Foreign nationals can now apply for Health Care Assistant (HCA) positions in the United Kingdom through visa sponsorship. These roles are open to both male and female applicants and are in high demand across the healthcare sector.
With over 46,000 UK employers licensed by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) to sponsor overseas workers, the UK presents a great opportunity for those seeking a stable job, relocation support, and a pathway to settlement through the Skilled Worker visa (previously called the Tier 2 visa).
Job Details:
- Job Title: Health Care Assistant
- Job Location: United Kingdom
- Job Type: Full-time / Part-time
- Visa Type: Skilled Worker Visa
- Salary Range: £20,960 – £26,200 per year (as per NHS Band 2–3 roles)
- Sectors: Social Care, Healthcare, Home Care, Nursing Homes
Check Also: NHS Care Assistant Jobs in UK with Sponsorship
Eligibility:
To apply for care assistant roles with visa sponsorship, applicants must:
- Have a job offer from a UKVI-approved sponsor
- Meet the English language requirement (usually IELTS UKVI with at least a 4.0 band)
- Have relevant experience or a willingness to train in health and social care
- Obtain a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from the employer
- Apply for a Skilled Worker visa (formerly Tier 2)
Responsibilities:
As a Health Care Assistant, your typical duties may include:
- Assisting patients with bathing, dressing, and personal hygiene
- Helping patients with meals and mobility
- Monitoring and recording vital signs (temperature, pulse, etc.)
- Supporting nurses and healthcare staff with daily routines
- Keeping rooms clean and assisting with basic medical tasks
- Providing companionship and emotional support to clients
Benefits:
1. Visa Sponsorship
Foreign nationals can legally live and work in the UK through the Skilled Worker visa route. Approved employers sponsor eligible candidates, simplifying the relocation process.
2. Job Vacancies Across the UK
The UK has a growing need for healthcare assistants due to its ageing population. This demand creates ongoing job opportunities in hospitals, care homes, and private residences.
3. Competitive Salary with Allowances
Entry-level HCAs earn between £20,960 and £26,200 per year. Many roles also offer overtime pay, weekend bonuses, and holiday premiums, ensuring a decent standard of living.
4. No Extensive Experience
Many care jobs are open to candidates with little or no prior experience. Employers often provide full training and support for newcomers to the care sector.
5. Structured Training and Career Growth
Health care assistants can pursue NVQ Level 2 or 3, the Care Certificate, and even progress into nursing or management roles. Ongoing professional development is encouraged.
6. Relocation Support
Some employers offer relocation packages including flight tickets, airport pickup, and temporary accommodation. This helps international workers settle in more easily.
7. Full Employee Benefits
Employees receive paid holidays, sick leave, and access to pension schemes. Additional benefits may include health coverage and workplace support programs.
8. Eligibility to Bring Dependents
Care workers can bring their spouse and children to the UK under the Skilled Worker visa. Family members can also study or work depending on visa conditions.
9. Access to UK Public Services
Sponsored employees benefit from NHS healthcare, local transportation, and children’s public education. This enhances their quality of life while living in the UK.
10. Work in a Multicultural Environment
UK care facilities are known for inclusive and diverse work settings. International staff are welcomed and supported, making it easier to adapt to a new culture.
Support Worker Roles:
Support worker roles in the UK involve helping vulnerable individuals lead independent and fulfilling lives. Support workers typically assist people with disabilities, learning difficulties, mental health conditions, or those in supported living environments.
Key duties include:
- Personal care and hygiene support
- Helping with meals and medication
- Assisting with daily routines and activities
- Providing emotional and social support
- Accompanying clients to appointments or outings
Employers hiring: NHS trusts, care homes, charities, and private care agencies
Entry Requirements: Many support worker jobs don’t require formal qualifications—just a caring attitude, good communication, and basic training (usually provided on the job).
Live-in Carer Jobs:
Live-in carer jobs in the UK involve staying in a client’s home to provide round-the-clock care. This role is ideal for compassionate individuals who prefer one-on-one care relationships and are comfortable living away from home for extended periods.
Responsibilities include:
- Assisting with bathing, dressing, and mobility
- Preparing meals and supporting nutrition
- Monitoring health conditions and medication
- Companionship and emotional reassurance
- Housekeeping and home management tasks
Many agencies provide full training, room and board, and a competitive weekly salary. Some even offer sponsorship for overseas applicants.
Work as a Carer:
If you’re a foreign national looking to work as a carer in the UK, the UK government now offers Health and Care Worker visas under the Skilled Worker route.
Eligibility criteria:
- A job offer from a UK employer licensed to sponsor visas
- Proof of English language proficiency
- Sponsorship for eligible roles such as care assistants, home carers, or senior care workers
- Minimum salary threshold (usually around £20,960 per year)
This route allows you to live and work in the UK as a carer, with potential for long-term settlement.
Caregiver Jobs:
Caregiver jobs in the UK for foreigners are widely available due to a growing shortage of care workers. Many employers are open to hiring international candidates and offer full relocation support, including visa sponsorship and training.
sectors hiring foreign caregivers:
- Domiciliary care agencies
- Residential and nursing homes
- Private live-in care services
- Community and home-based care providers
Popular agencies offering sponsorship include Helping Hands, Agincare, Cera Care, and the NHS.
Entry-Level Care Jobs:
If you’re just starting out, there are plenty of entry-level care jobs in the UK that require no previous experience. These jobs are perfect for individuals new to the sector or those switching careers.
Examples of entry-level roles:
- Care Assistant
- Support Worker
- Home Care Worker
- Personal Care Assistant
- Live-in Carer
Benefits:
- On-the-job training and qualifications (e.g., NVQ Level 2 or 3 in Health & Social Care)
- Flexible hours
- Opportunities for career progression into nursing, senior care, or management roles
HCA Jobs:
HCA jobs in the UK, or Healthcare Assistant roles, are typically based in hospitals, clinics, or GP practices. HCAs support nurses and medical staff with patient care.
HCA responsibilities:
- Taking vital signs (blood pressure, temperature, etc.)
- Assisting with personal care
- Supporting patients during meals and mobility
- Cleaning and sanitizing patient areas
- Updating patient records and observations
Where to find HCA jobs: NHS Jobs, Indeed UK, and private healthcare providers
Employers Hiring Health Care Assistants:
1. NHS (National Health Service)
- Offers over 25,000 job listings monthly
- Visa sponsorship for international care workers
- Visit: www.jobs.nhs.uk
2. Agincare
- Offers care home, domiciliary, and live-in care jobs
- Supports relocation with visa sponsorship and accommodation
- Visit: www.agincare.com/careers
3. UK Care Homes & Nursing Facilities
- Thousands of jobs across England, Scotland, and Wales
- Apply via www.carehome.co.uk/jobs
Other Approved Care Employers:
You can search for more employers directly on Google or check these trusted names:
- Helping Hands Home Care
- Abicare
- Allied Healthcare
- Christie’s Care
- Sevacare
- The Good Care Group
- ENA Care Group
- Consultus Care
- MiHomecare
How to Apply for Health Care Assistant Jobs in UK with Visa Sponsorship 2025?
- Search the UKVI sponsor list to find licensed employers
UK Sponsor List PDF - Visit job portals (e.g., NHS Jobs, Carehome.co.uk)
- Prepare your documents:
- UK-style CV
- Passport
- IELTS UKVI result (if required)
- Police clearance certificate
- TB test certificate (if applicable)
- Apply online directly on employer websites or job platforms
- If selected, your employer will provide a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
- Use this CoS to apply for the Skilled Worker visa through GOV.UK
Frequently Asked Questions:
Do I need previous experience to apply?
Not necessarily. Some employers offer training for entry-level candidates. However, prior experience in caregiving or health-related roles will increase your chances.
Can I apply for UK care assistant jobs from outside the UK?
Yes. Many UK care employers sponsor overseas applicants under the Skilled Worker visa route. You must apply to a UKVI-approved sponsor offering visa sponsorship.
How much can I earn as a care assistant in the UK?
The average salary for care assistants ranges from £20,960 to £26,200 per year, depending on location and experience. NHS Band 2–3 roles fall within this range.
