The demand for care assistants in the UK continues to rise, creating a growing number of opportunities for foreign nationals who want to work and build a career in the UK healthcare sector. If you’re passionate about helping others and are considering applying for a UK care assistant job with visa sponsorship, this guide breaks down everything you need to qualify — from skills and documentation to the visa process and job search tips.
Why the UK Needs Care Assistants
The UK has a rapidly ageing population and an increasing need for healthcare and personal support services. Care assistants play a vital role in helping vulnerable individuals — including the elderly, disabled, and chronically ill — live safely and comfortably.
To address the workforce gap, the UK government introduced the Health and Care Worker Visa, which allows international applicants to work in eligible health and social care roles, including care assistants, support workers, and home carers.
Who Can Apply for a Care Assistant Job with Visa Sponsorship?
The care assistant role is an entry-level healthcare job, but it still requires certain qualifications, personal attributes, and documents. Here’s a breakdown of what you need:
1. Educational Requirements
There is no formal university degree required to become a care assistant in the UK. However, most employers will expect the following:
- Basic education or secondary school certificate
- Health and Social Care training or certifications (if available)
- In some cases, prior experience in caregiving or nursing is highly beneficial
Some applicants also choose to complete NVQ Level 2 or Level 3 in Health and Social Care, although this is not mandatory before arriving in the UK — you can often complete it on the job.
2. Relevant Work Experience (Preferred)
Although care assistant jobs are open to beginners, having some prior experience in caregiving, support work, or healthcare makes your application stronger. This includes:
- Home caregiving (even for a family member)
- Volunteering at clinics or hospitals
- Working in a care home or assisted living facility
Employers may require at least 6 months to 1 year of experience depending on the role.
3. English Language Proficiency
To be eligible for the Health and Care Worker visa, you must prove your proficiency in English. You can meet this requirement in the following ways:
- Pass an approved English language test (IELTS UKVI) with a minimum CEFR level B1 (equivalent to IELTS 4.0+ in reading, writing, speaking, and listening)
- Hold a degree taught in English and recognized by UK NARIC (ECCTIS)
- Be from an English-speaking country (e.g., Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa)
Without English proficiency, your visa application may be rejected, so it’s important to prepare for and pass the required tests.
4. A Job Offer from a Licensed UK Sponsor
You cannot apply for a visa without a valid job offer from a UK-based employer that holds a sponsorship license.
When applying, check that:
- The employer is on the UK Home Office’s list of licensed sponsors
- The job offer includes a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) — a digital document that proves the employer is sponsoring your visa
The Certificate of Sponsorship must also include:
- Your job title and description
- Duration of employment
- Your salary (must meet the minimum threshold)
- The sponsor license number of the employer
5. Minimum Salary Requirement
For care assistant roles, the UK Home Office requires a minimum annual salary of £20,960 or £10.75 per hour (as of 2025). If the job offer doesn’t meet this salary, your visa may be refused.
For care assistant roles, the UK Home Office requires a minimum annual salary of £20,960 or £10.75 per hour (as of 2025). If the job offer doesn’t meet this salary, your visa may be refused.
Some employers offer higher pay depending on:
- Location (London typically pays more)
- Experience and training
- Night or weekend shifts
6. Police Clearance and Background Checks
As care assistants work with vulnerable individuals, you must provide:
- A police clearance certificate from your country
- Proof of a clean criminal record
- References from past employers or supervisors
UK employers will also run a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check once you arrive.
7. Tuberculosis (TB) Test Results
If you’re from a country where TB testing is required for UK visas (e.g., Nigeria, India, Ghana, etc.), you must undergo a UK-approved TB test and submit the certificate with your visa application.
8. Proof of Funds (if not fully sponsored)
If your employer does not cover your accommodation or living expenses, you may be required to show that you can support yourself financially.
As of 2025, you should have at least £1,270 in your bank account for 28 consecutive days before applying, unless your sponsor states otherwise in the CoS.
9. Genuine Intent and Caregiving Skills
Beyond paperwork, employers look for:
- Empathy and compassion
- Strong communication skills
- Patience and resilience
- A willingness to learn and adapt
During interviews, be prepared to talk about your motivation, past experience, and how you would handle real-life caregiving scenarios.
10. Applying for the Health and Care Worker Visa
Once you have a job offer and a Certificate of Sponsorship, you can apply for the Health and Care Worker visa online via the UK government website.
Documents needed for the visa application include:
- A valid passport
- Your Certificate of Sponsorship reference number
- Proof of English proficiency
- TB test results (if applicable)
- Police clearance certificate
- Proof of funds (if not fully sponsored)
The visa application fee is lower than regular skilled worker visas and you’re also exempt from the NHS surcharge, giving you access to free healthcare in the UK.
Getting a UK care assistant job with visa sponsorship is a real and achievable goal — especially if you take the right steps, get the right training, and apply to verified employers.
With the right combination of qualifications, attitude, and preparation, your dream of working in the UK healthcare system can become a reality.
Quick Checklist:
Basic education
Experience (preferred but not required)
English proficiency (IELTS UKVI or equivalent)
Certificate of Sponsorship
TB test (if applicable)
Police clearance
Proof of funds (if needed)
If you’re ready to apply, start researching UK employers with sponsorship licenses and begin preparing your documents today. The opportunity is real — and it’s waiting for you.
