Are you passionate about caregiving and looking to work in the UK? The demand for care assistants in the UK continues to rise, and the good news is many employers offer visa sponsorship to qualified foreign applicants. Whether you’re from any part of the World, this guide provides a step-by-step roadmap to land a care assistant job in the UK with visa sponsorship in 2025.
Why the UK Needs Care Assistants
The UK’s healthcare and social care sectors are under immense pressure due to an aging population and post-pandemic demands. This has created thousands of vacancies, especially for:
-
Residential care assistants
-
Home care assistants
-
Support workers
-
Dementia and disability carers
To fill this gap, the UK government has placed care roles on the Shortage Occupation List, making it easier for foreign applicants to get sponsorship.
Check Eligibility for UK Visa Sponsorship
To qualify for visa sponsorship, you must:
-
Be 18 years or older
-
Have a job offer from a licensed UK sponsor
-
Meet the English language requirement (IELTS or similar)
-
Have no criminal record
-
Be able to pay the visa fee and health surcharge
The relevant visa for care jobs is the Health and Care Worker visa.
Find UK Employers Offering Visa Sponsorship
Here are websites where you can find sponsoring employers:
Apply for the Job
Tips for a strong application:
-
Tailor your CV and cover letter to each role
-
Highlight prior experience (even if informal caregiving)
-
Mention your willingness to relocate and legal right to work (via visa)
-
Use a clean, professional format
Attend Interviews and Secure an Offer
Most employers will conduct interviews online via Zoom or Teams.
Once selected:
-
You’ll receive a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
-
Use this to apply for your Health and Care Worker visa
Apply for the UK Health and Care Worker Visa
Apply on the UK Home Office site:
Required Documents:
-
Job offer letter
-
CoS reference number
-
Passport
-
-
Tuberculosis test results (if required)
-
Proof of English knowledge
-
Proof of funds (unless exempt)
Costs:
-
Visa fee: £284 (up to 3 years)
-
IHS surcharge: Free for health and care workers
-
Relocate and Start Working
Once your visa is approved:
-
Arrange travel and accommodation
-
Prepare for UK work culture
-
Begin your new life and career as a UK care assistant!
Many employers also help with:
-
Airport pickup
-
Temporary housing
-
Work uniforms and training
Conclusion
Working as a care assistant in the UK with visa sponsorship is a life-changing opportunity. With high demand, simplified visa processes, and competitive salaries, it’s one of the best international job routes in 2025. Start preparing today your UK caregiving journey awaits.