Policy updates

Immigration rules change without much notice, and a page that was right last month can be wrong today. This log records each change that affects the routes we cover, with the government announcement it rests on, the date it took effect, who it affects and what remains open. It is checked against IRCC and the Home Office every week.

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UK care worker sponsorship from overseas has ended: 22 July 2025

What changed. Employers can no longer sponsor care workers (occupation code 6135) or senior care workers (6136) for a first Skilled Worker application made from outside the UK. The Home Office announced the change on 11 May 2025, alongside its immigration white paper, and it took legal effect through the July 2025 Statement of Changes.

Who is not affected. Workers already sponsored in the sector. The Home Office confirmed they "will be able to continue to extend their stay, change sponsors and apply to settle". In England the employer must be registered with the Care Quality Commission.

What remains open. Care home and domiciliary care managers (code 1232), nursing auxiliaries and assistants (6131) and registered nursing are open to overseas applicants and eligible for the Health and Care Worker visa, which carries no immigration health surcharge. Canada's Express Entry runs a health care and social services category in 2026.

A rule, not a law of nature. No reopening date has been announced. This entry updates if the position moves.

Sources: Overseas recruitment for care workers to end (GOV.UK, 11 May 2025) · Statement of Changes HC 997 (July 2025) · Health and Care Worker visa: your job (GOV.UK).