Ending overseas recruitment for Care Worker visas

On 1 July 2025, the UK Government laid out significant changes to the immigration rules before Parliament. These changes will come into effect from 22 July 2025 and will impact employers, visa applicants and migrant workers across several sectors — particularly social care.

One of the most critical upcoming changes is the end of overseas recruitment for care workers under the Skilled Worker visa route. From 22 July 2025, UK employers will no longer be able to sponsor new care workers from abroad. This role is being removed from the list of eligible occupations for visa sponsorship, and as a result, care worker positions will be closed off to new international applicants.

This change does not affect other health and care roles that remain on the eligible occupations list. However, care providers who have relied on international recruitment will now need to adjust quickly and look for alternative staffing solutions.

In addition to the restriction on care workers, the Government is also introducing higher salary and skills thresholds across the Skilled Worker route. These changes are aimed at reducing overall migration and encouraging investment in the domestic workforce. Furthermore, over 100 occupations are being removed from the shortage occupation list, meaning they will no longer benefit from lower salary thresholds or fast-track visa processing.

If you are an employer, it is essential to review your sponsorship practices and ensure you are not recruiting for roles that will no longer qualify after 22 July 2025. Failing to update your recruitment strategy could put your sponsor licence at risk.

If you are a migrant worker already in the UK on a Care Worker visa, you will still be allowed to remain for the duration of your visa. In many cases, you may also be able to apply for an extension or settlement. However, the ability to bring dependants to the UK may become more limited under the new rules.

Those outside the UK who are considering applying to work as a care worker should be aware that from 22 July 2025, this role will no longer be eligible for Skilled Worker sponsorship. It is therefore important to be cautious of recruiters or agents promising visa sponsorship for care worker positions, as this information will soon be outdated and could be misleading.

The Home Office has indicated that more detailed guidance will be published closer to the implementation date. In the meantime, affected employers and individuals are strongly advised to seek professional immigration advice to understand their options and obligations.

Updated: 16 July 2025

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