Care Visa: UK Blocks Visa Switch for Grads, Students

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Effective 22 July 2025, the UK Government has officially closed the Care Worker and Senior Care Worker routes under the Skilled Worker visa scheme (Standard Occupational Classification – SOC codes 6135 and 6136) to all new applicants.

This change significantly affects international students and recent graduates who previously intended to transition into the UK care sector through these visa pathways.

Only individuals who already possess a Skilled Worker visa under these care roles before the cut-off date remain eligible under certain transitional protections.

A special transitional provision known as the ‘3-Month Rule’ applies, but only to those who were already on a Skilled Worker visa in a care-related role before 22 July 2025.

To qualify for this rule, an individual must:

✅ Already hold a Skilled Worker visa under SOC 6135 or 6136,

✅ Have worked continuously with their current UK sponsor for at least three months prior to applying for a new Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS),

✅ Remain physically present in the UK and apply for a change of employer before 22 July 2028.

This rule allows eligible care workers to switch employers within the sector, provided the above conditions are met.


Who is Not Eligible for the 3-Month Rule?

The following categories do not qualify for the 3-Month Rule and cannot switch into the Skilled Worker care route:

❌ Student visa holders

❌ Graduate visa holders

❌ Any applicant who did not already hold a Skilled Worker visa in a care role before 22 July 2025


Even if individuals from these categories work in the care sector for an extended period, they are not eligible to transition into a Skilled Worker care visa under the revised rules.


Practical Scenarios: What the Changes Mean

Scenario 1: Aisha (Graduate Visa Holder)

Began working full-time in a UK care home in April 2025

Her Graduate visa expires in January 2026

❌ Despite having over 6 months of experience, she cannot switch into a care worker visa


Scenario 2: James (Student Visa Holder)

Nursing student, working part-time in care during studies

Expected to graduate in September 2025

❌ He cannot apply for a care visa after graduation

✔ He may apply for a Graduate visa, but this does not allow a switch into the care sector


Scenario 3: Mary (Current Skilled Worker Visa Holder)

On a Skilled Worker care visa since May 2024

Her employer loses sponsorship status in August 2025

✅ She can switch to another care employer, having fulfilled over 3 months of work before the change


Scenario 4: Daniel (Graduate Visa issued August 2025)

Offered a job as a care assistant shortly after arrival

❌ Even if he works in care for one full year, he is ineligible to switch to a Skilled Worker care visa

✔ He may consider alternative roles such as Nursing Assistant (SOC 6131) that are still eligible for Skilled Worker sponsorship


Guidance for International Students and Graduate Visa Holders

If you’re currently on a Student or Graduate visa and considering your UK employment options, consider the following advice:

🎓 Complete your academic programme and apply for the Graduate visa to gain post-study work rights in the UK

🧰 Use the Graduate visa period to gain relevant UK work experience

🎯 Focus on roles that remain open for Skilled Worker sponsorship, such as:

Nursing Assistant (SOC 6131)

HR Officer

Payroll Clerk

Electrician, Technician, Welder

IT, Cybersecurity, and Engineering roles


✔ Before applying, confirm the employer is a licensed sponsor and ensure the salary threshold for Skilled Worker visa eligibility is met


Key Takeaways

⚠ Care Worker and Senior Care Worker routes under the Skilled Worker visa are permanently closed to new applicants from 22 July 2025

⚠ The 3-Month Rule only benefits individuals already on a Skilled Worker care visa before that date

⚠ Students and Graduates are excluded from switching into the care sector via this rule, regardless of their work experience


This immigration change marks a critical shift in the UK’s Skilled Worker visa landscape, particularly for international students and graduates eyeing roles in the care sector. Early planning and exploring alternative sponsored roles are now more important than ever.

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