Franklin OmotiThe UK continues to be one of the top destinations for foreign nurses and carers seeking stable employment with competitive salaries, career advancement opportunities, and a straightforward immigration pathway.
With the demand for healthcare professionals reaching record highs in 2025, the UK government and private healthcare organizations are actively recruiting skilled nurses and carers from overseas through UK work visa sponsorship jobs.
This program allows qualified foreign healthcare workers to relocate to the UK under a Skilled Worker Visa, securing not only a stable job but also full relocation benefits such as visa fees coverage, accommodation assistance, and in many cases, flight allowances.
Reports from the UK National Health Service (NHS) indicate that over 50,000 nursing vacancies remain unfilled annually, and the average salary for foreign nurses in the UK ranges between £28,000 and £45,000 per year, depending on experience and location.
For carers, the demand is equally strong, with starting salaries averaging £21,000–£26,000 per year, often rising to £30,000+ with experience.
The visa sponsorship route eliminates the hassle of finding employers willing to handle immigration paperwork, making the UK work visa sponsorship jobs pathway a life-changing opportunity for many healthcare professionals worldwide.
What is the UK Work Visa Sponsorship Jobs all About?
UK work visa sponsorship jobs refer to employment opportunities in the UK where employers are licensed to sponsor foreign workers under the UK Skilled Worker Visa program.
These jobs are in sectors facing labor shortages, particularly in healthcare, where hospitals, care homes, and private clinics urgently require qualified staff.
The UK Home Office maintains an updated list of eligible occupations and licensed sponsors. Foreign nurses and carers are classified as shortage occupation workers, meaning the visa fees are significantly reduced, and salary thresholds are slightly lower than other professions.
For example, while the general Skilled Worker Visa requires a minimum salary of £26,200 per year, healthcare roles like nurses and carers have a lower threshold of £23,040 per year or £10.10 per hour. This makes it easier for overseas healthcare professionals to qualify.
Another key benefit is the five-year pathway to permanent residency. After working continuously in the UK for five years under this visa, foreign nurses and carers can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), eventually leading to British citizenship. Moreover, many UK employers cover additional costs such as:
- Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) fees: Average £199 paid by employer.
- Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): Approximately £624 per year, often covered by NHS roles.
- Flight and Accommodation Expenses: Between £500–£1,500 provided by some employers.
This makes the UK work visa sponsorship program an affordable and rewarding opportunity for qualified professionals seeking long-term career growth in the UK healthcare sector.
Types of UK Work Visa Sponsorship Jobs
Foreign nurses and carers applying under UK visa sponsorship jobs have access to various job roles depending on qualifications, experience, and career aspirations. The main categories include:
1. NHS Nursing Jobs with Visa Sponsorship
The NHS (National Health Service) is the largest employer in the UK, offering thousands of nursing jobs with visa sponsorship every year. Roles range from general nurses to specialist nurses in departments such as mental health, pediatrics, midwifery, and surgical care.
NHS salaries typically start at Band 5, offering £28,407 to £34,581 annually, with experienced nurses earning up to £50,000 per year in Band 7 positions.
2. Care Assistant and Support Worker Jobs
For carers, positions include healthcare assistants, care home workers, and support workers in both private and public facilities. Salaries range between £21,000–£26,000 per year, often with overtime rates increasing annual earnings to £30,000+. Employers frequently provide free or subsidized housing to attract foreign carers.
3. Private Healthcare Nursing Jobs
Private hospitals and clinics also hire international nurses under visa sponsorship. These roles often come with higher pay rates than NHS jobs, sometimes exceeding £45,000 annually for experienced professionals.
4. Senior Care Worker Roles
Introduced in 2022 as a shortage occupation, senior care workers earn £23,040–£27,000 per year and enjoy an expedited visa process.
With healthcare vacancies projected to rise by 15% by 2030, foreign nurses and carers will continue to find lucrative opportunities under UK work visa sponsorship jobs.
How to Find UK Work Visa Sponsorship Jobs
Finding UK work visa sponsorship jobs for foreign nurses and carers requires a strategic approach to increase hiring chances and ensure compliance with immigration requirements.
1. Search NHS Jobs Portal and Government Websites
The official NHS Jobs portal lists thousands of vacancies across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Additionally, the UK Home Office website provides a list of licensed visa sponsors. This ensures you only apply to employers authorized to hire foreign workers.
2. Use Reputable Recruitment Agencies
Agencies like Medacs Healthcare, HCL Workforce, and Global Nurse Force specialize in recruiting international nurses and carers for UK hospitals. These agencies often assist with interview preparation, relocation arrangements, and visa documentation.
3. Explore Private Healthcare Providers
Private hospital groups such as Bupa, Spire Healthcare, and Care UK also sponsor work visas for foreign healthcare workers. Salaries in private healthcare sometimes exceed NHS pay rates, especially for experienced nurses.
4. Attend Online Healthcare Job Fairs
Many UK employers conduct virtual recruitment events, enabling candidates from countries like India, Nigeria, and the Philippines to secure jobs without traveling for interviews.
On average, the recruitment process from job application to visa approval takes 3–6 months, depending on employer response times and Home Office processing speed.
General Requirements for UK Work Visa Sponsorship Jobs
Foreign nurses and carers aiming for UK work visa sponsorship jobs must meet specific eligibility criteria set by the UK Home Office and employers. These requirements ensure candidates possess the right skills, qualifications, and documentation to work legally in the UK healthcare sector.
1. Professional Qualifications and Licensing
For nursing roles, applicants must hold a recognized nursing degree or diploma equivalent to UK standards. In addition, registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) is mandatory before starting work in the UK. This involves passing two major tests:
- CBT (Computer-Based Test): Taken online in the applicant’s home country.
- OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examination): Taken in the UK after arrival.
Carers and healthcare assistants typically require less formal qualifications, though some employers prefer candidates with caregiving certificates, healthcare diplomas, or experience in elderly or disability care.
2. English Language Proficiency
Applicants must demonstrate proficiency in English through recognized tests such as IELTS (International English Language Testing System) or OET (Occupational English Test). The minimum score for nursing roles is usually IELTS band 7.0 or OET Grade B in all components.
3. Job Offer from a Licensed Sponsor
Only UK employers holding a Sponsor License can hire foreign workers. The job offer must meet minimum salary thresholds:
- Nurses: £26,200 annually, reduced to £23,040 for shortage occupation roles.
- Carers: £21,000–£26,000 annually, depending on experience.
4. Criminal Record Certificate
Applicants must provide police clearance certificates from any country lived in for 12 months or more in the past ten years.
5. Health and TB Test Certificate
Tuberculosis (TB) screening is mandatory for applicants from certain countries before entering the UK.
6. Proof of Funds (if applicable)
In cases where the employer does not certify maintenance on the CoS, applicants must show £1,270 in savings for at least 28 consecutive days.
Meeting these requirements ensures a smooth visa application process, enabling candidates to secure UK work visa sponsorship jobs with full relocation benefits and long-term career opportunities.
Application Guide for UK Work Visa Sponsorship Jobs
Applying for UK work visa sponsorship jobs for foreign nurses and carers involves several critical steps. Each stage must be carefully completed to avoid delays or visa refusals.
Step 1: Secure a Job Offer
Applicants should begin by applying to NHS hospitals, private care homes, or recruitment agencies specializing in healthcare placements. Employers will issue a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) after a successful job offer.
Step 2: Obtain Required Documentation
Candidates must prepare all documents, including:
- Valid passport
- Proof of English language proficiency
- Academic certificates
- Police clearance
- TB test results (if applicable)
- CoS reference number from the employer
Step 3: Apply for the Skilled Worker Visa
Applications are submitted online via the UK Government Visa and Immigration portal. The visa fee depends on job category:
- Standard Skilled Worker Visa: £625–£1,423
- Shortage occupation roles (including nursing and care): £479–£943
Step 4: Pay Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)
Healthcare workers pay an annual IHS fee of £624, though in many cases, NHS employers cover this cost.
Step 5: Biometric Appointment and Visa Decision
Applicants must attend a visa center to provide fingerprints and photographs. Visa processing times typically range between 3–8 weeks, depending on the applicant’s country of residence.
Step 6: Relocation to the UK
Upon visa approval, candidates receive a vignette sticker in their passport to travel. After arrival, they collect their Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) within ten days.
With average salaries of £28,000–£45,000 for nurses and £21,000–£30,000 for carers, this pathway offers both financial stability and long-term residency prospects.
Top UK Companies Offering Visa Sponsorship Jobs
Numerous employers in the UK healthcare sector actively recruit foreign nurses and carers under visa sponsorship programs. Some of the top organizations include:
1. National Health Service (NHS)
The NHS remains the largest employer in the UK, with over 1.3 million staff. In 2025 alone, the NHS aims to recruit over 20,000 international nurses and carers due to staffing shortages.
- Average Salary: £28,407–£50,000 annually.
- Benefits: Paid training, relocation allowance up to £1,500, free accommodation for initial months.
2. Bupa UK
Bupa, a leading private healthcare provider, hires foreign nurses and senior carers across care homes and private hospitals.
- Average Salary: £26,000–£40,000 annually.
- Benefits: Visa fees paid, subsidized housing, pension contributions.
3. Care UK
Specializing in elderly and disability care, Care UK sponsors hundreds of foreign carers each year.
- Average Salary: £21,000–£27,000 annually.
- Benefits: Free care training, flight reimbursement, overtime opportunities.
4. Spire Healthcare
Operating private hospitals across the UK, Spire Healthcare offers lucrative roles for experienced nurses with higher pay packages.
- Average Salary: £30,000–£45,000 annually.
- Benefits: Career development programs, family visa support.
These employers not only provide competitive salaries but also assist with accommodation, training, and visa costs, making relocation to the UK seamless for foreign nurses and carers.
Visa Sponsorship Jobs with UK Work Visa
The UK Skilled Worker Visa grants foreign nurses and carers the legal right to live and work in the UK for up to five years, with a direct route to permanent residency afterward. Under this visa, professionals enjoy numerous benefits, including:
- High Earning Potential: Nurses earn £28,407–£50,000 annually, while carers make £21,000–£30,000+ depending on experience and location.
- Full Family Relocation: Dependents, including spouses and children, can accompany the main applicant. Spouses can work in the UK without restrictions.
- Healthcare Access: Visa holders pay minimal fees for the National Health Service, with many employers covering the IHS charges.
- Pathway to British Citizenship: After five years, candidates can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), and subsequently for citizenship after one additional year.
By 2025, the UK government projects that healthcare visa sponsorship jobs will remain in critical demand, with foreign nurses and carers forming a significant part of the workforce. This ensures job security, attractive pay packages, and a clear route to permanent settlement in the UK.
Franklin Omoti