The following guidance has been produced by the Care Association Alliance, in conjunction with the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), to help clarify the current situation surrounding international recruitment in the adult social care sector.
International Recruitment Update 2025
Recruitment from the Domestic Workforce remains as the first place to look for employers in the care sector
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It is cheaper – NLW is less than immigration minimum salary
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Employment can be more flexible to suit employees and the service
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There are no licence compliance issues which are a significant burden for SMEs
International recruitment has played a valuable role in helping grow the adult social care workforce and given the health and care sectors the benefit of the skill and commitment of overseas workers who wish to work in the UK.
However, it is the Government’s policy to reduce reliance on international recruitment in adult social care and improve domestic recruitment and retention, which is why the Health and Care visa is being closed.
The details are:
From 22nd July 2025 the visa route will be closed – licence holders will no longer be able to apply for Defined Certificates of Sponsorship to support recruitment of Care Workers and Senior Care Workers from overseas. There are no exceptions for individual countries. If applications are in process, there are specific rules.
From 22nd July 2025 – 22nd July 2028, there will be a transition period (to be kept under review) where in-country applications (including from other visa routes) will continue to be permitted for Care Workers and Senior Care Workers, provided individuals are already working in these roles in the adult social care sector.
This means, for example, that care providers will continue to be able to access students and individuals on the Graduate Route, who we know have provided a vital role in workforce capacity in recent years.
People with Health and Care Visas will (subject to having a sponsor) be able to:
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Extend their visa with their current employer
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Change jobs within the sector and then apply for a new visa
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Change from Care Worker to Senior Care Worker if they are promoted
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Undefined CoS remain subject to the current rules around needing to show a genuine vacancy
Individuals with a right to work in the UK may apply for a Health and Care Visa if:
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They have worked legally for the provider who is applying to sponsor them for 3 months prior to the sponsorship being applied for
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The same genuine vacancy rules apply as for any other UCoS request
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This includes those with dependent visas, as well as students and Post-Study Work (PSW) visa holders
NOTE: There is no need for someone who already holds a Health and Care Visa and is merely changing jobs to work for the new sponsor for 3 months before a CoS is assigned.
There will no longer be a requirement for providers to engage with regional hubs before applying for a UCoS. However, continued engagement is strongly advised, as hubs remain a support system for displaced workers and have access to individuals who may be suitable to fill vacancies. Some regions may also have funding to support the recruitment of displaced workers.
From 23rd July 2028:
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No new entrants to the Health and Care visa from other visa types will be permitted
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Visa holders in the care sector will continue to be able to extend their visa and change employers to a new sponsor
All of the above is subject to ongoing review and may be revised in line with future changes to Government policy.
SESCA’s Continued Support
SESCA continues to support South East-based care providers to recruit in-country migrant care workers who have become displaced, following the revocation of their original sponsor’s licence. We maintain a database of displaced workers and offer practical support and funding to help providers recruit and onboard these experienced individuals.