Step 1: you can apply online at or contact the Disability Carers Service on 0800 587 0912 (textphone: 0800 012 1574). You can also apply by post. Request a DS700 form or a DS700(SP) form if you're getting a State Pension.
You can prove that you are an unpaid carer with your Carer's Allowance Letter of Award and proof of your ID, or with a carer's card (available from many local authorities). You can register as an unpaid carer with your GP (which can help with receiving early access to COVID-19 vaccinations, for example).
A caregiver position usually requires some form of education or training in healthcare, nursing, or a related field. In some cases, an NVQ (National Vocational Qualification) or equivalent in Health and Social Care is beneficial. It's important to acquire these qualifications before starting your job search.
Whilst formal qualifications are not essential, one thing that you are required to undertake is the Care Certificate. This is a set of standards that you must adhere to if you are to be a social care worker. These requirements are set out by Skills for Care and Health Education England.
To qualify for a Health and Care Worker visa, you must: be a qualified doctor, nurse, health professional or adult social care professional. work in an eligible health or social care job. work for a UK employer that's been approved by the Home Office.
Apply from outside the UK Proving your identity and providing supporting documents. As part of your application, you'll need to prove your identity. Apply for a Health and Care Worker visa. Apply for a Skilled Worker visa. Continue your application. How long it takes to get a decision. After you apply.
Certain specialist care roles require very specific qualifications and experience. Whilst other CareGiver roles offer all the necessary training and experience in-house. So it is possible to become a professional care worker with no previous experience in the sector.
Apply from outside the UK Proving your identity and providing supporting documents. As part of your application, you'll need to prove your identity. Apply for a Health and Care Worker visa. Apply for a Skilled Worker visa. Continue your application. How long it takes to get a decision. After you apply.
Key points. From 11 March 2024, care workers and senior care workers are unable to bring dependants when they migrate to the UK, and only CQC-registered providers in England will be able to sponsor Health and Care Visa applicants. All other occupation codes can continue to bring dependants as normal.