Are you ready to sign up for high paying care assistant jobs in the UK with full visa sponsorship, simple application steps, fast immigration processing and steady monthly payments ranging from £1,950 to £3,500 depending on location in England, Scotland, Canada or even Australia if you plan to relocate later?
This guide explains everything you need to apply, secure interviews, complete the sponsorship process and start earning before your next retirement plan kicks in.
Why Choose Care Assistant Jobs with Visa Sponsorship
If you are looking for a job abroad that pays well, supports your immigration goals and gives you long term stability, care assistant jobs in the UK are one of the easiest ways to get started in 2026.
Employers in London, Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh and even Toronto are offering visa sponsorship because the demand for foreign workers keeps rising.
With salaries between £22,000 and £34,000 per year, free training, overtime payments of £12 to £18 per hour and career routes that lead to senior career roles earning up to £40,000, this field gives you a direct pathway to financial growth.
You are not just applying for a job, you are stepping into a sector where your work genuinely changes lives while still paying your bills comfortably.
You also get access to flexible shifts that allow you to save more. Night shifts pay an extra £1,000 to £4,000 yearly depending on the employer.
Many candidates from Nigeria, Kenya, the Philippines and India choose this path because the UK government continues to approve Skilled Worker Visas for healthcare roles and the processing time is between 3 to 8 weeks.
Visa sponsorship means the employer pays the larger portion of the immigration fees, signs your Certificate of Sponsorship and makes your relocation smoother.
If your goal is to live abroad, work legally and secure a job that consistently pays. Choosing this role in 2026 is one of the fastest options.
Types of Care Assistant Jobs in the UK
When you decide to apply for care assistant jobs in the UK with visa sponsorship, you will find different job types with various salary levels.
Understanding these categories before you sign up helps you select the role that fits your skills, experience and financial expectations.
Here are the major types of care assistant jobs available in top UK regions like England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and high demand cities such as London, Bristol and Leeds.
- Residential Care Assistants, salaries from £21,000 to £27,500 yearly.
- Nursing Home Care Assistants, salaries from £22,500 to £30,000 yearly.
- Home Care or Domiciliary Care Assistants, salaries from £11 to £15 per hour.
- Live-in Care Assistants, earnings between £700 and £1,200 weekly.
- Support Workers, yearly salaries from £23,000 to £32,000.
- Mental Health Care Assistants, yearly salary packages from £24,000 to £34,000.
- Senior Care Assistants, salaries between £28,000 and £38,000 depending on experience.
Each category offers training, free induction programs and multiple routes to upgrade your career in the UK healthcare industry.
Residential and domiciliary care roles usually recruit foreign applicants fastest because they face the biggest staffing shortages. If your goal is to secure a job with visa sponsorship quickly, these areas are your best starting point.
High Paying Care Assistant Jobs with Visa Sponsorship in the UK
If your priority is to apply for care assistant jobs that pay higher salaries, include relocation support and offer long term contracts, several employers in 2026 provide premium packages designed for international workers.
These positions are mostly found in London, Surrey, Cambridge, Edinburgh, Bristol, Manchester and Oxford where salary competition is higher.
Here are examples of high paying roles you can sign up for:
- Senior Care Assistant roles offering £30,000 to £38,000 yearly.
- Live-in Care positions with £800 to £1,200 weekly payments.
- Dementia Care Assistants earning £13 to £17 hourly.
- Palliative Care Assistants with salaries between £28,000 and £36,000.
- Mental Health Support roles paying £25,000 to £34,000 yearly.
- Complex Care Assistants earning £14 to £18 per hour.
These high paying jobs often come with benefits like free DBS checks, subsidized accommodation, paid training, pension contributions and performance bonuses that can add £1,000 to £3,000 annually.
You should also know that employers offering higher salaries tend to sponsor visas faster because they want to fill these urgent roles quickly.
If you prepare your documents early and apply to companies with active sponsorship licences, your chances of landing a high paying role increase significantly.
Salary Expectations for Care Assistants
Care assistant salaries in the UK vary by experience, job location, type of care role and the employer’s sponsorship package. However, in 2026, most international applicants earn between £22,000 and £34,000 yearly.
Entry-level care assistants usually start at £10.50 to £12.50 per hour, giving you monthly payments of £1,700 to £2,300.
Experienced applicants earn £12.50 to £16 per hour and live-in carers earn up to £1,200 weekly, which equals £50,000 yearly when working full-time through the year.
Cities like London, Reading, Oxford and Cambridge offer the highest salaries due to higher living costs. Scotland and Wales offer slightly lower salaries but cheaper housing and better savings potential.
Night shifts, weekend shifts and overtime can add an extra £2,000 to £6,000 yearly depending on how often you work them.
Below is a table summarizing the types of care assistant jobs and their salary estimates.
| JOB TYPE | SALARY RANGE |
| Residential Care Assistant | £21,000 to £27,500 |
| Nursing Home Care Assistant | £22,500 to £30,000 |
| Home Care Assistant | £11 to £15 per hour |
| Live-in Care Assistant | £700 to £1,200 weekly |
| Support Worker | £23,000 to £32,000 |
| Mental Health Care Assistant | £24,000 to £34,000 |
| Complex Care Assistant | £14 to £18 per hour |
| Senior Care Assistant | £28,000 to £38,000 |
Eligibility Criteria for Care Assistants
To apply successfully for care assistant jobs in the UK with visa sponsorship, you must meet a few eligibility requirements that employers and immigration officers check before approving your Skilled Worker Visa.
The good news is that these criteria are simple, and thousands of foreign applicants from Nigeria, Ghana, India, South Africa, Kenya, the UAE and the Philippines meet them every year.
Most employers are more focused on your willingness to learn, your communication skills and your passion for supporting vulnerable people.
You do not need a university degree, but you must meet the basic conditions below, especially if you want to qualify for jobs paying £22,000 to £34,000 yearly or live-in roles paying £700 to £1,200 weekly.
- You must be at least 18 years old.
- You must be medically fit to work full-time.
- You must speak and understand English well enough for everyday communication.
- You must have a clean police clearance or background check.
- You must be able to work flexible shifts, nights or weekends if required.
- You must meet the UK Skilled Worker Visa requirements.
- You must have basic caregiving experience or training, even if informal.
Most employers in 2026 prefer candidates with at least 3 to 6 months of caregiving experience, although some still sponsor applicants with zero experience if they show strong motivation.
Senior-level positions paying £28,000 to £38,000 require at least one year of experience plus additional certifications.
When you meet these criteria, your chances of receiving an offer letter, Certificate of Sponsorship and visa approval increase significantly.
These are the exact standards employers in London, Manchester, Glasgow and Birmingham look for before signing up new international workers.
Requirements for Care Assistants
Once you meet the eligibility criteria, the next stage is gathering the requirements that UK employers expect you to submit when applying for care assistant jobs with visa sponsorship.
These requirements also help immigration officers verify your Skilled Worker Visa application, so preparing them early saves time and prevents delays.
These requirements are simple, and many can be completed in 2 to 7 days, depending on your country. Here is what you need before signing up for a care role with salaries ranging from £22,000 to £34,000 yearly.
- A valid international passport with at least 6 months before expiration.
- Basic care training certificate, such as Care Certificate, First Aid or Manual Handling.
- A detailed CV following UK formatting standards.
- Police clearance certificate from your home country.
- English test results were required, such as IELTS UKVI with at least 4.0.
- Medical fitness report.
- Proof of previous caregiving experience, paid or voluntary.
- At least two references from previous employers or training supervisors.
Some employers also request a TB test certificate for applicants coming from certain countries.
You may also need to provide bank statements during your visa application, although most Skilled Worker Visa applicants do not need proof of funds if their employer certifies maintenance.
With these documents ready, you can apply faster, get interviewed earlier and secure your sponsorship offer more quickly compared to applicants who wait until the last minute.
Employers prefer candidates who present complete documents because it reduces processing time and helps them fill urgent staffing shortages in 2026.
Visa Options for Care Assistants
The UK government provides different visa pathways for foreigners signing up for care assistant jobs, although the most popular in 2026 is the Skilled Worker Visa.
This visa category offers an easier immigration route, longer stay options and a clear path to permanent residency.
If you want to earn between £22,000 and £38,000 yearly in the UK care sector, these are the visa options available:
- Skilled Worker Visa, the most common for sponsored care assistant jobs.
- Health and Care Worker Visa, offering lower fees and faster processing.
- Temporary Work Visa for short-term care roles, usually 12 months.
- Graduate Visa for applicants already studying in the UK who want to transition into healthcare roles.
The Skilled Worker Visa and Health and Care Worker Visa remain the best because they allow you to work full-time, bring dependents, sign up for pension contributions and eventually apply for indefinite leave to remain after 5 years. Processing time is typically 3 to 8 weeks.
Another advantage is reduced visa fees for healthcare workers. In many cases, employers cover part or all of the payments including the Certificate of Sponsorship, meaning you only handle minor documentation costs.
Documents Checklist for Care Assistants
Preparing your document checklist early helps you apply for UK care assistant jobs faster, pass employer screening smoothly and complete your visa application without delays.
This checklist mirrors what top employers in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland ask for when sponsoring foreign workers.
Below is the recommended checklist for 2026 applicants:
- Valid international passport
- Updated UK-format CV
- Care training certificates, such as First Aid or Manual Handling
- Police clearance certificate
- TB test certificate where required
- English proficiency test results where needed
- Medical fitness report
- Signed job offer letter
- Certificate of Sponsorship from your employer
- Proof of address or accommodation plan
- Two professional references
Having these documents organised saves you from interruptions during your visa application and helps you respond quickly when an employer requests verification.
Many candidates lose opportunities simply because they delay paperwork. When your documents are ready, your application moves smoothly from job search to interview, sponsorship approval and final visa payments.
How to Apply for Care Assistant Jobs in the UK
Applying for care assistant jobs in the UK with visa sponsorship is a process you can complete entirely online using your mobile phone.
Most employers in 2026 use simple application portals, allowing you to sign up, upload your documents and schedule interviews quickly.
The process is direct, and if you follow each step carefully, you can secure a job in as little as 3 to 6 weeks.
Here is how to apply:
- Prepare all your documents in PDF format.
- Create a UK-standard CV that highlights your caregiving skills.
- Sign up on job sites that specialise in care assistant recruitment.
- Apply to employers with active sponsorship licences.
- Attend the virtual interview via Zoom or Microsoft Teams.
- Complete any required online care training modules.
- Receive your offer letter and Certificate of Sponsorship.
- Submit your Skilled Worker Visa application online.
- Pay your visa fees, upload documents and book biometrics.
Most applicants from Nigeria, Kenya, India and the Philippines secure interviews within 7 to 21 days when they apply to multiple employers. Salary offers range from £21,000 to £34,000 depending on your experience and the job location.
Once your visa is approved, you can travel to the UK, resume work immediately and start earning monthly payments.
Top Employers & Companies Hiring Care Assistants in the UK
When you are applying for care assistant jobs in the UK with visa sponsorship, knowing the top employers helps you target companies that hire international applicants frequently.
These organisations have active sponsorship licences, competitive salaries ranging from £22,000 to £38,000 and fast onboarding processes. Many of them also provide free training, relocation support and pension payments to help new workers settle quickly.
Here are some of the leading employers hiring foreign care assistants in 2026.
- NHS Trusts across England and Scotland offering £23,000 to £31,000 yearly.
- Bupa Care Homes paying £22,500 to £33,000 yearly depending on location.
- HC-One Care Group offering £11.50 to £15 hourly rates.
- Agincare UK pays £23,400 to £34,000 yearly and provides free training.
- Helping Hands Home Care with weekly live-in care earnings of £700 to £1,200.
- Priory Group offering mental health care roles paying £25,000 to £35,000 yearly.
- Care UK provides £12 to £16 hourly rates plus night shift enhancements.
- Allied Healthcare hiring international workers for community care roles.
- Voyage Care offering support worker salaries from £23,000 to £32,000.
These employers hire consistently throughout the year because the UK care sector faces ongoing shortages. If you want to increase your chances of getting a quick response, apply to companies with strong sponsorship history and large staff needs.
The recruitment departments of these organisations often shortlist international candidates within 5 to 15 days if your CV is strong. For those seeking long term job security and a path to permanent residency, these are the employers you should prioritise.
Where to Find Care Assistant Jobs in the UK
Finding care assistant jobs in the UK has become easier in 2026 because most employers now advertise roles online.
You can sign up on the following job platforms, apply instantly and receive interview invitations without paying any agent.
These sites are trusted globally and used by applicants from Nigeria, India, Kenya, South Africa, Brazil and the United Arab Emirates.
Below are the best places to find sponsored care jobs.
- Indeed UK, updated daily with £22,000 to £34,000 sponsored roles.
- NHS Jobs platform for hospital and community care assistant roles.
- Reed UK featuring £11 to £16 per hour openings.
- TotalJobs with thousands of open vacancies across England and Wales.
- LinkedIn Jobs offers direct employer contact and fast interviews.
- Glassdoor for high-paying care roles in London and Cambridge.
- Agincare Recruitment Portal for visa-ready applicants.
- CareHome UK listing senior and complex care roles.
- GOV.UK Licensed Sponsors List to verify active visa sponsors.
Most candidates receive interview invites faster when they apply between Mondays and Wednesdays because recruiters are more active during those days.
You should also apply to at least 20 to 40 job openings weekly to increase your chances of landing a sponsorship job with salaries between £22,000 and £38,000.
If your application is strong, you can secure a job within 2 to 6 weeks and begin your immigration process immediately after receiving your Certificate of Sponsorship.
Working in the UK as Care Assistants
Working as a care assistant in the UK is rewarding because the job combines stable income, long term career opportunities and a chance to make a positive impact.
In 2026, the average care assistant earns £10.50 to £16 per hour, with experienced staff earning £28,000 to £38,000 yearly. Live-in carers earn even more, between £700 and £1,200 weekly.
Your responsibilities vary depending on the employer, but most care assistants handle tasks such as:
- Supporting clients with personal care.
- Meal preparation and medication reminders.
- Emotional support and companionship.
- Light housekeeping duties.
- Monitoring health changes and reporting updates.
The UK government allows care assistants under the Skilled Worker Visa to work full-time, sign up for pension schemes and even bring dependents.
Many foreign workers move into senior carer positions within 12 to 24 months, earning higher salaries and taking on leadership responsibilities. Most care assistants enjoy flexible schedules that let them work morning shifts, night shifts or weekends.
Night shifts often pay £1,000 to £4,000 more annually. Many employers also provide paid leave, sick pay and training opportunities to help you build your career.
If you are planning long term, this job can lead to permanent residency after five years, giving you full employment rights and freedom to switch employers easily.
Why Employers in the UK Want to Sponsor Care Assistants
One of the biggest questions applicants ask is why UK employers continue to sponsor care assistants from abroad, and the answer is simple, the demand is higher than the local supply.
The UK has an ageing population, rising healthcare needs and not enough domestic workers to fill these positions.
By sponsoring foreign applicants, employers reduce staffing shortages and maintain quality care for vulnerable individuals.
Companies are willing to pay salaries between £22,000 and £38,000 and cover visa sponsorship payments because they urgently need committed workers who can stay long term.
Here are the main reasons employers sponsor care assistants:
- Not enough local workers applying for care roles.
- Increasing demand for home care and nursing services.
- Government-approved immigration pathways for health workers.
- Lower recruitment delays when hiring internationally.
- High staff turnover among local workers.
- More reliable retention from foreign workers seeking long term jobs.
Visa sponsorship benefits employers because it helps them keep their staffing stable for at least three to five years. This improves service quality and reduces training costs.
For foreign applicants, it creates a win-win situation, since they get legal migration, stable income and long term career opportunities in top UK cities like London, Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds, Glasgow and Liverpool.
FAQ about Care Assistant Jobs in the UK
What qualifications do I need to apply for care assistant jobs?
You do not need a university degree, but basic care training and good communication skills help you secure jobs paying £22,000 to £34,000 yearly.
Can I apply for UK care jobs without experience?
Yes, many employers sponsor applicants with little or no experience, especially for domiciliary and live-in roles.
How long does UK visa processing take for care assistants?
Most Skilled Worker Visa applications take 3 to 8 weeks depending on your documents and country.
Do UK care assistants earn enough to save money?
Yes, with earnings between £1,700 and £3,200 monthly, many workers save £300 to £800 monthly depending on location.
Can care assistants bring their dependants to the UK?
Yes, Skilled Worker Visa holders can bring spouses and children, as long as they meet financial requirements.
Which UK cities pay care assistants the highest salaries?
London, Oxford, Cambridge, Reading and Bristol offer the best pay ranges between £26,000 and £38,000.
Are employers responsible for visa payments?
Many employers cover parts of the sponsorship process including the COS, while applicants pay smaller fees.
Can I switch employers after relocating to the UK?
Yes, you can switch employers as long as the new company has a sponsorship licence and issues a new COS.
Can care assistant roles lead to permanent residency?
Yes, after five years of continuous employment on the Skilled Worker Visa, you can apply for indefinite leave to remain.
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