Senior Care Assistants can be employed under the Tier 2 (General) visas.
The following criterion needs to be met:
In England and Northern Ireland, skilled senior care worker positions where the job:
- includes supervisory responsibilities (see below); and
- requires at least a relevant S/NVQ level 2 or equivalent qualification in care; and
- requires two or more years relevant experience.
Please note that the two years experience does not include experience gained whilst on a work placement studying for a qualification.
In Scotland, skilled senior care worker positions where the job:
- includes supervisory responsibilities (see below); and
- requires at least a relevant S/NVQ level 3 or equivalent qualification in care; and
- requires registration with the Scottish Social Services Council as a Supervisor (This may need to be done after entry to the United Kingdom but must be done before starting work).
In England, Northern Ireland and Scotland, “supervisory responsibilities” requires that, as part of their regular daily duties, the individual will have responsibility for front line supervision and monitoring of care workers and care assistants, be in charge of a shift of workers and take responsibility for the smooth running of the service whilst they are on duty. They will respond to emergencies and provide guidance and support to care workers.
In Wales, skilled senior care worker positions where the job:
- requires working at S/NVQ level 3 (Functions and job responsibilities will depend on the size of provision and the staffing structure and must be established by the sponsor.); and
- requires at least a relevant S/NVQ level 3 or equivalent qualification in care; and
- requires registration with the Care Council for Wales as an Assistant Manager / Senior Care Worker / Senior Care Officer / Senior Care Assistant (This may need to be done after entry to the United Kingdom but must be done before starting work).
All other jobs in this occupation code are below NVQ or SVQ level 3.
Under the transitional arrangements, you can issue a certificate of sponsorship for this occupation for someone who has a work permit as a senior care worker, without the job meeting NVQ or SVQ level 3.
The job must be paid the minimum salary according to the following:
The job must be paid the minimum salary below, which is derived either from the Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE) or, where alternative salary data is available, from an alternative code of practice.
Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings: No
Other code of practice: Yes
Minimum rates:
• New applications under Tier 2: £7.80 per hour
• Applications under the transitional arrangements: £7.02 per hour
The above rates apply after any deductions for accommodation, meals etc. Any overtime must also be paid at the above rates.
Senior Care Assistant job is currently on the United Kingdom shortage occupation list and therefore a resident labour market test is not mandatory.
All other jobs in this occupation code are not currently on the shortage occupation list and a resident labour market test may be required.
Related job titles:
Care assistant
Home care assistant
Night care assistant
Residential social worker
Example of job tasks:
• assists residents to dress, undress, wash and bathe
• serves meals to residents at table or in bed
• accompanies infirm residents on outings and assists with recreational activities
• undertakes light cleaning and domestic duties as required
We specialise in processing Tier 2 (General) Visa applications for Senior Care Assistants and regularly deal with various care/nursing homes and hospitals across UK. Please contact us if you want to make sure that your Tier 2 visa application is processed smoothly.