Getting started in care work in the UK

Care work is one of the most common routes into UK employment for the Nepali community, and it can be rewarding and meaningful work. This guide explains what the job involves, what you usually need to get started, how sponsorship can work, and - importantly - how to avoid the scams that target people hoping to come and work in care.

Why care work is a common route

Care roles - supporting older people and people with disabilities or illness, in care homes or in their own homes - are in steady demand across the UK. Many Nepalis already work in the sector, so there is community knowledge and support to draw on, and some roles can be a path to longer-term settlement.

What the job involves

Care work means helping people with daily life. Depending on the role this can include:

• Personal care, such as washing, dressing and helping people move safely.
• Helping with meals, medication reminders and household tasks.
• Companionship and emotional support.
• Keeping records and working as part of a team.

It can be physically and emotionally demanding, and often involves shifts, including evenings and weekends - but many find it deeply worthwhile.

Typical requirements

• A background check - care employers normally require a DBS check (a criminal-records check) because you work with vulnerable people.
• Training - new care workers are often expected to complete induction training, and you may hear about the Care Certificate, a set of standards for the sector. Exact training requirements vary by employer and role, so confirm what is needed for the specific job.
• Right to work - you must be allowed to work in the UK, whether you are already here or coming on a visa.
• Good spoken English and a caring, reliable attitude.

For an overview of how care and support is provided and regulated, see the official care and support statutory guidance on GOV.UK.

How sponsorship can work

If you are coming from abroad, eligible care roles may be sponsored under the Health and Care Worker visa. In short, an approved employer with a sponsor licence offers you a genuine job and assigns you sponsorship, and you apply for the visa. The rules - including which roles qualify, salary requirements and conditions - change from time to time, so check the latest details before relying on them. See our separate guide on the Health and Care Worker visa for more.

Warning: “sponsorship for sale” scams

This is the most important section. There is a serious problem of scams targeting people desperate for a care job and visa:

• Never pay an upfront fee for a sponsored job or a Certificate of Sponsorship. A genuine employer sponsoring you should not be charging you large sums to “buy” the sponsorship.
• Be extremely wary of agents or middlemen promising guaranteed UK care jobs for thousands of pounds.
• Check that the employer is real and actually licensed to sponsor workers before parting with money or documents.
• Watch out for fake job offers, sponsorship that disappears after you pay, or jobs that turn out not to exist on arrival.
• If an offer feels too good to be true or relies on paying a stranger up front, stop and get advice.

Visa rules, salary thresholds and sponsorship conditions change - always confirm the current position on the official GOV.UK pages before making decisions or payments.