Care Assistant Jobs in the UK with Visa Sponsorship (2025) – Salary & Application Guide

The United Kingdom healthcare and social care sector is facing one of its most significant workforce shortages in decades. As the population ages and demand for long-term care increases, care assistant jobs in the UK with visa sponsorship have become one of the most realistic and accessible employment pathways for international workers in 2026.

Why the UK Is Hiring Foreign Care Assistants in 2026

The UK’s care sector includes:

• Residential care homes
• Nursing homes
• Domiciliary (home-based) care providers
• Supported living facilities

Several long-term factors have created persistent staffing gaps:

• An aging UK population
• Increased demand for elderly and disability care
• High staff turnover due to job intensity
• Reduced local workforce availability
• Expansion of care services across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland

As a result, the UK government continues to allow visa sponsorship for eligible care roles under the Health and Care Worker visa route.

What Is a Care Assistant Job in the UK?

A care assistant (also called a care worker or support worker) provides daily support to individuals who may be elderly, disabled, ill, or living with long-term conditions.

Typical Care Assistant Duties

• Helping clients with personal hygiene and dressing
• Assisting with mobility and daily routines
• Preparing meals and supporting feeding
• Administering medication (where trained)
• Providing companionship and emotional support
• Keeping basic care records
• Supporting independence and dignity

Care assistants work in shifts and may be employed full-time or part-time.

Care Assistant Salary in the UK (2026)

Average Salary Overview

Care assistant salaries in the UK typically range between:

• £20,500 – £30,000 per year
• Equivalent to £10.75 – £15.50 per hour, depending on location and employer

Factors That Affect Pay

• Region (London and South East usually pay more)
• Employer type (private care home vs NHS-linked providers)
• Experience and training
• Night shifts, weekends, and overtime
• Live-in or domiciliary care roles

Most sponsored roles meet the UK minimum salary threshold required for visa sponsorship under the Health and Care Worker route.

Benefits of Care Assistant Jobs with Visa Sponsorship

Care assistant roles offer more than just employment—they provide legal and practical benefits for international workers.

1. UK Visa Sponsorship

Eligible employers can sponsor foreign workers legally under the Health and Care Worker visa.

2. Lower Visa Costs

This visa route offers:

• Reduced application fees
• No Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)
• Faster processing compared to other work visas

3. Job Stability

Care roles are considered essential, meaning demand remains strong even during economic uncertainty.

4. Family Dependants Allowed

Qualified workers can bring:

• Spouse or partner
• Dependent children

Dependants can work or study in the UK, subject to rules.

5. Pathway to UK Settlement

After 5 years of continuous legal work, care assistants may be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), subject to requirements.

UK Visa Options for Care Assistants

Health and Care Worker Visa

This is the primary visa route for sponsored care assistant jobs.

Key features:

• Employer must be a licensed UK sponsor
• Job must be on the eligible occupation list
• Salary must meet minimum thresholds
• English language requirement applies

Eligibility Requirements for Care Assistant Jobs

Basic Job Requirements

Most UK care employers look for:

• Compassionate attitude and reliability
• Willingness to work shifts
• Physical and emotional resilience
• Ability to follow care plans

Formal degrees are not required for most entry-level roles.

Education

• Secondary school education is often sufficient
• Health or social care training is an advantage but not mandatory

Experience

• Many employers accept no prior UK experience
• Previous caregiving, nursing aide, or support work experience is helpful

English Language Requirement

International applicants must meet UK English language standards.

Accepted methods include:

• IELTS for UKVI (usually overall band 4.0–5.0)
• Approved English tests
• Degree taught in English (where applicable)

Clear communication is essential for patient safety and care quality.

Training and Certification

Most employers provide:

• On-the-job training
• Care Certificate support
• Health and safety training
• Manual handling and safeguarding courses

You are not expected to arrive fully trained, but willingness to learn is essential.

Types of Care Assistant Jobs That Offer Sponsorship

Residential Care Homes

• Fixed location
• Shift-based work
• Structured teams

Domiciliary Care (Home Care)

• Visiting clients in their homes
• May require driving (not always)
• Often flexible schedules

Supported Living Facilities

• Supporting individuals with disabilities
• Focus on independence and life skills

How to Find Legitimate Care Assistant Jobs with Visa Sponsorship

Step 1: Identify Licensed Sponsors

Only UK employers with a Home Office sponsor licence can legally sponsor foreign workers.

Step 2: Apply Through Reputable Channels

• Official employer websites
• Recognized UK job platforms
• Government-approved sponsor lists

Step 3: Prepare a UK-Style CV

• Simple and clear
• Emphasize caregiving skills, empathy, and reliability
• Highlight any healthcare-related experience

Step 4: Attend Interviews

• Usually conducted online
• Focus on situational questions and attitude

Step 5: Receive Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)

• Issued by employer
• Required for visa application

Step 6: Apply for the Health and Care Worker Visa

• Submit documents online
• Attend biometrics appointment
• Await decision

Working Hours and Conditions

Care assistants typically work:

• 37.5 – 48 hours per week
• Day, night, or rotating shifts
• Paid annual leave (minimum 28 days including public holidays)
• Sick pay (depending on employer)

UK employment law applies equally to foreign workers.

Cost of Living Considerations

While salaries are stable, workers should plan for:

• Rent and utilities
• Transport
• Food and personal expenses

Costs vary significantly between:

• London and major cities
• Smaller towns and rural areas

Some employers assist with accommodation during initial relocation.

Can Care Assistant Jobs Lead to Permanent Residence?

Yes, many care assistants transition from sponsored work to long-term settlement.

Possible routes include:

• 5 years on the Health and Care Worker visa
• Meeting salary and residence requirements
• Passing the Life in the UK Test

Settlement is not automatic but achievable with compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Are care assistant jobs in the UK still open to foreigners in 2026?

Yes, demand remains strong, and sponsorship continues for eligible roles.

• Do I need a nursing degree?

No. Care assistant roles are non-clinical and entry-level.

• Can I change employers?

Yes, but the new employer must also be a licensed sponsor.

• Are care assistant jobs permanent?

Most roles are permanent, subject to performance and visa validity.

Conclusion

Care assistant jobs in the UK are not shortcuts to wealth, but they offer:

• Legal employment
• Reliable income
• A respected essential role
• A pathway to long-term UK residence

For international workers willing to provide compassionate care, follow proper procedures, and meet visa requirements, this career path can be both meaningful and sustainable.