There have been several updates to the immigration rules, including significant changes to the Skilled Worker Route and adult social care recruitment.
Here we signpost you to useful resources from the Department of Health and Social Care, the Home Office and others.
Immigration Changes 2025
The UK Government has announced a series of immigration rule changes in 2025 that affect international workers – including care workers – under the Skilled Worker visa.
In Summary
• From January 2026, new Skilled Worker visa applicants must meet B2 English level.
• Current international care workers already in the UK can renew at B1 level without taking a new test.
• 2025 brought major updates to salary thresholds, sponsorship rules, and visa categories.
• Watch for digital eVisa updates and the upcoming settlement consultation later this year.
Indefinite leave to remain
Indefinite leave to remain is how you settle in the UK. It’s also called ‘settlement’. It gives you the right to live, work and study here for as long as you like, and apply for benefits if you’re eligible. You can use it to apply for British citizenship.
There are different ways to apply for indefinite leave to remain based on your circumstances.
Health and Care Worker Visa
A Health and Care Worker visa allows medical professionals to come to or stay in the UK to do an eligible job with the NHS, an NHS supplier or in adult social care.
It contains information in terms of what you need to qualify for a Health and Care Worker visa.
Skilled Worker Visa Guidance
A Skilled Worker visa allows you to come to or stay in the UK to do an eligible job with an approved employer.
This Government guidance includes information about eligibility, how long you can stay in the UK, how to apply and much more.
Applying for health and social care jobs in the UK from abroad
This guidance is for people from overseas who may want to work in health and social care in the UK. Part 2: living and working in the UK – what you need to know as a health and care worker’ offers guidance on:
• being aware of exploitation and what to do about it
• arranging accommodation
• worker legal rights and standards
• employment changes and visas
• equality and inclusion in the workforce
• where to go for further guidance, support or help in the UK