West Midlands Social Care International Recruitment Hub
Support and resources available
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- Recruitment from abroad via the Health and Care Worker visa route will come to an end later in the year
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For a transition period until 2028, while the workforce strategy is being developed and rolled out, the Government will permit visa extensions and in-country switching for those already here. This will be kept under review.
- Recruitment & Immigration Support - care providers are required to engage with the UK displaced worker pool before sponsoring a new overseas worker. In the West Midlands, this process is managed through the regional pool operated by Lifted and there is a regional support offer with two support options:
- Match Only
- Free to West Midlands care providers
- Lifted provide everything needed to engage with displaced workers, from candidate screening to interview coordination, and certify engagement with the displaced worker pool
- Funding limit of up to 10 staff per CQC registered location, 30 staff per provider
- Provider remains responsible for Home Office fees (Certificate of Sponsorship and Immigration Skills Charge)
- Full Support
- £99 per month per hire (while employed) for a maximum of 3 years (with discounts for large sponsors)
- Lifted handles everything from compliance documents to housing and covers all upfront costs, including Certificate of Sponsorship fees and Immigration Skills Charge
- Ongoing sponsorship compliance management and support
Providers can still recruit outside the Lifted model but must demonstrate they have considered candidates from the displaced worker pool. This would include where providers wish to offer sponsorship to someone who is working on a supplementary basis. If a care provider has already identified a suitable displaced worker candidate outside the Lifted model, please email hello@WMCA.international with candidate details, to ensure compliance with UKVI requirements.