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🇬🇧 UK to Close the Care-Worker Visa for New Overseas Applicants: Other Visa Options Open to You

The UK Government has confirmed a major immigration change: from 9 April 2025 the “general care worker” route (SOC 6135/6136) under the Health and Care Worker visa will shut for applicants applying from outside Britain. Current visa-holders may stay and even extend until 2028, but fresh overseas hires will no longer be sponsored. Below is a plain-English guide to what ends, what stays, and which alternative visas can still open the door to Britain’s health sector.

   
Table of Contents

1. What Is Changing?

ItemBefore April 2025After 9 April 2025
New overseas applicationsCare homes could sponsor frontline carersClosed – no new out-of-country filings
Existing visa-holdersCould renewMay extend or switch inside the UK until 2028
Other health roles (nurses, doctors, allied health)OpenUnchanged – still eligible

Government notice: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/statement-of-changes-home-office-rules-april-2025

2. Why the Ban?

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper says the policy forms part of a “fundamental shift” aimed at:

  • Cutting net migration
  • Training UK residents for social-care roles
  • Reducing exploitation linked to overseas recruitment

The Department of Health & Social Care will channel new funds into local training hubs throughout 2025–2027.

Recommended: UK Visa Funds & Salary Rules You Must Know for 2025–2026

3. If You Already Work as a Carer in the UK

  • Renew early. File an extension before your current leave expires.
  • Consider switching to another visa (see section 4).
  • Plan for 2028. After that, the care-worker SOC codes are expected to disappear from sponsorship lists entirely.

4. Alternative Visa Routes Still Open

RouteWho Qualifies?Key RequirementsTypical Processing
Health & Care Worker visa (qualified roles)Nurses, doctors, senior carers (SOC 6146)Job offer + CoS + salary threshold3 weeks; priority upgrades available https://www.gov.uk/health-care-worker-visa
Skilled Worker visaAny role on the UK shortage list outside general careSponsor + salary (usually £38,700)About 3 weeks https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa
Student visa → Graduate routeFuture carers who study in UKEnrol on degree; 2-year post-study work8 weeks https://www.gov.uk/graduate-visa
Temporary visas (e.g., Seasonal Worker)Agriculture, poultry, horticultureSponsor + 6-month cap3–6 weeks https://www.gov.uk/seasonal-worker-visa

5. Tips for Prospective Migrants

  1. Upskill into higher bands. Senior carer or nursing qualifications still unlock sponsorship.
  2. Track occupation lists. The Migration Advisory Committee updates shortage codes twice a year.
  3. Budget for the IHS. Only Health & Care Worker visa holders remain exempt from the £1,035 annual surcharge.
  4. Use authorised advisers. Check the OISC register before paying for immigration help.

6. Timeline at a Glance

DateAction
Now – 8 Apr 2025Final overseas care-worker applications accepted
9 Apr 2025Route closes to new out-of-country applicants
2025 – 2028In-country carers may extend or switch
Post-2028Policy up for review; domestic workforce targets assessed

Bottom Line

Closing the care-worker visa to fresh overseas talent narrows one of the easiest routes into UK social care. Yet pathways remain for nurses, senior carers, and other skilled health professionals—plus study-to-work options. Stay informed, upgrade your credentials, and explore alternative sponsorship codes to keep your UK career plans alive.

More Opportunities:

   
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