The UK government officially added Care Workers to the “Shortage Occupation List.” This change means that Care Workers can now apply for a Skilled Worker Visa under the new immigration rules. Initially, this change is temporary, lasting for 12 months.
This article explains why the change was made, how it benefits the care industry, and what the visa application process looks like for Care Workers.
Why Are Care Workers Added to the Shortage Occupation List?
The UK’s Shortage Occupation List includes jobs that face a severe shortage of skilled workers. Adding Care Workers to this list helps businesses in the care sector fill job vacancies, especially after the challenges brought by Brexit and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Before Brexit, care employers could recruit staff freely from the EU. Now, EU nationals need a visa to work in the UK, which has made it harder for care homes and home care agencies to find staff.
The government hopes this change will help ease the pressures on the care industry by allowing Care Workers to be sponsored for visas under the Skilled Worker route.
Economic Impact of the Shortage
The inability to recruit enough skilled Care Workers has caused significant problems for care businesses in the UK. Many companies have had to turn down contracts, such as care services for local councils, due to staff shortages. Existing staff are overworked, which limits the services businesses can offer.
With an ageing population and increasing demand for care services, this shortage has become even more critical. Care homes and agencies need skilled staff to provide quality care, but shortages limit the number of people they can help.
What Does the Change Mean for Employers?
By adding Care Workers to the Shortage Occupation List, the government has made it easier for employers to sponsor skilled Care Workers from abroad. This means that care businesses with a sponsor licence can offer jobs to foreign workers and sponsor them for a Skilled Worker Visa.
Although the Care Worker role is below RQF level 3 (meaning it’s considered lower-skilled), it now qualifies for visa sponsorship because of the shortage of workers in this field. Previously, only higher-level roles like Senior Carers could be sponsored under the Skilled Worker route.
Care Workers, including roles like care assistants and home carers, can now apply for this visa with a lower salary requirement than other professions, but they must meet certain pay thresholds.
Health and Care Visa: Lower Costs for Employers and Workers
Care Workers can apply under the Health and Care Visa, a special subcategory of the Skilled Worker Visa. This visa has several benefits:
- Exemption from the Immigration Health Surcharge.
- Reduced visa application fees:
- £232 for a visa up to 3 years.
- £464 for a visa up to 5 years.
- Employers will need to pay for the Certificate of Sponsorship (£199) and the Immigration Skills Charge (either £364 or £1,000 per year, depending on the employer’s size).
When Can I Apply?
Applications for Care Worker visas under the new rules started on 15 February 2022. However, Care Workers can only apply for a Skilled Worker Visa for 12 months, with the government reviewing the rules in February 2023 to decide whether to continue the policy. This 12-month period is a pilot to test the effectiveness of adding Care Workers to the Shortage Occupation List.
Who Qualifies as a Care Worker?
To qualify for a Care Worker visa, applicants must be offered a job in one of these roles:
- Care Assistant
- Care Worker
- Carer
- Home Care Assistant
- Support Worker (e.g., in nursing homes)
However, private individuals cannot sponsor domestic care workers (e.g., for personal home care).
Pay Requirements
To qualify for a visa, Care Workers must meet certain pay levels:
- Minimum Salary: £20,480 per year.
- Hourly Rate: At least £10.10 per hour.
If the pay is lower than the minimum salary for the number of hours worked, the application will be refused. For example, a job offer of £22,000 for 60 hours per week would be considered too low.
How Long Can a Care Worker Stay?
Care Workers can be granted a visa for up to 5 years. After 5 years of continuous residence in the UK on a Skilled Worker Visa, they can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), which is a path to permanent residency.
Can Care Workers Bring Their Dependants?
Yes, Care Workers can sponsor their dependants (spouses, partners, and children under 18) to join them in the UK. Dependants will also benefit from the fee reductions available under the Health and Care Visa.
How to Apply for a Care Worker Visa?
Care Workers can apply from either inside the UK (to switch visas or extend their stay) or outside the UK (for entry clearance). To apply, the employer must first have a sponsor licence to issue a Certificate of Sponsorship.
- The visa process involves submitting an online application, biometric data collection, and providing supporting documents like:
- A current passport.
- Proof of English language skills (e.g., B1 level).
- Evidence of financial support (bank statements, etc.).
- Certificate of Sponsorship from the employer.
What If My Employer Doesn’t Have a Sponsor Licence?
If your employer doesn’t yet have a sponsor licence, they will need to apply for one before they can sponsor you. It usually takes 8 weeks for the application to be processed. Once approved, they can assign a Certificate of Sponsorship, which you will use to apply for the visa.
Visa Processing Times
Visa applications under the Health and Care route typically take 3 weeks to process, though this is not guaranteed. There are also priority services available for faster processing.
The UK’s shortage of Care Workers has created a serious challenge for care businesses. By adding Care Workers to the Shortage Occupation List, the government has made it easier for employers to hire skilled workers from overseas.
If you’re an employer in the care sector or an individual looking to apply for a Care Worker visa, Law and Visas can help guide you through the application process and ensure everything is in order.
