UK Tightens Care Worker Visa Rules—Halts New Overseas Applications

The UK government has announced a significant change to its immigration policies by closing the care worker visa route to new overseas applicants. This reform is part of a broader effort to reduce net migration and promote domestic recruitment in the social care sector.

Key Changes to Care Worker Visas

The recent Immigration White Paper outlines important updates regarding care worker visas. Here’s what you should know:

• End to New Overseas Applications: The UK will no longer accept new applications for care worker visas from abroad. This marks a major shift in policy for the sector.
• Ongoing Review: The government will monitor this transition closely. Adjustments may be made based on the sector’s response and the success of domestic recruitment efforts.

Transition Period Until 2028 for Existing Care Workers

While new applications are halted, the UK has established a transition period lasting until 2028. During this time:

• Existing care workers in the UK can extend their visas.
• They can switch to other eligible visa routes within the country.
• The government will assess the situation and may introduce further regulations or updates.
• This phase aims to develop a long-term workforce strategy for the adult social care sector.

Why Is the UK Ending Care Worker Visas?

The UK government’s decision stems from a desire to lower immigration levels and prioritize domestic recruitment and training. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper describes this as a “fundamental shift” in immigration policy. The main goals include:

• Reducing net migration, which reached 728,000 in 2024.
• Addressing concerns about reliance on lower-skilled foreign labor.
• Encouraging care providers to hire from within the UK or among residents with work rights.

What Happens to Foreign Workers Already in the UK?

The government has directed care employers to focus on hiring:

• Individuals already in the UK on care worker visas.
• Foreign nationals whose sponsorship has ended but are still legally residing in the country.
• This group, estimated at 10,000 individuals, provides a readily available labor pool for care providers without needing new international recruitment.

Skilled Worker Visa Requirements Also Tightened

In addition to changes for care worker visas, the skilled worker visa route is being restructured. Key updates include:

• A higher salary threshold to qualify.
• A mandatory graduate-level qualification for most skilled roles.
• Restricted access to non-critical roles in the UK’s industrial strategy.
• These changes reflect a push to attract higher-skilled migrants while limiting opportunities for lower-skilled positions.

What Migrant Workers Should Do

If you are:

• Currently in the UK on a care worker visa: You can extend or switch visas until 2028.
• Planning to apply from abroad: The care worker route is no longer open for new applications.
• A care employer: Focus your recruitment efforts on existing care workers or eligible residents.

Conclusion

The UK’s decision to close the care worker visa route for overseas applicants signifies a major shift in immigration policy. Although there is a grace period for current visa holders, the long-term focus is clear: invest in the domestic workforce and decrease reliance on foreign labor. Migrants and employers must stay informed and adapt to these changes.