As part of the UK government’s 2025 Immigration White Paper, the social care visa route is now closed to new international applicants. Introduced in 2022 to address critical labour shortages in the adult social care sector, the visa had enabled thousands of workers from abroad to fill vital roles in residential homes, supported living settings and domiciliary care.
While the route provided a lifeline to both employers and care recipients, the government has now confirmed it will be phased out in favour of increased domestic recruitment and sector reform. If you’re currently working in the UK under this visa or were planning to apply from abroad, it’s important to understand what this means for your future – and what legal options may still be available to you.
How are social care visas changing?
The social care visa has previously been used by overseas nationals to work in care roles in the UK. Under the new rules, this visa route is no longer open to new applicants from overseas. This means care workers abroad can no longer apply to enter the UK specifically for roles such as care assistants, support workers or home carers through the Skilled Worker visa.
However, the government has introduced a transition period lasting until 2028. During this time, individuals already living and working in the UK under this visa can:
- Extend their current care work visa, if eligible
- Switch into another eligible job role within the UK, such as another route under the Skilled Worker scheme or family visa (where applicable)
This transitional allowance is designed to give existing workers time to plan ahead while the care sector shifts toward new recruitment and training models.
Who will be affected?
This policy change affects multiple groups:
- Care workers currently in the UK under the Skilled Worker route. Migrants in social care roles will no longer be able to renew their visas indefinitely beyond 2028 unless they switch categories.
- Prospective applicants outside the UK who hoped to apply for a care work visa will now need to explore other legal routes.
- UK-based care sector employers who have relied on international recruitment will need to adjust their workforce planning accordingly.
- Private families employing carers through sponsorship may also be impacted by the restrictions on new overseas recruitment.
While the policy intends to prioritise long-term reform of the UK’s social care sector, the short-term implications for both workers and employers are significant. Understanding what’s still possible during the transition period is essential.
What can you do if you’re already in the UK?
If you’re currently in the UK on a social care visa, the transition period offers some flexibility. You will be able to:
- Extend your current visa up to 2028, provided you continue to meet the eligibility criteria and remain employed in an approved role.
- Switch to a different job role within the UK that qualifies under the updated Skilled Worker visa scheme. This includes certain healthcare positions (such as nursing and occupational therapy) if you have the required qualifications.
- Explore switching to a family or dependant visa, if you meet the criteria through a spouse, partner or parent in the UK.
- Apply for a student visa, which could allow you to retrain in a field that qualifies under the points-based system.
It’s important to start planning early, especially if your current visa is due to expire before the end of the transition period. Switching routes may involve different income thresholds, job roles or sponsor requirements, so seeking legal advice can help ensure you remain on a valid immigration path.
Related: What Does the New 10-Year Settlement Rule Mean for Migrants in the UK?
What if you’re outside the UK?
For individuals outside the UK who were hoping to apply for a social care role under the Skilled Worker visa, this route is now closed to new applications. While this is likely disappointing, there may be other options to explore:
- Other health and care roles may still be available through the Skilled Worker route, particularly those at RQF Level 6 or above (graduate level). This could include roles in nursing, paramedicine or social work.
- Family visas may be an option if you have close relatives in the UK.
- Study routes could allow you to gain UK qualifications and later apply to switch into eligible work visas from within the country.
- For individuals with exceptional backgrounds, the High Potential Individual or Global Talent visas may offer alternate pathways.
How should employers respond to the changes?
Employers in the care sector will also need to adjust to these changes. If your business currently sponsors care workers from overseas, it’s important to:
- Review all sponsored employees and identify who may require extensions before 2028.
- Avoid offering new sponsorships for ineligible roles that no longer qualify under the Skilled Worker route.
- Invest in domestic recruitment and workforce development as required under the government’s broader strategy.
- Maintain compliance with sponsor licence duties, particularly during the transition period.
Expert legal assistance for individuals and employers
Closing the social care visa route is a big step for the government to take, which will undoubtedly impact lots of individuals and businesses. At such a tricky time, it’s important to be cautious of misinformation or unregulated recruitment agencies promising shortcuts.
Legal advice from a qualified solicitor can ensure that social care workers understand the correct routes available and avoid costly mistakes. For employers, solicitors can assist with reviewing your existing sponsorship structure and ensuring continued compliance under the evolving immigration framework.
At Osbourne Pinner, we understand that this policy change creates uncertainty for both individuals and employers. Our immigration solicitors are here to help you:
- Extend your social care visa or explore switching to another immigration route
- Understand eligibility for other health and care roles under the Skilled Worker system
- Review your employer sponsorship arrangements and ensure ongoing compliance
- Plan a long-term immigration strategy based on your current circumstances and future goals
Whether you’re a care worker worried about your future or a business looking to adapt responsibly, we offer clear legal guidance to help you move forward.
Book your free 30-minute consultation today by emailing [email protected], calling 0203 983 5080 or using our online enquiry form.
