Last year, we published a brief update regarding the government’s proposed restrictions on overseas recruitment for care workers and senior care workers. Since then, we have continued to receive a significant number of enquiries from both employers and migrant workers particularly concerning the “switching” provisions and how these rules operate in practice.This article expands on those earlier updates and aims to clarify the current position for individuals and sponsors affected by the changes.

The confusion is understandable. Many workers are receiving conflicting information from employers, agents, and social media sources regarding whether they can still switch into care worker sponsorship, whether overseas recruitment remains possible, and what evidence employers must now provide to the Home Office.The reality is that the rules have become considerably more restrictive, and careful attention must now be given to sponsorship compliance and eligibility requirements.

The Key Change: Overseas Recruitment Ends on 22 July 2025

From 22 July 2025, sponsors will no longer be able to recruit new overseas applicants for the following roles under the Skilled Worker route:

• SOC 2020 occupation code 6135 — Care workers and home carers
• SOC 2020 occupation code 6136 — Senior care workers

Domestic violence can affect anyone, regardless of their immigration status. However, under UK immigration law, not all victims are treated equally. While some people may know that spouses on a UK Spouse Visa can apply for settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain) if their relationship breaks down due to abuse, a critical gap remains.

What happens if you are in the UK as the dependant of a Skilled Worker visa holder?

As a UK immigration lawyer at Cross Border Legal Solicitors, I regularly receive enquiries from individuals trapped in abusive relationships who fear losing their immigration status if they leave. This is an increasingly common issue facing migrants across the UK, particularly those whose right to remain is financially and legally tied to an abusive partner. The sobering reality is that current UK immigration law offers very limited automatic protection to Skilled Worker Visa dependants facing domestic abuse.

If your spouse visa is due to expire soon, you’re probably feeling the pressure. Many applicants worry about getting something wrong, especially with strict financial requirements and complex document rules. A simple mistake can lead to refusal, delays, or even impact your right to stay in the UK. This guide explains clearly what you need to do to successfully extend your spouse visa and avoid costly errors.

As we look at recent changes, it’s essential for those navigating the UK immigration system to brace for significant fee increases across various visa and settlement routes. The UK Home Office has announced a broad adjustment in immigration and nationality fees, continuing a trend where applicants bear more of the financial burden associated with their immigration journeys.

Overview of Fee Changes

From 8 April 2026, most application fees will rise by approximately 6–7%. This encompasses a range of categories, including visit visas, work permits, settlement applications, and British citizenship applications. While some individual costs may seem modest, the cumulative impact—especially for families—can be quite substantial.

If you or your partner has previously overstayed in the UK and is now seeking a spouse visa, it is important to understand that the rules have changed and the process has become more complex. The legal framework governing refusals has tightened, meaning applications that might previously have been considered a realistic route can now face much stricter scrutiny, particularly where there is a history of overstaying, even in the absence of deception or criminal conduct.