Social Care Worker Jobs in UK with Visa Sponsorship Social care workers in the UK, including roles like care assistants, support workers, and senior care workers, are in high demand due to ongoing shortages in the sector. Many positions are eligible for sponsorship under the Health and Care Worker visa, a route designed for qualified professionals in health and adult social care. This visa allows international workers to live and work in the UK for up to 5 years (extendable), with a pathway to settlement after 5 years.
Overview of Social Care Worker Jobs in the UK with Visa Sponsorship
Social care workers fall under eligible occupation codes such as 6135 (care workers and home carers) and 6136 (senior care workers), but these are primarily for visa extensions, updates, or switches. For new applications, roles like social workers (code 2461) or care managers (code 1232) are more common entry points.1 Employers in England must be registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) for care worker roles
Key Eligibility Criteria for the Health and Care Worker Visa
To qualify as a social care worker:
- Job Offer: From an approved sponsor (e.g., NHS trusts, care homes, or domiciliary care providers).
- Qualifications: You must be a qualified adult social care professional. A diploma or degree in social care, healthcare, or a related field is preferred; entry-level roles may accept high school equivalents with relevant experience. Certifications like First Aid, CPR, or dementia care are advantageous.
- Experience: At least 1 year of clinical or caregiving experience is often required; volunteer work counts.
- Salary Threshold: At least £25,000 per year (or the “going rate” for the occupation, whichever is higher). For care workers (6135/6136), lower thresholds may apply in some cases, but the job must meet national minimum wage (£11.44/hour for ages 21+ in 2025).
| Job Title | Company | Location | Salary (Annual Estimate) | Brief Description | Source Citation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Support Worker | Sheffield Health & Social Care NHS Foundation Trust | Sheffield S11 9BF | £22,000–£28,000 | Provide support in social care services; NHS benefits including pension and leave. | |
| Care Assistant | Sandstone Care Group | Liverpool | £23,000+ | Entry-level care role in residential settings; includes referral bonuses and discounts. | |
| Care Practitioner | Sandstone Care Group | Telford | £25,000–£30,000 | Hands-on care for residents; visa sponsorship available with training. | |
| Healthcare Assistant | Cura Workforce Solutions Ltd | Chesterfield S40 | £24,000+ | Flexible shifts in social care; perks include sick pay and free parking. | |
| Support Worker | Metropolitan Thames Valley | Nottingham NG6 9AF (Hybrid) | £22,000–£26,000 | Community-based support; annual leave and season ticket loans. |
Average Salary and Benefits
The average salary for social care workers in 2025 is around £34,000 per year, with entry-level roles starting at £22,000–£28,000 and experienced/senior positions reaching £30,000–£40,000. Benefits often include:
- Healthcare and pension plans.
- Paid annual leave (up to 28 days).
- Training opportunities (e.g., NVQ qualifications).
- Flexible hours, employee discounts, and relocation support for sponsored workers.
Top Employers Offering Sponsorship
- NHS Trusts (e.g., Sheffield Health & Social Care, North Bristol NHS Trust): Public sector roles with stable pay and benefits.
- Private Providers: Care UK, Sanctuary Care, Sandstone Care Group.
- Agincare International: Specializes in international recruitment for care homes and home care.
- Recruitment Agencies: Hays Healthcare, Randstad Care, Medacs Healthcare – they handle sponsorship and placements
Scope of Social Care Worker Jobs in the UK with Visa Sponsorship (2025)
The scope of social care worker jobs in the UK with visa sponsorship has significantly narrowed in 2025 due to policy changes aimed at reducing reliance on international recruitment. While the overall demand for social care professionals remains high amid an aging population and workforce shortages, new visa sponsorship for entry-level care worker roles (occupation codes 6135 for care workers and home carers, and 6136 for senior care workers) under the Health and Care Worker visa has been effectively closed to new applicants since March 2024
How To Apply
Apply Now
Conclusion
In summary, pursuing social care worker jobs in the UK with visa sponsorship in 2025 presents a mixed outlook: robust demand driven by sector needs contrasts with tightened immigration rules that have curtailed new entries for basic care roles. The Health and Care Worker visa closure for occupation codes 6135 and 6136 signals a shift toward upskilling the domestic workforce and prioritizing higher-skilled positions, potentially creating bottlenecks in care delivery but opening doors for qualified international professionals in roles like social work or care management.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Social Care Worker Jobs in the UK with Visa Sponsorship (2025)
Below is a table summarizing common FAQs based on the latest guidance from GOV.UK and immigration experts. These address key concerns for 2025, reflecting the visa closure and transitional rules.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Is the Health and Care Worker visa still available for new social care workers in 2025? | No, new applications for care worker (code 6135) and senior care worker (code 6136) roles are closed as of March 2024. However, higher-skilled roles like social workers (code 2461) remain eligible. Existing holders can extend until July 2028. |
| What qualifications are required for sponsorship? | You must be a qualified adult social care professional, typically with a degree, diploma, or equivalent in social care/healthcare, plus at least 1 year of experience. English proficiency (e.g., IELTS 4.0–6.0) is mandatory. Entry-level roles no longer qualify for new visas. |
| What is the minimum salary for sponsored social care roles? | At least £25,000 per year or the occupation’s going rate (e.g., £30,960 for social workers). Roles must meet the national minimum wage (£11.44/hour for ages 21+). Lower thresholds may apply for extensions. |
| How do I find an approved sponsor? | Search the UK Sponsor’s Register on GOV.UK or job sites like NHS Jobs/Indeed, filtering for “visa sponsorship.” Top sponsors include NHS Trusts, Care UK, and Agincare. You need a job offer and Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) before applying. |
| Can I switch from another visa (e.g., Student) to a social care role? | Yes, if switching to an eligible higher-skilled role and you’ve worked for the sponsor for 3 months (or meet transitional rules). Direct switches to closed care worker codes are no longer allowed. |
