the employer is on the official Home Office licensed sponsor list.
Your 5-Step Action Plan to Secure Your Role
Step 1: Check Your Experience and Qualifications
Most employers want:
- At least 6–12 months care experience (hospital, care home or home care)
- Basic training certificates (moving and handling, first aid, safeguarding – you can do these online or in your country)
- NVQ Level 2 or 3 in Health and Social Care is a big advantage (you can start it after you arrive)
Step 2: Make a Good UK-Style CV
Use simple format:
- Put “Healthcare Assistant” or “Nursing Auxiliary” in big letters
- List your care experience clearly
- Write about soft skills: kind, patient, good team worker, reliable
- Say you are happy to get DBS check (UK police check for working with vulnerable people)
Step 3: Apply Directly to Licensed Sponsors
Go to the UK government website and download the full list of licensed sponsors. Find care homes and agencies, visit their website and send your CV even if they have no advert. Many hire this way.
Step 4: Get and Check Your Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
When they offer you the job, they will give you a CoS number. Check it shows:
- Job title: Healthcare Assistant or Nursing Auxiliary
- SOC code: 6131
- Salary: at least £12.82 per hour
- Start date and length (usually 3–5 years)
Step 5: Apply for the Visa
Do everything online on the UK government website:
- Use your CoS number
- Upload passport, English test (if needed), bank statements or employer letter for funds, police certificate from your country
- Pay the visa fee (cheaper for Health and Care visa)
- Most people get decision in 3–4 weeks
Just remember the three most important things:
- Look only for jobs with SOC code 6131
- Choose employers from the official licensed sponsor list
- Be ready with your experience, certificates and English proof
Start applying today – many good care homes are waiting for people like you!
Take Action Now: Search “Healthcare Assistant visa sponsorship” or “HCA jobs UK SOC 6131” on job websites and apply directly.
Good luck! Your new life in the UK can start very soon.
Disclaimer:
UK immigration rules change often. Always check the latest information on the official GOV.UK website before you apply or travel. This guide is for information only (December 2025).