Are you looking for a stable, well-paying job in the United Kingdom that doesn’t require a university degree? Becoming a care assistant in the country with visa sponsorship might be your best opportunity in 2025
With hourly pay starting from £15.60 (and even higher in major cities), free training, and a Tier 2 Health and Care Worker Visa, thousands of international candidates are building rewarding careers in the UK healthcare industry.
The country’s demand for compassionate and reliable care assistants continues to grow due to an aging population and workforce shortages. If you’re passionate about helping others, this guide will show you how to qualify, apply, and get sponsored to work legally in the United Kingdom.
Why the UK Needs Care Assistants in 2025
The UK’s healthcare sector is under immense pressure particularly in social care services. According to the UK’s Office for National Statistics (ONS), there are over 160,000 unfilled care worker roles nationwide.
This shortage has created a pathway for foreign applicants to get sponsored employment under the Health and Care Worker Visa program.
Key reasons for rising demand:
- Aging population (nearly 20% of UK residents are over 65)
- Expansion of community and home-care services
- Increased government investment in social care
- Shortage of domestic care workers post-Brexit
This makes care jobs one of the most in-demand and visa-sponsored careers in the UK right now.
How Much Can You Earn as a Care Assistant in the UK?
The UK government raised the minimum salary threshold for sponsored health workers to £15.60/hour or £30,000+ annually in 2025. However, pay rates often depend on region, employer type, and experience.
Average Care Assistant Salaries by Region (2025)
| Region | Average Hourly Pay (£) | Estimated Monthly Salary (£) |
| London | £15.60 – £18.50 | £2,600 – £3,200 |
| Manchester | £14.50 – £16.00 | £2,300 – £2,700 |
| Birmingham | £14.00 – £15.80 | £2,200 – £2,600 |
| Leeds | £13.80 – £15.20 | £2,100 – £2,500 |
| Glasgow | £13.50 – £14.80 | £2,000 – £2,400 |
Understanding Visa Sponsorship for UK Care Assistants
To work legally in the UK as a foreign applicant, you need to be employed by an approved sponsor under the Health and Care Worker Visa (a subcategory of the Tier 2 Skilled Worker Visa).
Key Benefits of the Health and Care Worker Visa:
- Fast-tracked processing time (usually within 3 weeks)
- Lower visa fees than regular work visas
- No immigration health surcharge
- Opportunity to bring dependents (spouse and children)
- Pathway to permanent residency after 5 years
Basic Eligibility Requirements:
- Valid job offer from a UK employer licensed by the Home Office
- Minimum salary of £15.60/hour or £30,000/year
- English proficiency (IELTS UKVI score of 4.0+ recommended)
- Criminal record check
- Proof of sufficient maintenance funds (unless your employer covers it)
Requirements to Become a Care Assistant (No Degree Needed)
One of the biggest advantages of this career path is that no university degree is required. Most employers provide full training upon hiring.
Minimum Requirements Include:
- Good English communication skills
- Compassionate and patient personality
- Clean medical and criminal background
- Basic understanding of healthcare or first aid (preferred but not mandatory)
- Willingness to work shifts, weekends, or nights if required
Some employers may also request NVQ Level 2 or 3 in Health and Social Care, but many accept new entrants who are willing to train on the job.
How to Apply for Care Assistant Jobs in the UK (Step-by-Step Guide)
Follow these steps to secure your care job with sponsorship:
Step 1: Prepare Your Application Documents
Gather the following:
- Updated CV (UK format)
- Cover letter highlighting caregiving experience or motivation
- Passport and academic certificates
- IELTS or English test results (if applicable)
- Reference letters from past employers (if any)
Step 2: Search for UK Visa-Sponsored Care Assistant Jobs
Look for verified sponsors through:
- UK Government’s Approved Sponsor List
🔗 gov.uk/government/publications/register-of-licensed-sponsors-workers - NHS Jobs Portal: www.jobs.nhs.uk
- Care agencies: Agincare, Helping Hands, Bupa Care Services, Care UK, and Elysium Healthcare
Step 3: Apply Directly via Employer Website or Email
Ensure your email application is professional, clear, and free from errors. Personalize each cover letter to the specific employer.
Step 4: Attend Online Interview
If shortlisted, you’ll be interviewed via Zoom or Microsoft Teams. Questions typically test communication skills, empathy, and situational judgment.
Step 5: Receive Job Offer + Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
Once selected, your employer issues a Certificate of Sponsorship, allowing you to apply for your visa.
Step 6: Apply for the Health and Care Worker Visa
Apply online through the official UK visa website. Processing usually takes 3–4 weeks.
Top UK Employers Offering Visa Sponsorship for Care Assistants (2025)
Here are some verified companies and institutions currently recruiting international candidates:
- Agincare Group Ltd – Offers free training, accommodation, and visa sponsorship.
- Bupa Care Homes – One of the largest private care networks in the UK.
- Helping Hands Home Care – Known for flexible shifts and career progression.
- Elysium Healthcare – Specializes in mental health and rehabilitation care.
- NHS Trusts – Thousands of open positions across hospitals and community care settings.
Conclusion
Working as a care assistant in the UK is one of the most accessible and rewarding career paths for foreign applicants in 2025. With £15.60/hour pay, free training, and visa sponsorship, you can build a long-term, stable career while helping others live more independently.
If you’re passionate about caregiving, start today — explore NHS or private care listings, prepare your documents, and take your first step toward a life-changing opportunity in the UK.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can foreigners apply for care assistant jobs in the UK?
Yes. Foreigners can apply through the Health and Care Worker Visa, provided they secure sponsorship from a licensed UK employer.
2. Do I need a degree to work as a care assistant?
No degree is required. Most employers offer on-the-job training, but experience in caregiving or basic healthcare is an advantage.
3. What is the salary for care assistants in the UK?
The average pay is around £15.60 per hour, which equals £30,000–£32,000 per year. Some regions offer free accommodation and overtime bonuses.
4. How long does the visa sponsorship process take?
It typically takes 3 to 4 weeks after receiving your Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) to get a decision.
5. Can I bring my family to the UK on this visa?
Yes. The Health and Care Worker Visa allows you to bring your spouse and dependent children.
6. Which employers sponsor care assistant jobs in the UK?
Top sponsors include NHS Trusts, Agincare, Bupa Care Homes, and Helping Hands Home Care.
7. Is IELTS mandatory for visa sponsorship?
It’s not always mandatory, but an IELTS UKVI score of 4.0 or higher helps prove English proficiency for your visa and employer.
8. Can I get permanent residency through this job?
Yes. After 5 years of continuous work under the Health and Care Worker Visa, you may apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).