Major Policy Shift: UK Ban Care worker Visa for Sponsorship from Overseas
Effective 22 July 2025, the UK government will officially UK Ban Care worker Visa and senior care workers under the Skilled Worker visa route. This decisive action follows extensive concerns over systemic abuse, exploitation, and non-compliance across the social care sector.
Under the new immigration rules introduced through Statement of Changes HC 997, the Home Office has confirmed that new applications for Skilled Worker visas from care workers outside the UK will no longer be accepted. However, transitional measures will remain in place for eligible care workers already residing and working in the UK, providing limited pathways for in-country switching.
Read more about the Skilled Worker route changes
Table of Contents
Timeline and Key Dates
- Policy Announcement: 1 July 2025
- Implementation Date: 22 July 2025
- Transitional Switching Deadline: 22 July 2028
These dates mark a significant turning point for the UK social care sector and for thousands of migrant workers who form its backbone.
Rationale Behind the Ban
The UK government cited persistent patterns of abuse and exploitation, including wage theft, excessive working hours, substandard housing, and unlawful employment conditions. Numerous investigations by the Home Office and third-party organisations highlighted that certain care providers had been systematically misusing the sponsorship system.
The Minister for Migration and Citizenship, Seema Malhotra, emphasised the need to “restore integrity” to the visa system and promote a care workforce built on fair employment standards.
The government has also signalled that sectors failing to demonstrate compliance and responsible recruitment practices risk being permanently excluded from future immigration routes.
Who Is Affected by the Ban?
Affected:
- Overseas applicants seeking entry clearance as care workers or senior care workers
- Employers seeking to sponsor new care worker roles from outside the UK
Not Affected:
- Existing care workers in the UK sponsored under the Skilled Worker route
- Care workers switching jobs within the UK (under strict eligibility conditions)
- UK residents applying for domestic social care positions
Learn about eligibility to switch visa routes within the UK
Transitional Arrangements Until 2028
The government has allowed a limited transitional period for care workers already present in the UK before the ban takes effect. The main provisions are as follows:
- In-country switching permitted until 22 July 2028
- Applicant must have been legally employed by a licensed sponsor in a relevant role for a minimum of three months before the date of application
- Employer must be in full compliance with Home Office sponsorship requirements
- All applications must meet existing Skilled Worker salary thresholds and conditions
This transitional period is intended to protect individuals already working in the UK care system, minimise disruption to vulnerable service users, and give providers time to adjust to the new framework.
Impact on the Social Care Sector
The social care sector in the UK has long relied on migrant labour to fill chronic staffing shortages, particularly in residential care homes, supported living, and home-based care services. Data from Skills for Care showed that approximately 70,000 care workers were sponsored under the Skilled Worker route in 2023 alone.
With overseas recruitment closing, care providers will face significant pressure to recruit domestically — in a sector already grappling with high turnover and burnout rates. Providers will need to refocus on long-term workforce planning, investment in domestic training programmes, and improved pay conditions to retain local staff.
Measures to Protect Existing Workers
To safeguard those already working under sponsorship, the government has put in place multiple compliance-based protections:
- No forced returns: Existing care workers with valid visas will not be forced to leave the UK solely due to the policy shift.
- Continuity of employment: Sponsored workers may change employers as long as both parties meet the sponsorship and salary requirements.
- Right to renew: Workers can continue to renew their Skilled Worker visas and eventually qualify for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) if they meet all relevant criteria.
Read about ILR based on the 5-year Skilled Worker route
Concerns from the Care Sector
Several industry bodies, including the National Care Forum and the Care Provider Alliance, have expressed concern that the decision to shut the door on overseas recruitment will aggravate existing staff shortages. Many fear that without rapid investment in domestic training pipelines and improvements in working conditions, vulnerable groups — including the elderly and disabled — could face longer wait times and reduced service levels.
There is also concern that some care providers may shift to non-visa channels or exploit legal loopholes, further increasing the risk of non-compliance and hidden labour exploitation.
No Dependants or Discounts on Temporary Shortage List
Although a new Temporary Shortage Occupation List (TSL) is being introduced for select sub-degree level jobs, care workers are excluded from this list as of the current policy update.
Moreover, even for jobs included on the TSL, new rules explicitly prevent workers from:
- Bringing dependants to the UK
- Receiving discounted salary thresholds or visa fees
This move underscores the government’s intent to treat such arrangements as strictly temporary and conditional, with no path to settlement or family reunification.
Employers: What You Must Know Now
If you are a care provider employing or sponsoring migrant workers, you should immediately:
- Review your existing sponsorship arrangements
- Ensure all care workers currently employed under sponsorship meet legal and contract terms
- Prepare for the 3-month employment condition for in-country switching post-July 22
- Avoid initiating new overseas job offers for care roles
- Focus recruitment on local workers and training initiatives
Failure to comply may result in your sponsorship licence being revoked and heavy financial penalties.
Long-Term Implications for Immigration Policy
This ban is part of the government’s broader immigration reset, announced in the Immigration White Paper 2025, aimed at reducing net migration and prioritising high-skilled roles at RQF Level 6 or above. It follows several related reforms, including:
- The increase in salary thresholds across all Skilled Worker routes
- The requirement of a bachelor’s degree or equivalent for new applicants
- The removal of discounts on visa fees and salary requirements for shortage occupations
View UKBloom’s complete Skilled Worker visa salary guide
Alternative Routes for Care Workers
Care workers who are already in the UK but do not qualify for in-country switching may explore other legal pathways, such as:
- Family visas (e.g. spouse, partner, or parent of a UK citizen)
- Student visas with the intention to retrain in a qualifying field
- Graduate visa (for recent UK degree holders)
- Health and Care Worker visa – though care roles are excluded, this may apply in registered clinical roles
Each alternative route has its own eligibility conditions and restrictions. Individuals are advised to consult immigration experts or legal professionals.
Government’s Final Word: Training UK Workforce Is Now a Priority
The Home Secretary, Yvette Cooper, made it clear that this policy shift is part of a broader strategy to build a self-sufficient UK workforce. She stated:
“These new rules mean stronger controls to bring migration down, to restore order to the immigration system and to ensure we focus on investing in skills and training here in the UK.”
She urged care sector leaders to develop long-term strategies for training and recruiting UK workers or risk being permanently excluded from any future immigration programmes.
Summary of Key Policy Changes
| Policy Area | Old Rules | New Rules (from 22 July 2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Care Worker Sponsorship | Allowed from overseas | Closed permanently |
| Switching Within UK | Allowed | Allowed until July 2028 under strict conditions |
| Salary Thresholds | £23,200 (approx.) | Must meet new Skilled Worker salary rates |
| Dependants Allowed | Yes | Not permitted on TSL roles |
| Visa Fee Discounts | Yes for shortage roles | Removed for all sub-degree roles |
Internal Resources on UKBloom
- UK Skilled Worker Visa Full Guide
- UK Visa Switching Rules
- Skilled Worker Visa ILR Guide
- UK Immigration Updates 2025
- Work in the UK – All Visa Options
External Sources and Official Documents
- Statement of Changes HC 997 – GOV.UK (PDF)
- Skilled Worker Visa – GOV.UK
- Migration Advisory Committee Reports – GOV.UK
- Social Care Workforce Data – Skills for Care
Final Thoughts
The UK’s decision to end overseas recruitment for care workers represents one of the most significant changes to its immigration system in recent years. While it aims to strengthen domestic employment, it also creates immediate challenges for the care sector, which must now adapt rapidly.
Disclaimer:
This article is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration policies and regulations are subject to change. For the most current guidance or to assess your specific eligibility, please consult a qualified immigration adviser or visit GOV.UK.
