On 1 July, the Home Office published Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules HC 997, which will take effect on 22 July and will drastically reduce the scope of Skilled Worker visas for care workers and senior care workers in the UK.
Entry clearance applications for Skilled Workers sponsored in these occupations codes will close on 22 July 2025; and, additionally, from 22 July 2025, in-country applications in these occupations codes will only be possible in very limited circumstances. In particular, to be sponsored as a care worker or senior care worker after 22 July 2025, the applicant must have been legally working for the sponsor for at least three months on the date that the certificate of sponsorship is issued.
The changes to the in-country rules will significantly reduce opportunities for people to extend their permission in the UK, for example after a period with permission as a student or following the breakdown of a relationship, with switching into the Skilled Worker route as a care worker only being possible where the applicant is already employed in a care role by an employer with a sponsor license.
If you would like advice or assistance in relation to a Skilled Worker visa, please do not hesitate to contact us and one of the experienced solicitors in our immigration team will be happy to assist you.
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