Care Jobs in the UK for Foreigners with Visa Sponsorship

The demand for care jobs in the UK has grown significantly over the past decade, making it one of the most promising employment sectors for foreigners seeking stable careers with visa sponsorship.

The UK’s aging population and increased need for healthcare support have created thousands of vacancies for skilled and semi-skilled care workers. As a result, the government has made it easier for overseas applicants to qualify for a UK Skilled Worker visa, particularly in the health and social care sector.

For international workers, care jobs in the UK provide not only the opportunity for employment but also the chance to secure long-term residency through continuous service.

These roles often come with competitive salaries, housing allowances in some cases, and training opportunities that enhance career progression.

Employers across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland are actively recruiting foreign caregivers, healthcare assistants, and support workers due to workforce shortages.

If you are an immigrant looking to enter the UK workforce, care jobs with visa sponsorship could be your best pathway. This guide covers the entry-level skills you need, the regions with the highest salaries, and a breakdown of expected earnings for care workers across the country.

Entry-level Skills and Experience Required

To secure care jobs in the UK for foreigners with visa sponsorship, applicants must demonstrate a mix of essential skills, relevant experience, and a willingness to undergo training. The care sector requires both soft and technical skills, but many employers offer structured programs to help overseas workers adapt to the UK healthcare environment.

The first requirement is proficiency in English, as applicants must meet the English language standard set for the Skilled Worker visa. This usually involves passing a Secure English Language Test (SELT) unless the applicant is from an English-speaking country or has completed a degree in English.

Strong communication skills are vital because care workers often engage directly with patients, their families, and medical professionals.

In terms of qualifications, most entry-level care jobs do not require a university degree. Instead, employers prefer candidates who hold a Level 2 or Level 3 Diploma in Health and Social Care or its equivalent from their home country.

However, even without formal certifications, international applicants with at least one year of caregiving experience can be considered, especially if they have worked with the elderly, disabled individuals, or in community support roles.

Personal qualities such as empathy, patience, and resilience are highly valued. Care work can be physically demanding, requiring workers to assist with mobility, administer daily medications, and provide personal hygiene support. Training in basic first aid, safeguarding, and manual handling is usually provided after employment begins.

Salary expectations for entry-level care jobs in the UK typically start at £20,480 to £23,040 per year, depending on the employer and region. Employers sponsoring Skilled Worker visas must meet the minimum salary threshold, which means that even first-time workers are assured competitive pay.

With experience, international care workers can quickly move into senior care assistant or team leader roles with salaries rising above £28,000 annually.

Regions with the Highest Payment Structures

The salary range for care jobs in the UK varies widely depending on the region, local demand, and cost of living. Immigrants seeking care jobs with visa sponsorship should be aware that choosing the right location can significantly impact their income and quality of life.

London and the South East of England are known for offering some of the highest salaries to care workers. In London, for example, care assistants can earn between £23,000 and £29,000 annually, with senior care workers and support staff earning above £32,000 due to high demand and living costs.

Employers in London often include housing allowances or travel support to make positions more attractive to foreign workers. The East of England, particularly in cities like Cambridge and Norwich, also offers attractive salary packages.

Care workers in these regions can expect average annual earnings of £22,000 to £26,000, with senior roles reaching £30,000. Scotland, while slightly lower in pay compared to London, provides good opportunities for foreign care workers.

In Glasgow and Edinburgh, salaries for care assistants range from £21,000 to £25,000, with the added advantage of lower living expenses compared to the capital.

Northern England, including areas like Manchester and Leeds, offers competitive wages with a growing demand for healthcare staff. Care workers here typically earn between £20,480 and £24,000 annually, but the cost of living is considerably lower, making it an attractive option for immigrants trying to save more of their income.

Another high-demand region is the South West, particularly Bristol and Bath, where salaries hover around £22,500 to £27,000 depending on experience. Employers in rural areas often provide free accommodation to entice foreign workers, which increases the net financial benefit of working in such locations.

Overall, the highest payment structures for care jobs in the UK are concentrated in London, the South East, and certain metropolitan areas, though rural roles with housing perks can sometimes equalize the overall compensation package.

Salary Expectations for Care Workers

Salary is one of the most important factors for immigrants considering care jobs in the UK with visa sponsorship. The UK government has set a minimum salary threshold under the Skilled Worker visa route to ensure fair pay for foreign applicants.

As of 2025, the minimum salary for care workers is £20,960 per year, though many employers pay higher due to staffing shortages. Entry-level care assistants usually earn between £20,480 and £23,040 annually, depending on the employer and region.

This equates to approximately £10 to £12 per hour, which is above the UK’s national minimum wage. With overtime opportunities and night shifts, monthly earnings can rise by an additional £200 to £500.

Experienced care workers or senior care assistants can expect annual salaries ranging from £26,000 to £30,000, while team leaders and supervisors in care homes may earn over £32,000 per year. Specialized roles, such as dementia care specialists or live-in carers, often command higher wages, sometimes reaching £35,000 to £38,000 annually.

In London, where salaries are traditionally higher due to the cost of living, international care workers can earn up to £15 per hour in private care homes, translating to £29,000 per year for full-time roles.

Meanwhile, in more rural areas, salaries may be lower at around £21,000 annually, but employers often offer subsidized accommodation or free meals, which enhances the overall value of the job offer.

For those looking at long-term career growth, care work in the UK can lead to roles in nursing, healthcare management, or specialist support positions. With additional qualifications such as a NVQ Level 4 Diploma in Adult Care, foreign workers can transition into roles earning over £40,000 per year.

Visa-sponsored jobs in the care sector are therefore financially sustainable, offering both a competitive starting wage and significant room for upward mobility.

Companies Hiring Care Workers in the UK

The UK’s health and social care sector is dominated by a mix of NHS employers, private care homes, and independent care agencies. For foreigners looking for visa sponsorship, knowing which employers are actively recruiting makes the application process easier and more targeted.

NHS Trusts Recruiting International Care Workers

The National Health Service (NHS) is the UK’s largest employer of healthcare staff, including care assistants, healthcare support workers, and senior care assistants. Many NHS Trusts offer Skilled Worker visa sponsorship to overseas applicants.

Typical salaries for NHS care roles range from £20,480 to £27,596 annually, depending on the pay band. With shift allowances and weekend pay, workers can increase their annual earnings by another £2,000–£3,500.

Private Care Home Groups

Private care providers in the UK play a major role in recruiting foreign staff. Leading care home groups like Barchester Healthcare, Care UK, and HC-One frequently hire international care workers under visa sponsorship.

These employers often provide free accommodation for the first three to six months and annual salaries between £21,000 and £28,000, depending on experience and qualifications.

Domiciliary and Live-in Care Companies

For immigrants seeking flexible roles, domiciliary care (home care) and live-in care positions offer competitive pay. Companies such as Helping Hands, Bluebird Care, and Agincare recruit workers from overseas with sponsorship packages. Live-in carers can earn between £500 and £700 per week, translating to annual earnings above £30,000.

Recruitment Agencies for Overseas Applicants

Specialized recruitment agencies like Global Nurse Force, Medacs Healthcare, and Avanta Care help connect foreign applicants with UK employers offering sponsorship. They often assist with visa processing, relocation, and training, making the transition smoother for immigrants.

Key employers and agencies not only provide sponsorship but also assist with professional training and career progression, ensuring that immigrants build long-term careers in the UK’s care sector.

Visa Types and Options for Care Workers

To work legally as a foreigner in the UK, care workers must secure the correct visa. The UK government has prioritized the Health and Care Worker visa under the Skilled Worker visa route, making it one of the most accessible pathways for immigrants.

Health and Care Worker Visa

The Health and Care Worker visa is the most common option for foreign care workers. It allows employment in the NHS, adult social care, or organizations providing medical services. This visa requires:

• A confirmed job offer from a licensed UK sponsor.
• A salary of at least £20,960 annually or £10.10 per hour.
• Proof of English language proficiency.

The visa is valid for up to 5 years and can lead to settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain).

Skilled Worker Visa

For applicants in specialized care roles or those moving into supervisory positions, the broader Skilled Worker visa is another option. It requires a slightly higher salary threshold (often £26,200 per year unless on the shortage occupation list) but offers similar benefits and long-term residency options.

Temporary Work Visas

Some foreign applicants also enter the UK through temporary visas, such as the Seasonal Worker visa, although this is less common in care work. However, short-term sponsorship is sometimes offered by private agencies for six to twelve months, with annual pay ranging between £20,000 and £24,000.

Family and Settlement Options

Successful applicants can bring dependents, including spouses and children, under the Health and Care Worker visa. Family members are eligible to work or study in the UK, adding further financial stability.

By choosing the right visa route, foreign care workers not only secure immediate employment but also build a pathway towards permanent residency and citizenship.

Where to Find Care Jobs Opportunities

Finding care jobs in the UK as an immigrant requires a combination of online research, direct applications, and leveraging recruitment agencies. Certain platforms and strategies are more effective when searching for visa-sponsored positions.

Government Job Portals

The NHS Jobs website is the primary source for government-backed healthcare positions. It lists thousands of vacancies open to international applicants. Salaries range from £20,480 to £30,000, with many jobs specifying “visa sponsorship available.”

Private Job Boards

Websites such as Indeed, TotalJobs, and Reed regularly feature care job postings from both private employers and agencies. Search terms like “care assistant visa sponsorship UK” or “healthcare jobs with visa sponsorship” yield hundreds of listings with salaries from £21,000 to £29,000 annually.

Recruitment Agencies

Working with specialized agencies is one of the fastest ways for foreigners to secure care roles. Agencies often pre-screen applicants, match them with sponsoring employers, and provide relocation support. This saves time and ensures applicants only apply to companies offering genuine sponsorship.

Networking and Employer Websites

Some of the largest care providers in the UK, such as Care UK, Barchester Healthcare, and HC-One, post vacancies directly on their websites. Immigrants can apply directly for roles offering sponsorship, often receiving quicker responses compared to general job boards.

International Job Fairs

Several UK-based care companies host overseas recruitment fairs in countries like Nigeria, India, and the Philippines. These events are excellent opportunities for direct interviews, contract offers, and on-the-spot sponsorship.

By focusing applications on trusted sources, immigrants increase their chances of securing legitimate care jobs with competitive pay and sponsorship guarantees.

How to Apply for Care Jobs as an Immigrant in the UK

The application process for care jobs in the UK with visa sponsorship requires preparation, document verification, and strong communication skills. Employers must ensure applicants meet both job and visa requirements before offering sponsorship.

Preparing a Strong Application

Foreign applicants should prepare a detailed CV highlighting caregiving experience, qualifications, and language proficiency. References from past employers add credibility. Employers look for applicants who can demonstrate empathy, patience, and reliability.

Meeting Visa and Job Requirements

Applicants must provide proof of English language ability, a valid passport, and any health or care-related certifications. Employers often require at least one year of caregiving experience, although entry-level applicants with strong personal care experience are also considered.

Submitting Applications

Applications can be submitted directly through job portals, company websites, or recruitment agencies. Most employers conduct online interviews via video calls to evaluate applicants before offering sponsorship.

Job Offer and Sponsorship Certificate

Once successful, the employer issues a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), which is required to apply for the Health and Care Worker visa. Salaries stated in the job contract typically range from £20,960 to £28,000 annually, depending on the role and region.

Visa Application and Relocation

After receiving the CoS, the applicant applies for the visa, pays the required fees, and undergoes biometric screening. Once approved, they can relocate to the UK and begin work. Many employers assist with travel costs, temporary housing, and orientation training upon arrival.

By carefully following each step, international applicants can successfully transition to rewarding careers in the UK care sector, with long-term prospects and opportunities for permanent residency.