I’m going to save you some time and disappointment right upfront: if you’re looking to get sponsored as a Care Worker or Care Assistant in UK from overseas, that ship sailed on July 22, 2025. The UK government shut down that pathway completely.
But here’s what nobody’s telling you clearly. If you’re a registered nurse willing to jump through the NMC hoops, there are still legitimate opportunities. And if you’re already in the UK on a student visa or as a dependent, some of these places will sponsor your switch after you get through the English tests and NMC registration.
Let me walk you through what’s actually available right now, not what was available six months ago.
The Reality of UK Care Home Sponsorship in 2025
The overseas Care Worker route is dead. Period. I keep seeing people apply for these positions thinking they’ll get sponsored from abroad, and it’s not happening anymore. The only realistic pathway now is through the Health & Care Worker visa as a Registered Nurse.
This means you need to be NMC-registered, which is a whole process involving English tests, competency assessments, and proving your nursing qualifications meet UK standards. It’s not quick, it’s not cheap, but it’s the only way in from overseas.
If you’re already in the UK legally, you have slightly better odds. Some care home groups will consider sponsoring your visa switch after you’ve completed the NMC requirements. The key word here is “after.” They want to see you’ve passed everything first.
5 Care Home Groups Actually Sponsoring Nurses
I’ve verified these through the official sponsor register, so they’re legitimate. But remember, having a sponsor license doesn’t guarantee they’re actively recruiting internationally right now.
1. Barchester Healthcare
What they offer: International nurse recruitment with OSCE support
Why they’re worth your time: They actually have a dedicated international recruitment program and help with the OSCE preparation, which is the final hurdle most people struggle with.
Apply here: http://jobs.barchester.com/international-recruitment/
Barchester runs over 200 care homes across the UK. They know the visa process and have systems in place to support international nurses. The OSCE support is particularly valuable because that exam trips up a lot of qualified nurses.
2. HC-One
What they offer: International nurse recruitment (prioritizes UK-based candidates)
Why they’re realistic: They’re upfront about preferring people already in the UK, but they do sponsor from overseas. They also provide OSCE support.
Apply here: http://apply.hc-one.co.uk/international-recruitment.aspx
HC-One operates around 300 care homes. Their international recruitment page is actively maintained, which tells me they’re still processing applications. The fact that they prioritize UK-based candidates means if you’re already here on another visa, you might have better luck.
3. Maria Mallaband Care Group (MMCG)
What they offer: Full NMC/CBT/OSCE pathway support
Why they stand out: They guide you through the entire process from NMC registration to OSCE completion.
Apply here: http://www.mmcgcarehomes.co.uk/careers/international-nurse-recruitment
MMCG is smaller than the others but they put more effort into supporting international candidates through the qualification process. If you’re just starting the NMC journey, they might be worth considering.
4. Bupa UK Care Homes
What they offer: Sponsor license holder with nurse-specific career portal
Why they’re solid: Bupa is a major healthcare brand with deep pockets and established processes.
Apply here: http://careers.bupa.co.uk/our-roles/nurses
Bupa operates care homes alongside their insurance and healthcare businesses. They have the infrastructure to handle visa sponsorship properly, though their international recruitment isn’t as obvious as the others.
5. Care UK
What they offer: Nurse vacancies across 160+ care homes
Why they’re worth checking: Large network means more potential opportunities and locations.
Apply here: http://www.careuk.com/careers/vacancies
Care UK runs homes across England and Scotland. Their size means they likely have ongoing nurse shortages, which works in your favor if you meet their requirements.
How to Actually Qualify (The Real Process)
Here’s the pathway that actually works, step by step:
Step 1: English Language Test
Pass IELTS Academic (minimum 7.0 overall, 6.5 in each section) or OET (Grade B in all sections). No shortcuts here. The NMC is strict about this.
Step 2: NMC Overseas Registration
Submit your nursing qualifications for recognition. This takes months and costs around £140 just for the application. You’ll need certified translations if your documents aren’t in English.
Step 3: Computer-Based Test (CBT)
Pass the NMC’s CBT. It’s basically testing your UK nursing knowledge. You can take this in your home country at Pearson centers. Costs about £83.
Step 4: Get to the UK
Once you have NMC provisional registration and a job offer, your employer can issue a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) for your Health & Care Worker visa.
Step 5: OSCE Exam
Take the Objective Structured Clinical Examination in the UK. This is the practical nursing test. Pass this and you get full NMC registration.
The whole process typically takes 6-12 months and costs over £1,000 in fees alone, not counting travel and accommodation for the OSCE.
Red Flags to Avoid
Fake job offers: If someone’s asking for money upfront or promising guaranteed visas, run. Legitimate employers don’t charge you to apply.
Outdated information: Loads of websites still list Care Worker sponsorship as available. It’s not. Double-check everything against current immigration rules.
Unlicensed sponsors: Always verify any employer on the official register: http://www.gov.uk/government/publications/register-of-licensed-sponsors-workers
Some recruitment agencies are still advertising Care Worker positions that can’t lead to visas. Don’t waste your time.
If You’re Already in the UK
Your situation is different and potentially better. If you’re here on a student visa, graduate visa, or as a dependent, some care home groups will consider sponsoring your switch to a Health & Care Worker visa after you complete the NMC requirements.
The key is getting through the English tests and NMC registration first. Don’t approach employers until you have at least provisional NMC registration. They want to see you’re serious and have cleared the major hurdles.
The Numbers Game
Let’s be realistic about your odds. These care home groups get hundreds of international applications. Having NMC registration helps you stand out, but it’s still competitive.
Your best bet is applying to multiple employers simultaneously and being flexible about location. Care homes in less popular areas of England or Scotland might be more willing to sponsor because they have bigger staffing gaps.
What This Actually Costs
Beyond the official fees, budget for:
- IELTS/OET preparation and test fees: £200-300
- NMC application and CBT: £220+
- Document translations and certifications: £200-500
- OSCE exam: £992
- Travel to UK for OSCE: varies
- Visa application fee: £284
- Immigration Health Surcharge: £624 per year
You’re looking at £2,500-3,500 minimum, and that’s if everything goes smoothly the first time.
The Honest Truth About Working in UK Care Homes
The work is challenging though. You’ll be dealing with elderly residents who need significant care, often with dementia or other complex conditions. The pay starts around £22,000-25,000 annually for newly registered nurses.
But here’s why people still do it: it’s a pathway to UK residency. After five years on a Health & Care Worker visa, you can apply for settlement. The visa also lets you bring your family, which many other work visas don’t.
Your Next Steps
If you’re serious about this pathway:
- Start with the English test. Don’t apply to employers until you have this sorted.
- Begin the NMC application process immediately. It takes months.
- Research where you want to live in the UK. Some areas have much higher demand for nurses.
- Only apply to verified sponsors from the official register.
- Be prepared for a long process. This isn’t a quick route to the UK.
The UK still needs nurses, especially in care homes. But they’ve made the process much more competitive. If you’re willing to invest the time and resources to become NMC-registered, there are still legitimate opportunities
