JAPA: UK Stops New Care Worker Visas in Bid to Cut Migration

The UK government has officially ended the issuance of new Health and Care Worker visas for foreign care workers, effective July 22, 2025, as part of its broader strategy to curb immigration, particularly in lower-paid sectors.

The move, aimed at promoting local employment and addressing alleged ab¥ses of the visa sponsorship system, has sparked concern among stakeholders in the care industry. Many warn the decision could further deepen staffing shortages already plaguing the social care sector.

According to TravelBiz, the policy seeks to prioritise UK-based workers and tighten oversight of visa routes. Under the new rules, no fresh overseas applications will be accepted for the Health and Care Worker visa category. Additionally, options for renewing or switching to another care-specific visa may soon be phased out.

Previously, care workers under SOC Code 6145 benefited from the UK’s Shortage Occupation List, which offered lower salary thresholds, reduced application fees, and expedited processing. Those benefits have now been withdrawn under the revised policy.

Foreign nationals already in the UK on a valid Health and Care Worker visa will not be deported and may continue in their current roles until their visas expire. The Home Office has clarified that such individuals may still change employers if the new position meets existing visa requirements, extend their visas under transitional rules, or maintain dependent sponsorships granted before the change.

To remain in the UK once their care visa expires, affected migrants may need to consider alternative legal options, including switching to a Skilled Worker visa in an eligible role, applying for a student visa, or qualifying for settlement after five years of skilled work.

Despite the clampdown, the government will continue to accept visa applications for certain healthcare roles such as registered nurses and senior medical professionals under the Skilled Worker route.

The policy change follows growing political pressure to tighten immigration controls after recent figures revealed a spike in low-wage foreign worker inflows.

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