The new immigration rules came into effect on 9 April 2025. They bring significant changes, especially to the Skilled Worker Route and adult social care recruitment.

Here we signpost you to useful resources from organisations like the Department of Health and Social Care and Home Office.

Official Guidance from DHSC: FAQs to help care providers and international workers understand policy changes (August 2025)

The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has released a vital frequently asked question (FAQ) document explaining recent immigration reforms affecting overseas recruitment in adult social care.

Covering key changes from the Immigration White Paper, the FAQs offer essential guidance for care providers, HR teams, and local authorities navigating new visa rules, salary thresholds, and workforce planning.

New Immigration Rules – July 2025

On the 1st July 2025, the Home Office published a major Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules (HC 997), which marks the start of the implementation of the immigration reforms set out in the Government’s Immigration White Paper, published in May 2025.

These changes will take effect from 22 July 2025, and include important updates for the adult social care sector, particularly around international recruitment and in-country visa switching.

The Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules (HC997) can be accessed below.

Immigration White Paper: Restoring Control Over the Immigration System– 12^th May 2025

The Government published the immigration white paper and confirmed that recruitment from abroad via the Health and Care Worker visa route will come to an end.

For a transition period until 2028, while the workforce strategy is being developed and rolled out, the Government will permit visa extensions and in-country switching for those already here.

Changes to the Skilled Worker Route Home Office FAQs – 9^th April 2025

There have been several questions raised around the immigration rule changes. To avoid any confusion and for clarity the Home Office has put together some FAQs on the 9th April immigration rules changes.

Changes to the Skilled Worker Route Home Office Presentation – April 2025

Access the Home Office presentation, from a webinar in April 2025, focusing on the new requirements and support for care workers and senior care workers based entirely in England.

Employment Rights Bill

Access Care England’s latest resources and guidance on matters relating to the government’s proposed Fair Pay Agreement (FPA) for the adult social care sector.