UK Immigration Rules 2025–2026: Key Updates for Care & Support Workers

Overview of Major Changes: Effective July 2025

The most impactful changes for care and support workers took effect from July 22, 2025. These revisions primarily target the Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) process for specific roles within the care sector.

New Entrants Restriction

From July 22, 2025, individuals applying for a Health and Care Worker visa under Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) codes 6135 (Care Workers) and 6136 (Senior Care Workers) will no longer be eligible for sponsorship. For new applicants, these specific roles will generally not qualify for the Health and Care Worker visa route. This change is designed to reduce reliance on overseas workers for entry-level care positions and encourage domestic recruitment.

Transition Period for Existing Sponsored Workers

For those already working in the UK on a Health and Care Worker visa under SOC codes 6135 or 6136 before July 22, 2025, there is a crucial transition period until July 22, 2028. During this time, existing sponsored care workers retain the ability to:

• Extend their current visa: If their current visa is nearing expiry, they can apply for an extension.
• Switch employers: They can move to a new UK care employer, provided the new employer holds a valid sponsor licence and assigns a new CoS.

Switching from Other Visa Routes

Individuals already in the UK on other visa routes — such as a Student Visa or Graduate Visa — who wish to switch into a care worker or senior care worker role can still do so during the transition period. However, a new condition applies: they must have been legally employed by a care provider for at least three months before a CoS can be assigned to them. This measure ensures that individuals switching into the care sector have genuine experience and commitment.

Impact on Dependants

While the July 2025 changes focus on sponsorship, it is important to recall earlier immigration rule adjustments affecting dependants of care workers. From March 2024, care workers under SOC codes 6135 and 6136 are generally no longer permitted to bring dependants (partners and children) to the UK. The only exception is for those who were already in the Health and Care Worker visa route as a care worker before March 11, 2024, and are extending their visa or switching employers. This change has significant implications for family unity and planning for many care professionals.

Salary Thresholds and the Immigration Salary List

Currently, the Health and Care Worker visa route benefits from a relaxed minimum salary threshold of £25,000 per year, significantly lower than the general Skilled Worker visa threshold of £41,700. This concession has made it more accessible for care providers to sponsor overseas talent.

However, the government intends to remove SOC codes 6135 and 6136 from the Immigration Salary List by July 22, 2028. This signals a potential end to the salary discount for these roles. After this date, care workers may need to meet the higher general Skilled Worker visa salary requirements, or these roles might no longer be eligible for sponsorship at all.

What These Changes Mean for You

For Current Sponsored Care Workers

If you are already working in the UK under a Health and Care Worker visa, the transition period until July 2028 is crucial. It provides an opportunity to extend your stay or switch employers under the current, more favourable conditions. Plan your career moves strategically within this timeframe.

For Those Considering a Care Career in the UK

If you are outside the UK or on another visa route and aspire to work as a care worker or senior care worker, the path has become more challenging. You may need to explore alternative visa routes, consider roles with different SOC codes, or focus on gaining qualifications that open doors to other skilled worker categories.

For Employers

Care providers face significant challenges adapting to these new rules. They will need to intensify domestic recruitment efforts and potentially explore sponsoring workers for roles under different SOC codes that remain eligible for the Health and Care Worker visa.

Looking Ahead to 2026 and Beyond

The UK government's stance on immigration in the care sector is clearly shifting towards reducing reliance on overseas labour for certain roles. While the immediate future offers a transition period for existing workers, the long-term outlook suggests a more stringent environment. Continuous professional development and exploring diverse career pathways within the care sector will become even more critical.

Conclusion

The UK immigration rules for 2025–2026 represent a pivotal moment for care and support workers. While the changes introduce new restrictions, particularly for new entrants, they also provide a clear roadmap and transition period for existing professionals. By understanding these updates, planning proactively, and leveraging resources for career development, care workers can navigate this evolving landscape successfully and continue their invaluable contribution to the UK's health and social care system.