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If you are from outside the UK and want to work as a caregiver in Scotland, this article explains the current rules (2025), what qualifications you will need, how to check agencies are genuine, and what has changed recently.
1. Visa and immigration rules (2025 update)
From 22 July 2025, the UK government closed the route for new overseas applications for standard care worker or senior care worker roles (SOC codes 6135 / 6136) under the Health and Care Worker visa and similar sponsorship routes.
This means: If you are outside the UK, you cannot apply now for a sponsorship-to-come-to-Scotland job as a “care worker” in these roles.
However, if you already hold a visa and are working in the UK in a relevant role, you may be allowed to switch or extend under certain conditions until 22 July 2028.
The threshold for the general Skilled Worker visa route has risen: jobs must now typically require a degree-level qualification (RQF Level 6) or be on a recognised shortage/immigration list.
2. What this means for foreign caregiver applicants
- If you are applying from outside the UK for a typical caregiver role (supporting adults with daily tasks) you will likely be **ineligible** for sponsorship at present. The overseas recruitment route has ended for these roles.
- If you are already in the UK (for example on a student, graduate or other visa) you may be able to switch into one of these roles **only if** you are already working in that role, your employer is your current sponsor or will sponsor you, and you meet any other visa rules.
- You should also check the salary and skill-level requirements for your job and visa route; they are now higher than they were.
3. Registration & qualifications in Scotland
Even if you obtain right to work, you must meet Scotland-specific care regulation rules:
4. How to check agencies/employers are genuine
When a foreign applicant considers a job offer, especially via an agency, check the following:
- The employer or agency must be registered with the relevant care service regulator (in Scotland this is the Care Inspectorate). They should appear on the public register for care services.
5. Practical steps if you are interested
- Check your right to work in the UK: Your visa status, language ability, any salary or qualification requirements.
- Identify whether the job is eligible for sponsorship under current rules (2025). Because many caregiver roles are no longer eligible for overseas sponsorship, you may need to consider other roles, or work-within the UK already before switching.
- Make sure you can meet English language, qualification, registration, and background check requirements (SSSC registration, PVG membership, SVQ qualification).
- Research the employer/agency: verify they are registered, legitimate, fair, and have experience employing overseas staff (if applicable). Ask for references or past international recruits’ experiences.
- Prepare your documentation: identity proof, qualification certificates, CV of care experience, English test (if required), right-to-work proof, reference letters.
- Beware of any offers that guarantee sponsorship from abroad for caregiver roles—these may not be legitimate given the new rules. Always verify via official sources.
6. Summary
In 2025 the rules for foreign workers coming to Scotland as caregivers have become much stricter. Many caregiver jobs no longer allow new overseas recruitment. If you are already in the UK, your options may remain open but require careful checking. Even after securing a job, you will need to meet Scottish regulatory standards (registration, SVQ, PVG) to work legally in adult social care.
