Care worker visas closed to overseas applicants; UK switching open until 2028
Published Checked by Edward Owusu
At a glance
What changed
Since 22 July 2025, the Skilled Worker route no longer accepts entry clearance (from outside the UK) applications for care workers and home carers (code 6135) or senior care workers (code 6136). Applications from inside the UK can continue for people switching from another visa until 22 July 2028. For these switching applications, the person has to have been legally working for the sponsoring care provider in that role for at least 3 months before the certificate of sponsorship was issued.
Who it affects
Care workers and senior care workers, people in the UK on other visas such as Student, Graduate or dependant visas who work in care, and care providers that sponsor workers.
When it starts
The overseas closure started on 22 July 2025, and the in-country switching window runs until applications made before 22 July 2028.
What it does not change
People who already hold Skilled Worker permission in these care roles can still apply to stay in the route under the rules, without the 22 July 2028 cut-off. The change does not remove existing visas.