Dreaming of starting a new life in the UK as a caregiver? The good news is that caregivers remain on the Immigration Salary List (ISL), which makes it easier and cheaper to apply compared to most other jobs. But here’s the catch: the UK introduced major changes in 2025 that you need to understand before making a move. Let’s walk through it step by step.
Why Caregiver Jobs Are Still Attractive
Caregivers and senior care workers are still on the official UK Immigration Salary List (ISL).
This means lower minimum salaries for in-country applicants (around £23,200 instead of the £41,700 general Skilled Worker threshold) and cheaper visa fees.
The Health & Care Worker visa is faster to process than the standard Skilled Worker visa (gov.uk guidance).
Welders are needed in UK, apply here.
Immigration Salary List (ISL): Quick Facts
Salary threshold: around £23,200–£25,000 for caregivers under the Health & Care Worker visa (whichever is higher — the threshold or the occupation’s going rate).
Occupation codes: Care workers (6135) and senior care workers (6136).
Important update: Since 22 July 2025, new overseas caregiver visa applications have closed. Only those already in the UK can apply or switch into these roles until 22 July 2028 under transitional arrangements (workers switching into these roles must have been employed by their sponsor for at least three months).
Caregiver Requirements & Qualifications
Basic Eligibility
- A valid job offer from a licensed UK sponsor.
- Employer must be regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) in England.
- English language skills at CEFR B1 level or higher.
- Clear health and criminal background checks.
- Useful Qualifications
- Care Certificate.
- Level 2 or 3 Diploma in Health & Social Care.
- First Aid / CPR training.
- Medication administration and moving & handling training.
- These are not always mandatory, but they boost your chances of being hired and sponsored. Some agencies also train you before placement (Care Learning).
Step-by-Step: How to Apply as a Caregiver in the UK
Check Eligibility: Make sure you meet the English requirement, background checks, and health standards.
Find a Licensed Sponsor: Only UK employers on the official sponsor list can issue Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS). You can search the sponsor list here: gov.uk sponsor register.
Secure a Job Offer: Apply through trusted agencies such as The Good Care Group or directly with NHS/care providers.
Receive Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS): Your employer gives you this official document to support your visa application.
Apply Online for Health & Care Worker Visa: Submit your application via gov.uk, pay the visa fee, and upload required documents.
Attend Biometrics Appointment: Provide fingerprints and a photo at a visa application centre.
Receive Decision: Processing is usually faster for care roles than other visa types.
Trusted Agencies Hiring Caregivers Globally
Here are some safe, reputable resources for caregiver recruitment:
Gov.uk – Health & Care Worker Visa (official visa process)
Gov.uk – Immigration Salary List (official thresholds)
The Good Care Group (live-in caregiver jobs for overseas workers)
Care Learning (training and qualifications)
UK Visa Jobs Blog (visa sponsorship job updates)
Quick Summary:
Overseas recruitment for UK caregiver roles closed on 22 July 2025, so becoming a caregiver in the UK from abroad is no longer possible. If you’re already in the UK, you can still switch into caregiving roles until 22 July 2028 with reduced salary thresholds and faster visa processing. Always use licensed sponsors and avoid unverified recruiters to protect yourself from scams.
