Can I sponsor a Care Worker?

The Skilled Worker visa is the main ‘work visa’ option for companies in the UK who want to employ non-UK nationals.

The route is almost entirely limited to jobs that are considered to be at a skill level of RQF Level 3 or above. However, a special exemption was introduced this year to allow organisations to sponsor people in the role of ‘Care Worker’, even though the job is considered to be below that skill level.

The category of ‘Care Worker’ includes home carers, as well as care assistants working in a care home setting.

‘Care Worker’ roles are categorised as a Shortage Occupation. That means that applicants must be paid a minimum salary of £20,400 per annum (instead of the higher fee applicable to standard Skilled Workers of £25,600), they must also be paid at least £10.00 an hour.

Before employing anyone in a Care Worker role, the employer must apply for and be granted a Skilled Worker Sponsor Licence. Unfortunately, a private household or individual cannot sponsor Skilled Worker applicants (unless they are a sole trader looking to sponsor someone to work for their business.)

How can we help?

Gherson’s Immigration Team are experienced in all of the above business visa applications. Please do not hesitate to contact us for advice, send us an e-mail, or, alternatively, follow us on Twitter, Facebook, or LinkedIn to stay-up-to-date.

The information in this blog is for general information purposes only and does not purport to be comprehensive or to provide legal advice. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the information and law is current as of the date of publication it should be stressed that, due to the passage of time, this does not necessarily reflect the present legal position. Gherson accepts no responsibility for loss which may arise from accessing or reliance on information contained in this blog. For formal advice on the current law please don’t hesitate to contact Gherson. Legal advice is only provided pursuant to a written agreement, identified as such, and signed by the client and by or on behalf of Gherson.

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