International Recruitment
Guidance & Resources
For providers employing internationally recruited professionals under the Skilled Worker route
Major Immigration Reforms Proposed – Consultation Closes 12th February
The Government has proposed significant changes to the immigration system, including the introduction of a new 15-year “Earned Settlement” route for migrant care workers.
If implemented, this would replace the current five-year settlement pathway and introduce requirements linked to skills, integration and employment history.
These proposals form part of a wider package of reforms aimed at reshaping long-term migration policy.
The consultation is now open to providers, workers and sector stakeholders until 12 February 2026. We strongly encourage providers to review the proposals and share their views.
Home Office Guidance
To support providers in understanding the new rules and sponsorship processes, we recommend that you review the following Home Office documents that have been provided to support Adult Social Care Sector providers operating in England, further to the 9th April 2025 immigration rule changes:
Home Office Webinar outlining 09 April 2025 immigration rule changes
This short presentation, delivered by UKVI Work Services (part of the Home Office) in a series of webinars to adult social care providers in April 2025, outlines key rule changes — including the new £25,000 minimum salary threshold, the 37.5-hour per week requirement, and the obligation to recruit from the Displaced Worker Pool before sponsoring candidates from overseas.
Home Office Q&A in response to 09 April 2025 immigration rule changes
The Home Office published this Q&A in May 2024 in response to the 09 April 2025 immigration rule changes. It addresses practical scenarios, such as:
- What counts toward the salary threshold
- Using Undefined vs Defined Certificates of Sponsorship
- Consequences of falling below compliance thresholds
SESCA International Recruitment Hub
Funded by the Department of Health and Social Care, SESCA has been supporting international recruitment efforts in the South East to help grow the adult social care workforce for the past few years. Their International Recruitment Hub now includes a dedicated Sponsorship Support section for care providers, outlining the new scheme for sponsoring displaced workers.
The Hub also provides guidance for migrant care workers on accessing support, what to do if sponsorship breaks down, and where to find local services.
Real-Life Perspectives
SESCA’s latest video showcases the inspiring stories and firsthand experiences of care workers and providers engaged in international recruitment across the Southeast. Alongside these stories, Erica Lockhart, Chair of SESCA, shares insights into the support available to providers to sponsor displaced migrant care workers.
Sussex Guide to International Recruitment
Our flip book provides information and resources specific to Sussex.
Key Resources
| Details | Link or File |
|---|---|
| South East Care Alliance International Recruitment Hub | International recruitment – SESCA |
| West Sussex Partners in Care International Recruitment Page | International Recruitment | WSPiC |
| Code of practice for the international recruitment of health and social care personnel in England | www.gov.uk/government/publications/code-of-practice-for-the-international-recruitment |
| WHO health workforce support and safeguards list 2023 | WHO health workforce support and safeguards list 2023 |
| Applying for health and social care jobs in the UK from abroad | Applying for health and social care jobs in the UK from abroad – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) |
| Ethical Recruiters List | Ethical Recruiters List | NHS Employers |
| Prove your right to work to an employer | Prove your right to work to an employer: Overview – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) |
| Application for a sponsor licence | Sponsor Application Online |