For years, “UK care jobs with visa sponsorship” was the most searched route abroad for Nigerians, Zimbabweans, Ghanaians and Kenyans. That door has now closed for anyone applying from outside the UK.
On 22 July 2025, the UK stopped giving Health and Care Worker visas to new overseas applicants for care worker (occupation code 6135) and senior care worker (6136) jobs. Any “care job with visa sponsorship” advertised to people abroad after that date can’t lead to a UK visa through this route.
Who is affected
- People abroad: can no longer get a UK visa as a care worker or senior care worker.
- Care workers already in the UK: can still switch or extend in the UK until 22 July 2028. The government says this is “kept under review”.
The numbers show the change. Health and Care main-applicant grants fell by 65% in the year to June 2026.
Who can still get a UK health visa from abroad
The Health and Care Worker visa is still open to qualified health professionals, including:
- doctors,
- nurses,
- midwives, and
- other registered health professionals.
The job must pay at least £25,000 or the going rate for the role (or the NHS pay scale for listed jobs), and Health and Care Worker visa holders don’t pay the immigration health surcharge. See GOV.UK.
If you’re a nurse, read our guide on registering as a nurse in the UK or Ireland.
Other routes open to Africans in 2026
Ireland: Critical Skills Employment Permit. Registered nurses, midwives and doctors are on Ireland’s Critical Skills list. The minimum salary is €40,904 for listed jobs with a relevant degree, and you need a job offer of at least 2 years. Department of Enterprise.
Canada: Express Entry healthcare draws. Canada runs category draws for healthcare and social services, including registered nurses, licensed practical nurses and nurse aides. You need at least 12 months of work in one listed job within the last 3 years. IRCC category-based selection.
Germany: Opportunity Card. A one-year job-search visa for skilled people with a recognised degree or vocational training. See our Opportunity Card guide.
Protect yourself
Because the care route has closed, be very careful with anyone selling “UK care visa sponsorship” to people abroad. Real UK employers don’t charge for a certificate of sponsorship. Check any offer against the official GOV.UK pages linked above before you pay anyone.