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How to Apply for the UK Health & Care Worker Visa (Caregiver Pathway)

Your complete guide to working in the UK as a caregiver, HCA, or support worker from Kenya — steps, requirements, documents, and tips.

7 min read 08 Jun 2026 Healthcare
UK Health Care Worker Visa caregiver pathway Kenya

The United Kingdom continues to recruit caregivers, healthcare assistants (HCAs), and support workers from countries like Kenya due to a national shortage of healthcare staff. The UK Health & Care Worker Visa is the official pathway that allows qualified caregivers to work legally in the UK under licensed employers.

What Is the UK Health & Care Worker Visa?

This special visa category allows foreign healthcare workers to: work legally in the UK, work for licensed UK employers, bring dependents (spouse and children), access fast-tracked visa processing, pay reduced visa fees, and avoid the NHS surcharge.

Who Can Apply?

You qualify if you have:

  • A caregiving or healthcare qualification (Certificate in Caregiving Level 4, Healthcare Support Services Level 5 CNA, Caregiver Level II NITA, or HCA)
  • International certification (strongly recommended: SDC Canada or AMCA USA)
  • A job offer from a UK-licensed sponsor (the most critical requirement)
  • English proficiency (IELTS UKVI or equivalent)
  • Police clearance certificate
  • Medical exam (TB test)
  • Valid passport

Job Titles Eligible for the UK Care Worker Visa (SOC Code 6145)

  • Care Worker
  • Home Care Worker
  • Support Worker
  • Healthcare Assistant (HCA)
  • Nursing Assistant
  • Senior Care Worker
  • Domiciliary Care Worker

Step-by-Step Application Process

  1. Complete your qualification — Obtain your Caregiving Level 4, CNA Level 5, or equivalent GoCare certification
  2. Earn international certification — SDC Canada or AMCA USA (included FREE with eligible GoCare programmes)
  3. Search for a UK-licensed sponsor — Use the UK Home Office sponsor register to find approved employers
  4. Secure a job offer — Your sponsor issues a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
  5. Complete English proficiency test — IELTS UKVI or Duolingo English Test (DET) for UK
  6. Gather documents — Passport, academic certificates, international cert, police clearance, TB test results
  7. Submit your visa application online — Apply through the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) portal
  8. Attend biometrics appointment — At a UK Visa Application Centre (VAC) in Nairobi

GoCare Training Institute prepares you with the qualifications, international certification, and professional skills needed to compete for UK Health & Care Worker Visa positions. The SDC Canada or AMCA USA certification included with GoCare's programmes strengthens your application significantly.

Why Train at GoCare Training Institute?

  • Accredited and TVETA-licensed programmes
  • Competency-based, TVET CDACC-aligned curriculum
  • Guaranteed industrial and hospital attachment
  • FREE fully sponsored international certification (SDC Canada / AMCA USA)
  • Modern practical skills labs
  • Two campuses — Nairobi CBD and Ruiru
  • High graduate employability in Kenya and abroad

GoCare equips you with nationally accredited qualifications, international certification, and guaranteed attachment — giving you the competence and confidence to succeed anywhere.

Start Your UK Career Journey at GoCare

Earn your GoCare qualification and FREE international certification — then apply for the UK Health & Care Worker Visa with confidence.

Apply Now