Top UK Care Homes Sponsoring Work Visas in 2025: Complete Hiring Guide & List

For compassionate and dedicated international care workers, the UK remains a land of opportunity. However, navigating the job market after the March 2024 visa rule changes requires a precise strategy. As of 2024, the standard “Care Worker” visa (SOC 6145) is closed, but the Health and Care Worker visa for Senior Care Workers (SOC 6146) remains open.

This complete 2025 guide provides a list of top care home providers actively sponsoring Senior Care Workers and other eligible roles, along with a clear action plan for securing your sponsored job offer.

Critical 2025 Update: Understanding the Visa Rules

Before you apply, you must understand the current landscape:

• ✅ Eligible Role: Senior Care Worker (SOC Code 6146). This is a distinct role from a standard Care Assistant. It typically involves supervisory duties, medication administration, care plan creation, and leading a team.
• ❌ Ineligible Role: Care Worker (SOC Code 6145). This entry-level role is no longer eligible for sponsorship on the Health and Care Worker visa.
• Who Else is Eligible: Registered Nurses (NMC PIN required), Senior Carers, and other qualified healthcare professionals remain fully eligible for the Health and Care Worker visa.

Your job offer must be for a Senior Care Worker position or higher. Always verify the SOC code with the employer.

Click Here To Learn More: Immigrant Healthcare Workers & Canada’s 2025 Recruitment Strategy: What You Need to Know

Top UK Care Home Groups Offering Sponsorship in 2025

The following major providers have the resources and Sponsor Licences to hire international talent for eligible senior roles. They are your primary targets.

1. HC-One

• Overview: One of the UK’s largest and most established care home providers, known for its ‘Kindness’ ethos. They operate hundreds of homes nationwide.
• Roles They Sponsor: Senior Care Assistants/Workers, Registered Nurses (RGN/RMN).
• Support Offered: Established international recruitment program, support with OSCE/ NMC registration for nurses, and often provides relocation assistance.
• How to Apply: Visit the HC-One Careers page and use filters like “Visa Sponsorship” or search for “Senior Care” roles.

2. Barchester Healthcare

• Overview: A premium provider of luxury care homes and hospitals across the UK. They are known for high standards and extensive staff training.
• Roles They Sponsor: Senior Carer, Registered Nurse (RMN and RGN), Clinical Lead.
• Support Offered: Active international recruitment arm, comprehensive induction, and clear career progression.
• How to Apply: Check the Barchester Healthcare Careers website. Look for roles specifying “Sponsorship available” or “Senior.”

3. Bupa Care Services

• Overview: A global healthcare giant with a significant network of care homes in the UK. They have a well-structured international hiring process.
• Roles They Sponsor: Senior Care Assistant/Worker, Registered Nurse.
• Support Offered: Dedicated recruitment team for overseas candidates, relocation packages, and strong brand reputation.
• How to Apply: Search the global Bupa Careers portal. Use keywords like “senior care worker UK visa sponsorship.”

4. Care UK

• Overview: A dynamic and growing provider with modern, purpose-built care homes. They frequently recruit for leadership and clinical roles.
• Roles They Sponsor: Senior Care Worker, Registered Nurse, Team Leader.
• Support Offered: They run targeted international recruitment campaigns and have a defined sponsorship process.
• How to Apply: Explore the Care UK Careers page and filter by “Nursing & Care” roles.

5. Four Seasons Health Care (FSHC)

• Overview: A major group with care homes across England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. They have a history of recruiting internationally for hard-to-fill roles.
• Roles They Sponsor: Senior Carer, Registered Nurse.
• How to Apply: Visit the Four Seasons Careers website.

6. Smaller & Regional Groups to Target

• Maria Mallaband Care Group (MMCG): A reputable group often seeking senior staff. Check their careers page.
• Majesticare: A family-run group known for a supportive culture. They have sponsored senior roles in the past. See Majesticare Careers.

How to Get Hired: Your 5-Step Action Plan for 2025

Step 1: Assess Your Qualifications for a Senior Role

You must prove you are not an entry-level worker. A Senior Care Worker typically needs:

• Experience: 2+ years in a care setting, preferably with some supervisory or lead responsibility.
• Relevant Qualifications: NVQ/Diploma Level 3 in Health and Social Care (or international equivalent) is highly desirable and often required.
• Skills: Medication administration, care planning, mentoring juniors, and complex patient care.

Action: Update your CV to highlight leadership, responsibility, and specialized skills.

Step 2: Prepare a UK-Style CV & Cover Letter

• CV: Keep it concise (2 pages). Start with a personal statement. Use bullet points for duties. Crucially, list your eligibility: “Eligible for UK Health and Care Worker Visa (SOC 6146).”
• Cover Letter: Tailor it to each employer. Explain why you want to work for them and your commitment to the UK’s care standards.

Step 3: Apply Strategically & Persistently

• Apply Directly: Use the career portals listed above. Avoid generic job boards for sponsored roles.
• Keyword Search: Use “senior care worker,” “team leader,” “clinical lead,” and “visa sponsorship.”
• Be Prepared to Relocate: Your chances increase dramatically if you are open to locations across the UK, not just major cities.

Step 4: Ace the Virtual Interview

• Know the Company: Research their values and specific homes.
• Prepare for Competency Questions: Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to answer questions like “Tell us about a time you dealt with a difficult situation with a resident?”
• Ask Informed Questions: Ask about training, career progression, and the specific team you’ll join.

Step 5: Understand the Visa Process

Once you have a job offer:

1. Your employer will issue a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS).
2. You will apply for the Health and Care Worker visa, which provides:
   • Reduced application fee.
   • Exemption from the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) – saving you over £1,000 per year.
   • Path to settlement (ILR) after 5 years.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Applying for the Wrong Role: Do not apply for “Care Assistant” or “Support Worker” roles expecting sponsorship. Target Senior titles.
• Paying an Agency Fee: Reputable employers do not charge candidates. If an agency asks for money, it is a scam.
• Neglecting Your CV: A poorly formatted CV will be rejected immediately by large HR systems.

Your 2025 Job Search Checklist

• Updated my CV to UK standards, highlighting senior-level experience.
• Researched 5-7 target care home groups from this list.
• Bookmarked their career portals.
• Set up job alerts for “Senior Care Worker” and “Visa Sponsorship.”
• Prepared answers to common competency-based interview questions.

While the rules have tightened, the demand for experienced, senior care staff in the UK remains acute. By targeting the right employers, presenting yourself as a qualified senior professional, and following this strategic guide, you can successfully secure a sponsored role and build a rewarding career in the UK’s care sector.

Your dedication is needed. Start your targeted job search today.