How to Switch Your Care Worker Sponsor: Complete Guide 2026
A step-by-step guide to changing your sponsoring employer while on a Health and Care Worker visa. Covers the 60-day rule, required documents, costs, and how to find a new licensed sponsor.
Key Facts
- You do not need your current employer's permission to switch
- If your sponsor licence is revoked, you have 60 days to find a new sponsor
- You can switch even after the care worker route closed to new overseas applicants
- Your new employer pays for the Certificate of Sponsorship
In This Guide
When You Can (and Should) Switch
You can switch sponsors at any time during your Health and Care Worker visa. Common reasons for switching include:
- Your employer's sponsor licence has been revoked — this is the most urgent scenario, triggering the 60-day rule
- You are being underpaid — your employer is paying less than the going rate or minimum wage
- Poor working conditions — excessive hours, unsafe environments, or bullying
- Exploitation — your employer is withholding documents, charging illegal fees, or restricting your freedom
- Better opportunity — you found a role with better pay, conditions, or location
- Employer closing down — the care home or agency is ceasing operations
If You Are Being Exploited
If your employer is holding your passport, not paying you, or threatening you with visa cancellation, this may be a criminal offence. Contact the Modern Slavery Helpline: 08000 121 700 (free, confidential, 24/7). You will not get in trouble for reporting exploitation. UKVI has protections for victims.
The 60-Day Rule Explained
If your employer's sponsor licence is revoked by UKVI, your visa will be curtailed (shortened). You will typically receive a letter from UKVI giving you 60 days to either:
- Find a new licensed sponsor and submit a new visa application
- Switch to a different visa category (if eligible)
- Make arrangements to leave the UK
The 60-day clock starts from the date on the UKVI curtailment letter, not from the date the employer's licence was revoked. During the 60 days, you remain legally in the UK and can look for work. If you submit a valid visa application within the 60 days, your leave is extended until a decision is made (Section 3C leave).
Act Immediately
Do not wait until the end of the 60 days. Start searching for a new sponsor the day you receive the curtailment letter. Use CareVisa's sponsor search to find licensed care sponsors in your area immediately.
Step-by-Step Process
Find a New Licensed Sponsor
Search for care providers who hold a valid sponsor licence. Use the CareVisa sponsor search or check the official government register at gov.uk. Apply for positions and attend interviews. Ensure the employer understands the sponsorship process.
Receive a Job Offer and Contract
Once the new employer offers you a position, review the employment contract carefully. Check the salary meets the going rate, working hours are correct, and the role matches the SOC code. Do not sign anything you are unsure about.
Employer Assigns a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
Your new employer creates a CoS through their sponsor management system. The CoS contains your job details, salary, start date, and other information. You will receive a CoS reference number. The employer pays for this (GBP 239) — you should not be charged.
Submit Your Visa Application
Apply online at gov.uk for a change of employer. You will need your CoS reference number, passport details, English language evidence, and any other supporting documents. Pay the application fee (approximately GBP 259).
Attend Biometric Appointment
Book and attend an appointment at a UKVCAS centre to provide your biometrics (fingerprints and photograph). You can use the UKVI app as an alternative for some applications.
Wait for Decision and Start Work
Standard processing takes about 8 weeks. Priority service (approximately GBP 500) reduces this to around 5 working days. Once approved, your new eVisa will show the updated sponsor details and you can start work with the new employer.
Documents You Need
- Valid passport — must not expire within the visa period
- Current eVisa details or BRP reference
- Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) reference number from new employer
- English language evidence — B2 level (IELTS 5.5+ each component, or equivalent)
- Employment contract with the new employer
- TB test certificate (if applicable for your nationality)
- Bank statements (if required — employer can certify maintenance)
- Criminal record certificate (if applicable for the role)
Costs Breakdown
| Item | Cost | Who Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application fee | ~GBP 259 | You |
| Immigration Health Surcharge | Exempt | N/A (Health & Care exempt) |
| Certificate of Sponsorship | GBP 239 | Employer |
| Immigration Skills Charge | Exempt | N/A (Health & Care exempt) |
| Priority processing (optional) | ~GBP 500 | You (or employer) |
| Super priority (optional) | ~GBP 1,000 | You (or employer) |
Fees are approximate and may change. Check gov.uk for current fees.
Timeline
Finding a New Sponsor
Finding a legitimate, licensed sponsor is the most important step. Here is how to search:
CareVisa Sponsor Search
Search our database of 12,500+ verified UK care sponsors. Filter by location, care type, and CQC rating. Search free →
Government Sponsor Register
Check the official register of licensed sponsors at gov.uk/government/publications/register-of-licensed-sponsors-workers
Job Boards
Search Indeed, NHS Jobs, and care-specific job boards. Filter for "sponsorship available" or "visa sponsorship"
Red Flags to Avoid
Unfortunately, some employers exploit care workers on sponsored visas. Watch out for these warning signs:
It is illegal for an employer to charge you for your Certificate of Sponsorship or any immigration-related fees that are the employer's responsibility
No employer should ever take or hold your passport or immigration documents. This is a criminal offence
If the offered salary does not meet the going rate for your SOC code, the visa application will be refused and the employer may be acting unlawfully
All regulated care providers in England must be registered with the Care Quality Commission. If they are not registered, something is wrong
A legitimate employer will give you time to review documents. If they pressure you to sign immediately, proceed with caution
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to find a new sponsor if my employer loses their licence?
You have 60 days from the date UKVI curtails your visa. Start searching immediately using CareVisa's sponsor search. If you submit a valid application within 60 days, your leave is extended until a decision is made.
Can I work while waiting for my switch application?
If you submitted your application before your current visa expired, you are on Section 3C leave and can work for your new employer. Do not start work before submitting the application.
How much does it cost to switch?
The main cost to you is the visa application fee (~GBP 259). Health and Care Worker visa holders are exempt from the IHS and Immigration Skills Charge. Optional priority processing costs ~GBP 500.
Do I need my current employer's permission?
No. You have the legal right to change employers. Your current employer cannot prevent you from switching, though check your notice period in your contract.
What documents do I need?
Passport, eVisa details, CoS reference number, B2 English language evidence, employment contract, TB test certificate (if applicable), and bank statements (if required).
How long does it take?
The visa application takes ~8 weeks (standard) or ~5 working days (priority). Total process from finding a new employer to starting work is typically 2-4 months.
Can I switch to a non-care employer?
Yes, but you would need to switch to the standard Skilled Worker visa route. The role must be eligible and meet the higher salary threshold for that route.
What if my new employer also loses their licence?
The 60-day rule applies again. This is why thorough vetting is essential. Check CQC ratings, verify the sponsor licence on the government register, and look for reviews from current staff.
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