From 9 April 2025, the UK Home Office has introduced targeted scrutiny measures for sponsors assigning Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS) under SOC codes 6135 (Care Workers and Home Carers) and 6136 (Senior Care Workers).
Core Distinction: Switching vs. Changing Employers
- If a person is already on a Skilled Worker visa and is changing employers:
UK Home Office will NOT ask additional questions related to recruitment efforts or prior employment evidence. This is treated as an internal change within the same visa route. - If a person is on a different visa and switching to a Skilled Worker visa under SOC 6135 or 6136:
UK Home Office will require further justification before approving the application. This includes proof that the sponsor tried to recruit locally or that the applicant has been working legally in the same role for at least 3 months.
Requirements for Visa Switchers
For sponsors assigning a CoS to someone switching to a care worker visa, one of the following must be provided:
Option 1: Evidence of Local Recruitment Attempt
Sponsors must:
- Contact their local regional care partnership.
- Confirm on the CoS that no suitable workers were found locally.
- Name the regional partnership(s) they contacted.
Option 2: Evidence of Existing Legal Employment
If the worker has already been:
- Working legally for the sponsor in a care role for at least 3 months, and
- Has the right to work under another immigration route,
Then the sponsor must provide documents such as: - Contracts
- Wage slips
- Bank statements
…demonstrating alignment with the job description under SOC 6135 or 6136.
Why This Matters
These rules are designed to discourage unjustified switching to care worker visa routes and prioritise domestic recruitment through regional partnerships. However, workers already on the Skilled Worker route who are simply changing employers remain unaffected by these extra checks, making their process simpler and faster.
For clear, tailored advice on switching to the Skilled Worker visa or understanding employer transitions, speak to an immigration expert today.
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].
