The UK Care Worker Visa was once the most popular route — the Health and Care Worker visa opened to care workers (code 6135) and senior care workers (6136) in 2022. Then the rules changed sharply: new overseas recruitment for these codes is now closed.
UK Care Worker Visa: Overseas Hiring Closed Since July 2025
On 22 July 2025, the UK closed the care worker and senior care worker routes to new applicants applying from outside the UK — from India today, no fresh Certificate of Sponsorship is possible for codes 6135/6136. As per current reports, no reversal has been announced. Anyone claiming they can “bring you directly from India on a UK care worker visa” right now is misleading you — never pay money on such a promise.
Who Can Still Use This Route: Transition Till July 2028
People already in the UK get a transition period until 22 July 2028 — you can still extend or switch if you:
- Are legally in the UK on another route (Student, Graduate or dependant visa).
- Have worked for your sponsor for 3+ continuous months before the CoS is issued.
- Work for a CQC-registered employer with a regulated activity (for jobs in England).
- Meet the salary threshold and the English requirement (currently CEFR B1 — verify the latest on gov.uk).
After 22 July 2028, these codes are expected to be removed from eligibility entirely.
UK Care Worker Visa: Salary, Dependants and Key Conditions
| Condition | Current rule (verify on gov.uk before applying) |
|---|---|
| Minimum salary | £25,000/year or £12.82/hour, or the going rate — whichever is higher |
| New overseas applicants | Not accepted since 22 July 2025 |
| In-country switchers | Allowed until 22 July 2028, with 3+ months with the sponsor |
| Dependants | Care workers cannot bring partners/children; those in the UK before 11 March 2024 keep existing rights |
| Health surcharge | Generally not payable on the Health and Care Worker route |
| Maintenance funds | Generally £1,270 held for 28+ days, unless the sponsor certifies it |
| Decision time | Usually within 3 weeks of biometrics, as per current guidance |
The dependant ban matters: since March 2024, care workers cannot bring a partner or children as dependants — only those already in the UK before 11 March 2024 keep family rights.
How the Application Works (If Eligible)
- Get a genuine offer from a licensed, CQC-registered sponsor (in England).
- Receive your Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) reference number.
- Prove English at the required level (currently B1 — check the latest).
- Show £1,270 maintenance funds for 28 days, unless your sponsor certifies it.
- Apply online on the official gov.uk “Health and Care Worker visa” page.
- Give biometrics — decision generally within 3 weeks, as per current guidance.
Compare with our UK Skilled Worker visa guide for Indians, Protector of Emigrants guide and Gulf medical test process.
Scam Red Flags for UK Care Job Seekers
- “Direct UK care worker visa from India — guaranteed”: impossible since July 2025.
- Advance “placement fees” in lakhs: genuine sponsors never charge workers.
- Fake CoS numbers: verify the sponsor on the official licensed-sponsor register.
- No CQC registration: an unregistered employer cannot get the visa issued.
- Pressure to pay fast: real recruitment takes weeks, not hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply from India right now?
No — closed 22 July 2025. Only people already in the UK can extend or switch, until July 2028.
Can I take my family on this visa?
Generally no — unless you were already in the UK on this route before 11 March 2024.
What is the minimum salary?
At least £25,000/year (about £12.82/hour) or the going rate, whichever is higher. Verify the latest on gov.uk.
Does the employer need special registration?
Yes. In England, the care provider must be CQC-registered with an active regulated activity.
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