The demand for care workers in the United Kingdom has grown rapidly over the past decade, and in 2025, this demand is expected to remain strong as the UK population continues to age.
Families, healthcare providers, and care homes across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland are all actively hiring foreign workers to fill critical shortages in the healthcare and social care industry.
For immigrants searching for secure jobs with competitive salaries, visa sponsorship, and long-term career opportunities, care worker positions present one of the most accessible and rewarding career paths in the UK.
Employers across the UK are increasingly open to hiring international applicants, especially those from Africa, Asia, and Eastern Europe, who are motivated to work in the healthcare sector.
The British government has even simplified the visa sponsorship system for care jobs, making it possible for foreign nationals to apply directly from abroad or while residing in the UK on a different visa.
This makes the care worker role one of the few jobs in the UK where international applicants have a clear immigration pathway into stable employment.
The UK Home Office has identified care worker jobs as being part of the Shortage Occupation List. This classification means that immigrants are given priority for visa sponsorship, lower visa application fees, and often reduced salary thresholds compared to other professions.
For employers, sponsoring a skilled or semi-skilled immigrant is easier, and for workers, the route is faster, more affordable, and more secure.
With over 1.5 million people currently working in the UK adult social care sector, and projections indicating a need for an additional 500,000 care workers by 2035, immigrants have a wide range of opportunities to join this growing workforce.
Whether you are an entry-level candidate with no prior UK experience or a qualified healthcare assistant looking for career advancement, visa-sponsored care jobs provide a direct route to employment security.
Entry-level Skills and Experience Required
One of the key reasons care worker jobs are attractive to immigrants is that they do not always require advanced qualifications.
While healthcare training or nursing backgrounds are highly valued, many entry-level positions are available to candidates with little to no experience in the UK system. Instead, employers look for essential skills, willingness to learn, and compassion.
The core skills expected from an entry-level care worker include:
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Basic communication in English (speaking, reading, and writing).
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Patience, empathy, and ability to work with elderly or disabled individuals.
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Flexibility in working hours, as care jobs often involve shifts, nights, or weekends.
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Ability to follow instructions and perform physical tasks, such as assisting with mobility, feeding, or hygiene.
While formal qualifications such as NVQ Level 2 or Level 3 in Health and Social Care are preferred, many employers sponsor training after recruitment. This means immigrants can start working while simultaneously upgrading their qualifications in the UK.
For those without prior experience, volunteering, internships, or short healthcare assistant training courses can help strengthen an application.
Employers often provide mandatory training in areas like safeguarding, first aid, manual handling, and infection control, which ensures workers are prepared for the responsibilities of the role.
According to recent reports from the UK Care Quality Commission, over 35% of care workers in the UK entered the industry without previous healthcare experience, highlighting the accessibility of this career path. Many start as care assistants and later progress to senior care worker or managerial positions.
This entry-level accessibility, combined with employer-sponsored training, makes care worker jobs highly attractive to immigrants seeking stable employment and a pathway into the UK healthcare sector.
Regions with the Highest Payment Structures
Salaries for care workers in the UK vary depending on the region. While the national average pay is competitive compared to many entry-level jobs, certain areas offer higher wages due to demand, cost of living, and shortage of local workers.
The London region remains the highest-paying location for care workers, with salaries ranging between £24,000 and £30,000 per year.
This higher pay reflects the high cost of living in the capital. Employers in London also often provide additional benefits, such as transport allowances or accommodation assistance.
In South East England, particularly in counties like Surrey, Kent, and Berkshire, care workers earn around £23,000 to £27,000 annually. The South East is home to numerous private care homes and NHS trusts, making it one of the most active hiring regions.
In Scotland, the average care worker salary is approximately £22,500, but wages can rise to £26,000 in major cities like Edinburgh and Glasgow, where healthcare demand is high.
The North of England, including Manchester, Leeds, and Newcastle, offers salaries in the range of £21,000 to £25,000, making it attractive for immigrants who want a balance of affordable living costs and stable employment.
According to Skills for Care, the independent body monitoring workforce statistics, care workers in London earn approximately 15% more than the national average, while those in rural regions earn slightly less due to lower living costs.
However, rural employers often provide housing or subsidized rent, which offsets lower base salaries.
Therefore, immigrants applying for jobs should consider not only the salary figures but also the cost of living and additional benefits offered by employers in different regions.
Salary Expectations for Care Workers
Care worker salaries are structured based on experience, qualifications, and employer type. The average salary across the UK for a care assistant is around £21,000 to £24,000 annually.
However, salaries increase significantly for those with additional qualifications or specialized responsibilities.
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Entry-level care worker: £10.50 – £12.50 per hour, or £20,000 – £22,000 annually.
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Experienced care worker: £12.50 – £14.50 per hour, or £24,000 – £28,000 annually.
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Senior care worker or supervisor: £28,000 – £32,000 annually.
NHS-employed care assistants usually earn slightly higher salaries compared to private sector roles, especially once additional allowances such as overtime, night shifts, and pension contributions are factored in.
According to NHS pay scales, a Band 2 healthcare assistant can expect £22,383 per year, while Band 3 roles can exceed £24,336.
Foreign workers also benefit from visa sponsorship, which reduces financial pressure since many employers cover relocation expenses, visa fees, and initial accommodation. Some employers offer welcome bonuses ranging from £500 to £1,500 for newly recruited international care workers.
In addition to base salaries, care workers often receive overtime pay, holiday pay, pension contributions, and sometimes free meals during shifts. This makes the role not only financially rewarding but also stable in the long term.
Companies Hiring Care Workers in the UK
The UK has thousands of employers recruiting care workers with visa sponsorship. These include both private care homes and NHS trusts. Some of the well-known employers include:
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Barchester Healthcare: One of the largest providers of care homes in the UK, regularly hiring international workers.
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HC-One: Operates over 270 care homes across the UK and is active in sponsoring foreign applicants.
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Care UK: Offers a wide range of care services and recruits internationally for care assistants.
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NHS Trusts: Hospitals and community care units actively sponsor visas for healthcare assistants and senior care workers.
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Agincare: A leading employer known for sponsoring international applicants, including relocation support.
These companies not only hire directly but also work with overseas recruitment agencies, making it easier for immigrants to secure a position before arriving in the UK.
With healthcare being an essential industry, recruitment is continuous, and immigrants can expect opportunities throughout the year.
Visa Types and Options for Care Workers
The most common visa for care workers in the UK is the Health and Care Worker visa, introduced to simplify recruitment for healthcare employers.
This visa allows immigrants to work in eligible healthcare roles, including care assistants, senior care workers, and healthcare support workers.
Key features of the Health and Care Worker visa include:
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Lower application fees compared to other work visas.
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Fast-track processing, often completed within 3 weeks.
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Exemption from the Immigration Health Surcharge, saving applicants hundreds of pounds annually.
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Eligibility for family members (dependents) to accompany the worker to the UK.
Other visa options for care workers include the Skilled Worker visa, though this route is less common since the Health and Care Worker visa is more affordable and accessible.
Applicants must have a job offer from a licensed UK sponsor and meet the minimum salary threshold. For care worker roles, the salary threshold is lower than for other occupations, making it easier for foreign applicants to qualify.
This visa is valid for up to 5 years and can lead to permanent residency (Indefinite Leave to Remain) after continuous employment in the UK.
Where to Find Care Worker Jobs Opportunities
Immigrants searching for UK care worker jobs with visa sponsorship can find opportunities through several reliable channels:
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Official NHS Jobs website.
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UK government’s “Find a Job” portal.
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Company websites of large care providers like HC-One, Care UK, and Barchester.
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Recruitment agencies specializing in healthcare staffing, such as MMA Recruitment and Drake Medox.
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International job boards like Indeed, Glassdoor, and LinkedIn.
It is advisable to apply directly to employers with a licensed sponsor status, which can be verified on the UK Home Office’s register of licensed sponsors. This ensures that your visa application process will be valid and recognized.
How to Apply for Care Worker Jobs as an Immigrant in the UK
Applying for care worker jobs as an immigrant involves several steps, starting with securing a job offer from an approved employer. Employers hiring from abroad are familiar with the process and often assist candidates in gathering the required documents.
The general application process includes:
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Submitting an online application through the employer’s website or recruitment portal.
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Providing a CV, cover letter, and proof of English language ability.
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Attending an online interview via Zoom or Microsoft Teams.
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Receiving a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from the employer.
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Applying for the Health and Care Worker visa through the UK Home Office portal.
Applicants must provide proof of identity, a tuberculosis test (for certain countries), and proof of funds unless the employer certifies maintenance. Once approved, workers can travel to the UK and begin employment immediately.
Employers often provide induction programs and additional training upon arrival, ensuring immigrants adapt quickly to the UK healthcare system. This structured process makes care worker jobs one of the most accessible visa-sponsored employment routes for foreign workers.