If you were eyeing a care worker job in the UK in 2025, here’s the headline you didn’t want to see: no more new visas for entry-level care roles. On July 22, 2025, the UK government officially shut down the Health and Care Worker visa pathway under the SOC 6145 category, effectively cutting off overseas access to these once “shortage-listed” positions. The announcement didn’t come out of nowhere—this has been in the works for months, part of a wider strategy to curb net migration and reduce the country’s dependency on foreign labour in essential but entry-level sectors.
Key Takeaways
Why the UK Ended Care Worker Visas in 2025
The UK’s rationale? The government claims it wants to “invest in domestic talent” and address rising concerns over labour exploitation in the care industry. By removing the visa route, ministers believe they’ll not only tighten migration numbers but also force employers to improve wages and conditions to attract local candidates. On paper, it sounds like a policy pivot. In practice, it cuts off a vital supply chain of international workers who’ve kept the system running—especially during and after the pandemic. The care sector is now forced to swim without a life jacket.
What Happens to Those Already on a Care Visa?
Now, let’s talk about the thousands already living and working in the UK on care visas. Are they being shown the door? Thankfully, no. The policy only affects new applicants—those already holding valid care worker visas can breathe easy, at least for now. You’re still allowed to work, stay, and even bring family members, provided your visa remains valid and you comply with its terms.
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Even better, you can extend your visa, switch employers, or even explore routes to settlement if your circumstances align with Home Office requirements. The deadline to stay on this visa is July 22, 2028, giving most workers a decent window to plan their next move. However, you won’t be able to reapply for the same visa once it expires—so switching or upgrading your role is essential if you want to stay beyond that cutoff.
For those looking to stay permanently, it’s worth consulting immigration experts now. There may be pathways into other Skilled Worker roles, especially in health and allied sectors, that could offer both visa security and a longer-term future.
How This Move Affects Employers and the Care Sector
This policy will hit UK care homes hard. Roughly 1 in 4 care workers in the UK are foreign-born. Many employers leaned heavily on the Health and Care Worker visa to plug staffing gaps created by low pay, long hours, and limited interest among local workers. With that tap now closed, recruitment agencies and care facilities face serious strain.
There’s also concern that banning entry-level roles will push some employers into riskier territory—trying to stretch existing staff, relying more on short-term contracts, or even dipping into unregulated labour. Without adequate training and recruitment drives within the UK, staffing levels could plummet, increasing pressure on already overstretched NHS and social care services.
Industry experts are already ringing the alarm bells. If local recruitment strategies don’t scale up quickly and wages aren’t improved, the quality of care may decline, leading to higher costs and longer waiting times for vulnerable patients. In short: fewer carers, more pressure, and a fragile system bracing for impact.
Alternative UK Visa Routes for Care Professionals in 2025₹
So, is the UK completely off-limits now for overseas care professionals? Not entirely. While entry-level care jobs under SOC 6145 are out, some health and social care roles are still eligible under the broader Skilled Worker visa route. Think of nurses, paramedics, senior care assistants, occupational therapists, and other qualified health professionals. These roles often require formal training, experience, and sometimes UK certification—but if you meet the criteria, they’re still viable pathways.
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Some care workers might also consider retraining or upskilling. The UK’s student visa remains open, meaning you could enrol in a nursing or healthcare course, gain qualifications locally, and then transition into an eligible skilled worker role later. This path takes time and money, but it can lead to more secure job prospects and even permanent settlement in the long run.
Another option worth exploring: switching from care work to other shortage occupation roles that remain on the Skilled Worker visa list. Think construction, engineering, hospitality management, or IT. It may sound like a sharp pivot, but for those determined to stay in the UK, career flexibility is now a strategic advantage.
Other Countries Still Welcoming Care Workers
If the UK is saying “not now,” the good news is other countries are still rolling out the red carpet for care workers. Let’s start with Germany. Known for its aging population and chronic care staff shortages, Germany actively recruits international carers. You’ll need to demonstrate some level of German language proficiency (B1 or higher is ideal), but visa routes are clear and in demand.
Ireland is another attractive destination. With its proximity to the UK and friendlier visa environment, many care workers are now eyeing the Irish route. The country’s permit process has been streamlined for healthcare professionals, and unlike the UK, Ireland hasn’t yet pulled up the drawbridge.
Canada continues to be a top choice. Through programs like the Home Support Worker Pilot, caregivers can even move toward permanent residency. The application process involves providing job offers and meeting language and experience benchmarks, but the path is transparent and well-supported.
Australia is also stepping up, especially in its aged care sector. Care workers can apply under employer-sponsored or regional migration programs, with several states offering visa nominations. Like in Canada, experience and credentials matter—but so does demand, and Australia is facing plenty of it.
Will This Ban Be Reversed or Expanded in the Future?
That’s the million-pound question: is this change permanent, or just political posturing? At present, there’s no official review date for the policy, and the government has made it clear that migration reduction is a long-term objective, not a short-term fix. However, public pressure and care sector instability could eventually force ministers to reconsider, especially if domestic recruitment falls short of expectations.
It’s also possible that similar restrictions could expand to other low-wage or high-volume sectors, especially if they’re seen as contributing to rising immigration statistics. Sectors like hospitality, retail, or warehouse logistics may be next in line. On the flip side, if the care sector collapses under its weight, the government may have no choice but to reopen the route or introduce a revised version with tighter controls.
For now, the message from the UK government is clear: entry-level care work is no longer a ticket in. But for professionals willing to train, adapt, or shift countries, plenty of doors remain open elsewhere.
Reference: https://www.communitycare.co.uk/2025/07/22/overseas-care-worker-recruitment-ban-comes-into-force/
Karan Rawat
Content strategist and Full-time editor of The Immigration World. Karan focuses on simplifying complex immigration rules and scholarship opportunities into clear, practical guidance for global readers. Passionate about making international relocation easier for everyone.
