UK care work with visa sponsorship in 2025 offers one of the most rewarding career paths for immigrants seeking jobs with competitive salaries, free training, and relocation assistance.
The UK care sector continues to face a growing demand for skilled care workers, especially those willing to relocate on a skilled worker visa or health and care visa.
With salary packages starting at £23,040 annually and some employers offering benefits like free accommodation and airfare, the opportunity for foreign applicants has never been better.
Entry-level Skills and Experience Required
Starting a career in care work in the UK as an immigrant does not always require prior experience, but employers do look for specific personal qualities and basic training before issuing a visa sponsorship offer.
Many entry-level roles welcome applicants with no formal qualifications, provided they demonstrate the right attitude and willingness to complete mandatory care training programs.
For instance, individuals with excellent communication skills, patience, empathy, and a genuine desire to help others are highly sought after. Employers often prioritize these personal qualities over prior work experience because the NHS and private care homes provide free induction training to ensure new recruits meet UK care standards.
This training typically includes learning about patient safety, first aid, moving and handling techniques, medication administration, and infection control procedures.
Mandatory Training for New Care Workers
Newly recruited care workers often undergo the Care Certificate training, a standardized program covering essential care skills in the UK.
The course can take between two to twelve weeks, depending on the employer’s structure, and is usually provided free of charge. Some private companies even pay a training allowance of £500 to £1,000 during the induction phase to support new hires before they start full-time shifts.
Preferred Qualifications for Better Pay
Although entry-level jobs do not require formal certifications, applicants with health-related qualifications such as NVQ Level 2 or Level 3 in Health and Social Care, or overseas nursing experience, often secure higher-paying roles.
Care assistants with these qualifications can start on salaries closer to £26,000 annually rather than the standard £23,040 minimum wage for visa sponsorship positions.
Experience Levels and Career Progression
Applicants with one to two years of professional care experience or hospital work in their home country may be considered for senior care roles upon arrival in the UK.
These positions can offer salaries up to £28,000 per year, along with overtime opportunities that sometimes pay £15 to £18 per hour for weekend and night shifts.
Overall, while the UK care sector opens its doors to entry-level immigrants, those who invest time in basic training and certifications can quickly climb the salary ladder, with some advancing to roles paying above £30,000 annually within three years.
Regions with the Highest Payment Structures
Care worker salaries in the UK vary significantly depending on the region, type of employer, and cost of living in the area. Immigrants seeking the highest-paying care jobs often target locations where healthcare staff shortages are severe and competition for workers drives salaries upward.
London and Greater London Area
The capital city consistently tops the list of regions offering competitive pay. In 2025, care workers in London will start at around £24,500 per year for entry-level roles, compared to the national minimum of £23,040 for sponsored positions.
Experienced workers or senior care assistants in London can earn between £27,000 and £32,000 annually. The higher pay reflects the city’s cost of living, as well as demand for care staff in both NHS hospitals and private care homes.
Scotland and Northern Regions
Surprisingly, parts of Scotland, such as Aberdeen and Edinburgh, also offer attractive salaries for care workers. Pay rates in these regions often reach £25,000 to £28,000 annually due to recruitment challenges in remote areas.
Employers in northern regions sometimes add relocation bonuses of up to £2,000 to encourage immigrants to settle outside major cities.
Wales and Rural England
Care homes in rural England and parts of Wales frequently offer free accommodation to attract care workers. While salaries in these regions start closer to £23,500 annually, the inclusion of free housing, utility subsidies, and transport allowances effectively raises the total benefits package above what many urban employers provide.
Overtime and Weekend Shifts
Regardless of region, immigrants willing to work extra shifts often increase their earnings significantly. Overtime rates for care workers average £13 to £15 per hour, while holiday shifts can pay as much as £20 per hour. This allows dedicated workers to push annual earnings beyond £30,000 even on an entry-level contract.
Salary Expectations for Care Workers
Foreign care workers moving to the UK under visa sponsorship programs in 2025 can expect competitive salary packages designed to attract and retain staff in the healthcare sector. Salary scales depend on experience, qualifications, and employer type, but official guidelines set a minimum earning threshold for visa sponsorship eligibility.
Minimum Salary for Visa Sponsorship
The UK Home Office requires employers to pay at least £23,040 per year for care worker visa sponsorship roles. This figure ensures immigrants meet the Skilled Worker Visa salary criteria while providing financial stability upon relocation.
For senior care roles, the minimum salary rises to £26,200 annually, with some employers offering even higher pay to fill urgent vacancies.
Average Salary Ranges by Role
Healthcare assistants in care homes typically earn between £23,500 and £25,000 annually. Senior care assistants and team leaders earn £26,000 to £28,000, while specialized support workers in dementia or palliative care roles sometimes exceed £29,000 per year.
NHS-employed care staff earn similar rates but benefit from structured pay bands under the Agenda for Change system, which allows clear progression opportunities.
Extra Allowances and Perks
Many UK care employers add financial incentives beyond base salaries. For instance, free accommodation worth up to £6,000 annually is common in rural placements.
Some companies provide welcome bonuses of £1,000 to £3,000 upon arrival, while others reimburse flight tickets and visa application fees. Health insurance, pension contributions, and paid holidays further enhance total compensation packages.
Long-term Earning Potential
Care workers who gain additional qualifications or move into nursing assistant roles often see salary jumps to £30,000 or more within a few years. Those transitioning to registered nurse positions after employer-sponsored training can eventually earn £35,000 to £42,000 annually under NHS pay scales.
Companies Hiring Care Workers in the UK
The UK healthcare sector relies on a combination of NHS hospitals, private care homes, and specialist care agencies to recruit skilled workers, including immigrants on visa sponsorship.
The demand for care workers has surged over the past few years due to an aging population, increased care needs, and post-pandemic staffing shortages. As a result, many companies actively recruit from abroad, offering not only attractive salaries but also comprehensive relocation support.
NHS Trusts and Public Healthcare Employers
The National Health Service (NHS) remains the largest employer of care workers in the UK. NHS Trusts across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland employ thousands of healthcare assistants, senior care assistants, and support workers annually.
Salaries for NHS Band 2 healthcare assistants start at approximately £23,500 per year, with Band 3 roles earning closer to £25,500. NHS positions also provide benefits such as pension contributions, career development opportunities, and overtime pay rates of up to £16 per hour for weekends and nights.
Private Care Homes and Nursing Facilities
Large private care providers like Barchester Healthcare, HC-One, Care UK, and Four Seasons Health Care are among the leading recruiters of international workers.
These companies operate care homes across multiple UK regions and often provide free accommodation for the first three to six months, worth an estimated £500 to £800 per month. Senior care assistant roles within these organizations sometimes pay £26,000 to £28,000 annually, with weekend shift enhancements of £2 to £4 per hour.
Live-in Care Agencies
Agencies specializing in live-in care, such as Helping Hands and Elder, recruit workers willing to live with clients and provide round-the-clock care.
These roles typically pay £650 to £850 per week, translating to annual earnings between £30,000 and £40,000 depending on the number of assignments completed. Immigrants working in live-in care benefit from free accommodation and meals, reducing living expenses significantly.
Charitable and Community Care Organizations
Charities like Mencap and Leonard Cheshire also hire care workers for disability support roles. These organizations often prioritize applicants passionate about helping vulnerable groups and may provide free training for those with limited experience.
Salaries here range from £23,500 to £26,000 annually, with opportunities for professional development in specialist care fields.
Overall, immigrants applying to these companies gain access to structured career paths, employer-sponsored training programs, and secure job contracts that meet UK visa requirements for healthcare roles.
Visa Types and Options for Care Workers
Foreign workers planning to move to the UK as care workers in 2025 must apply for visas that allow employment in the health and social care sector.
The UK government has streamlined immigration pathways for healthcare staff to address workforce shortages, ensuring faster processing times and lower application costs for eligible applicants.
Health and Care Worker Visa
This remains the most popular route for care workers seeking employment in the UK. The visa allows applicants to work for approved sponsors, including NHS Trusts and private care providers, while bringing dependents such as spouses and children.
Application fees for this visa start at £247 for up to three years or £479 for longer durations. Successful applicants are also exempt from paying the annual Immigration Health Surcharge, saving them £624 per year.
Skilled Worker Visa
Some care roles, especially senior care assistant positions, fall under the broader Skilled Worker Visa route. This visa requires a job offer from a UK employer with sponsorship rights and a minimum annual salary of £23,040.
Senior roles with salaries above £26,200 automatically qualify for fast-tracked approval, with processing times as short as three weeks.
Temporary Work and Seasonal Care Roles
While less common, some employers sponsor temporary care visas for short-term assignments lasting six to twelve months. Salaries remain competitive, averaging £12 to £14 per hour, with accommodation often included.
Applicants considering permanent relocation typically transition from temporary visas to Skilled Worker or Health and Care Worker visas once offered longer contracts.
Visa Costs and Sponsorship Benefits
Most UK care employers cover visa application fees, biometric costs, and sometimes even flight expenses for overseas recruits. This reduces initial relocation costs for immigrants, making it financially feasible to move for roles paying £23,000 to £28,000 annually, plus overtime earnings.
Where to Find Care Jobs Opportunities
Locating care job opportunities in the UK as an immigrant requires accessing the right recruitment platforms, company websites, and government portals. Employers prefer applicants who apply through official channels, ensuring eligibility for visa sponsorship and compliance with immigration rules.
UK Government’s “Find a Job” Service
The official UK government job portal lists thousands of care roles across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Employers advertising on this platform are often registered visa sponsors, meaning successful applicants can secure jobs with guaranteed visa support. Salaries here typically range from £23,040 to £27,000 for entry-level roles.
NHS Jobs Website
The NHS runs its dedicated job portal advertising healthcare assistant and care support roles nationwide. Positions on this site include salary bands, shift patterns, and visa sponsorship details, allowing immigrants to compare offers before applying. NHS care assistants earn between £23,500 and £25,500 annually, with higher rates for senior positions.
Private Recruitment Agencies
Agencies like Hays Healthcare, Remedium Partners, and Global Nurse Force specialize in recruiting international healthcare staff. These agencies often pre-screen applicants, arrange interviews with UK employers, and assist with visa documentation at no cost to the candidate.
Direct Applications to Care Homes
Some care home groups prefer direct applications through their websites, where they list available roles, training programs, and salary details. Barchester Healthcare, for instance, advertises senior care assistant jobs paying £26,000 to £28,000 annually with relocation packages worth up to £3,000.
How to Apply for Care Jobs as an Immigrant in the UK
Applying for care jobs in the UK as an immigrant involves several structured steps to ensure compliance with employer requirements and UK visa regulations. Following the correct process increases the chances of securing a job offer with visa sponsorship and relocation benefits.
1. Prepare Required Documents
Applicants need a valid international passport, educational certificates, proof of English proficiency (where required), and references from previous employers if available. Most employers also request criminal record checks from the applicant’s home country.
2. Submit Online Applications
Applications should be submitted through official job portals, company websites, or recruitment agencies specializing in healthcare roles. Each listing includes details about salary, job location, working hours, and whether visa sponsorship is provided.
3. Attend Virtual Interviews
Shortlisted candidates typically attend video interviews via platforms like Zoom or Microsoft Teams. Employers assess applicants’ communication skills, motivation, and willingness to undergo care training.
4. Receive Job Offer and Visa Sponsorship Certificate
Successful candidates receive a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from the employer, allowing them to apply for the Health and Care Worker Visa or Skilled Worker Visa. This certificate confirms the job role, salary, and work location, ensuring the application meets UK Home Office requirements.
5. Apply for UK Visa and Relocate
Once the job offer and sponsorship certificate are secured, candidates submit visa applications online, pay associated fees (if not covered by the employer), and schedule biometric appointments. After visa approval, they book flights and relocate to the UK to begin employment.