Care worker route
Care worker sponsorship changes for overseas applicants
The immigration route for new overseas applications as care workers and senior care workers changed significantly in July 2025. Anyone searching from outside the UK should understand this before responding to adverts that promise care sponsorship.
Last reviewed 21 October 2026
Key points
- From 22 July 2025, the route closed to new overseas applications for care workers and senior care workers.
- Employers can no longer use this route to recruit new care workers or senior care workers directly from abroad.
- A transition period for certain in country applications is expected to continue until 2028, subject to review.
- Other health and social care occupations can have different rules.
What closed in July 2025
Official government guidance states that from 22 July 2025 the immigration route for care workers and senior care workers closed to new applications from overseas.
This means a person outside the UK should be very cautious about adverts promising a new overseas care worker sponsorship route after that date.
The transition period
Government guidance describes a transition period until 2028, kept under review, for certain in country applications. This includes people already working in adult social care who meet the relevant requirements.
The transition does not reopen general overseas recruitment for care workers and senior care workers.
Do not assume all health roles are affected
The change is specific to care worker and senior care worker routes. Other eligible health and social care occupations may continue to use the Health and Care Worker route if the relevant occupation, salary, employer and sponsorship requirements are met.
Official sources
Rules and public datasets can change. Use the official source when making a current decision.