Switching into Care Sector Skilled Worker Visa (2025)

Switching into Care Sector Skilled Worker Visa (2025): What the 3 Month Rule Really Means

If you’re currently in the UK and planning to apply for a Skilled Worker visa in a care role, there’s a new Home Office requirement you’ll need to meet. Starting from 22 July 2025, you’ll need to show that you’ve worked for at least three months with the same care employer before applying for a visa switch.

This change, introduced through immigration update HC 997, aims to bring more structure and responsibility to the care visa route. If you’re on a Student visa, a Graduate visa, or a Dependant visa, this rule could affect your plans.

Let’s break it down in plain English.

What Is the 3-Month Work Requirement for Care Visa Switching?

Under the latest immigration rules, anyone looking to switch into a care job through the Skilled Worker route  from inside the UK will now need to have completed three full months of paid employment with the same care sponsor.

The roles affected are those listed under SOC code 6135 (care workers) and SOC code 6136 (home carers).

This means:

• You must be on the payroll
• Your role must match what’s on your Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
• Your employer must be a licensed sponsor (usually registered with the Care Quality Commission)

If you’re offered a care job and want to apply for a Skilled Worker visa, you can’t apply straight away. You’ll need to work for that same employer for three months first.

Who Must Follow This New Rule?

This new 3-month requirement is aimed at applicants who are already in the UK and want to switch visas.

You must meet the rule if you are:

• A Student visa holder who has been offered a care job
• On a Graduate visa looking to move into sponsored care work
• A Dependant of another visa holder planning to apply independently
• Holding any other type of visa and looking to change into a care sector role under the Skilled Worker route

If you’re inside the UK and applying to switch, this rule likely applies to you.

Who Doesn’t Need to Worry About the Rule?

You’re not affected if:

• You’re applying for a Skilled Worker visa from outside the UK
• You’re already on a Skilled Worker visa and just changing to a new care employer
• You’re switching into a non-care sector role, such as teaching, IT, or hospitality

In other words, this rule is only for people inside the UK switching into care roles that require sponsorship.

Why Has the Home Office Introduced This Rule?

The new requirement has been introduced to address concerns around:

• Misuse of care visa sponsorship
• Employers offering sponsorships without real jobs
• Migrant workers being placed in vulnerable positions

By asking applicants to work for three months before applying, the Home Office wants to:

• Ensure jobs are genuine and stable
• Confirm that employers are properly registered and committed
• Give migrants time to settle into their roles before sponsorship begins

What Counts as “3 Months of Work”?

To qualify, you’ll need to show:

• Paid employment
• With the same sponsor
• In the same role that you’re applying to be sponsored for

The three months must be consecutive, and the work must be documented with payslips and official letters.

For example:

• If you start working on 1 August 2025, the earliest you could apply would be 1 November 2025
• If you switch employers in the middle, the clock resets

Volunteering or unpaid work won’t count only waged employment will meet the requirement.

Documents You’ll Need to Prove the 3-Month Requirement

When applying to switch to a Skilled Worker visa under this rule, you’ll need to provide clear evidence, including:

• Payslips covering the last three months
• A job contract showing start date, duties, and pay
• An employment letter from your sponsor confirming your role
• A Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) that matches your current job
• Proof that your employer is a licensed sponsor, registered with CQC (if required)

All documents should be accurate, up-to-date, and consistent with each other. Any gaps or inconsistencies can delay or even result in a refused application.

A Quick Example

Here’s a real-world style example to help explain the timing:

Maria is in the UK on a Graduate visa. She receives a care job offer from a registered sponsor on 10 July 2025 and starts working part-time from 15 July.

She continues working for that same sponsor for at least three months, and by 15 October, she becomes eligible to apply for the Skilled Worker visa.

If she tries to apply before 15 October, her application would likely be refused for failing to meet the 3-month rule.

What Happens If You Don’t Meet the Requirement Yet?

If you’ve only just started a care job and haven’t hit the three-month mark, you have a few options:

• Wait it out: Continue working and apply once the three months are completed.
• Apply from overseas: If this is a viable option and your current visa is about to expire, applying from your home country avoids the restriction.
• Seek legal advice: If you’re unsure how to proceed based on your visa status, an immigration solicitor can help with the right route.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Here are some common issues applicants face with this new rule:

Applying Too Early

If you apply even one day before completing the full 3 months, your application may be refused.

Working Without Permission

If your visa restricts how many hours you can work (e.g. Student visa), make sure your work is within legal limits.

Switching Employers

If you change employers within the 3 months, the clock starts over again.

Missing Paperwork

No payslips? No contract? No official letter from your employer? These will all slow you down or cause a refusal.

Can I Work While on a Student or Graduate Visa?

Yes, but with limitations.

• If you’re on a Student visa, you can usually work up to 20 hours per week during term time.
• If you’re on a Graduate visa, you can work full time.

Any hours worked as long as they’re legal, paid, and documented — will count toward the 3-month requirement.

How Immigration Solicitors Can Help You

If this new rule has left you unsure about your application or eligibility, you’re not alone. Many applicants are now facing tighter rules and timelines.

An immigration solicitor can:

• Check if your current job meets all requirements
• Review your sponsor’s licence and CQC registration
• Make sure your CoS and employment documents are correct
• Help you plan the best time to apply and avoid refusals

A bit of legal guidance can make all the difference in saving time and stress.

Need Help Switching Into a Care Role?

Speak to Deluxe Law Chambers Today

Switching into a Skilled Worker visa under the care sector rules can feel complicated especially with the new 3-month employment condition.

At Deluxe Law Chambers our team understands the latest UK immigration policies and how to apply them to real-life situations. We’ll make sure your documents are ready, your employer qualifies, and you apply at the right time.

Call our team now on 0161 464 4140 Or book your free appointment online

Our team is based in Manchester & immigration solicitors in London, supporting care workers, students, and families across the UK.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I switch from a Student visa to a care job?

Yes, as long as you’ve worked for the same sponsor in a paid role for at least 3 months.

Do I need to meet the 3-month rule if I apply from outside the UK?

No. The rule only applies to those switching visas from inside the UK.

Can I count unpaid voluntary work?

No. Only paid employment is accepted under this requirement.

What happens if I switch employers before completing 3 months?

You’ll need to start over and complete 3 full months with the new employer.

Can I apply before the 3 months is up?

No  and applying too early can result in a refusal and loss of your application fee.

The new 3-month rule may add an extra step for visa applicants, but it also encourages better preparation and stronger employer relationships.

If you’re thinking of switching into a care sector role, make sure you understand the rules, stay on top of your paperwork, and get the right advice when needed. That way, when you apply, you’re doing it with full confidence.