The government of the United Kingdom has officially announced the end of UK care worker visas.
This means that the UK is no longer accepting overseas recruitment for care workers.
It was gathered that this development is part of a stringent immigration overhaul to reduce net migration.
Effective July 22, 2025, the Health and Care Worker Visa route is closed to new applicants from abroad.
This was made known in the Immigration White Paper “Restoring Control over the Immigration System.”
A breakdown of the immigration white paper showed that the latest policy raises the Skilled Worker Visa threshold to RQF Level 6 (graduate level), removing a total of 180 lower-skilled roles, including care workers (SOC 6135) and senior care workers (SOC 6136), from eligibility.
Meanwhile, current holders of the UK care worker visas can extend their stay or switch sponsors until July 22, 2028, under a transition period, but new applicants face a complete ban.
Pan-Atlantic Kompass highlights some alternative routes to the UK Care Worker Visa;
1. Nursing and Senior Health Roles
Individuals who are registered nurses or have higher-level qualifications, still qualify under the Skilled Worker visa scheme. These roles are still on the approved list.
2. Study and Qualify in the UK
Some aspiring care workers can opt to enter the UK on a Student visa, complete a relevant course (like nursing or social care), and later apply for work through other visa pathways.
3. Other In-Demand Jobs
Keep an eye on the UK Shortage Occupation List. Jobs in construction, engineering, and IT still have easier visa routes. A career pivot might be the way in.
