Overseas recruitment of care workers has closed
Since 22 July 2025, care providers can no longer recruit care workers or senior care workers from overseas. New applications from outside the UK for these roles are closed.
What care providers can still do
During a transition period until 22 July 2028, which the government keeps under review, you can still:
- Extend the visas of care workers you already sponsor
- Sponsor care workers who are already in the UK and need a new sponsor, for example after another provider's licence was revoked
- Help eligible workers switch into a care role from another visa, if they have worked for you legally for at least 3 months first
The Welsh Government reports that the Home Office has confirmed the 2028 cut-off applies to people switching into the route, and that workers already on it can continue to extend after 2028. We'll confirm the position for each of your workers.
Nurses and other healthcare roles
Registered nurses and other degree-level healthcare roles can still be sponsored through the Health and Care route, subject to the usual requirements, including professional registration. New Skilled Worker applicants have needed English at B2 level since January 2026.
Compliance: why care licences are being revoked
The care sector has seen a sharp rise in sponsor licence suspensions and revocations. Common problems include paying workers less than their Certificate of Sponsorship states, not giving sponsored workers the hours promised, poor record-keeping, and late reporting of changes. When a licence is revoked, your sponsored workers' permission is usually cut short, which can leave you without staff overnight.
Protect your licence and your staff
Our sponsor licence compliance service is designed for providers like you: a mock Home Office audit of your records, a clear action plan, help reporting changes on time, and preparation for compliance visits. We also handle extensions and in-country switching applications for your care workers.
Sponsor licence for care homes help in Manchester
We're IAA-regulated and based in Manchester city centre, working with employers across the North West and the rest of the UK. We check which of your roles can be sponsored, prepare your sponsor licence application, and keep you compliant with our sponsor licence compliance service.
How we help
- Check your eligibility and confirm the right route at your consultation
- Give you a personalised document checklist
- Prepare and complete your application forms
- Review all evidence against the current rules before submission
- Keep you updated until you have a decision
Fees and timescales
Our fee is agreed before we start. See our fees. Government fees are paid separately, and are listed on GOV.UK.
Common questions
Can care homes still recruit care workers from overseas?
No. Overseas recruitment of care workers and senior care workers closed on 22 July 2025.
Can I sponsor a care worker who is already in the UK?
Yes, during the transition period until 22 July 2028, for eligible workers. People switching from another visa must usually have worked for you legally for at least 3 months first.
Why are so many care sponsor licences being revoked?
Mostly for compliance failures, such as underpaying sponsored workers, not giving promised hours, or poor records. A compliance audit helps you find and fix problems first.