Visa Guidance

Can a Carer on a Skilled Worker Visa Own a Business?

Yes — and here is exactly how. Owning a company, the SOC 1232 owner code, and the self-sponsorship route explained.

• 1
  You can own a company & be a director
• 2
  Move from worker code to owner code 1232
• 3
  The 5-step carer-to-owner pathway

Self-Sponsorship Visa UK

Requirements, cost and the full process for sponsoring yourself through your own UK company.

• 1
  Own a company that sponsors you
• 2
  What the Home Office requires
• 3
  Step-by-step process

Care Manager Visa Sponsorship (SOC 1232)

The owner/manager code that lets your own company sponsor you to run your service.

• 1
  What SOC code 1232 is
• 2
  On the Immigration Salary List, UK-wide
• 3
  1232 vs worker codes 6135/6136

How to Start a Care Business in the UK

Company, CQC registration, policies and your first clients — and the faster ready-made route.

• 1
  Register the company
• 2
  Prepare the CQC pack & register
• 3
  Begin caring for clients

Self-Sponsorship Visa Cost

What it really costs, broken down clearly — and how a staged build spreads it.

• 1
  Company, CQC & sponsor licence
• 2
  Visa, IHS & the going-rate salary
• 3
  Spread across stages, not all at once

Dependants, ILR & Settlement

Bring your family, and the settlement timeline — why owners sit on the stronger side.

• 1
  Dependants are allowed
• 2
  Counts toward ILR
• 3
  The settlement timeline

Care Companies That Sponsor Visas

How care-sector sponsorship works — and the most certain route: becoming the sponsor yourself.

• 1
  How sponsorship works
• 2
  Why self-sponsorship is surest
• 3
  Owning your CQC-ready company

How to Switch Sponsor

Complete guide to legally changing your sponsoring employer while maintaining your visa status.

• 1
  Find a new licensed sponsor
• 2
  Get a new Certificate of Sponsorship
• 3
  Apply to change your visa conditions

Path to Settlement (ILR)

Everything you need to know about applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain after 5 years.

• 1
  Complete 5 years continuous residence
• 2
  Pass Life in the UK test
• 3
  Meet English language requirement

Health & Care Worker Visa

Understanding eligibility, application process, and benefits of the care worker visa route.

• 1
  Check eligibility requirements
• 2
  Gather required documents
• 3
  Submit your application

Bringing Family to the UK

How to apply for dependant visas for your spouse, partner, and children.

• 1
  Check who qualifies as a dependant
• 2
  Meet financial requirements
• 3
  Apply together or separately

IELTS & English Language

Minimum scores, accepted alternatives, exemptions, and preparation tips for the English test.

Salary Requirements 2026

Minimum salary thresholds by role, what counts towards the salary, and part-time rules.

Know Your Rights

Recognise exploitation, understand your legal rights, and know where to get help.

Top Sponsors 2026

How to find the best care sponsors, what to look for, red flags, and research tips.