Between 2022 and 2025, many overseas workers came to the UK as care workers on the Health and Care Worker visa. That changed in July 2025. If you are researching UK care assistant jobs from abroad in 2026, it is important to understand the current rules before you spend money with any agent.
Information checked: 24 October 2026.
Important: From 22 July 2025, the UK closed the care worker and senior care worker routes to new overseas applicants. Anyone offering you a new care worker visa from abroad should be treated with extreme caution.
What Care Assistants Do
Care assistants (care workers) support older people and people with disabilities in care homes and in their own homes. Duties include personal care, mobility support, meals, medication prompts and companionship. Senior care workers supervise teams and handle more complex tasks.
The Rule Change in Brief
- Care workers (SOC 6135) and senior care workers (SOC 6136) can no longer be sponsored from overseas for new entry clearance applications made on or after 22 July 2025.
- People already in the UK may be able to switch in-country into these roles under transitional arrangements, which run until 22 July 2028, if they meet the conditions (for example, they already hold a relevant visa or have worked lawfully in the sector).
- Other health roles, such as registered nurses, are still possible routes under the Health and Care Worker visa, subject to the rules.
Read the official position on GOV.UK and the Immigration Salary List appendix.
Typical Pay
Care workers are usually paid hourly, often at or a little above the National Living Wage, with higher rates for nights and weekends in some employers. Senior care workers earn more. See national minimum wage rates.
| Role | Typical pay level |
|---|---|
| Care assistant | Around the National Living Wage |
| Senior care worker | Above care assistant rates |
| Registered nurse (care home) | Salaried, much higher |
Remaining Routes
- In-country switching for eligible people already in the UK, until 22 July 2028.
- Registered nurses and some other qualified health professionals via the Health and Care Worker visa.
- Youth Mobility Scheme, family visas and other visas with work rights.
- EU Settlement Scheme holders.
Requirements and Documents for Care Work
- right to work in the UK;
- an enhanced DBS check (criminal record check);
- references and, ideally, the Care Certificate;
- good spoken English;
- for nurses: registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC).
How to Apply If You Are Eligible
- Confirm your eligibility for switching or another route on GOV.UK.
- Search Find a job and NHS or care provider career pages.
- Check that any sponsor is on the register of licensed sponsors.
- Never pay for a Certificate of Sponsorship.
Settlement
Settlement depends on your visa type and time in the UK. See indefinite leave to remain.
Official Websites and Embassy Contacts (United Kingdom)
UK visa rules are published only on GOV.UK. Start from these pages:
- Check if you need a UK visa: gov.uk/check-uk-visa
- Skilled Worker visa: gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa
- Register of licensed sponsors (workers): GOV.UK sponsor register
- Immigration Salary List and occupation tables: Appendix Immigration Salary List and Appendix Skilled Occupations
- Minimum wage rates: gov.uk/national-minimum-wage-rates
- Find a job (government service): gov.uk/find-a-job
Embassy contacts: UK visa applications are made online and biometrics are taken at official visa application centres; embassies generally do not take visa applications in person. Official addresses and contact routes for each British embassy or high commission are on gov.uk/world/embassies, and UK Visas and Immigration contact options are on its GOV.UK organisation page.
How to Recognise Job and Visa Scams
UK sponsorship scams often promise a Certificate of Sponsorship in exchange for a fee. Keep these points in mind:
- Sponsors are not allowed to make you pay the Immigration Skills Charge, and selling a Certificate of Sponsorship is a breach of sponsor duties.
- Check that the employer appears on the register of licensed sponsors, then contact the company through its own website, not through the person who messaged you.
- Be wary of “agents” who ask for thousands of pounds, offers without an interview, and contracts that differ from the job description.
- Report suspicious emails and websites through GOV.UK. Labour exploitation in agriculture, food processing and warehousing can be reported to the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority.
What the Job Is Really Like
Care work can be very rewarding, but it is demanding. Before applying, it helps to understand what a typical shift involves:
- helping people wash, dress, eat and move safely, while respecting their dignity and choices;
- recording care notes accurately, often on a digital system;
- noticing changes in a person’s health or mood and reporting them;
- following infection control and moving-and-handling procedures;
- working shifts that may include early mornings, nights, weekends and holidays.
Home care workers often travel between several clients in a day, so a driving licence and access to a car can be important. Check whether travel time and mileage are paid, because this affects your real hourly earnings.
Skills Employers Look For
- Compassion and patience, especially when supporting people living with dementia.
- Clear communication with clients, families and colleagues.
- Reliability, because missed shifts directly affect vulnerable people.
- Attention to detail in record keeping and medication support.
- Resilience, as the work can be emotionally challenging.
Previous experience, even informal care for a family member or volunteering, can be valuable. Mention it in your application with concrete examples.
Training and Progression
New care workers in England are usually expected to complete induction training, often based on the Care Certificate standards. With experience, you can progress to senior care worker, team leader or care manager roles, or move into specialised areas such as dementia care or end-of-life care. Some people later train as nurses or other health professionals, which can open different immigration and career routes.
Know Your Rights at Work
All workers in the UK are entitled to at least the minimum wage, rest breaks, paid holiday and a safe workplace. If you are worried about your treatment at work, such as unpaid wages, excessive hours or having your passport taken, you can get free, confidential advice from Acas. Concerns about modern slavery or exploitation can be reported to the Modern Slavery & Exploitation Helpline or the police.
Pay for Travel Time in Home Care
If you work in home care (domiciliary care), you travel between clients’ homes during your shift. Under minimum wage rules, time spent travelling between appointments generally counts as working time. Your total pay for the shift, including travel time, must not fall below the National Minimum Wage or National Living Wage. Some employers also pay mileage for using your own car. Ask how travel is paid before accepting a job and compare it with your payslips.
Background Checks
Care roles involve work with vulnerable people, so employers in England and Wales will normally request an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own disclosure services. Applicants who have lived abroad may also need a criminal record certificate from their previous country. The employer usually guides you through this process.
Looking After Your Wellbeing
Care work is meaningful but emotionally and physically demanding. Practical habits that help include:
- taking your rest breaks and asking your manager about a fair rota;
- using correct moving and handling techniques and equipment;
- talking to colleagues or a supervisor after difficult situations;
- using any employee assistance programme your employer offers.
Pay and Deductions
Check your payslip for Income Tax, National Insurance and pension contributions. Workers aged 22 to State Pension age who earn over £10,000 a year must be automatically enrolled in a workplace pension. You are also entitled to 5.6 weeks of paid holiday a year.
Checking a Care Provider’s Quality
In England, care homes and home care agencies must be registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC), which inspects services and publishes reports and ratings online. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have their own care regulators. Before accepting a job, look up the provider’s latest inspection report. Services rated poorly may have problems with staffing levels, training or management.
Questions to Ask at Interview
- How long is the induction, and is it paid?
- How many clients or residents will I support on a typical shift?
- How are rotas set, and how much notice is given?
- For home care, how is travel time paid and is mileage reimbursed?
- What training and qualifications can I gain with experience?
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still apply for a UK care worker visa from abroad?
No. New overseas applications for care workers and senior care workers closed on 22 July 2025.
I am already in the UK. Can I switch into care work?
Possibly, under transitional rules until 22 July 2028, if you meet the conditions.
Are nurses affected?
Registered nurses remain eligible under the Health and Care Worker visa, subject to the rules.
Is a DBS check required?
Yes, an enhanced DBS check is standard for care roles.
Do care homes provide accommodation?
Some may offer it at a cost; it is not a standard benefit.
What if an agent offers a CoS for money?
Do not pay. It is unlawful and very likely a scam.
Summary and Next Step
The UK care worker route is closed to new overseas applicants. If you are a nurse, look at the Health and Care Worker visa; otherwise check other legal routes before any job search.