How to Obtain Visa Sponsorship for a Care Worker in the UK

To get a visa sponsorship for the UK to work as a care worker, you’ll need to follow these steps:

1. Meet the Eligibility Requirements

You need to ensure you meet the basic eligibility criteria for a Skilled Worker Visa for care workers:

• Job Offer: You must have a valid job offer from a UK employer that is approved by the Home Office and licensed to sponsor foreign workers.

• Salary Requirement: For care workers, the minimum annual salary is usually £20,480 or the ""going rate"" for the position, whichever is higher.

• English Language Proficiency: You must prove your English language proficiency, either by passing an approved test (such as IELTS), or through academic qualifications that were taught in English.

• Sponsorship Certificate: The employer must provide you with a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS).

2. Find a UK Employer with Sponsorship License

• Care Homes and Healthcare Providers: Look for care homes, nursing homes, and healthcare providers that are licensed to sponsor foreign workers. Some well-known care home companies include:

o Bupa Care Homes

o HC-One

o Four Seasons Health Care

o Care UK

o Caring Homes

• Job Search Platforms: You can search for visa sponsorship care worker jobs on platforms like:

o NHS Jobs

o UK Government's Find a Job

o Indeed UK

o CareHome.co.uk

o Health Jobs UK

3. Apply for Jobs

Tailor your CV and cover letter to the specific care worker roles, emphasizing relevant skills such as caregiving experience, first aid training, and any healthcare certifications.

4. Ensure the Employer is Licensed to Sponsor Workers

When you apply for a job, make sure the employer is on the UK's list of approved sponsors. You can check this list here to confirm whether the employer is authorized to sponsor your visa.

5. Receive a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)

Once you secure a job offer, the employer will issue you a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS). This is an electronic document that details your job role, salary, and other key details. It is required for your visa application.

6. Apply for a UK Skilled Worker Visa

After receiving the CoS, you can apply for the Skilled Worker Visa. Steps include:

• Apply online: Submit your visa application on the UK Government website.

• Documents needed:

o Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)

o Proof of English language proficiency

o Passport or travel ID

o Proof of sufficient funds to support yourself (if applicable)

• Application fee: The visa fee ranges from £610 to £1,408, depending on your circumstances. You may also need to pay a healthcare surcharge.

7. Health and Care Worker Visa Option

As a care worker, you might qualify for the Health and Care Worker Visa, which is part of the Skilled Worker Visa. This visa has several benefits:

• Lower visa fees

• No requirement to pay the immigration health surcharge (IHS)

• Fast-tracked visa processing

If you're eligible for this visa, the employer will mark your CoS as a health and care worker, and you can apply under this category.

8. Visa Processing Time

• You can typically apply up to 3 months before the start date listed on your CoS.

• The standard processing time is around 3 weeks if you apply from outside the UK.

Resources:

• UK Government Website on Skilled Worker Visa

• Health and Care Worker Visa Info

Conclusion:

To secure a visa sponsorship to work as a care worker in the UK, you need to find an employer with a sponsorship license, obtain a job offer, receive a Certificate of Sponsorship, and apply for the Skilled Worker Visa or Health and Care Worker Visa. Focus your job search on care homes and healthcare providers that are approved by the UK government.