£26,200 Care Home Jobs in UK with Sponsorship: List of CQC Registered Employers
The UK care sector is experiencing an unprecedented staffing crisis, with over 165,000 vacancies across England alone[1]. This shortage has created remarkable opportunities for international workers seeking Care Home Jobs in UK with Sponsorship. With the 2025 salary threshold changes and streamlined visa processes, qualified care workers from Nigeria, India, the Philippines, and other countries can now secure positions offering £26,200 annually—well above the health and care visa minimum.
For those dreaming of building a career in the UK's compassionate care industry, the pathway has never been clearer. CQC-registered employers are actively recruiting overseas talent, offering comprehensive sponsorship packages that include visa support, relocation assistance, and professional development opportunities.
Key Takeaways
- £26,200 annual salary positions are now available with leading CQC-registered care providers offering full Tier 2 visa sponsorship
- Health and Care Worker visa requires a minimum salary of £20,960, making care home positions financially viable for international applicants
- No upfront fees: Legitimate employers never charge candidates for job offers or visa sponsorship
- Required certifications include DBS check, UKTB English test (IELTS or equivalent), and relevant care qualifications
- Multiple employers including Agincare, Barchester Healthcare, and HC-One are actively recruiting international care workers in 2025
Understanding Care Home Jobs in UK with Sponsorship
The UK's aging population has created sustained demand for qualified care professionals. Care homes provide residential support for elderly individuals and those with disabilities, offering everything from basic assistance with daily living to specialized dementia care and nursing services[2].
What makes these roles attractive for international workers?
✅ Stable employment in an essential sector
✅ Clear career progression from care assistant to senior care roles
✅ Visa sponsorship covering you and eligible dependents
✅ Competitive salaries meeting or exceeding visa thresholds
✅ Professional development with funded training and certifications
The Health and Care Worker visa, introduced as part of the UK's points-based immigration system, specifically targets this sector. Unlike the standard Skilled Worker visa requiring £38,700 annually, care positions qualify for the reduced threshold of £20,960[3].
Similar opportunities exist in other sectors—international workers might also explore caregiver jobs with visa sponsorship or security guard positions in the UK for alternative pathways.
Care Providers Offering Tier 2 Sponsorship
Several reputable, CQC-registered care organizations actively sponsor international workers. Here's a comprehensive breakdown of leading employers:
Agincare (Live-in Care)
Salary Range: £24,000 – £28,000 annually
Agincare specializes in live-in care services, providing one-on-one support for clients in their own homes. This model offers unique benefits for international workers:
- Accommodation included: Live with the client, significantly reducing living expenses
- Comprehensive training: Full induction program covering medication administration, personal care, and safeguarding
- Flexible scheduling: Typically work on rotation (2 weeks on, 1 week off)
- Career development: Clear pathway to senior care roles and specialist positions
Key Requirements:
- Minimum 6 months care experience (can be from home country)
- English language proficiency (IELTS 4.0 or equivalent)
- Right to work in UK (or sponsorship eligibility)
- Enhanced DBS check (arranged upon arrival)
Barchester Healthcare
Salary Range: £12.60/hr – £13.50/hr (approximately £26,200 – £28,080 annually for full-time)
Barchester operates over 200 care homes across England, Scotland, and Wales, making it one of the UK's largest care providers[4]. Their sponsorship program includes:
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Visa Support | Full Health and Care Worker visa sponsorship |
| Training | NVQ/QCF Level 2 & 3 in Health and Social Care |
| Shift Patterns | Day, night, and weekend shifts available |
| Additional Perks | Pension scheme, employee discounts, wellness programs |
| Progression | Senior care assistant, team leader, care manager roles |
Barchester particularly values international candidates with dementia care experience or nursing backgrounds. Their structured career framework allows care assistants to progress into management within 2-3 years.
HC-One Care Assistants
Salary Range: £12.50/hr + Overtime (approximately £26,000+ annually with overtime)
HC-One manages over 300 care homes nationwide, employing more than 20,000 staff members. Their international recruitment program stands out for:
- Generous overtime rates: Time-and-a-half for weekends, double-time for bank holidays
- Relocation package: Up to £2,000 support for international hires
- Buddy system: Pairing new international workers with experienced mentors
- Language support: Additional English classes if needed during probation period
Typical Responsibilities:
- Assisting residents with personal care (bathing, dressing, mobility)
- Supporting meal times and nutritional needs
- Administering medications under supervision
- Maintaining accurate care records
- Participating in social activities and engagement programs
Additional CQC-Registered Sponsors
Four Seasons Health Care – £24,500 – £27,000 annually
Care UK – £12.80/hr with enhanced benefits
Bupa Care Services – £26,500 starting salary for experienced workers
Anchor Hanover – £25,800 with accommodation support options
These employers are listed on the UK Home Office's official Register of Licensed Sponsors, ensuring legitimacy and compliance with immigration regulations.
For those considering broader international opportunities, caregiver jobs in Canada with visa sponsorship offer comparable pathways in North America.
Navigating the New 2025 UK Salary Threshold for Care Home Jobs
The UK government implemented significant changes to visa salary thresholds in April 2024, with further adjustments taking effect in 2025[5]. Understanding these requirements is crucial for Care Home Jobs in UK with Sponsorship applicants.
Health and Care Worker Visa Specifics
Minimum Salary: £20,960 annually (unchanged for care sector)
Standard Skilled Worker Visa: £38,700 (general occupations)
Care Sector Advantage: £17,740 lower threshold for eligible roles
This substantial difference makes care positions particularly attractive for international workers. A care assistant earning £26,200 comfortably exceeds the minimum requirement while earning a competitive wage.
Salary Calculation Factors
Employers calculate annual salary based on:
- Base hourly rate × contracted weekly hours × 52 weeks
- Guaranteed overtime (if specified in contract)
- Shift allowances for nights and weekends
- Accommodation offset (if provided, up to £8,320 can be deducted)
Example Calculation:
£12.60/hour × 40 hours/week × 52 weeks = £26,208 annually
This exceeds both the care worker minimum (£20,960) and provides comfortable living wages in most UK regions outside London.
Regional Variations
While the visa threshold remains constant nationwide, actual salaries vary by region:
- London & Southeast: £27,000 – £30,000 (higher cost of living)
- Midlands & North: £24,000 – £27,000 (more affordable housing)
- Scotland & Wales: £23,500 – £26,500 (competitive with lower expenses)
International workers should consider total compensation, including accommodation costs, when evaluating offers. Positions in Manchester or Birmingham often provide better purchasing power than equivalent London salaries.
Required Certifications & Checks for Care Home Jobs in UK with Sponsorship
Securing a sponsored care position requires several mandatory certifications and background checks. Preparation begins in your home country, well before visa application.
1. UK Tuberculosis (UKTB) Test
Who needs it: Applicants from countries where TB is prevalent (including Nigeria, India, Pakistan, Philippines, Bangladesh, and others)[6]
Process:
- Schedule appointment at approved clinic in your country
- Chest X-ray examination (results within 24-48 hours)
- Certificate valid for 6 months
- Cost: Approximately £65-100 (varies by country)
Important: The UKTB certificate must be included with your visa application. Without it, your application will be refused.
2. English Language Proficiency
Accepted Tests:
- IELTS (Academic or General Training)
- TOEFL iBT
- PTE Academic
- Cambridge English qualifications
Minimum Scores for Care Workers:
- IELTS: 4.0 in each component (reading, writing, speaking, listening)
- TOEFL iBT: 13 in each section
- PTE Academic: 36 in each skill
Exemptions: Citizens of majority English-speaking countries (USA, Canada, Australia, etc.) or those with degrees taught in English may be exempt.
Many international students pursuing undergraduate scholarships in Australia or MBA programs in the US already possess qualifying English test scores.
3. DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) Check
What it is: Criminal background check specific to the UK
Process:
- Cannot be obtained before arriving in UK
- Employer arranges Enhanced DBS check after job offer
- Includes check against barred lists for vulnerable populations
- Takes 2-6 weeks to complete
International Equivalent:
While in your home country, obtain a Police Clearance Certificate or Certificate of Good Conduct. This demonstrates clean criminal history and may be requested by employers during recruitment.
4. Care Certificate or Equivalent Qualifications
The Care Certificate is the UK's standardized training for health and social care workers, covering 15 standards including:
- Understanding your role
- Duty of care
- Equality and diversity
- Communication
- Safeguarding adults and children
- Health and safety
- Infection prevention and control
For International Applicants:
- Equivalent care qualifications from your country may be recognized
- Many sponsors provide Care Certificate training upon arrival
- Previous nursing or care experience strengthens applications
5. Professional Registration (for Nursing Roles)
Registered nurses seeking senior care positions must register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC):
- Submit credentials evaluation
- Pass CBT (Computer-Based Test)
- Complete OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examination)
- Demonstrate English proficiency at higher level (IELTS 7.0)
6. Public Liability Insurance
While not always mandatory for basic care assistant roles, some employers require or strongly recommend professional indemnity insurance:
- Cost: £30-60 annually
- Coverage: Protects against claims of negligence or harm
- Providers: RCN (Royal College of Nursing), Unison, or private insurers
Checklist Summary:
✅ Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity)
✅ UKTB test certificate
✅ English language test results
✅ Police clearance certificate from home country
✅ Educational certificates and transcripts
✅ Reference letters from previous employers
✅ Care qualifications or training certificates
✅ CV/Resume tailored to UK standards
How to Avoid Recruitment Scams
The demand for Care Home Jobs in UK with Sponsorship has unfortunately attracted fraudulent recruiters exploiting desperate job seekers. Protecting yourself requires vigilance and knowledge of red flags.
Common Scam Warning Signs
🚨 Upfront Payment Requests
Legitimate employers NEVER charge for:
- Job applications or interviews
- Visa sponsorship or Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
- Training or mandatory certifications
- Accommodation arrangements
- Uniform or equipment
Scam Example: "Pay £500 processing fee to secure your CoS" – This is fraud. Employers bear all sponsorship costs.
🚨 Too-Good-To-Be-True Offers
- Salaries significantly above market rate (£40,000+ for entry-level care assistant)
- Immediate job offers without interview or credential verification
- Guaranteed visa approval without meeting requirements
- Promises of free flights, accommodation, and cash bonuses
🚨 Unprofessional Communication
- Gmail, Yahoo, or personal email addresses (legitimate employers use company domains)
- Poor grammar and spelling in official correspondence
- Pressure tactics ("offer expires in 24 hours")
- Requests for personal financial information early in process
🚨 Unverifiable Companies
- No CQC registration number
- Not listed on Home Office Register of Licensed Sponsors
- No physical UK address or phone number
- Website created recently (check domain age)
Verification Steps
1. Check CQC Registration
Visit the Care Quality Commission website and search for the care home or provider:
- Verify current registration status
- Review inspection reports and ratings
- Confirm physical locations match job offer
2. Verify Sponsor License
Search the UK Home Office Register of Licensed Sponsors:
- Confirm company appears on current list
- Check license type (Worker or Temporary Worker)
- Verify sponsor license number matches offer letter
3. Research Company Reputation
- Review Glassdoor and Indeed employee reviews
- Check Companies House for registration details
- Search for news articles about the organization
- Contact CQC directly if concerns arise
4. Validate Job Offer Documents
Genuine Certificate of Sponsorship includes:
- Unique CoS reference number
- Your personal details matching passport
- Job title, salary, and start date
- Sponsor license number
- Digital verification capability through UKVI
Safe Application Practices
✅ Apply through official channels:
- Company career websites
- Reputable recruitment agencies (check OISC registration)
- Government-endorsed programs
- Professional networking (LinkedIn with verified profiles)
✅ Document everything:
- Save all correspondence
- Record names and contact details
- Note dates and commitments made
- Keep copies of submitted documents
✅ Never send money via:
- Western Union or MoneyGram
- Cryptocurrency
- Gift cards
- Direct bank transfers to individuals
✅ Trust your instincts:
If something feels wrong, pause and investigate further. Legitimate opportunities withstand scrutiny.
Reporting Scams
If you encounter suspected fraud:
- Action Fraud (UK): 0300 123 2040 or actionfraud.police.uk
- Home Office Immigration Enforcement: Report illegal working or sponsor abuse
- CQC: Report unregistered or fraudulent care providers
Remember, the UK government has established clear pathways for international recruitment. Legitimate employers follow these processes transparently.
For those exploring multiple international opportunities, similar caution applies to construction jobs in Australia or warehouse positions in Germany.
Flight & Travel Loan Options for UK Migration
Relocating to the UK for care work involves significant upfront costs, including visa fees (£284-479), Immigration Health Surcharge (£624/year), travel expenses, and initial living costs. For many international workers, these expenses total £2,000-3,500.
Understanding Migration Costs
Typical Breakdown:
| Expense | Cost (GBP) |
|---|---|
| Health and Care Worker Visa | £284 |
| Immigration Health Surcharge (3 years) | £1,872 |
| Flight Ticket | £400-800 |
| UKTB Test | £65-100 |
| English Language Test | £150-200 |
| Document Certification | £50-150 |
| Initial Accommodation Deposit | £500-1,000 |
| Total Estimated | £3,321-4,406 |
While some employers offer relocation packages covering portions of these costs, many workers need alternative financing.
Employer Relocation Packages
What Some Sponsors Offer:
- HC-One: Up to £2,000 relocation assistance (paid after probation)
- Barchester: Flight reimbursement up to £600 (after 6 months employment)
- Agincare: Accommodation deposit loan (repaid through salary deductions)
Important: Relocation benefits typically require:
- Completing probation period (3-6 months)
- Remaining employed for minimum duration (12-24 months)
- Repayment clauses if leaving early
Personal Loan Options
1. Home Country Banking
Many international banks offer migration or education loans:
Nigeria:
- Access Bank Migration Loan: Up to ₦5,000,000
- GTBank Diaspora Loan: Competitive rates for verified job offers
- First Bank Travel Loan: 12-36 month repayment terms
India:
- HDFC Bank Overseas Education/Job Loan
- ICICI Bank Foreign Travel Loan
- State Bank of India Overseas Loan Scheme
Philippines:
- BDO Overseas Employment Loan
- BPI Travel Loan Program
- Metrobank OFW Loan
Requirements typically include:
- Valid job offer or Certificate of Sponsorship
- Proof of income (family member may co-sign)
- Collateral (property or investments)
- Processing time: 2-4 weeks
2. UK-Based Lenders (After Arrival)
Once in the UK with employment, additional financing becomes available:
- Credit unions: Lower interest rates, community-focused
- Personal loans: £1,000-£10,000 at 6-25% APR
- Employer salary advances: Interest-free in some cases
Building UK Credit:
- Open basic bank account immediately
- Register on electoral roll
- Consider credit-builder cards
- Pay all bills on time
3. Family and Community Support
Traditional financing methods remain valuable:
- Family loans: Interest-free arrangements with relatives
- Community savings groups: Rotating credit associations
- Crowdfunding: Platforms like GoFundMe for specific needs
- Religious organizations: Some offer interest-free assistance
Budgeting for First Months
Essential First-Month Expenses in UK:
- Accommodation: £400-800 (shared housing outside London)
- Food: £150-250
- Transportation: £50-150 (depending on location)
- Phone/Internet: £30-50
- Clothing/Uniforms: £50-100
- Miscellaneous: £100-150
Total: £780-1,500 monthly
Money-Saving Strategies:
💡 Shared accommodation: Reduces rent by 40-60%
💡 Meal planning: Cooking at home saves £200+ monthly
💡 Public transport passes: Weekly/monthly tickets offer discounts
💡 Employee benefits: Many care homes offer subsidized meals
💡 Second-hand items: Furniture and essentials from charity shops
Financial Planning Timeline
3-6 Months Before Departure:
- Research loan options and apply
- Save emergency fund (£500-1,000 minimum)
- Budget all migration expenses
- Confirm employer relocation benefits
1-2 Months Before:
- Finalize travel arrangements
- Secure temporary accommodation
- Transfer initial funds to UK account (if opened remotely)
- Purchase travel insurance
Upon Arrival:
- Open UK bank account within first week
- Register for National Insurance number
- Set up direct deposit with employer
- Create monthly budget tracking expenses
For those considering alternative destinations, similar financial planning applies to opportunities like relocating to the UK with family through Skilled Worker visa or exploring countries where you can relocate without IELTS.
Currency Exchange Considerations
Minimize Transfer Fees:
- Wise (formerly TransferWise): Low-fee international transfers
- Remitly: Competitive rates for specific corridors
- WorldRemit: Fast transfers with transparent pricing
- Avoid: Airport exchange bureaus and hotel currency services
Timing: Monitor exchange rates and transfer when favorable. Even 2-3% difference on £3,000 saves £60-90.
Application Process for Care Home Jobs in UK with Sponsorship
Securing a sponsored care position follows a structured process. Understanding each stage increases success probability.
Step 1: Prepare Your Application Materials
Updated CV/Resume (UK Format):
- Maximum 2 pages
- Personal details (name, contact, visa status)
- Professional summary (2-3 sentences)
- Work experience (most recent first)
- Education and qualifications
- Skills relevant to care work
- References (2-3 professional)
Cover Letter:
- Tailored to specific employer
- Explain why you're interested in care work
- Highlight relevant experience
- Address visa sponsorship need directly
- Demonstrate knowledge of company
Supporting Documents:
- Educational certificates (translated if necessary)
- Care qualifications or training certificates
- English language test results
- Police clearance certificate
- Professional references (on letterhead)
- Passport bio page copy
Step 2: Research and Apply to Licensed Sponsors
Where to Find Legitimate Openings:
✅ Company career pages (Barchester, HC-One, Agincare websites)
✅ NHS Jobs portal (for NHS-affiliated care facilities)
✅ Indeed UK (filter for "visa sponsorship")
✅ Reed.co.uk (reputable UK job board)
✅ Care-specific platforms (Jobs.care, Care Friends)
Application Best Practices:
- Apply to 10-15 positions weekly
- Customize each application
- Follow instructions precisely
- Submit during business hours (increases visibility)
- Keep spreadsheet tracking applications
Step 3: Interview Preparation
Most care home interviews include:
Competency-Based Questions:
- "Describe a time you handled a difficult resident"
- "How do you maintain dignity and respect in personal care?"
- "Tell us about working in a team under pressure"
Scenario Questions:
- "A resident refuses medication. What do you do?"
- "You notice bruising on a resident. What's your response?"
- "Two residents are arguing. How do you intervene?"
Preparation Tips:
📌 Use STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result)
📌 Research company values and recent news
📌 Prepare questions about training, progression, and team culture
📌 Practice common questions with friend or family
📌 Test video interview technology in advance
Step 4: Job Offer and Certificate of Sponsorship
Upon Successful Interview:
- Conditional Job Offer: Employer extends offer pending checks
- Right to Work Verification: Confirm sponsorship eligibility
- Certificate of Sponsorship Issued: Employer assigns CoS
- CoS Details Received: Unique reference number and job details
Review CoS Carefully:
- Verify all personal details match passport exactly
- Confirm job title, salary, and start date
- Check sponsor license number
- Note any conditions or requirements
Step 5: Visa Application
Online Application Process:
- Complete visa application on gov.uk
- Pay visa fee and Immigration Health Surcharge
- Book biometric appointment
- Submit supporting documents
- Attend appointment for fingerprints and photo
- Await decision (typically 3-8 weeks)
Required Documents:
- Valid passport
- Certificate of Sponsorship reference number
- Proof of English language ability
- TB test certificate (if applicable)
- Financial evidence (£1,270 in account for 28 days)
- Job offer letter
Step 6: Pre-Departure Preparation
After Visa Approval:
✈️ Book flights coordinating with employer
🏠 Arrange temporary accommodation
💼 Complete pre-employment paperwork
📱 Inform employer of arrival details
🎒 Pack essentials and important documents
First Week in UK:
- Attend employer induction
- Complete DBS check application
- Open bank account
- Register for National Insurance
- Begin Care Certificate training
Career Progression in UK Care Sector
Care Home Jobs in UK with Sponsorship offer more than entry-level positions—they provide pathways to rewarding long-term careers.
Career Ladder
Entry Level:
- Care Assistant (£24,000-£27,000): Direct resident care, personal assistance
- Activities Coordinator (£23,000-£26,000): Plan and lead engagement programs
Mid-Level:
- Senior Care Assistant (£27,000-£30,000): Supervise care team, medication administration
- Team Leader (£29,000-£33,000): Manage shifts, staff scheduling, quality assurance
Management:
- Deputy Care Manager (£32,000-£38,000): Assist home manager, compliance oversight
- Registered Care Manager (£38,000-£50,000): Overall home operations, CQC compliance
- Regional Manager (£50,000-£70,000): Oversee multiple facilities
Specialist Paths:
- Dementia Care Specialist (£28,000-£35,000)
- End-of-Life Care Coordinator (£30,000-£37,000)
- Activities Manager (£26,000-£32,000)
- Quality Assurance Manager (£35,000-£42,000)
Professional Development Opportunities
Funded Qualifications:
- NVQ/QCF Level 2 in Health and Social Care: Foundation care skills
- NVQ/QCF Level 3: Advanced care and supervisory competencies
- NVQ/QCF Level 5: Leadership and management in care
- Registered Manager Award: Qualification for care home managers
Specialized Training:
- Dementia awareness and care
- Mental health first aid
- Palliative and end-of-life care
- Safeguarding vulnerable adults
- Medication administration
- Moving and handling
Most employers fund these qualifications, requiring only time commitment from employees.
Long-Term Settlement Options
After 5 years on Health and Care Worker visa:
Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR):
- Permanent residence in UK
- No visa renewals needed
- Access to public funds
- Freedom to change employers without sponsorship
- Pathway to British citizenship (after 6 years total)
Requirements for ILR:
- Continuous 5-year residence
- No extended absences (max 180 days/year)
- Meeting salary threshold throughout
- Pass Life in the UK test
- English language proficiency (B1 level)
British Citizenship:
- Available after 6 years (1 year post-ILR)
- Allows UK passport
- Voting rights
- Full settlement security
This long-term pathway makes care work not just a job, but a genuine immigration strategy for building a life in the UK.
Conclusion
Care Home Jobs in UK with Sponsorship represent one of the most accessible and sustainable pathways for international workers seeking opportunities in the United Kingdom in 2025. With salaries starting at £26,200 annually, positions well above the health and care visa minimum threshold, and comprehensive support from CQC-registered employers, the pathway has never been clearer.
The UK's ongoing care sector shortage—with over 165,000 vacancies—ensures continued demand for qualified international workers. Leading employers like Agincare, Barchester Healthcare, and HC-One actively recruit from Nigeria, India, the Philippines, and other countries, offering not just jobs but career pathways with progression to management and specialist roles.
Your Next Steps:
- Assess your qualifications: Verify you meet English language and experience requirements
- Obtain necessary certifications: Schedule UKTB test and English proficiency exam
- Research employers: Verify CQC registration and sponsor licenses
- Prepare application materials: Create UK-format CV and tailored cover letters
- Apply strategically: Target 10-15 verified positions weekly
- Plan finances: Explore loan options and budget for migration costs
- Stay vigilant: Avoid scams by never paying for job offers
The care sector offers more than employment—it provides meaningful work supporting vulnerable individuals while building a secure future in the UK. With proper preparation, credential verification, and strategic applications, international workers can successfully navigate the sponsorship process and begin rewarding careers.
For those exploring multiple international pathways, consider also researching fully funded PhD opportunities in Australia or studying in Germany for free as alternative routes to international experience and settlement.
The journey begins with a single application. Research thoroughly, prepare diligently, and take that first step toward your UK care career today.
References
[1] Skills for Care. (2024). "The State of the Adult Social Care Sector and Workforce in England." Annual Report. [2] Care Quality Commission. (2024). "Types of Care Services: Residential Care Homes." CQC.org.uk. [3] UK Home Office. (2024). "Health and Care Worker Visa: Salary Requirements." GOV.UK Immigration Rules. [4] Barchester Healthcare. (2025). "About Us: Our Care Homes and Services." Corporate Website. [5] UK Visas and Immigration. (2024). "Changes to Skilled Worker Visa Salary Thresholds." Policy Statement. [6] UK Government. (2024). "Tuberculosis Testing for UK Visa Applicants." GOV.UK Health Requirements.SEO Meta Title and Description
Meta Title: £26,200 Care Home Jobs UK with Visa Sponsorship 2025
Meta Description: Discover CQC-registered care home employers offering £26,200+ salaries with full UK visa sponsorship. Application guide, requirements & verified job listings.
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