There are important changes to the UK’s immigration rules that will affect sponsored workers, including those in the health and social care sector.
These changes were announced in the latest Government White Paper and Immigration Rule Updates and will come into effect from 22 July 2025. Please take a few minutes to read this carefully.
🔍 What’s Changing?
1. No New Sponsorship for Care Workers After July 2025
- From 22 July 2025, the government is removing care workers and senior care workers from the list of jobs eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa route.
- If you are already sponsored in a care role, you can continue your visa and apply for extensions. However, no new Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS) will be issued for these roles after this date.
2. In-Country Switches Still Allowed – With Conditions
- If you are already in the UK on a different visa, you may still be able to switch into a care worker role until July 2028.
- But there’s a condition: you must have worked with your current sponsor for at least three months before applying.
3. No Dependants for New Care Worker Applicants
- From 22 July 2025, care workers and other sub-degree level roles will no longer be able to bring dependants(partners or children) to the UK.
- This does not apply if you:
- Already have a visa and your family is in the UK.
- Have children born in the UK during your time here.
4. Salary Thresholds and Role Levels Going Up
- Most new sponsored jobs must now meet a minimum salary of £41,700 and be at RQF Level 6 or above (this means degree-level or equivalent).
- Care roles are currently RQF Level 3, so they no longer qualify under the new rules.
5. Changes to Permanent Residency (Settlement)
- The government has announced plans to extend the qualifying period for settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain) from 5 years to 10 years.
- More details will follow in 2026.
👩⚕️ What This Means for You
- If you are already sponsored by us, you do not need to worry — your visa remains valid.
- If you are hoping to bring family members, this may no longer be possible under new rules, unless they are already here.
- If you are considering a new sponsorship or visa switch, it’s important to act before 22 July 2025.
📅 Key Dates to Remember
| Date | What Happens |
|---|---|
| 22 July 2025 | New care worker sponsorships close. No dependants allowed for new applicants. |
| 31 Dec 2026 | Temporary shortage list (for non-degree jobs) ends. |
| 22 July 2028 | In-country switches for care worker roles end. |
| 2026 (TBC) | Consultation on settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain) changes. |