Switching into Care Roles: What the New 3-Month Rule Really Means

From 22 July 2025, individuals already residing in the UK who wish to switch into a care roles under the Skilled Worker visa will be subject to a newly introduced eligibility condition: a minimum of three months lawful employment with their sponsor. This requirement reflects the Home Office’s broader strategy to tighten, protects and enhance integrity within the care sponsorship route.

As of 22 July 2025, UK Home Office has implemented a new requirement affecting Skilled Worker visa applications in the care sector. This change specifically applies to the following Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) codes:

• Care Workers and Home Carers (SOC code 6135)
• Senior Care Workers (SOC code 6136)

Applicants must now complete at least 3 months of employment with their sponsoring care employer before submitting a switch application.

This means:

• The individual must have been employed for at least 3 months in the same role as that being sponsored.
• The work must align with the details listed in their Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS).
• The employment must have been with a Home Office licensed sponsor, typically a provider regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).
• The individual must have been on official payroll, ensuring the work was lawful and properly documented.

This requirement applies exclusively to in-country applications. In other words, it will impact individuals who are already residing in the UK under a different visa category and now wish to switch into the Skilled Worker route within a care-related occupation. For example, this includes international students who have secured a job offer in the care sector, as well as holders of Graduate visas aiming to transition into sponsored roles. Additionally, it affects dependants of other visa holders who intend to apply independently and furthermore, those on other temporary visas who are planning to move into long-term employment in the care sector. Ultimately, the rule is designed to ensure that all applicants switching into these roles have a proven employment track record with a licensed sponsor before their application is submitted.

The introduction of this three-month rule is not arbitrary. It has been developed to address serious concerns raised in recent months around the misuse of care sector sponsorships. In many cases, migrants were being sponsored for care roles that either did not exist or failed to meet minimum regulatory and employment standards. By imposing a period of verified employment before a visa switch is permitted, UK Home Office aims to ensure that job offers are genuine, that sponsoring employers are compliant and reputable and that applicants have had time to settle into their roles prior to entering into a sponsored arrangement.

It’s also important to remember that the standard eligibility criteria for a Skilled Worker visa remain unchanged. Applicants must still have a valid CoS, meet the required salary threshold (which varies depending on the role) and hold a job that appears on the list of eligible occupations. They must also satisfy the English language requirement through a recognised qualification, test, or prior education in English. If a worker began employment with a care sponsor prior to the rule change but later moves to another sponsor, the new employer must still be properly registered with the CQC to maintain eligibility.

As the care sector continues to be a critical area of need within the UK labour market, these updates highlight the importance of stability, transparency and genuine employment relationships in the sponsorship process. For those looking to build a career in care, careful planning and professional guidance will now be more important than ever.

With these changes now in force, legal advice is strongly recommended for anyone who is trying to switch into care-based sponsorship. Immigration rules can be complex, and misunderstandings about eligibility, timing, or documentation could lead to refused applications or delays. An experienced immigration solicitor can assist in reviewing your employment history, verifying your sponsor’s status, preparing compliant application documents and ensuring that all evidence aligns with Home Office requirements.

With over 20 years of experience and a commitment to excellence, Morgan Smith Immigration is your trusted partner for all your immigration needs. Contact us today to learn more about how we can assist you with UK Visa Applications. For any enquiries or assistance, call us at 0203 959 3335 or email [email protected].