If you are an international job seeker looking for a stable and well-paid career in the United Kingdom, live-in care roles offer one of the most accessible and fastest pathways to relocate—even with no prior experience.
With the UK’s increasing demand for qualified caregivers, many employers now provide visa sponsorship, paid training, free accommodation, and full relocation support to attract foreign applicants.
Why the UK Needs Live-In Care Workers
The United Kingdom is currently experiencing a significant shortage of care professionals, particularly those available for live-in roles. This gap in the workforce is driven by several factors:
- An ageing population
- A rise in individuals living with disabilities
- A shortage of local caregivers
- A growing preference for home-based care services
As a result, numerous care agencies and private care homes have expanded their recruitment efforts to include international candidates, offering full visa sponsorship to meet the high demand.
What Are Live-In Care Jobs?
Live-in care involves residing in a client’s home to provide daily personal and household support. It is considered one of the easiest care roles for newcomers because no previous experience is required, and most employers provide comprehensive training, induction, and certification.
Typical Responsibilities Include:
- Assisting with daily living activities (bathing, grooming, dressing)
- Meal preparation and support with feeding
- Light housekeeping and home maintenance
- Medication reminders
- Mobility assistance
- Companionship and emotional support
- Monitoring and reporting changes in health or wellbeing
Why Live-In Care Jobs Are Popular Among Foreign Applicants
- No Experience Required
Most employers provide:
- Free training
- Care certificate courses
- On-the-job guidance
This makes live-in care ideal for beginners and first-time caregivers.
- Visa Sponsorship Available
Many UK care agencies are licensed sponsors, meaning they can issue Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS) for the Health and Care Worker Visa.
- Free Accommodation
Since you live in the client’s home, you save £600–£1,200 monthly on rent.
- High Earning Potential
Live-in carers earn £2,000 – £3,000 per month, depending on the agency and shift pattern.
- Pathway to Permanent Residency
After 5 years on the Health and Care Worker Visa, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).
Salary Expectations for Live-In Care Jobs in the UK
The salary depends on the employer, hours worked, and client needs, but most live-in carers earn:
Salary Range:
- Weekly pay: £650 – £900
- Monthly pay: £2,200 – £3,200
- Annual salary: £26,000 – £32,000+
Some agencies also offer:
- Overtime pay
- Holiday bonuses
- Paid training
- Pension contributions
- Travel reimbursement
This makes live-in care one of the highest-paying entry-level jobs with visa sponsorship in the UK.
Who Can Apply? (Eligibility Requirements)
You can apply even if you don’t have professional caregiving experience. Employers usually look for people who are:
- Compassionate and patient
- Good communicators
- Responsible and trustworthy
- Willing to work full-time
- Comfortable living with clients
- Able to adapt to different home environments
Basic Requirements:
- Valid passport
- English proficiency (IELTS not always required)
- Police clearance certificate
- TB test (depending on your country)
- Good health condition
- Ability to work legally upon sponsorship
Some employers may require a driving license, but many do not.
Visa Pathway: Health and Care Worker Visa (Tier 2)
Live-in carers fall under the Health and Care Worker Visa, which is one of the easiest routes for international applicants.
Benefits of the Health and Care Visa:
- Lower visa fees
- No Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)
- Fast application processing
- Long-term pathway to ILR
- Family sponsorship options (spouse + children)
Requirements for Sponsorship:
- Job offer from a licensed UK employer
- Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
- Salary meeting the minimum threshold (usually £20,960+)
Top UK Companies Offering Live-In Care Jobs with Sponsorship
Below are reputable employers that regularly hire overseas applicants.
- Agincare
One of the biggest UK care providers offering:
- Visa sponsorship
- Paid training
- Free accommodation during induction
Agincare hires internationally throughout the year.
- Helping Hands Home Care
This agency provides:
- Full training
- Live-in support roles
- Relocation assistance
- The Good Care Group
Known for hiring experienced and beginner carers, offering:
- High weekly pay (£800–£1,200)
- Training and certification
- Visa sponsorship
- Bluebird Care
A leading home-care agency with branches across the UK.
- Alina Homecare
Offers full-time live-in roles with structured training.
- NHS Trust Partners (Home-Based Support)
Some NHS partners sponsor live-in and domiciliary care workers.
How to Apply for Live-In Care Jobs in the UK (Step-by-Step Guide)
Step 1: Prepare Your Documents
Ensure you have:
- Updated CV (UK format)
- Passport
- Police clearance
- References
- TB test results (if applicable)
- English certificate (optional unless employer requests)
Step 2: Search for Sponsorship Roles
Use high-quality UK job boards:
GOV.UK Licensed Sponsors List
Search for care companies legally allowed to sponsor workers.
Job boards with sponsored vacancies:
- Indeed UK
- Reed.co.uk
- Totaljobs
- Care.com
- NHS Jobs
- Glassdoor
Use keywords like:
- “live-in care jobs with visa sponsorship”
- “caregiver jobs UK for foreigners”
- “health and care visa jobs UK”
Step 3: Apply to Companies Offering Sponsorship
Send applications to:
- Agincare Careers
- Helping Hands Home Care
- The Good Care Group
- Bluebird Care
- Cera Care
- Home Instead UK
Step 4: Attend Online Interview
Most interviews are simple and focus on your character, communication, and willingness to learn.
Common questions:
- “Why do you want to be a caregiver?”
- “How would you handle an elderly client?”
- “Are you comfortable living in someone’s home?”
Step 5: Receive Job Offer & Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
Once selected, the employer issues your CoS, allowing you to apply for the Health and Care Worker Visa.
Step 6: Apply for the Visa & Travel to the UK
Visa processing takes 3 to 8 weeks, after which your employer will arrange your onboarding and placement.
Benefits of Live-In Care Jobs for International Applicants
✔ Free Accommodation
Massive savings on UK rent.
✔ Food Provided (in many placements)
Meals and groceries covered by clients.
✔ Flexible Work Schedule
Many carers work 2 weeks on, 2 weeks off.
✔ High Job Security
Care worker roles are in the UK Shortage Occupation List.
✔ Long-term Career Growth
You can grow into:
- Senior carer
- Care coordinator
- Team leader
- Registered manager
- Nursing assistant
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Can I apply without care experience?
Yes—most employers provide training and hire beginners.
- Do UK companies really sponsor visas?
Yes. Hundreds of UK care agencies are licensed to issue sponsorship visas.
- Can I bring my family on this visa?
Yes, the Health and Care Worker Visa allows dependents.
- How long does sponsorship last?
Usually 3–5 years, renewable.
- Is live-in care physically demanding?
It can be, depending on the client, but training is provided.
Conclusion
Live-in care jobs in the UK are one of the most accessible opportunities for international applicants looking for visa sponsorship, stable income, and long-term career growth. With no experience required, free accommodation, paid training, and high salaries, this career pathway continues to attract thousands of applicants each year.
If you are compassionate, hardworking, and ready to relocate, the UK care sector is ready to hire you — and your journey can begin today.