The UK's social care sector is facing a critical staffing crisis, creating significant opportunities for Nigerians looking to relocate. The Health and Care Worker Visa offers a fast-track route with lower fees and exemptions from the Immigration Health Surcharge. This guide covers everything you need to know about becoming a care worker in the UK from Nigeria.
While care work may not pay as much as nursing or other healthcare professions, it provides a legitimate pathway to UK residency, an opportunity to gain UK work experience, and for many, a stepping stone to further career development in healthcare.
What is the Health and Care Worker Visa?
The Health and Care Worker Visa is a sub-category of the Skilled Worker Visa designed for health professionals and care workers. It offers several advantages:
- Reduced visa application fees
- Exemption from the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)
- Faster processing times
- Pathway to settlement (ILR) after 5 years
Eligible Care Roles
Not all care positions qualify. Eligible roles include:
- Senior care worker (SOC 6135) - Primary qualifying role
- Care home managers
- Support workers in certain settings
- Healthcare assistants (in some circumstances)
Important: Since April 2024, the role of "care worker" (non-senior) has restrictions. The main qualifying role is now Senior Care Worker, which requires supervisory responsibilities.
Requirements for the Care Worker Visa
From the Employer
- Must be a licensed sponsor registered with the Home Office
- Must be registered with Care Quality Commission (CQC) in England or equivalent bodies in Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland
- Must issue a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
From the Applicant
- Job offer: Valid job offer for an eligible care role
- Salary: Minimum £23,200 per year (or £11.90/hour)
- English language: B1 level (IELTS 4.0 in each component)
- Funds: £1,270 in savings for 28 days (unless employer certifies maintenance)
- TB test: Certificate from approved clinic in Nigeria
- Criminal record: Police clearance certificate
How to Find Care Jobs with Visa Sponsorship
Where to Search
- Indeed UK: Search "care worker visa sponsorship"
- LinkedIn: Filter for UK care roles with sponsorship
- Care Home UK websites: Apply directly to care home chains
- Gov.uk Sponsor List: Find licensed sponsors in the care sector
- Recruitment agencies: Specializing in international care worker placement
Major Care Home Groups That Sponsor
- HC-One
- Barchester Healthcare
- Care UK
- Four Seasons Health Care
- Many independent care homes
The Application Process
- Find and apply for jobs: Target roles specifically advertising visa sponsorship
- Interview and receive offer: Usually via video call from Nigeria
- Receive Certificate of Sponsorship: Employer issues CoS once you accept
- Take IELTS if needed: Achieve B1 level scores
- Gather documents: Passport, TB test, police clearance, bank statements
- Apply online: Complete visa application on gov.uk
- Attend biometrics: At VFS center in Lagos or Abuja
- Wait for decision: Usually 3 weeks
- Travel and start work: Collect BRP within 10 days of arrival
Costs Involved
- Visa fee: £284 (discounted for Health and Care workers)
- IHS: Exempt for Health and Care Worker Visa holders
- TB test: ₦40,000 - ₦60,000
- IELTS: ₦120,000 - ₦150,000
- Biometrics: Approximately ₦80,000
- Police clearance: ₦5,000 - ₦10,000
- Translation/notarization: Variable
Note: Many employers cover some or all visa costs as part of recruitment packages.
Salary Expectations
- Senior Care Worker: £23,200 - £28,000/year
- Night shifts: Often pay additional premiums
- Overtime: Additional hours usually available
- After experience: Progression to supervisor/manager roles
What the Work Involves
Care work is demanding but rewarding. Typical responsibilities include:
- Assisting residents with daily activities (bathing, dressing, eating)
- Medication administration support
- Monitoring health and reporting changes
- Providing emotional support and companionship
- Maintaining records and care plans
- Working in teams with nurses and other staff
Important Changes in 2024
The UK government made significant changes to care worker immigration in March 2024:
- Dependent restrictions: Care workers can no longer bring family members as dependents (new applications)
- CQC registration required: Sponsors must be CQC registered
- Increased enforcement: Stricter checks on sponsors
These changes make it more important than ever to work with legitimate employers who are fully compliant.
Pathway to Settlement
After 5 years on the Health and Care Worker Visa, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), leading to British citizenship eligibility. Requirements include:
- Continuous residence in UK for 5 years
- No excessive absences (no more than 180 days per year)
- Passing Life in the UK test
- English language at B1 level (already met for visa)
Tips for Success
- Verify sponsors: Check the official Home Office sponsor list
- Beware of scams: Never pay agents excessive fees for guaranteed jobs
- Prepare for the work: Care work is physically and emotionally demanding
- Get proper training: UK requires specific certifications; employers usually provide
- Understand the commitment: You're typically tied to the sponsor for initial period
Conclusion
The UK Care Worker Visa remains a viable pathway for Nigerians despite recent policy changes. While you can no longer bring dependents initially, the route still offers a legitimate pathway to UK residency and eventual settlement.
Success requires finding reputable employers, meeting visa requirements, and being prepared for the realities of care work. For those willing to commit, it can be a rewarding career both personally and as a foundation for a life in the UK.