In This Guide
Switching your sponsor as a care worker in the UK is more common than you might think. Whether your current employer has treated you unfairly, their licence has been revoked, or you have simply found a better opportunity, you have the legal right to change employers while remaining on your Health and Care Worker visa.
This guide walks you through every step of the process, from finding a new licensed sponsor to submitting your application and starting your new role. We have helped thousands of care workers navigate this process successfully.
Why Care Workers Switch Sponsors
There are many valid reasons why care workers decide to change their sponsoring employer. The most common include:
Sponsor licence revocation
The Home Office regularly revokes sponsor licences from employers who breach their duties. In 2025 alone, over 450 care sector licences were revoked. If this happens, you receive a 60-day letter giving you time to find a new sponsor.
Exploitation or poor working conditions
Unfortunately, some employers exploit sponsored workers by underpaying, excessive hours, withholding documents, or threatening deportation. You have every right to leave such an employer. See our Know Your Rights guide for more information.
Better career opportunity
You may have found a role with better pay, career development, or working conditions. There is nothing wrong with seeking career advancement, and the visa system allows for this.
Relocation
Moving to a different area of the UK, perhaps to be closer to family, community, or a region with a lower cost of living, is a perfectly valid reason to switch sponsors.
Company closure or redundancy
If your employer closes down or makes you redundant, you will need to find a new sponsor. The 60-day rule applies in this situation as well.
Your Legal Rights When Switching
Key principle: You are NOT tied to one employer
The UK government has been clear that the Health and Care Worker visa does not create modern slavery conditions. You have the right to change employers at any time by following the correct process.
As a sponsored care worker in the UK, you have the following rights:
- Right to switch employers at any time, provided you follow the correct visa application process
- Right to keep your passport — your employer cannot withhold your passport or any other personal documents
- Right to be paid at least the minimum salary for your role as specified in your Certificate of Sponsorship
- Right to give notice according to your employment contract and not be penalised for leaving
- Right to report exploitation to the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority (GLAA) without fear of immigration consequences
- Right to 60 days to find a new sponsor if your current sponsorship ends through no fault of your own
Warning signs of exploitation:
If your employer threatens to cancel your visa for leaving, forces you to pay back training costs not in your contract, confiscates your documents, or pays less than your CoS states, these are signs of exploitation. Contact the GLAA helpline on 0800 432 0804 or see our exploitation rights guide.
Step-by-Step Switching Process
Find a New Licensed Sponsor
Your new employer must hold a valid Sponsor Licence for the Health and Care Worker visa route. You can verify this using the official Home Office register of licensed sponsors or search our verified database on CareVisa.
Tips for finding a good sponsor:
- Check the sponsor's rating (A-rated is best)
- Look at CQC ratings for care providers
- Ask about career development opportunities
- Confirm the salary meets minimum thresholds
- Read reviews from other sponsored workers
Secure a Job Offer
Apply for and accept a job offer from your chosen employer. You will go through the normal recruitment process including interviews and references. Make sure the role is an eligible occupation for the Health and Care Worker visa and that the salary meets the minimum requirement.
See our salary requirements guide for the latest minimum thresholds for 2026.
Your New Employer Assigns a Certificate of Sponsorship
Your new employer will assign you a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) through their Sponsorship Management System (SMS). This is an electronic record, not a physical document. Your employer pays a fee of £239 for the CoS.
The CoS will contain details about your job, salary, working hours, and the SOC code for your occupation. Make sure all details are accurate before your employer submits it.
Learn more in our Certificate of Sponsorship guide.
Submit Your Change of Employment Application
You must apply to the Home Office for permission to change employer. This is done through the UK Visas and Immigration online portal. You will need:
- Your CoS reference number from your new employer
- Valid passport
- Biometric residence permit (BRP) if applicable
- TB test certificate (if from a listed country)
- English language evidence (IELTS or equivalent)
- Proof of personal savings (at least £1,270 held for 28 days) unless employer is certifying maintenance
You will also need to attend a biometric appointment at a UKVCAS centre as part of your application.
Wait for Your Decision
After submitting your application, you wait for the Home Office to make a decision. Standard processing is up to 8 weeks. During this time, you should continue working for your current employer (if still employed) and not start with the new employer until approved.
Important: Do not resign from your current employer until your new visa application has been submitted. If you are in the 60-day period after your sponsorship ended, you do not need to be employed while waiting.
Start Your New Role
Once your application is approved, you will receive a new digital immigration status (eVisa) or BRP. You can now start working for your new sponsor. Your visa will show your new employer's details.
Your time on the Health and Care Worker visa continues to count towards your 5-year qualifying period for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).
The 60-Day Rule Explained
If your sponsorship ends because your employer cancels your CoS, loses their licence, or closes down, the Home Office will send you a "curtailment letter" giving you 60 days to take action.
During the 60-day period, you can:
- 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 voluntarily
Important points about the 60-day rule:
- The 60 days starts from the date on the Home Office letter, not the date you receive it
- You need to submit your new application within 60 days — it does not need to be decided
- You cannot work during the 60-day period (unless you have submitted a new application)
- If you submit a new application within the 60 days, you can stay in the UK while it is being decided
Act quickly: 60 days goes fast. Start searching for a new sponsor immediately. CareVisa's database of 12,500+ verified sponsors can help you find a new employer quickly. Search sponsors now.
Costs and Fees for Switching Sponsor
| Fee | Amount (2026) | Who Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application (up to 3 years) | £259 | Applicant (or employer) |
| Immigration Health Surcharge | £624/year | Applicant (or employer) |
| Certificate of Sponsorship | £239 | Employer |
| Priority service (optional) | £500 | Applicant |
| Super priority service (optional) | £1,000 | Applicant |
| Biometric enrolment | Included | Included in visa fee |
Good to know: Many employers offer to cover visa fees and IHS as part of their recruitment package. Always ask about this during your interview. The Health and Care Worker visa is exempt from the full Immigration Skills Charge, which saves your employer significant costs.
Processing Times
Standard processing
Most applications
Priority service
Additional £500
Super priority service
Additional £1,000
Processing times are measured from the date of your biometric appointment. Complex cases may take longer. You can continue to work for your current employer while your application is pending.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Starting work before visa approval
Never start working for your new employer before your change of employer application is approved. This is a breach of your visa conditions and could result in refusal of future applications.
Not checking sponsor licence validity
Always verify that your prospective employer has a valid, A-rated sponsor licence before accepting a job offer. Licences can be revoked at any time.
Missing the 60-day deadline
If you are in a 60-day curtailment period, failing to submit a new application before the deadline means you will be in the UK without valid leave. Set reminders and act immediately.
Not keeping evidence
Keep copies of all correspondence, payslips, contracts, and communications with both your old and new employers. This documentation may be needed for your application.
Accepting below minimum salary
Your new salary must meet the minimum threshold for the Health and Care Worker visa. Accepting a lower salary will result in your application being refused.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I switch my care visa sponsor while in the UK?
Yes, you can switch sponsors while remaining in the UK. You need to find a new licensed sponsor employer, obtain a new Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), and submit a change of employment application to the Home Office. You do not need to leave the country.
How long does it take to switch sponsor?
Standard processing takes up to 8 weeks from your biometric appointment. Priority service (approximately £500 extra) takes 5 working days. Super priority (approximately £1,000 extra) gives you a decision by the next working day.
What happens if my sponsor loses their licence?
If your sponsor's licence is revoked, the Home Office will write to you giving you 60 days to find a new sponsor. During this period, your visa conditions remain valid and you can legally stay in the UK while searching for a new employer.
Can I work for my new sponsor before my application is approved?
No, you cannot start working for your new sponsor until your change of employer application has been approved by the Home Office. Working for an employer not named on your current visa is a breach of your conditions.
Do I need to pay for the visa switch myself?
The visa application fee (£259 for up to 3 years) and IHS (£624/year) must be paid. Many new employers cover these costs as part of the recruitment package. The CoS fee (£239) is always paid by the employer. Always ask about fee support during interviews.
Will switching sponsors reset my ILR clock?
No. Switching sponsors does not reset your time towards Indefinite Leave to Remain. As long as you remain on the Health and Care Worker visa route continuously, all time counts towards your 5-year qualifying period for settlement.
What is the 60-day rule for care visa holders?
The 60-day rule applies when your sponsorship ends. You have 60 days from the date of the Home Office curtailment letter to find a new sponsor and submit a new application, switch to another visa category, or make arrangements to leave the UK.