New Guidance for Sponsors of Care Workers and Senior Care Workers

On 8 October, the Home Office released updated guidance for sponsors of care workers and senior care workers (occupation codes 6135 and 6136) under the Skilled Worker visa route. This latest version introduces specific requirements for sponsors when assigning a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), applying for a Defined CoS, or requesting any Undefined CoS for these roles. 

The guidance reflects the changes to the Immigration Rules which also came into effect on 8 October as set out in the Statement of Changes published on 10 September 2024.

Key Updates

Mandatory Information on the CoS and Allocation Requests

• Sponsors must now include the working location(s) for the job the sponsored worker will be undertaking.
• Sponsors must confirm their registration with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) for positions based in England.

Exception for Non-CQC Registration

If the sponsor is not registered with the CQC, they must provide a valid reason, which could include:

• The job does not have a working location in England.
• The job involves a non-regulated activity where the worker falls under the transitional provisions outlined in the previous guidance (SK4.12).

Registration Requirements for the UK Nations

For roles based in Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland where the sponsor is carrying out regulated (or equivalent) activities, the sponsor must be registered with the relevant regulatory authority:

• Scotland: Care Inspectorate
• Wales: Care Inspectorate Wales / Arolygiaeth Gofal Cymru
• Northern Ireland: Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority

These updates are outlined in the updated Sponsor a Skilled Worker Guidance (version 10/24), specifically in section SK4.14 to SK4.16.

What Sponsors Need to Do

Ensure that all future CoS submissions for care workers and senior care workers include the required information and, where applicable, confirm the appropriate regulatory registrations. 

We suggest you provide the CQC (or equivalent) number in the job description section, or if the CoS has already been assigned, add a sponsor note. 

This is a significant update for sponsors in the care sector and reinforces the need to remain compliant with sector-specific regulatory requirements across the UK.

For further information or assistance with your sponsorship obligations, feel free to contact us.