The UK care sector is facing critical staffing shortages, creating excellent opportunities for overseas workers looking to start a rewarding career in care.
Many agencies are actively recruiting international candidates to fill essential roles in care homes, hospitals, and home care services across the country.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about finding care work in the UK as an overseas applicant.
Also Check :
- UK Care Homes Offering Visa Sponsorship – A Guide for International Candidates
- Step-by-Step Guide: How to Get a UK Care Worker Visa with Job Sponsorship
- Healthcare Company in UK actively hiring International applicants with Tier 2 visa sponsorship
- High-Demand Caregiver Jobs Now Available in the UK with Visa Sponsorship
- Exciting Update: NHS Reinstates Active Recruitment with UK Visa Sponsorship Opportunities
Why UK Care Agencies Are Recruiting Overseas Workers
Step-by-Step Guide for Overseas Workers: How to Land a High-Paying Care Job in the UK with Visa Sponsorship
The UK’s ageing population and ongoing staffing challenges have led to an urgent need for care workers from abroad. Key reasons include:
- Growing demand for elderly care services
- Shortages of qualified local care staff
- Brexit reducing EU worker numbers
- Competitive salaries and benefits for care roles
- Opportunities for career progression
For overseas workers, UK care jobs offer:
- Competitive pay (often £10-15+ per hour)
- Visa sponsorship
- Free or subsidised accommodation
- Paid training and qualifications
- Chance to gain valuable UK work experience
Now let’s look at 5 top agencies actively recruiting international care workers:
1. Newcross Healthcare
Newcross Healthcare is one of the UK’s largest providers of healthcare staff and support workers. They supply staff to care homes, hospitals, and other healthcare settings across England, Scotland and Wales.Key details:
- Roles available: Healthcare Assistants, Support Workers, Registered Nurses
- Locations: Nationwide
- Salary: £10.50 – £28 per hour depending on role and experience
- Benefits: Flexible shifts, free uniform, paid training
Newcross offers excellent opportunities for overseas workers, with visa sponsorship available for eligible candidates.
They provide comprehensive training and support to help international staff settle into UK care work.To apply, visit the Newcross Healthcare careers page and search for roles in your preferred location. Create an account to submit your application and CV.
2. Prestige Nursing + Care
Prestige Nursing + Care is a leading provider of care staff to nursing homes, hospitals and for home care services. They have branches across England and Scotland.Key details:
- Roles: Care Assistants, Support Workers, Registered Nurses
- Locations: England and Scotland
- Pay: £9.50 – £25 per hour
- Benefits: Flexible working, paid holidays, pension scheme
Prestige actively recruits overseas workers and can assist with visa sponsorship for eligible roles. They offer excellent training and development opportunities.To apply, check out the Prestige Nursing + Care job search and filter by your preferred location. Submit your CV and application online.
3. Bluebird Care
Bluebird Care is one of the UK’s leading home care providers, with over 200 franchises across the country. They offer domiciliary care services to people in their own homes.Key details:
- Roles: Care Assistants, Live-in Carers
- Locations: England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland
- Pay: £9.50 – £15 per hour on average
- Benefits: Flexible hours, paid mileage, uniform provided
Bluebird Care welcomes applications from overseas workers for care assistant roles. While they don’t offer direct visa sponsorship, they can provide guidance on obtaining the right to work in the UK.Visit the Bluebird Care careers site to search for jobs in your area and apply online. Make sure to highlight any relevant care experience in your application.
4. Care UK
Care UK is one of the largest independent providers of health and social care services in the country. They operate care homes, NHS services and home care across England, Scotland and Wales.Key details:
- Roles: Care Assistants, Senior Care Assistants, Nurses
- Locations: Nationwide
- Pay: £9.50 – £18 per hour on average
- Benefits: Career progression, training opportunities, employee discounts
Care UK offers visa sponsorship for nursing roles and welcomes international applicants for care assistant positions. They provide excellent training and development programs.
To apply, search for vacancies on the Care UK careers page. You can filter by job type and location to find suitable roles.
5. Barchester Healthcare
Barchester Healthcare is a major care home operator with over 200 care homes and hospitals across the UK. They provide residential, nursing and dementia care services.
Key details:
- Roles: Care Assistants, Nurses, Senior Care Assistants
- Locations: England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland
- Pay: £9.50 – £18 per hour average
- Benefits: Free training, career development, staff discounts
Barchester actively recruits overseas nurses and care staff, offering visa sponsorship for eligible roles. They have a dedicated international recruitment team to support applicants.
Visit the Barchester Healthcare careers site to search and apply for current vacancies across the UK. Be sure to highlight any relevant qualifications and experience in your application.
Visa Requirements for Overseas Care Workers
To work as a carer in the UK, you’ll need the appropriate visa. The main options are:
Health and Care Worker visa
This is the most common route for overseas care workers. Key requirements:
- Job offer from an approved UK employer
- Minimum salary of £20,480 per year
- English language skills at B1 level
- Relevant qualifications (e.g. NVQ in Health and Social Care)
Skilled Worker visa
For more senior care roles like nurses. Requirements include:
- Job offer for eligible skilled role
- Salary of at least £25,600 per year
- English language skills at B1 level
- Relevant qualifications
Graduate visa
Available if you’ve completed a UK degree. Allows you to work for 2 years after graduating (3 years for PhD graduates).
Youth Mobility Scheme visa
For 18-30 year olds from certain countries. Allows you to live and work in the UK for up to 2 years.
Check the UK government website for full details on visa options and requirements. Many care agencies can provide guidance and sponsorship for suitable candidates.
Qualifications Needed for UK Care Work
The qualifications required depend on the specific role:
Care Assistant / Support Worker
- No formal qualifications needed to start
- Employers provide training
- Can work towards Care Certificate and NVQs
Senior Care Assistant
- NVQ Level 2 or 3 in Health and Social Care (or equivalent)
- Several years of care experience
Registered Nurse
- Nursing degree
- Registration with Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC)
Most employers look for:
- Good English language skills
- Compassionate and caring nature
- Ability to work in a team
- Willingness to learn
Previous care experience is beneficial but not always essential for entry-level roles. Many agencies provide comprehensive training.
How to Apply for UK Care Jobs: Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these steps to maximize your chances of securing a UK care job:
- Research agencies and rolesReview the 5 agencies listed above
- Check their websites for current vacancies
- Note any visa sponsorship options
- Prepare your CVHighlight relevant skills and experience
- Include any care qualifications
- Emphasize English language ability
- Write a cover letterExplain your motivation for UK care work
- Showcase your caring nature and skills
- Address any visa requirements
- Apply onlineCreate accounts on agency websites
- Search and apply for suitable roles
- Submit CV and cover letter
- Complete assessmentsTake any online tests required
- Prepare for video or phone interviews
- Attend interviewsResearch the company beforehand
- Prepare answers to common care interview questions
- Ask about training and development opportunities
- Accept job offerReview contract details carefully
- Discuss visa sponsorship if needed
- Apply for visaGather required documents
- Pay visa fees
- Attend biometrics appointment
- Prepare for move to UKArrange accommodation
- Research local area
- Plan travel
- Start your new care career!Attend induction and training
- Get to know colleagues and residents
- Begin your rewarding UK care journey
Tips for a Successful Application
To boost your chances of landing a great UK care job, keep these tips in mind:
- Tailor your CV and cover letter to each role
- Highlight any transferable skills from previous jobs
- Demonstrate your caring nature with examples
- Show enthusiasm for working in the UK care sector
- Be honest about your experience and qualifications
- Follow up after applying if you don’t hear back
- Prepare thoroughly for interviews
- Ask questions to show your interest
- Be flexible about location and shift patterns
- Start learning about UK care standards and practices
Conclusion: Your Path to a Rewarding UK Care Career
The UK care sector offers excellent opportunities for overseas workers looking to build a meaningful career while experiencing life in a new country.
With critical staffing shortages and competitive salaries, now is the perfect time to explore care work in the UK.
By following the steps and tips in this guide, you’ll be well-prepared to navigate the application process and secure your dream care job.
Remember to research thoroughly, tailor your applications, and showcase your caring nature and skills.
Whether you’re drawn to elderly care, supporting those with disabilities, or working in healthcare settings, there’s a UK care role to suit your interests and experience level.
Take the first step today by exploring the websites of the agencies mentioned and searching for suitable vacancies.
Your rewarding UK care career could be just an application away!
