Care Assistant Jobs With Visa Sponsorship In The UK (2024)

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Are you considering a career as a care assistant in the UK? This comprehensive guide discusses the visa requirements, job search strategies, and salary expectations for international professionals seeking employment in the UK’s healthcare sector.

Visa Requirements For Care Assistants In The UK

To work as a care assistant in the UK under the Health and Care Worker visa, you need to meet several important requirements set by the UK government.

This visa is part of the Skilled Worker visa category, which aims to bring healthcare workers, including care assistants, to the UK’s health and social care sectors.

Key Requirements:

Certificate Of Sponsorship (CoS):

You need a valid Certificate of Sponsorship from a UK employer approved by the Home Office. This certificate shows that the employer will sponsor you for a specific job.

Job Offer:

You must have a confirmed job offer in health or social care. The job must match one of the roles listed under specific job codes, such as care workers or senior care workers.

Salary Requirements:

The job must pay at least £23,200 per year or meet the “going rate” for that role, whichever is higher. For some roles not on a national pay scale, the salary requirement may be up to £29,000 per year.

English Language Proficiency:

You need to show you can speak, read, write, and understand English at least at CEFR Level B1, which equals an IELTS score of 4.0. This ensures you can effectively communicate in your job.

Financial Requirements:

You may need to prove you have enough personal savings to support yourself when you arrive in the UK unless your employer certifies that they will cover these costs.

Health Requirements:

Depending on your country of origin, you might need to provide valid tuberculosis (TB) test results. If your job involves working with vulnerable people, you may also need a criminal record certificate.

Application Process

You can apply for the visa online. It’s best to apply up to three months before your planned start date in the UK. The application process is usually quick, with most decisions made within three weeks.

How To Find Care Assistant Jobs With Visa Sponsorship

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you with your job search.

1. Job Boards

Start your search on popular job boards that often list care assistant jobs. Websites like NHS Jobs, Indeed, Totaljobs, and Reed are great places to start.

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Use specific keywords like “care assistant visa sponsorship” or “healthcare assistant jobs with sponsorship” to make your search easier. You can also set up job alerts on these sites to help you get notifications when new jobs are posted.

2. Networking

Networking is very important in the healthcare field. Join groups on platforms like LinkedIn or Facebook that are focused on care work.

Get involved in discussions, ask questions, and connect with people already working in the UK. Many jobs are shared within these networks, and having personal connections can often lead to job offers.

3. Recruitment Agencies

Think about contacting recruitment agencies that specialize in healthcare jobs. Agencies like Medacs Healthcare and HCL Workforce often work with employers who are open to sponsoring visas.

These agencies can help you with the application process and match you with the right job openings. However, when applying for jobs, make sure to customize your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience and skills related to care work.

Clearly state that you are looking for a job with visa sponsorship. Use phrases like “seeking employment with visa sponsorship” to make your situation clear.

Also, include any certifications or training you have that are relevant to the job. After you apply, it’s a good idea to follow up with the employer.

Sending a polite email to express your continued interest can help keep your application in mind. This shows that you are eager and serious about the job.

Salary And Benefits For Care Assistants In The UK

As of 2024, care assistants in the UK earn an average salary ranging from £20,000 to £25,000 per year, which is about £10 to £12 per hour.

Entry-level positions may start around £18,000 annually, while those with more experience can earn over £30,000, especially if they move into senior roles or work in specialized areas.

Salaries for care assistants can vary depending on several factors. For example, those working in London or other major cities usually earn higher wages due to the higher cost of living.

In contrast, care assistants in rural areas might earn less. Additionally, working for the NHS often comes with better pay and benefits compared to private care homes.

As care assistants gain experience and additional qualifications, they have opportunities for salary progression.

For instance, obtaining a Level 3 Diploma in Health and Social Care can lead to senior roles with higher pay. Some care assistants may even move up to managerial positions, which can increase their salary.

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Besides their salary, care assistants in the UK enjoy several benefits. These benefits often include paid time off, which gives them the chance to rest and recharge.

Many employers also offer pension contributions to help employees save for retirement. Training opportunities are commonly provided to help care assistants improve their skills and advance their careers.

Some employers offer private health insurance or access to healthcare services, which helps employees take care of their health without worrying about costs. Many care assistant roles offer flexible working hours, making it easier to maintain a good work-life balance.

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