International care workers

Find out how to recruit and support international workers from within England and from overseas.

Latest news

Statement of Changes (HC 1333)

From October 2025, the UK’s Statement of Changes (HC 1333) introduces several important immigration updates that affect how care providers recruit internationally. Please take note of the following:

  • The English language requirement for many work visa routes will be raised (from B1 → B2) for new initial applications.

  • Visa refusals, cancellations, and suitability assessments will transition to a revised Part Suitability framework, bringing more consistency across work, family and private life routes.

  • Changes relating to dependants may affect eligibility for family members joining certain care workers.

  • For providers, these changes make it more important than ever to review sponsorship licences, regulatory compliance, and recruitment strategies, especially as direct overseas recruitment for adult social care roles is under increasing restriction.

For full details and implementation dates, see the HC 1333 full statement.


Main sources of advice on overseas workers


FAQs

I am a care worker from overseas needing support

I employ workers from overseas / I have a sponsorship licence

I am a provider looking to become a sponsor