UK needs 50,000 caregivers every year. That's why they give visa sponsorship for care assistants. No degree needed, but you need the right certificates and you must apply directly - not through agents who charge you GHC 20,000.
Here's the real breakdown of salary, visa, and how to get hired from Ghana/Nigeria in 2026.
Salary and What You Actually Take Home
Minimum salary for Skilled Worker visa in care is £23,200 per year (2026 rate). Most care homes pay £23,200 - £28,000. That's £1,933 - £2,333 per month before tax.
After tax, National Insurance, and accommodation (if they provide), you take home about £1,500 - £1,900 per month. If you do extra shifts/weekends, you can make £2,200+. Overtime is paid at £12 - £15/hour.
Companies must pay at least £11.44/hour now. If any company offers less than that with sponsorship, it's fake.
Advertisment
Requirements to Get Sponsorship
1. IELTS UKVI or OET: You need IELTS for UKVI (not regular IELTS). Overall 4.0-5.0 is enough for care, but get at least 5.5 to be competitive. Cost $300. Book via British Council. You need at least 2 weeks prep.
2. Care Certificates (Online, Free/Cheap): Get these on Alison.com or Florence Academy (UK): Care Certificate 15 Standards, Moving & Handling, Safeguarding Adults, Infection Control, Dementia Care, First Aid. Print certificates. UK employers ask for these before interview.
3. Experience: 6 months - 1 year caring for elderly, sick, or children. Can be hospital, home care, or even family care - but get a reference letter on letterhead. Reference must have your duties and duration.
4. TB Test & Police Clearance: Required for visa.
📌 Get hired without agent: We explained the exact LinkedIn script and email that works → How to Get a Job Offer From Abroad Without an Agent
How to Apply Directly (No Agent)
Step 1: Go to these sites only: NHS Jobs (nhsjobs.com), carehome.co.uk/jobs, indeed.co.uk (search "care assistant sponsorship"), LinkedIn (search "care assistant Tier 2 sponsorship"). Filter by "Sponsorship available".
Step 2: Check if company has sponsor licence. Go to gov.uk "Register of licensed sponsors" and search company name. If not on list, they cannot sponsor - don't waste time.
Step 3: Apply with 1-page UK CV + certificates + IELTS. Use email script from POST 15. In cover letter, mention you have all certificates and ready to relocate.
Step 4: Video interview. They will ask: "What is safeguarding?" "How do you handle a patient who fell?" "What is dignity in care?" Prepare answers using YouTube "UK Care Assistant Interview Questions".
Step 5: If you pass, they issue Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) - a number, not paper. Then you apply for Skilled Worker visa. Visa cost £464 + Immigration Health Surcharge £1,035/year + flight. Total about £2,000 - £2,500. Company sometimes pays part.
Scam Alert
Red flags: Company asks you to pay for CoS - CoS is free, employer pays £239. Agent says "pay $3k for guaranteed UK caregiver job" - 90% scam. No interview, just pay - scam. WhatsApp only, no company website - scam. Always verify sponsor licence.
You also need to show maintenance funds for visa → Proof of Funds: How Much You Need - for UK care, employer can certify maintenance so you don't need bank statement, but check your CoS.
READ NEXT
Canada Caregiver Program: LMIA Jobs That Offer PR in 2026
Compare Canada vs UK →We will publish Canada guide next, but you can link later.