UK Care Visa 2026 Requirements and Salary Guide for Foreign Workers

The UK Care Visa continues to be one of the most popular routes for foreign workers who want to move to the United Kingdom. In 2026, salaries for care workers range from £23,200 to £29,000 per year, with higher pay available for senior carers and support roles. The UK government is still facing labour shortages in health and social care, which means employers are actively hiring international workers who meet the visa requirements.

If you want to work as a care assistant, support worker or senior carer in the UK, this guide gives you everything you need in simple and clear steps. You will learn the jobs in demand, the salary breakdown, employer requirements and the full visa process for 2026.

Why the UK Needs Care Workers in 2026

The United Kingdom has an ageing population, a growing number of people with disabilities and a shortage of local workers in the care sector. Many care homes, hospitals and community services struggle to find enough staff. This shortage has increased the demand for international workers who are willing and qualified to take care roles.

Because of this, the UK government kept care workers and senior care assistants on the Skilled Worker Visa list for 2026. This means employers are still allowed to sponsor foreign applicants who meet the requirements.

UK Care Worker Salary Guide 2026

Salaries depend on the employer, region and job level. Below is a simple table showing what you can expect in 2026.

Live in carers are often paid weekly because they stay in the client’s home and support them full time.

Cost of Living Comparison in the UK for 2026

Knowing how far your salary will go is important. Here is a breakdown of average monthly living costs for common UK cities.

Most care workers prefer cities outside London because rent is much more affordable.

Jobs in Demand for the UK Care Visa 2026

The UK is hiring across several care roles. These are the most common positions for international workers.

Care Assistant

Duties include personal care, meal preparation, home support and companionship.

Support Worker

Works with people who have disabilities or mental health needs. Duties include daily living activities, community support and emotional care.

Senior Carer

Leads a small team of carers, creates care plans and supports complex needs.

Healthcare Assistant

Works in hospitals under nurses and doctors. Duties include taking vital signs, assisting with mobility and preparing patients for treatment.

Live in Carer

Stays in a client’s home and provides full day support, including personal care and medication reminders.

These roles are spread across care homes, supported living facilities, private homes and hospitals.

UK Care Visa 2026 Requirements

To work legally as a care worker in the UK, you must meet the immigration and job criteria.

1. A Licensed Sponsor Employer

You need a job offer from an employer approved by the UK Home Office. Only licensed sponsors can issue Certificates of Sponsorship.

2. Valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)

Your employer will give you a document that contains your job details, salary and sponsorship reference number.

3. Minimum Salary Requirement

The minimum salary for most care visas in 2026 is £23,200. Senior carers earn more.

4. Qualifications or Experience

Most employers expect:

• Experience as a caregiver

• A health related certificate

• Training in first aid, safeguarding or manual handling

Some employers provide training after you arrive.

5. English Language Ability

You must prove your English knowledge through:

• IELTS

• PTE

• GCSE English (if you studied in an English speaking system)

IELTS requirement is usually at least level 4.

6. Tuberculosis Test (TB test)

Applicants from many African and Asian countries need a TB test.

7. Police Clearance Certificate

You must present a clearance certificate to show good character.

8. Proof of Funds

If your employer does not provide maintenance on your Certificate of Sponsorship, you must show at least £1,270 in your bank account.

Step by Step Application Guide for the UK Care Visa 2026

This section explains the full process in a simple way.

Step 1: Prepare a UK Style CV

Your CV should include:

• Work experience

• Responsibilities

• Training and certifications

• Education

• Clear contact details

Keep it simple and professional.

Step 2: Apply for Care Jobs

You can find jobs on:

• Indeed UK

• NHS Jobs

• Totaljobs

• Reed

• Trac

• Care home websites

Search for employers with visa sponsorship.

Step 3: Attend Interviews

Interviews may be online or on video call. Employers want to know your experience, communication skills and passion for care.

Step 4: Receive a Job Offer

If selected, the employer will offer you a position.

Step 5: Employer Issues Certificate of Sponsorship

Once you accept, your employer will process your CoS. This document is required before you can apply for your visa.

Step 6: Gather Your Documents

You will need:

• Passport

• TB certificate

• Police clearance

• English test result

• CoS number

• Bank statement if needed

Keep everything clear and organized.

Step 7: Apply Online for the Skilled Worker Visa

You will fill in your application form on the UK government website. You must pay:

• Visa fee

• Health surcharge which allows you to access NHS services

Step 8: Attend Biometrics Appointment

You go to a visa application center for fingerprints and a photo.

Step 9: Wait for a Decision

Visa processing usually takes 3 to 12 weeks depending on your country of application.

Step 10: Travel to the UK

Once your visa is approved, you can start your job as a care worker.

Benefits of the UK Care Visa 2026

Many people choose this pathway because it offers strong advantages.

✔ Opportunity to bring family

You can bring your spouse and children under the Skilled Worker Visa.

✔ Clear path to permanent residency

You can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain after five years.

✔ Access to the NHS

Visa holders get full access to the National Health Service.

✔ Stable Salary

Pay is consistent and increases with experience and progression.

✔ Career growth

You can move from care assistant to senior carer, supervisor, nursing associate or nurse if you continue studies.

✔ Strong worker protections

The UK has rules that protect employees from exploitation.

Challenges to Expect in the UK Care Sector

Knowing the challenges helps you prepare better.

❗ Heavy workload

Care roles involve long hours and emotional energy.

❗ Weather adjustment

Many migrants take time to adjust to cold weather.

❗ High rent in big cities

London rent is especially expensive.

❗ Cultural adjustments

You may need time to adapt to UK communication style and work culture.

❗ Physical demands

Care work requires physical strength and patience.

Despite these challenges, many people still enjoy working in care because it is meaningful and stable.

Best UK Regions for Care Workers in 2026

Some regions offer higher job availability, lower rent and better chances of sponsorship.

1. North West England

Cities like Manchester and Liverpool offer many care jobs and cheaper rent.

2. West Midlands

Birmingham and surrounding towns have high demand for support workers and senior carers.

3. East Midlands

Cities like Nottingham and Leicester provide affordable living and many vacancies.

4. Yorkshire

Leeds, Sheffield and Bradford have many care home and community support roles.

5. Scotland

Glasgow and Edinburgh offer a large number of care jobs and lower competition.

Conclusion

The UK Care Visa 2026 remains one of the most accessible and reliable routes for foreign workers. With salaries between £23,200 and £29,000, clear visa requirements and strong demand across the country, this pathway offers a solid opportunity for people who are passionate about supporting others.

If you prepare your documents, follow the application steps and target employers who sponsor visas, you can successfully begin your journey as a care worker in the United Kingdom.