The Government has published its response to the Earned Settlement consultation and confirmed arrangements for eligible adult social care workers already in the UK.
What has been announced?
The Government has confirmed a one-off arrangement for care workers who entered or switched into the Health and Care visa route before publication of the Immigration White Paper in May 2025.
Five-year route to settlement retained for eligible care workers
Eligible care workers will be able to continue to access the existing five-year route to settlement, provided they meet the relevant requirements, including:
- Salary of at least £25,000 per year
- Sponsorship requirements
- Employment requirements
- Other Earned Settlement criteria, including English language and suitability requirements (unless exempt) and other minimum requirements that apply generally under Earned Settlement, including on criminality.
Additional provisions have been confirmed for care workers affected by sponsor licence revocation, including extended periods to secure alternative employment and regularise their immigration status.
Additional guidance is expected from the Department of Health and Social Care and the Home Office soon.
Read the Government response here: www.gov.uk/government/consultations/earned-settlement
