Care Homes with Tier 2 Sponsorship in London 2025

The demand for skilled care workers in the UK is rising, especially in London. As a result, many care homes with Tier 2 sponsorship in London are opening doors to international applicants. These sponsorships help fill critical roles while offering overseas professionals a chance to build long-term careers in the UK. For many, a sponsored role isn’t just a job—it’s a stepping stone toward stability, growth, and even permanent residency.

Understanding Tier 2 Sponsorship in the Care Sector

Tier 2 sponsorship, now encompassed under the Health and Care Worker Visa, enables UK employers to recruit qualified professionals from abroad to fill essential roles. For international workers, this means:

Eligibility: Candidates must have a confirmed job offer from a UK employer approved by the Home Office. The role should be in an eligible health or social care job, such as a qualified doctor, nurse, health professional, or adult social care professional. Additionally, applicants must meet English language proficiency requirements. Detailed eligibility criteria are available on the official GOV.UK website.
Benefits: The visa offers fast-tracked processing, reduced application fees, and exemption from the Immigration Health Surcharge, making it an attractive option for healthcare professionals.

Care homes in London utilize this sponsorship to mitigate workforce shortages, ensuring they can continue to provide high-quality care to residents. The UK government mandates that employers seeking to sponsor international workers must hold a valid sponsor license and adhere to specific regulations to maintain their sponsorship status. This ensures that both the employers and employees operate within a structured and legal framework, promoting ethical recruitment and employment practices.

SEE THIS: Navigating the UK Self-Sponsorship Visa: Your Ultimate Guide

Care Homes in London Offering Tier 2 Visa Sponsorship

Looking for care homes in London that offer Tier 2 (Skilled Worker) visa sponsorship? Below is a curated list of care home providers with active sponsor licences. These employers are approved on the UK Government’s Register of Licensed Sponsors.

1. Barchester Healthcare

One of the UK’s largest providers with 200+ homes nationwide. Offers nursing, dementia, and residential care. Actively recruits internationally and is a licensed Tier 2 sponsor.

2. HC-One

The UK’s largest care home operator with nearly 300 homes. Focuses on kind, person-centred care. Offers visa sponsorship through a dedicated international recruitment program.

3. Four Seasons Health Care

Offers residential and dementia care in 40+ homes. Confirms active sponsorship of international nurses on their careers page.

4. Bupa Care Homes

Operates 130+ homes across the UK. Provides complex care, dementia, and residential services. Actively sponsors skilled worker visa applicants.

5. Care UK

Runs 150+ modern care homes. Their overseas recruitment page confirms support for relocation, visa sponsorship, and Certificate of Sponsorship issuance.

6. Hallmark Care Homes

High-quality care provider with over 20 homes in England and Wales. Offers visa sponsorship and is listed as an A-rated sponsor by the Home Office.

7. Agincare

Offers home care, live-in care, and care homes across England. Sponsors qualified overseas nurses and healthcare assistants through the Health and Care Worker visa route.

8. Excelcare Holdings

Runs 30+ care homes in London and surrounding regions. Confirmed Tier 2 sponsor and active international recruiter.

9. RCH Care Homes

Family-owned care group operating 9 homes in and around London. A-rated sponsor, with job listings regularly open to Tier 2 visa applicants.

10. Abbey Total Care Group

Operates multiple homes in East London and Essex. Officially registered sponsor for residential care activities.

Check the UK Government’s Sponsor Register to confirm a care home’s current sponsor status.

Always cross-check the official Home Office Register before applying to ensure the employer is legally authorized to sponsor visas.

Eligibility Criteria for Care Home Tier 2 Sponsorship

Securing a position in a care home in London with Tier 2 sponsorship requires meeting specific eligibility criteria set by the UK Home Office. Understanding these requirements is crucial for a successful application.

Required Qualifications and Experience

Relevant Educational Background: Applicants should have qualifications in health and social care or related fields. While formal education is beneficial, practical experience in caregiving roles is highly valued.
Professional Experience: Prior experience in caregiving, nursing, or similar roles enhances your application. Demonstrating hands-on experience in providing care to individuals is essential.

English Language Proficiency

Language Requirements: Proficiency in English is mandatory. Applicants must prove their ability to read, write, speak, and understand English. This is typically demonstrated by passing an approved English language test or having an academic qualification taught in English.

Background Checks and Health Certifications

Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Check: A clean criminal record is required. Applicants must undergo a DBS check to ensure the safety of vulnerable individuals in care settings.
Health Assessments: Medical examinations may be necessary to confirm fitness for the role and to ensure that applicants do not have any health conditions that could pose a risk in a care environment.

Visa Sponsorship Conditions Set by the UK Home Office

Job Offer from a Licensed Sponsor: Applicants must have a valid job offer from a care home that holds a sponsorship license issued by the UK Home Office. This license permits the employer to sponsor foreign workers.
Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS): The sponsoring employer provides a CoS, a unique reference number required for the visa application. This document confirms the job offer and details of the role.
Salary Threshold: The offered salary must meet the minimum threshold set for the specific role to qualify for a Tier 2 visa.

How to Apply for Care Homes Offering Tier 2 Sponsorship

Applying for a position in a care home with Tier 2 sponsorship involves several strategic steps:

Step 1: Research and Shortlist Care Homes with Sponsorship

Identify Potential Employers: Research care homes in London that hold a sponsorship license. Utilize resources like the GOV.UK Register of Licensed Sponsors to find approved employers.

Step 2: Prepare a UK-Style CV and Tailored Cover Letter

Curriculum Vitae (CV): Create a concise CV highlighting relevant qualifications, experience, and skills tailored to the caregiving sector.
Cover Letter: Write a personalized cover letter expressing your interest in the role and the organization, and how your background aligns with their needs.

Step 3: Apply Directly on Care Home Websites and Job Portals

Online Applications: Submit applications through care home career pages and reputable job portals. Ensure that each application is customized to the specific role and employer.

Step 4: Attend Interviews and Demonstrate Caregiving Experience

Interview Preparation: Be ready to discuss your caregiving experience, approach to patient care, and how you handle challenging situations. Highlight empathy, patience, and communication skills.

Step 5: Secure a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from an Employer

Post-Offer Process: Once a job offer is made, the employer will issue a CoS, which is necessary for the visa application.

Step 6: Apply for the Health and Care Worker Visa

Visa Application: With the CoS, apply for the Health and Care Worker Visa. This process includes providing necessary documentation and attending a visa appointment.

Best Job Portals for Finding Care Homes with Tier 2 Sponsorship

Several platforms can assist in finding care homes in London offering Tier 2 sponsorship:

GOV.UK List of Licensed Sponsors: The official register of organizations licensed to sponsor workers under the Skilled Worker visa.
NHS Jobs Portal: Listings of healthcare positions within the National Health Service, some of which may offer sponsorship.
Indeed UK: A comprehensive job search platform with filters to identify roles offering visa sponsorship.
TotalJobs: A major UK job board featuring various healthcare roles, including those with sponsorship opportunities.
LinkedIn Job Listings: Professional networking platform with job listings; connecting with recruiters can provide insights into sponsorship availability.

By following these steps and utilizing these resources, applicants can enhance their chances of securing a caregiving position in London with Tier 2 sponsorship.

Salary Expectations and Benefits

Working as a care worker in London under a Tier 2 sponsorship offers various financial and professional benefits. Understanding these can help set realistic expectations and aid in career planning.

Average Salary for Care Workers in London with Sponsorship

The average salary for care assistants in the UK typically ranges between £20,500 and £24,000 per year. However, salaries in London are often higher due to the increased cost of living. It’s important to note that the UK government has set specific salary thresholds for visa sponsorship:

Standard Salary Requirement: As of April 2024, the general minimum salary threshold for Skilled Worker visas is £38,700 per year. However, for health and care workers, the threshold is lower.
Health and Care Worker Visa Threshold: For roles on the immigration salary list, including care workers, the minimum salary requirement is £23,200 per year or the occupation-specific threshold, whichever is higher.

Therefore, care workers in London with Tier 2 sponsorship can expect salaries starting from £23,200, with potential increases based on experience and specific employer offerings.

Additional Benefits

Beyond the base salary, care workers may receive several additional benefits:

Housing Assistance: Some employers offer housing support or allowances to help offset living expenses in London.
NHS Healthcare: As residents, care workers have access to the National Health Service (NHS), providing comprehensive healthcare services.
Pension Schemes: Employers typically enroll employees in pension schemes, contributing to long-term financial security.

Opportunities for Career Progression in the UK Health Sector

The UK health sector offers numerous pathways for career advancement:

Further Qualifications: Pursuing additional certifications or degrees can lead to specialized roles or supervisory positions.
Training Programs: Many employers provide continuous professional development opportunities to enhance skills.
Role Advancement: With experience, care workers can progress to senior care roles, management positions, or transition into nursing or other healthcare professions.

Challenges of Working in a Care Home as a Sponsored Worker

While there are many benefits, international care workers may face certain challenges:

Common Difficulties Faced by International Care Workers

Cultural Adjustment: Adapting to new cultural norms and workplace practices can be challenging.
Isolation: Being away from family and familiar support systems may lead to feelings of loneliness.
Exploitation Risks: There have been reports of migrant care workers facing exploitation, including underpayment and poor working conditions.

Workload and Expectations in UK Care Homes

Care workers are expected to provide high-quality care, often under demanding conditions:

High Workload: Staffing shortages can lead to increased responsibilities and longer hours.
Emotional Demands: Caring for vulnerable individuals requires emotional resilience and dedication.

Legal and Contractual Considerations for Tier 2 Visa Holders

It’s crucial for sponsored workers to be aware of their rights and obligations:

Employer Dependence: The visa is tied to the sponsoring employer; changing employers requires a new sponsorship and visa application.
License Revocation: If an employer loses their sponsorship license, affected workers may need to find a new sponsor or risk losing their right to work in the UK.
Policy Changes: Recent changes have restricted care workers from bringing dependents to the UK, impacting family life.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I switch employers after getting a sponsored care job?

Yes, but you’ll need to obtain a new Certificate of Sponsorship from your new employer and apply for a visa update. The new employer must also be a licensed sponsor.

Do all care homes in London offer visa sponsorship?

No, only care homes registered with the UK Home Office as licensed sponsors can offer visa sponsorship. It’s essential to verify a care home’s sponsorship status before applying.

If your employer’s sponsorship license is revoked, you may need to find a new sponsor within a specified timeframe or risk losing your right to work in the UK.

How long does it take to get a Health and Care Worker Visa?

Processing times can vary, but applications are typically processed within three weeks. It’s advisable to apply as early as possible to account for any potential delays.

Can family members join me under the Tier 2 visa?

As of March 2024, care workers and senior care workers are no longer permitted to bring dependents to the UK under the Health and Care Worker visa route.

Conclusion

Pursuing a care worker position in London with Tier 2 sponsorship offers valuable opportunities but also comes with challenges. To maximize your chances:

Apply Early: Start your application process well in advance to accommodate any potential delays.
Choose Reputable Employers: Research and select employers with a strong track record and active sponsorship licenses.
Prepare Thoroughly: Ensure all your documentation is accurate and complete to avoid processing issues.

A sponsored care job can be a meaningful pathway to building a future in the UK, offering both professional growth and personal fulfillment.