What is it and who can apply?
The UK government has announced major changes to the Health and Care Worker Visa in its 2025 Immigration White Paper. Overseas recruitment for new care workers has now ceased, meaning employers can no longer sponsor new applicants from abroad under this route. Instead, they must focus on hiring domestically or extending visas for existing overseas workers already in the UK.
What This Means for Employers and Workers
- Employers: If you currently employ overseas care workers, they can still extend their visas or switch employers within the UK. However, new sponsorships for care workers from abroad are no longer permitted.
- Existing Health and Care Workers: If you are already in the UK on this visa, you can continue working, extend your visa, and apply for settlement if eligible.
- Future Recruitment: The government is shifting focus to domestic workforce development, including fair pay agreements and training initiatives.
Support for Employers
If you need assistance managing your sponsor licence or visa extensions for existing employees, we can help. Contact us at 01403 801801 or [email protected] for expert guidance.
For official updates, visit the UK government’s announcement here.