How to Find a Care Sponsor in the UK: Complete 2025 Guide

Finding a care sponsor in the UK can feel overwhelming, but with the right approach and resources, you can secure a position with a licensed employer. Here's your step-by-step guide.

Step 1: Understand What a Sponsor Licence Is

Before you start your search, it's important to understand what you're looking for. A sponsor licence is issued by the UK Home Office to employers who want to hire workers from outside the UK.

Key Points:

• Official permission: Only licensed sponsors can employ workers on visa sponsorship
• Two types: Worker licence (for most care jobs) and Temporary Worker licence
• Active status: The licence must be active and not suspended or revoked
• Certificate of Sponsorship: Licensed employers can issue CoS certificates needed for visa applications

Step 2: Use Official and Verified Databases

The most reliable way to find sponsors is to use databases that pull directly from official government sources.

Recommended Resources:

Step 3: Search Strategically by Location

Location is one of the most important factors in your search. Here's how to approach it:

Consider These Factors:

1. Cost of living: London pays more but has higher living costs than Northern cities
2. Community: Look for areas with established communities from your country
3. Transport links: Good public transport is essential if you don't drive
4. Sponsor density: Cities like Birmingham, Manchester, and London have more sponsors
5. Accommodation: Some rural areas have less available housing

Top Cities for Care Sponsors:

• London: 2,000+ sponsors
• Birmingham: 500+ sponsors
• Manchester: 450+ sponsors
• Leeds: 350+ sponsors
• Bristol: 300+ sponsors

Step 4: Research Each Potential Sponsor

Not all sponsors are equal. Before applying, research each employer thoroughly.

What to Look For:

Step 5: Make Contact Professionally

Once you've identified potential sponsors, reach out professionally.

Best Methods to Contact:

1. Email (Best): Send a professional email with your CV attached
2. Phone: Call during business hours (9am-5pm Monday-Friday)
3. In person: Visit care homes directly if you're already in the UK
4. Job portals: Apply through Indeed, Reed, or care-specific job boards

Email Template:

Red Flags to Avoid

Major Red Flags:

• Money requests: Legitimate sponsors never ask for money upfront
• Guaranteed jobs: No one can guarantee sponsorship before proper recruitment
• Rushed decisions: Pressure to accept immediately without proper interviews
• Poor communication: Unclear, unprofessional, or inconsistent communication
• No licence verification: Won't provide sponsor licence number or company details
• Social media only: Only contactable via WhatsApp or Facebook
• "Inadequate" CQC rating: Recent poor inspection reports
• Multiple negative reviews: Consistent complaints about non-payment or poor treatment

What Employers Look For

Increase your chances by understanding what sponsors want:

Essential Requirements:

• English language: IELTS 4.0 (B1) minimum or equivalent
• Care qualifications: NVQ Level 2 or equivalent from your country
• Experience: At least 1 year in a care setting
• DBS check willingness: Must be prepared for background checks
• Right to work: Understanding of visa process and requirements

Desirable Qualities:

• Driving licence (especially for home care)
• Specialized care experience (dementia, palliative care)
• UK-based references
• Flexibility with shifts and locations
• Additional languages spoken

Timeline Expectations

Understanding the timeline helps manage expectations:

Your Next Steps

1. Register with CareVisa: Get instant access to 12,500+ verified sponsors
2. Prepare your documents: CV, qualifications, references, English test
3. Create a shortlist: Identify 10-20 suitable sponsors in your preferred areas
4. Research thoroughly: Check CQC ratings and reviews for each
5. Apply professionally: Send tailored applications to each sponsor
6. Follow up: Contact sponsors after 1-2 weeks if no response
7. Prepare for interviews: Research the employer and practice common questions

Conclusion

Finding a care sponsor in the UK requires patience, research, and a professional approach. By using verified databases like CareVisa, researching employers thoroughly, and avoiding red flags, you can secure a position with a reputable sponsor.

Remember, the right sponsor will treat you professionally from the first contact, provide clear information about the role and visa process, and never ask for money upfront.