The UK will stop issuing visas to overseas care workers in 2025. Find out what immigration options remain open, who can still apply and how to move to the UK legally after the changes

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From 2025, the UK will no longer accept new applications for care worker visas. However, existing workers will be able to stay in the country until 2028. This article looks at what’s next for foreign professionals and what immigration options are still available to the UK after the ban.

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Visa cancellation: what happened?

The UK has announced a major policy change: new applications for care worker visas will no longer be accepted from overseas. The move is part of a wider government strategy to reduce immigration and boost domestic employment in the social sector.

But can you still move to the UK as a foreigner in 2025? Yes, but the route has changed.

Health and Care Worker Visa: What’s changed?

This visa previously supported a wide range of professionals, from nurses to general care workers. However, from 9 April 2025, new overseas applicants for SOC 6135/6136 (General Care Workers) positions will no longer be eligible to apply. Key changes:

- Priority given to local candidates

- New applications from overseas will not be considered

- Those already in the UK can stay until 2028

- The policy will be reviewed based on market needs

Why has the UK changed the rules?

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said the move is aimed at:

- Reducing overall immigration

- Reducing reliance on foreign workers

- Supporting the training and employment of local professionals

What does this mean for foreigners?

This is a challenge for many, especially if you were planning to move under this scheme. But it doesn’t mean that it is impossible to enter the UK. Today, there are alternatives to the UK visa 2025 – legal and effective immigration routes, especially for skilled workers.

Alternative visa options for the UK in 2025

1. Healthcare and Care Worker Visa (for skilled positions)

- Available for nurses, doctors, aged care professionals.

- Does not apply to general care positions.

- Benefits: fast-track procedure, reduced fees, exemption from NHS payments.

2. Skilled Worker Visa (skilled professionals outside the care sector)

- Available for professions in IT, construction, logistics, hospitality.

- Requires a job offer and sponsorship certificate.

- One of the key options for immigration to the UK after the ban.

3. Student Visa

- Study in the UK with subsequent transition to a work visa.

- This is a good starting point for moving to the UK without a visa (without a direct work visa to begin with).

- Allows you to stay legally in the country, gain qualifications and consider further options.

4. Temporary work visas

- Seasonal worker visa (in agriculture, hospitality). Does not lead to PMP, but can be a temporary alternative.

If you are already in the UK: what to do?

- Extend your current visa until 2028.

- Switch to another visa (Skilled Worker, Graduate, etc.).

- Get advice from a migration lawyer.

- Use the transition period to gain new qualifications.

The closure of the visa for care workers is an important signal for anyone planning to emigrate to the UK. But this is not the “end of the story”. It is just a change of route.

Want to know how to move to the UK without a visa or what immigration options are available to move to the UK after the ban? Explore opportunities for study, high-skilled work, entrepreneurship or internal migration.

Changes in visa policy can be difficult to understand, especially if the situation concerns your future. To avoid mistakes and waste of time, contact experienced migration lawyers. They will help assess your chances, choose the optimal visa route or offer alternatives after the visa for care workers is closed.

Reminder! In 2025, the UK radically changed immigration rules: new requirements for visas, citizenship, employment and training. We have already told you how this will affect migrants and what to expect next.