If you're an overseas care worker who’s lost your job in the UK—perhaps because a care company closed down or had its sponsorship licence revoked—you’re not alone. This is sadly becoming more common due to recent policy changes and sector challenges.
We outline what’s happening, what it means for your visa, and how to move forward.
What’s Causing Displacement?
Displacement usually happens when a care provider:
- Has their sponsorship licence revoked by the Home Office (often due to non-compliance with regulations), or
- Closes down or becomes financially unviable.
Why are licences being lost?
- Some care providers have failed to meet UKVI standards, such as paying fair wages or maintaining accurate records.
- The Home Office has increased audits and enforcement around sponsor compliance.
- In some cases, providers may have been involved in unethical recruitment practices—including charging workers illegal fees.
How common is this?
While there are no official weekly stats, The Guardian and Bureau of Investigative Journalism have reported that thousands of care workers have been affected since 2023.
Demand for sponsorship has risen rapidly, and unfortunately, not all providers have met the standards required to support workers long term.
What Happens to Your Visa If You Lose Your Job?
If your sponsoring employer can no longer employ you, your Health and Care Worker Visa becomes invalid—but you’re not immediately forced to leave.
Here’s what you need to know:
- You have 60 days (or until your visa expires, whichever is sooner) to find a new sponsoring employer.
- If you find a new job with a licensed sponsor, you can apply for a new Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) and update your visa.
- There is no automatic visa extension, but if you apply for a new visa within the 60-day window, you can legally remain in the UK while it’s being processed.
What about dependants?
If you have dependants in the UK (such as a partner or child), their right to remain is tied to your visa. If you lose your job and don’t secure a new sponsor, they may also be required to leave the UK with you—so it’s important to act quickly.
Are there any exceptions or alternative pathways?
- In rare cases, care workers may be eligible for a Skilled Worker Visa in a different role or apply under private life or family categories.
- It’s advisable to speak to an immigration adviser (e.g. Citizens Advice or OISC-accredited advisers) to explore these options.
Practical Steps to Take Right Away
- Stay Calm and Act Quickly
You have limited time, but help is available. Start exploring new roles immediately. - Reach Out for Support
The UK government has funded regional partnerships to support displaced international care workers. These organisations can help with job matching and visa queries. - Avoid Paying for Sponsorship
No licensed UK employer or ethical recruitment agency should ask you to pay for a job or visa sponsorship. If they do—it’s likely illegal. - Prepare Your Documents
Update your CV, references, visa documents, and training records. These will help speed up the process when applying for a new role.
How RJS Resourcing Can Help
As a recruitment agency on the NHS Ethical Recruiters List, RJS Resourcing specialises in overseas recruitment done the right way. If you’ve lost your role as a sponsored care worker, we can help by:
- Connecting you with trusted, ethical care employers
- Supporting your application and onboarding process
- Helping you navigate your options in a calm, supportive way
"As an NHS-approved ethical recruiter, we never charge candidates and only work with licensed, compliant care providers.”
Get in touch with our team today. We’ll listen, support, and help you find the right path forward.