Support for Displaced International Care Workers in
South East London

If you’re an overseas care worker whose employer has lost their sponsorship licence, you are not alone — and we are here to help.


The Health & Care Jobs Hub leads the International Recruitment Project in South East London, funded by the Department of Health and Social Care.


We have two main aims:


  • To support displaced care workers in finding new jobs with approved care providers
  • To help care providers connect with displaced workers, offering financial onboarding support and advice on compliance and good practice


We understand this is a stressful and uncertain time. That’s why we offer practical advice, job search help, employability workshops, and guidance about your options. It’s important to act quickly while your visa remains valid. 

Immigration Rule Changes – 9th April 2025

The UK government has announced important changes affecting adult social care workers:

  • New  minimum payment rates:
      • New sponsored care workers must be paid at least £12.82 per hour (or £25,000 a year)
      • Existing sponsored workers must be paid at least £12.21 per hour
  •  Priority for workers already in the UK: Employers must first try to recruit displaced care workers in the UK before hiring from overseas

  • Increased sponsorship fees:

      • Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS): Rising from £239 to £525
      • Other fees will increase too
     

Support for Displaced Care Workers

The following free support services are available for you to access:
  • Employment & Job Search Support
    We will connect you with South East London care providers recruiting displaced workers and signpost you to helpful job boards and sponsor lists
  • CV, Applications & Employability Workshops
    While we don’t offer one-to-one CV support, we run free employability masterclasses covering CV writing, applications, and interview preparation

  • Pastoral Support
    For personal issues such as housing, finances or health, please contact:
    📧 nilrecourse@royalgreenwich.gov.uk

  • Wellbeing Resources

    Support for mental health and wellbeing is available through:

    ·     Good Thinking London (NHS mental health tools)

    ·     Mental health and wellbeing resources to help you look after your mental health

    ·     Live Well advice  – tips and guidance to help you stay healthy and well

    ·     Samaritans: Call 116 123 free, any time

  • Extra Support
    We have put together some helpful links below:

    ·      Find a GP near you – use this postcode checker to locate your nearest GP

    ·      Find a dentist -use this postcode checker to locate your nearest dentist

    ·      Prescription information – get details about how to manage and collect your prescriptions

    ·      Pharmacy information – find a pharmacy close to you

    ·      Sexual health services – advice and services to support your sexual health
    ·      Food Bank - use this resource to find your nearest Food Bank 

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if my employer’s sponsor licence is revoked?

You will receive a letter from UKVI notifying you that your Certificate of Sponsorship has been cancelled. From the date of this notification, you will have 60 days to find and secure a new role with an employer willing to sponsor your work visa. It is crucial to act promptly within this period to obtain new sponsorship or explore alternative immigration options

Can I keep working while looking for a new sponsor?

No — if your job has ended, you can’t legally work or pick up shifts until you have a new sponsor, visa application, and permission granted.

How do I find a new sponsor?

Please continue your job search and access the following resources: 

  • Use the Care Visa Sponsor Database to check for licensed providers near you.
  • Indeed.com: A popular platform with a wide range of job listings, including care worker positions. Search for “care jobs with sponsorship” near you.
  • CV-Library: A large job board with numerous listings across various industries. 
  • Totaljobs: Another widely used job board with a broad selection of positions. 
  • NHS Jobs: Focuses on jobs within the National Health Service (NHS).
  • Carehome.co.uk: Specifically dedicated to care home jobs.
  • Community Care Jobs: Focuses on social care and social work jobs.
  • Care UK: Offers care home vacancies.
  • HealthJobsUK: Another specialised platform for healthcare roles.
  • Check local care providers in your area. To check local care providers in your area, you can use the Care Quality Commission (CQC) website to search for registered care providers by postcode, town, or service type. This helps ensure the provider is regulated and may be eligible to sponsor Skilled Worker visas. You can then contact them directly to ask if they are currently recruiting and offering sponsorship.

Can you help with CVs and applications?

We run online CV and application masterclasses but don’t offer individual CV checks. Please also explore other resources available through this platform.

What should I ask a new employer before accepting a job?

Information about sponsorship and staff benefits is usually available on the job advert. However, here are some suggested questions you can ask to gather this information:

1) Will you sponsor my Skilled Worker visa?
2) What is the salary and benefits package?
3) Is relocation or accommodation support offered?
4) Will I need to drive and is transport provided?
5) Are training and progression opportunities available?
6) Are your services CQC-registered?

Can my employer take money from my final wages?

Only if you agreed to it in writing (like for rent, loans or training). Sponsorship costs can’t legally be deducted.  

Can my family stay in the UK?

Yes, if they arrived before 11th March 2024 and you remain in an eligible job. Visa changes may affect their status — always check.

What’s an eVisa and do I need one?

Yes absolutely! An e-visa is a digital record of your immigration status. Most Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) expired on 31 December 2024. 👉 Register for your UKVI (UK Visas and Immigration) account here. Please note that an e-visa can be acquired for free through creating a UKVI account and please contact your local Citizens Advice branch if you need further help.

What is modern slavery and how do I report it?

Modern slavery means people are trapped in work or situations they can’t leave, even if they want to, because someone is threatening them, lying to them, or taking advantage of them. Examples include :

  • Had your wages withheld, received pay below National Living Wage, or were underpaid for hours worked
  • Worked excessively long hours
  • Were forced to pay excessive fees 
  • Received threats to your immigration status if you refuse to work extra hours
  • Experienced harassment or violence 

    If you are a victim of labour exploitation, please contact:

📞 Modern Slavery Helpline: 08000 121 700
📞 Crimestoppers: 0800 555 111
📞 Care Quality Commission (CQC): 03000 616161
📞 Gangmasters & Labour Abuse Authority (GLAA): 0800 432 0804

How can I stay safe when applying for jobs?

  • Only apply to CQC-registered providers
  • Check for a written contract and Skilled Worker sponsorship certificate
    • To check if your Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) is valid, ensure your employer is on the official list of licensed sponsors and that your CoS is marked as "Assigned" and used within 3 months
    • Always verify that your job details match the certificate, and avoid employers who ask you to pay for sponsorship, as this is illegal
  • Confirm the job is on the Skilled Worker visa list

11. Can I switch to a different care or health job?

Yes — as long as it’s on the Skilled Worker occupation list.
👉 Most care roles use code 6145 (Care Workers and Home Carers).

Where can I get free legal or visa advice?

📞 Citizens Advice: 0800 144 8848
 💻 citizensadvice.org.uk
 📞 Southwark Law Centre
 📞 Lewisham Refugee & Migrant Network (LRMN)
 📞 ACAS (employment advice): 0300 123 1100 
📧nilrecourse@royalgreenwich.gov.uk

What’s the difference between a CQC-registered provider and an agency?

CQC-registered providers are regulated by law and must meet care standards. Some agencies are unregulated, so always check if your new employer is CQC-registered.
👉 Check a care provider’s registration at cqc.org.uk