
How to Sponsor a Care Worker in the UK: 2025 Requirements and Guidelines
Discover the 2025 requirements for sponsoring care workers in the UK, including licensing, salary thresholds, and visa fees.

Ellie Dyke-French
As the demand for skilled care workers continues to rise, the UK's Health and Care Worker visa offers care providers a pathway to recruit international talent. However, recent changes in immigration policies necessitate a thorough understanding of the updated requirements.
1. Obtaining a Sponsor Licence
To sponsor a care worker, your organisation must hold a valid Skilled Worker sponsor licence issued by the Home Office.
Requirements to get a sponsor licence:
-
CQC Registration: From 11 March 2024, care providers in England must be registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) to sponsor care workers.
-
Legitimate Business Operations: Demonstrate that your organisation is operating lawfully in the UK.
-
HR Compliance Systems: Implement appropriate HR systems to monitor sponsored workers and report any changes.
Application Process:
-
Apply online via the Home Office portal.
-
Submit supporting documents, including proof of registration and company accounts.
-
Pay the appropriate fee:
-
Small Sponsors: £536
-
Large Sponsors: £1,579
-
2. Eligibility Criteria for Care Workers
To qualify for the Health and Care Worker visa, applicants must:
-
Have a confirmed job offer from a licensed sponsor.
-
Meet English language requirements (minimum CEFR Level B1).
-
Possess relevant skills in care; while formal qualifications and previous experience are beneficial, they are not always mandatory.
-
Provide a tuberculosis (TB) test certificate if applicable.
Eligible Roles:
-
Care Workers (SOC code 6135)
-
Senior Care Workers (SOC code 6136)
3. Recruitment Prioritization
Effective from 9 April 2025, care providers in England are required to prioritize recruiting from the existing pool of displaced care workers already residing in the UK before sponsoring new overseas applicants. This policy aims to provide employment opportunities to individuals who have previously entered the UK for adult social care roles, thereby reducing reliance on international recruitment
4. Updated Salary Thresholds
Starting 9 April 2025, the minimum salary requirements for sponsoring care workers are:
-
£12.82 per hour
-
£25,000 per year
These adjustments align with the latest national pay scales to ensure fair compensation within the sector.
5. Restrictions on Dependants
As of 11 March 2024, new applicants under the Health and Care Worker visa route for care workers and senior care workers are no longer permitted to bring dependants (partners or children under 18) to the UK. This change addresses concerns over high numbers of dependants accompanying care workers and aims to reduce migration pressures.
However, if before this date a potential Care Worker had dependants under a Skilled Worker visa, they are permitted to have their dependants stay with them with a new application.
6. Compliance and Ethical Considerations
To maintain compliance and uphold ethical standards, care providers must:
-
Be registered with CQC: Ensure registration with the CQC if operating in England.
-
Prioritize Local Recruitment: Focus on hiring displaced care workers already in the UK before considering overseas applicants.
-
Adhere to Salary Thresholds: Offer salaries that meet or exceed the updated minimum requirements.
-
Bear the cost of sponsorship: Avoid charging workers for the cost of sponsorship, as this practice has been prohibited to prevent exploitation.
7. Prohibition on Passing Sponsorship Costs to Employees
As of 31 December 2024, employers are prohibited from passing certain sponsorship-related costs, such as the sponsor licence fee, Certificate of Sponsorship fee, and Immigration Skills Charge, to sponsored workers. Employers must bear these costs themselves.
8. Fee Structure
-
Sponsor Licence Fees
To sponsor a Care Worker, your organisation must hold a valid sponsor licence. These fees are paid when applying for or renewing your sponsor licence and are as follows:
-
-
Small Sponsor (50 or fewer employees, with assets under £5 million): £536
-
Large Sponsor: £1,579
-
- Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) Fees
Each Care Worker you sponsor requires a Certificate of Sponsorship. The fees are:
-
-
£525 per CoS, applicable to both new applications and renewals.
-
- Health and Care Worker Visa Application Fees:
The visa application fees for the Health and Care Worker visa are:
-
-
Up to 3 years: £304
-
More than 3 years: £590
-
These fees apply to both applications made inside and outside the UK.
How Paragon Law Can Assist
Navigating the complexities of sponsoring care workers can be challenging. At Paragon Law, we have extensive experience assisting businesses and individuals with Care Worker and Senior Care Worker applications. We are happy to assist with any enquiries about care applications in the UK.
🛑 The law applicable in this article is correct as of 8 May 2025. Immigration rules frequently change, and the information here may not reflect the latest legal position. For advice tailored to your specific circumstances, please contact us to arrange a consultation with our legal team.
Subscribe for updates

Tougher Sponsor Licence Compliance Measures Announced by Home Office in 2025.
Not ready to talk? Our free immigration resources may have the answer to your questions

How to Sponsor a Care Worker in the UK: 2025 Requirements and Guidelines

Understanding Your Rights and Conditions on a UK Skilled Worker Visa in 2025

Changes to Sponsor Licence Reporting Requirements 2025: What UK Businesses Must Know

Skilled Worker Visa Changes 2025: New Salary & Sponsorship Rules Explained

India Young Professionals Scheme 2025 – Work & Live in the UK

British Citizenship FAQ: Everything You Need to Know About Naturalisation & Registration

British Citizenship Updates: New Rules & What You Need to Know

Key UK Immigration Updates for Employers – Stay Compliant in 2025
