The overseas recruitment route for care workers and senior care workers closed in July 2025. Since then, sponsorship in these roles has operated under transitional arrangements, due to end on 22 July 2028.
As we move closer to that date, providers must understand what the post-2028 landscape is likely to look like — and plan accordingly.
The Current Position (2026–July 2028)
While direct overseas recruitment into care worker roles is no longer permitted, limited sponsorship remains possible.
Providers may still sponsor:
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Existing Health & Care Worker visa holders extending their leave
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Sponsored care workers switching employers
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Displaced workers seeking a new sponsor
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Individuals already in the UK who qualify to switch under transitional rules
These arrangements provide a temporary continuation of the route — but they are time-limited.
What Happens After 22 July 2028?
The transitional provisions are expected to end.
Based on current Government policy direction:
No New Entrants
Individuals who are not already sponsored in a care worker or senior care worker role are unlikely to be able to switch into these roles after July 2028. The pipeline for new sponsored frontline care staff will effectively close.
Sponsorship Limited to Existing Visa Holders
Sponsorship is expected to be limited to workers who already hold a Health & Care Worker visa in these roles. They may remain with their current employer or switch sponsors within the same occupation code.
Higher Salary Thresholds
Care worker roles are expected to be removed from the Immigration Salary List. Sponsorship would therefore fall under the general Skilled Worker framework — currently requiring a salary of £41,700 per annum (or the applicable going rate, whichever is higher).
At this level, sponsorship of frontline care roles will not be financially viable for most providers.
The Practical Impact
In practical terms, July 2028 represents a structural turning point:
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The international recruitment route for new care workers will be effectively closed
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The sponsored workforce will gradually reduce over time
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Workforce pressures are likely to intensify
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Providers will need to accelerate domestic recruitment and retention strategies
The direction of travel is clear: Government policy is progressively winding down reliance on internationally recruited frontline care staff.
We are awaiting formal clarification from the Home Office regarding detailed post-2028 arrangements and related reforms, including proposed “Earned Settlement” changes that could extend the period sponsored care workers remain visa-dependent from 5 years to up to 15 years before becoming eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).
SESCA will continue to monitor developments closely and provide updates as further guidance becomes available.