Looking to sign up for care jobs in the UK with visa sponsorship? You’re in the right place. Imagine landing a role that not only pays well but also comes with immigration support, retirement contributions, and secure payments every month.
Whether you’re coming from Europe, Africa, or Asia, the UK’s care sector is increasing, and employers are actively seeking dedicated workers to join their teams. Start your application today, and you could be working in London, Manchester, or Birmingham within months.
Why Choose Care Jobs with Visa Sponsorship
Care jobs in the UK are more than just employment—they’re a pathway to financial stability and professional growth. With visa sponsorship, you’re not just applying for a job; you’re securing legal work authorization, which covers immigration processing and often includes benefits like pension contributions and healthcare coverage.
For foreigners, this reduces the stress of moving abroad, ensuring that your relocation is smooth. On top of that, care jobs offer flexible hours, high demand across cities like Liverpool, Leeds, and Glasgow, and competitive salaries ranging from £25,000 to £35,000 annually for entry-level roles. Choosing these roles means stability, growth, and a chance to make a real impact.
Types of Care Jobs in the UK
The UK offers a diverse range of care roles suited for foreigners seeking visa sponsorship. Some of the most common types include:
- Healthcare Assistants (HCAs): Support patients with daily activities in hospitals and care homes. Average salary: £22,000–£28,000.
- Senior Care Workers: Lead care teams in residential settings. Average salary: £25,000–£32,000.
- Live-in Caregivers: Provide round-the-clock support for elderly or disabled clients. Average salary: £24,000–£30,000.
- Support Workers for Disabilities: Assist clients with physical or learning disabilities. Average salary: £23,000–£29,000.
- Mental Health Care Workers: Work in psychiatric hospitals or community settings. Average salary: £26,000–£34,000.
Each role comes with visa sponsorship options, particularly for individuals with experience or qualifications in health and social care. Top locations like London, Edinburgh, and Manchester tend to offer higher salaries, while smaller towns provide excellent growth opportunities and more affordable living costs.
High Paying Care Jobs with Visa Sponsorship in the UK
If you’re aiming for the highest paying care roles with visa sponsorship, there are several lucrative options. Senior care positions in London can fetch £35,000–£40,000 annually, especially for specialized roles like dementia care or pediatric support. Nursing assistants with additional certifications may earn £30,000–£38,000, while live-in caregivers supporting private clients in affluent areas can see annual pay reach £32,000–£36,000.
The key is securing sponsorship from reputable employers who provide immigration support, pension contributions, and consistent monthly payments. Cities like London, Oxford, and Cambridge are hotspots for these high-paying roles, whereas regional hubs like Leeds and Sheffield offer competitive salaries with slightly lower living costs.
Salary Expectations for Care Workers
Salary expectations for care workers in the UK depend on your role, experience, and location. Entry-level healthcare assistants typically earn between £22,000–£26,000 per year. Senior care workers and supervisors can make £28,000–£35,000.
Specialized care, such as mental health support or pediatric care, often commands £30,000–£38,000. London-based positions usually pay 10–15% higher due to the cost of living. Live-in caregivers have unique arrangements where housing and utilities are included, raising the overall value of their compensation package.
Here’s a breakdown of typical salaries for care jobs in the UK:
| Care Job Type | Annual Salary (£) |
| Healthcare Assistant (HCA) | 22,000–28,000 |
| Senior Care Worker | 25,000–32,000 |
| Live-in Caregiver | 24,000–30,000 |
| Support Worker (Disabilities) | 23,000–29,000 |
| Mental Health Care Worker | 26,000–34,000 |
Eligibility Criteria for Care Workers
To apply for care jobs in the UK with visa sponsorship, you need to meet certain eligibility criteria. First and foremost, you must be at least 18 years old and have the legal right to work in the UK once sponsored. Employers typically prefer candidates with prior experience in health or social care, though some entry-level roles accept enthusiastic newcomers. English proficiency is crucial—most employers require at least an IELTS score of 5.5 or equivalent.
Some roles, especially specialized ones like mental health care or pediatric support, may require additional certifications such as NVQ Level 2 or 3 in Health and Social Care. Meeting these criteria can fast-track your application and make securing sponsorship significantly easier.
Requirements for Care Workers
The UK care sector maintains high standards, so employers have strict requirements for foreign workers. Common requirements include:
- Educational qualifications: Minimum of high school diploma; NVQ or equivalent preferred.
- Experience: 1–3 years in care or healthcare roles for most positions.
- Criminal background check: DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) clearance is mandatory.
- Health clearance: Proof of vaccinations and a recent medical check-up.
- English language proficiency: IELTS or OET results may be required.
Beyond these, employers look for candidates with compassion, reliability, and excellent communication skills. Meeting these requirements increases your chances of both landing a care job and obtaining visa sponsorship.
Visa Options for Care Workers
Several visa options exist for foreigners seeking care jobs in the UK. The most common is the Skilled Worker Visa, which allows healthcare and care workers to live and work legally while receiving full benefits. The eligibility typically requires sponsorship from a licensed UK employer.
For certain high-demand roles, the Health and Care Visa is available, which offers reduced visa fees, exemption from the Immigration Health Surcharge, and faster processing times. Both visas allow for family members to join, making relocation more manageable. Salaries under these visas must meet the minimum threshold of around £26,200 annually for experienced care workers, though higher-paying roles can exceed £35,000.
Documents Checklist for Care Workers
When applying for care jobs with visa sponsorship in the UK, having the correct documents ready is critical. Essential documents include:
- Valid passport
- Proof of English proficiency (IELTS/OET)
- CV or resume with detailed work history
- References from previous employers
- Criminal background check (DBS clearance)
- Educational certificates and professional qualifications
- Job offer letter from a licensed UK sponsor
- Health clearance or vaccination records
Preparing these documents in advance ensures a smoother application process. Missing even a single document can delay your visa approval and job start date, so attention to detail is crucial.
How to Apply for Care Jobs in the UK
Applying for care jobs in the UK is straightforward if you follow the right steps. Start by identifying licensed UK employers offering visa sponsorship. Sign up on job portals like NHS Jobs, Indeed UK, or Care.com, and upload your CV highlighting your experience, certifications, and English proficiency. Tailor your application to the role, emphasize skills like patient care, communication, and reliability.
Once shortlisted, attend interviews either online or in person. After a successful interview, your employer will provide a certificate of sponsorship, which you use to apply for your Skilled Worker or Health and Care Visa. Salaries for new hires usually start from £22,000 annually and increase with experience or specialization.
Top Employers & Companies Hiring Care Workers in the UK
Several UK employers actively hire foreign care workers with visa sponsorship. The NHS is the largest recruiter, offering a wide range of roles in hospitals, clinics, and community care settings. Private care providers like Bupa, Four Seasons Health Care, and HC-One also sponsor skilled workers, especially for specialized roles such as dementia care or pediatric support. Salaries with these employers range from £24,000 to £38,000 annually, depending on experience and role.
Additionally, agencies like Allied Healthcare and Bluebird Care provide live-in caregiver positions with housing included, often paying between £25,000 and £33,000 per year. Top hiring cities include London, Manchester, Birmingham, Glasgow, and Edinburgh, which offer higher salaries and more opportunities for career growth.
Where to Find Care Jobs in the UK
Finding care jobs in the UK is easier than many think. Online job portals like NHS Jobs, Indeed, Reed.co.uk, and Totaljobs list visa sponsorship roles. Recruitment agencies such as HCL Healthcare and Carers UK specialize in connecting foreign workers with UK employers. Social media platforms, especially LinkedIn, also host verified postings from employers offering sponsorship.
Networking within professional care groups and attending virtual job fairs can accelerate your search. Salaries vary by region; London-based roles usually start at £26,000 annually, while regional hubs like Leeds or Sheffield offer £23,000–£30,000 for comparable positions. By targeting the right platforms and regions, you can secure both a job and visa sponsorship quickly.
Working in the UK as Care Workers
Working as a care worker in the UK is both rewarding and financially stable. Typical roles involve assisting patients with daily activities, administering medications, and supporting mental health needs. Full-time care workers can earn £24,000–£35,000 annually, with overtime payments often available. Employers contribute to retirement plans, provide paid holidays, and sometimes cover housing or transport.
Cities like London, Edinburgh, and Oxford offer the highest wages but also higher living costs, while towns like Nottingham or Bristol provide a balance of pay and affordability. Visa-sponsored employees enjoy legal work status, access to the NHS, and eligibility for permanent residency after continuous employment.
Why Employers in the UK Want to Sponsor Care Workers
UK employers actively sponsor care workers due to a national shortage in healthcare and social care sectors. With an aging population and increasing demand for specialized care, foreign workers fill critical gaps. Sponsorship ensures employers attract skilled, reliable staff while complying with immigration laws.
Sponsored workers often bring international experience, strong work ethics, and multilingual skills, which enhance patient care. Salaries for sponsored roles are competitive, ranging from £25,000 to £38,000 annually, and employers often offer benefits such as pension contributions, paid training, and relocation support. For employers, sponsorship is an investment in stability and quality care.
FAQ about Care Jobs in the UK
What is the minimum salary for care jobs with visa sponsorship in the UK?
The minimum salary usually starts at £22,000 annually for entry-level healthcare assistants, rising to £38,000 for senior or specialized roles.
Do I need prior experience to apply for care jobs in the UK?
While entry-level roles are available, most employers prefer 1–3 years of experience, especially for specialized care positions.
Which visa should I apply for as a care worker?
The Skilled Worker Visa and Health and Care Visa are the main options. The Health and Care Visa offers reduced fees and faster processing.
Can family members accompany me on a care worker visa?
Yes, both the Skilled Worker Visa and Health and Care Visa allow you to bring eligible dependents with you to the UK.
What cities in the UK pay the highest salaries for care workers?
London, Oxford, Cambridge, and Edinburgh typically offer the highest salaries, often 10–15% above the national average.
Are live-in caregiver positions available for foreigners?
Yes, many agencies provide live-in roles with visa sponsorship, housing included, and salaries ranging from £24,000 to £36,000 annually.
How long does it take to get a visa sponsorship?
Once you receive a certificate of sponsorship from your employer, visa approval usually takes 3–8 weeks depending on your application and visa type.