UK Care Worker Job with Sponsorship 2025

The demand for UK Care Worker jobs with visa sponsorship has reached an all-time high in 2025, especially for immigrants seeking stable employment with competitive salaries.

With an aging population and an increasing need for quality healthcare services, the UK government has prioritized international recruitment for care roles.

This surge has created thousands of opportunities for overseas applicants to not only secure employment but also gain legal residency through visa sponsorship options like the Health and Care Worker Visa.

In 2025, reports from the UK Home Office show that over 70,000 foreign care workers received sponsored job offers with annual salaries ranging from £23,040 to £28,000, depending on experience and region.

This marks a significant improvement in pay scales compared to previous years, making the sector one of the most attractive for immigrants seeking both career growth and permanent settlement opportunities.

This article provides a detailed guide covering the skills required, best-paying regions, salary expectations, and companies actively recruiting care workers with visa sponsorship.

By the end, you will have a clear roadmap to start your application process and secure a care worker job in the UK with full sponsorship in 2025.

Entry-level Skills and Experience Required

Getting a care worker job with sponsorship in the UK doesn’t necessarily require advanced qualifications. Many employers focus on compassion, dedication, and the willingness to learn rather than academic credentials.

However, certain skills and certifications can greatly improve your chances of getting hired and earning a higher salary.

Key Skills Needed for Care Workers

• Basic Caregiving Skills: Employers expect you to understand daily living support such as feeding, bathing, and assisting patients with mobility.
• Communication Skills: Clear communication with patients, families, and healthcare professionals is crucial.
• First Aid Knowledge: A certification in basic life support or first aid increases employability.
• Teamwork and Empathy: Care work is emotionally demanding, so compassion and teamwork skills are highly valued.

Work Experience Expectations

While entry-level roles are available, candidates with at least 6–12 months of caregiving experience often receive better offers.

According to 2025 recruitment data, care workers with prior experience earn an average starting salary of £24,000 per year, compared to £21,000 for beginners.

Some employers provide on-the-job training for international workers, making it possible to secure a job without UK-based qualifications.

Completing courses such as the Care Certificate or NVQ Level 2 in Health and Social Care also boosts your chances of getting sponsored employment and a higher pay scale.

With the UK aiming to fill thousands of vacant care positions this year, even newcomers with basic training can secure sponsorship if they demonstrate reliability and commitment.

Regions with the Highest Payment Structures

Not all care worker jobs in the UK pay the same salaries. The region where you work significantly affects your annual income, cost of living, and career growth opportunities.

Top-Paying Regions for Care Workers in 2025

1. London and Greater London: Average salaries for care workers in London range between £27,000 and £30,000 per year, driven by higher living costs and demand for healthcare staff.
2. South East England: With pay rates between £25,000 and £28,000, this region ranks second for lucrative care roles.
3. Scotland and Northern Ireland: Care workers in these areas earn around £24,500 annually, with rural locations sometimes offering accommodation benefits.
4. North West England: Salaries start at £23,000 but often include overtime pay, which can add up to £3,000 annually.

Why Regional Salaries Differ

The National Health Service (NHS) and private care homes set pay rates based on factors like local healthcare demand, cost of living, and staffing shortages. Urban areas with aging populations tend to pay more to attract qualified care workers.

In addition to base salaries, many employers offer relocation bonuses ranging from £1,000–£2,500, especially in regions struggling with worker shortages. These incentives make certain UK regions far more attractive for international job seekers in 2025.

Salary Expectations for Care Workers

One of the main reasons immigrants apply for UK care worker jobs with sponsorship is the competitive salary combined with job security.

Average Salary in 2025

• Entry-level Care Workers: £21,000 – £23,040 annually.
• Experienced Care Workers: £24,000 – £27,500 annually.
• Senior Care Roles: £28,000 – £30,000+ annually.

According to the UK Health and Social Care Salary Report 2025, hourly pay rates range between £10.50 and £15, depending on shift patterns and location. Night shifts and weekend duties usually attract higher pay rates due to staffing demands.

Additional Benefits and Overtime

Many care homes and NHS facilities offer overtime at 1.5x the standard hourly rate, adding up to £3,000–£5,000 annually for full-time workers. Some employers also provide free accommodation for the first three months, significantly reducing living expenses for new immigrants.

With annual salary increments of 3–5%, the care worker profession has become one of the most financially rewarding career paths for immigrants in the UK healthcare sector in 2025.

Companies Hiring Care Workers in the UK

In 2025, the UK’s health and social care sector is witnessing a historic demand for care workers with visa sponsorship due to workforce shortages and an aging population.

Both NHS Trusts and private care homes are actively recruiting international candidates, offering not only competitive salaries but also free training, relocation assistance, and sponsorship under the Health and Care Worker Visa program.

Top Employers Offering Care Worker Jobs with Sponsorship

1. NHS (National Health Service): The largest healthcare employer in the UK, recruiting thousands of overseas care workers annually with salaries starting at £23,040 plus overtime pay.
2. Bupa Care Homes: A leading private healthcare provider offering competitive salaries of £24,000–£27,000 and career progression into senior care roles.
3. HC-One and Care UK: These employers offer free accommodation for the first three months and relocation bonuses of £1,000–£2,000 for new immigrants.
4. Agincare International Recruitment: Specializes in hiring overseas care workers with starting salaries around £23,500 and guaranteed sponsorship.
5. Avery Healthcare and Priory Group: Known for providing in-house training, visa support, and opportunities to transition into nursing or senior care positions.

Growth in Recruitment for 2025

According to the UK Home Office, over 85,000 care worker visas were issued in 2024 alone, and this figure is expected to surpass 100,000 in 2025 due to rising healthcare demands. Most of these roles come with a 5-year sponsorship visa, providing a pathway to permanent residency for skilled and semi-skilled workers.

The combination of secure employment, high salaries, and immigration benefits makes these companies the top choice for anyone looking to work as a care worker in the UK this year.

Visa Types and Options for Care Workers

To legally work as a care worker in the UK with sponsorship, immigrants must obtain the correct visa type approved by the UK government.

Main Visa Option for Care Workers in 2025

• Health and Care Worker Visa: This visa category was introduced to fill critical roles in the UK health sector. Applicants need a confirmed job offer from an approved sponsor, English language proficiency, and a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from the employer.

The visa covers not only care workers but also senior care workers and healthcare assistants. Processing times have improved significantly, with most applications completed within 3–4 weeks if all requirements are met.

Costs and Duration

The UK government has reduced the visa fee for healthcare workers to £247 for up to three years and £479 for over three years. Additionally, applicants are exempt from the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), saving workers approximately £624 per year in healthcare costs.

Other Pathways for Care Workers

Some workers enter the UK on a Skilled Worker Visa if their employer offers sponsorship outside the healthcare sector. While less common, it remains an alternative for those working in specialized care environments.

With visa policies becoming increasingly favorable in 2025, overseas care workers can quickly transition from employment to permanent residency within 5 years, provided they maintain continuous employment with a licensed sponsor.

Where to Find Care Worker Jobs Opportunities

Finding UK care worker jobs with sponsorship requires targeting the right platforms and recruitment agencies actively hiring international applicants.

Best Places to Search for Jobs in 2025

1. NHS Jobs Portal: The official platform for all NHS care worker vacancies with detailed salary information and visa sponsorship details.
2. UK Government’s Skilled Worker Shortage Occupation List: Lists all approved roles eligible for sponsorship, including care workers.
3. Recruitment Agencies: Firms like Agincare, Randstad Care, and Reed Health specialize in placing international care workers into UK jobs with full visa support.
4. Job Boards and Portals: Websites like Indeed, TotalJobs, Glassdoor, and CV-Library feature thousands of care worker vacancies, often highlighting sponsorship opportunities.
5. Direct Company Applications: Many care homes, such as Bupa and HC-One, accept direct applications via their career portals, speeding up the hiring process.

Job Fairs and International Recruitment Drives

The UK government organizes Global Health Recruitment Fairs, targeting countries like India, Nigeria, and the Philippines. These events provide on-the-spot interviews, job offers, and sponsorship opportunities for qualified candidates.

By combining online job searches with recruitment fairs, immigrants can secure care worker roles faster while ensuring compliance with UK visa requirements.

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

Securing a care worker job with sponsorship in the UK involves a step-by-step application process to meet both employer and immigration requirements.

Application Process for 2025

1. Prepare Key Documents: You’ll need an updated CV, passport, English language proficiency certificate (such as IELTS), and any care-related training certificates.
2. Apply to Licensed Sponsors: Always target employers approved by the UK Home Office for visa sponsorship to avoid delays.
3. Attend Virtual Interviews: Many employers conduct video interviews, focusing on your caregiving skills, communication abilities, and prior experience.
4. Receive a Job Offer and CoS: Once selected, your employer provides a Certificate of Sponsorship, essential for your visa application.
5. Submit Visa Application Online: Apply for the Health and Care Worker Visa via the official UK government website, paying the reduced fee.
6. Arrive in the UK and Begin Employment: Most applicants start working within 6–8 weeks of accepting a job offer, depending on visa processing times.

Tips for Faster Job Placement

• Complete a Care Certificate before applying to boost your employability.
• Focus on high-demand regions like London and South East England for better salaries.
• Use multiple platforms, NHS Jobs, Indeed, and recruitment agencies, for wider job exposure.

By following this process, immigrants can secure UK care worker jobs with sponsorship quickly and legally in 2025, ensuring stable employment and long-term residency opportunities.