Changes to immigration rules mean that employers can no longer recruit care workers and senior care workers from overseas under the Health and Care Worker visa route.
While this route has closed, there are still opportunities to recruit experienced international workers who are already living and working in England.
Recruiting international workers already in England
Until July 2028, employers can recruit eligible international workers who are already in the country and require a new sponsor.
This may include people who:
- need a new sponsor because their employer's sponsor licence has been revoked
- have been displaced through no fault of their own
- are looking to move to a new employer
- want to progress their career within adult social care.
Eligible workers may be able to:
- switch employers
- extend their visa
- continue working in adult social care, subject to visa requirements
This provides an opportunity to recruit experienced workers while supporting people whose employment circumstances have changed.
Supporting displaced international workers
Regional partnerships are working with providers to support international workers affected by sponsor licence revocations.
Providers are encouraged to engage with their regional partnership and review government guidance on sponsor licence revocations and displaced workers.
International recruitment for regulated professions
International recruitment remains available for some regulated professions, including nurses and social workers.
Individuals must meet the registration requirements of the relevant professional regulator, such as the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) and Social Work England.
Ethical recruitment
If you recruit internationally, it's important to follow the UK Code of Practice for the International Recruitment of Health and Social Care Personnel.
The Code of Practice helps ensure recruitment is fair, transparent and ethical. It:
- promotes good recruitment practice
- protects candidates from exploitation and unfair costs
- sets expectations for employers and recruitment organisations
- restricts active recruitment from countries on the WHO Safeguard List, except where government-to-government agreements are in place.
Employers should also check the Ethical Recruiters List when considering recruitment partners.
Building a sustainable workforce
As international recruitment changes, providers will need to balance ethical recruitment practices with longer-term workforce planning, retention and domestic recruitment.
Supporting existing international workers and creating positive employment experiences will remain an important part of building a sustainable adult social care workforce.
Further information