The UK’s population is aging rapidly, with over 11 million people aged 65 and above, and more than 5 million over the age of 75. This demographic shift is putting immense pressure on the country’s health and social care system. Many local caregivers have left the profession due to burnout, and post-Brexit migration rules. As a result, thousands of caregiver vacancies are going unfilled.
To combat this shortage, the UK government officially placed “care workers and home carers” on the Shortage Occupation List, making it easier for foreign workers to be sponsored by UK employers. If you’re a compassionate individual looking to work abroad, this could be the perfect time to apply.
What Do Caregivers Do in the UK?
Typical Job Duties
Caregivers play a vital role in helping people live independently and with dignity. Your daily responsibilities may include:
- Assisting clients with personal hygiene (bathing, dressing, grooming)
- Supporting individuals with mobility and physical exercises
- Administering medications (under supervision)
- Preparing meals and assisting with feeding
- Housekeeping duties such as cleaning, laundry, and errands
- Monitoring vital signs and reporting changes
- Providing companionship and emotional support
Types of Caregiving Roles
Domiciliary Care (Home Visits)
You travel to multiple clients in a day, helping them with tasks in their homes.
Residential Care Homes
You work at a facility where clients live full-time, usually the elderly or disabled.
Live-in Care
You live in the client’s home full-time for a set period, providing 24/7 care on a rotating schedule.
Eligibility Criteria for Overseas Applicants
To qualify for caregiver roles with visa sponsorship in the UK, you generally need:
- Minimum age of 18
- High school education or equivalent
- At least 6 months to 1 year of caregiving experience, paid or unpaid
- English proficiency (IELTS score of 4.0 overall or equivalent test)
- Clear criminal record and health clearance, including a TB test if you’re from a listed country
Bonus Qualifications:
- CPR and First Aid certifications
- NVQ Level 2 or 3 in Health and Social Care (can often be obtained after employment)
- A valid driver’s license (preferred by some employers for domiciliary roles)
Visa Options for Caregivers in the UK
Health and Care Worker Visa
The most common and desirable route for caregivers is the Health and Care Worker Visa, introduced under the Skilled Worker route.
Key Features
- For qualified care workers, nurses, healthcare assistants, and senior carers
- Sponsored by licensed UK employers
- Offers lower application fees and faster processing times
- Allows visa holders to bring family (spouse and children)
- Provides a path to permanent residency (ILR) after 5 years
Eligibility Requirements
- Job offer from a UK employer with a sponsorship license
- Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from the employer
- Minimum salary of £20,960 per year or £10.75 per hour
- Proof of English proficiency (IELTS or equivalent)
- Police clearance and health check
Costs
- Application fee: £284 (up to 3 years)
- Immigration Health Surcharge: Exempt for this visa
- Processing time: Usually within 3 weeks
Skilled Worker Visa (General)
Though most caregivers use the Health and Care Worker visa, the Skilled Worker Visa is the broader category it falls under.
Who Qualifies
- Any worker with an eligible job on the Shortage Occupation List
- Sponsored by a UK-licensed employer
- Similar conditions and salary thresholds
Important Note: Both Health and Care Worker and Skilled Worker visas require your job to be on the list of eligible occupations and your employer to be a sponsor.
Temporary Charity Worker Visa (Short-Term)
Some charities offer short-term roles through this visa, typically unpaid or low-paid.
Limitations
- No direct path to permanent residency
- Maximum stay of 12 months
- Best suited for volunteers or interns
Graduate and Dependent Visas
If you’re already in the UK on a Graduate Visa or as a dependent of a student or worker, you may work in caregiving without sponsorship, but you must switch to a proper sponsored route for long-term settlement.
How Much Do Caregivers Earn in the UK?
Caregiving salaries depend on location, employer, and experience. However, government policies have set a minimum pay threshold to protect foreign workers.
Salary Range
| Position | Hourly Pay | Monthly Salary | Annual Salary |
| Entry-Level Caregiver | £10.75 – £11.50 | £1,850 – £2,100 | £21,000 – £24,000 |
| Senior Care Assistant | £12.00 – £13.50 | £2,200 – £2,500 | £25,000 – £28,000 |
| Live-in Caregiver | £800 – £1,100/week | N/A | £35,000 – £45,000 |
Other Benefits
- Free accommodation or housing support
- Paid training and uniforms
- Up to 28 days of paid holiday
- Transportation allowance
- Sponsorship and relocation package
Where to Find Caregiver Jobs with Visa Sponsorship
Top Websites
- Indeed UK – Use filters like “visa sponsorship”
- TotalJobs – Set location to UK
- UK.GOV Find a Job – Filter by sponsor employers
- CareHome.co.uk – Focus on care-specific jobs
- Agincare Careers – Reputable employer
Use Search Phrases Like:
- “Care assistant visa sponsorship UK”
- “Live-in carer Tier 2 sponsorship”
- “Senior care assistant sponsorship”
Top UK Employers Currently Hiring International Caregivers
A1 Care – Bournemouth
- Offers Health and Care Worker visa sponsorship
- Relocation support and paid induction training
- Requires 1–2 years of experience
- a1care.co.uk
Agincare – Nationwide
- Licensed sponsor, recruiting from countries like Nigeria, India, and the Philippines
- Free training and help with accommodation
- Roles available for live-in and domiciliary care
- agincare.com
The Good Care Group – Nationwide
- High-paying live-in carer roles
- Premium benefits and rotating schedules
- Visa sponsorship and training included
- thegoodcaregroup.com
Caremark – Multiple Cities
- Home care services across the UK
- Accepts international candidates with strong references
- Training provided on arrival
- caremark.co.uk
NHS Trusts (Support Worker Roles)
- Some NHS Trusts hire support workers through Tier 2 sponsorship
- Opportunities vary by region
- jobs.nhs.uk
Live Job Listings (As of June 2025)
1. Live-in Carer – The Good Care Group
- Location: London, Manchester, Bristol
- Salary: £800–£1,000 per week
- Visa: Yes (Health and Care Worker Visa)
- Requirements: 6 months experience, English language skills
- Apply: thegoodcaregroup.com/jobs
2. Care Assistant – Agincare UK
- Location: Dorset, Oxfordshire, Kent
- Salary: £10.85/hour + benefits
- Sponsorship: Yes, Tier 2 visa
- Includes free accommodation for first month
- Apply: agincare.com/careers
3. Home Care Worker – A1 Care
- Location: Bournemouth
- Salary: £22,000–£24,000/year
- Full relocation package
- Must pass English proficiency and background check
- Apply: a1care.co.uk
4. Domiciliary Carer – Caremark Leeds
- Location: Leeds
- Salary: £10.90/hour
- Must hold valid driving license
- Visa sponsorship and car allowance included
- Apply: caremark.co.uk/offices/leeds
Step-by-Step Application Process
Step 1: Prepare Your CV
- Highlight caregiving experience
- List certifications and training
- Include references from employers or clients
Step 2: Search for Visa-Sponsoring Jobs
Use job boards and official company sites to filter for sponsored roles.
Step 3: Apply and Attend Interviews
- Most interviews are conducted online
- Be ready to explain your experience clearly
Step 4: Receive a Job Offer and Certificate of Sponsorship
Your employer will give you a CoS—a requirement for your visa application.
Step 5: Apply for the Visa
- Submit biometric info and supporting documents
- Pay application fees (if applicable)
Step 6: Travel and Begin Work
Once your visa is approved, prepare for relocation and onboarding.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Do I need experience to apply as a caregiver in the UK?
Yes, most employers require at least 6–12 months of experience. Volunteer or informal care counts. - Is English testing mandatory?
Yes, IELTS or equivalent proof is required unless you’re from an English-speaking country. - Can I switch employers in the UK later?
Yes, but your new employer must also be a licensed sponsor and issue a new CoS. - Can I bring my spouse and children with me?
Yes. The Health and Care Worker visa allows dependents to live, study, and work in the UK. - Is there a direct path to permanent residency?
Yes. After five years on a valid work visa, you may apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). - Are there fake job scams I should watch for?
Yes. Avoid employers who ask for upfront payments or personal details before interviews. Always verify the employer on the UK sponsor list.
