The UK no longer allows employers to recruit new care workers and senior care workers directly from overseas through the route that drove much of the previous growth in Health and Care Worker visas.
The closure took effect on 22 July 2025, but the position is often misunderstood because some applications can still be made from inside the UK.
Who can no longer apply?
Official health and social care recruitment guidance says employers can no longer sponsor new overseas applicants as:
- care workers, occupation code 6135; or
- senior care workers, occupation code 6136.
If you are outside the UK and an agent promises a new sponsored care-worker visa, treat that claim with extreme caution. Never pay for a job offer or Certificate of Sponsorship.
What does the transition period allow?
The Home Office retained limited in-country switching during a transition period expected to run until 22 July 2028, subject to review and detailed eligibility rules.
This can cover certain people already legally in the UK, such as some Student or Graduate visa holders, when they are already working in adult social care and meet the route requirements.
It does not reopen overseas recruitment. Being physically in the UK is also not enough by itself: the applicant, job and sponsor must meet the current rules.
What about existing sponsored care workers?
Transitional provisions can allow existing sponsored workers to extend, change eligible employment or continue on the route. The answer depends on the person’s immigration history, Certificate of Sponsorship dates and employer.
If a sponsor loses its licence, act quickly. Do not wait until permission is close to expiring before seeking regulated advice or official support.
Other healthcare roles remain available
The wider Health and Care Worker route still covers many eligible roles, including doctors, nurses and other regulated health professionals. Applicants need:
- an eligible occupation code;
- an approved sponsor;
- the required salary or national pay-scale rate;
- relevant professional registration;
- acceptable English-language evidence;
- the required supporting documents.
The closure for care workers should not be described as closure of the entire Health and Care Worker visa.
Protect yourself from recruitment scams
Before paying or travelling:
- Check the employer on the official sponsor register.
- Confirm the legal name and address independently.
- Verify the occupation code and salary.
- Refuse requests to buy a Certificate of Sponsorship.
- Keep written contracts, receipts and messages.
- Check whether dependants are permitted on your exact route.
Use our UK relocation planner to estimate housing and arrival costs only after confirming that the visa route is genuinely available.
This article was reviewed on 27 July 2026 and provides general information. Immigration eligibility and transitional protection are fact-specific; check GOV.UK or consult an adviser regulated by the Immigration Advice Authority.