Healthcare assistant jobs in the UK are not only in high demand, but many employers are willing to provide full training, visa sponsorship, and even support for permanent residency down the line. For many, this is the first step toward a rewarding life abroad, especially in a well-structured healthcare system like the NHS (National Health Service) or private care homes. For international candidates, the prospect of securing a healthcare assistant job in the UK with visa sponsorship—and no prior experience required—presents a life-changing opportunity.
Whether you’re in Nigeria, India, the Philippines, Ghana, South Africa, or anywhere else in the world, the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) and private healthcare providers are actively recruiting healthcare assistants to support nurses, doctors, and other professionals in delivering high-quality patient care. What makes these opportunities particularly appealing is the accessibility: many employers offer visa sponsorship through the Health and Care Worker visa, and some roles require no prior experience, as training is provided on the job.
Current Healthcare Assistant Jobs in UK with Visa Sponsorship
Here are some of the most current job openings from reputable employers offering visa sponsorship—even if you don’t have prior experience:
1. NHS Trust – Manchester (Manchester)
The NHS in Manchester is hiring healthcare assistants with a starting salary of £22,383 per year. This role requires no prior experience, and full training is provided. Visa sponsorship is available for international applicants.
👉 Apply on NHS Jobs
2. Care UK (London)
Care UK, a large private healthcare provider, is recruiting HCAs for its London-based facilities. The annual salary starts at £23,500, and the company provides comprehensive onboarding and visa support for overseas applicants.
👉 Apply Here
3. Helping Hands Home Care (Multiple Cities)
With opportunities across multiple UK cities, Helping Hands Home Care is hiring compassionate individuals for entry-level care roles. The salary is £21,000 per year, and training is provided on the job. Visa sponsorship is available.
👉 Apply Now
4. A24 Group (Nationwide)
A24 Group is one of the UK’s leading healthcare staffing agencies. They are hiring HCAs for positions across the country, with salaries starting at £20,500 per year. No prior experience needed. Visa sponsorship is offered.
👉 Apply Here
5. Four Seasons Health Care (Birmingham)
Located in Birmingham, this care home group is hiring HCAs at a starting salary of £22,000 annually. Ideal for applicants looking for stable employment and growth opportunities. Visa sponsorship is included in the offer.
👉 Apply Now
6. Bupa UK (Leeds)
Bupa UK is currently hiring healthcare assistants for its Leeds location. The salary ranges up to £24,000 per year, and training is offered for new recruits. International applicants are welcome, and sponsorship is available.
👉 Apply
7. Right at Home (Milton Keynes)
Right at Home in Milton Keynes is offering visa-sponsored healthcare assistant positions with a salary of £21,500 per year. No experience is required; they provide full support and training.
👉 Visit Website
Additional Active Job Listings with Sponsorship
Healthcare Assistant – Leeds Community Healthcare NHS Trust (Wetherby, Leeds)
Salary: £22,816 – £24,336 per annum
This role focuses on supporting vulnerable young individuals at Wetherby YOI and Adel Beck Secure Children’s Home. Duties include assisting in clinics, health promotion, and basic observations. Preferred qualifications include a Care Certificate or NVQ Level 2/3, but no experience is necessary.
Visa Sponsorship: Yes
Senior Healthcare Assistant – Agincare International (Various UK Locations)
Salary: £12.60 – £15 per hour
Agincare is recruiting for senior care roles in nursing homes, hospitals, and domiciliary settings. These positions involve personal care, monitoring patient health, and supporting mobility. International candidates are welcome—even those without direct experience—as training is provided.
Visa Sponsorship: Yes, for candidates with relevant qualifications or potential.
Healthcare Assistant – Alert Health 24 (Barnstaple & Westward Ho)
Salary: £11 – £13 per hour
Join Alert Health 24 as an HCA and work in residential settings. Responsibilities include assisting patients with personal hygiene, meals, and mobility. Compassionate individuals with no formal training are encouraged to apply.
Visa Sponsorship: Available for eligible international applicants.
Healthcare Assistant – RKY Careers (South-East London)
Salary: £23,000 – £26,000 per annum
RKY Careers is hiring healthcare assistants to support a busy GP practice serving over 20,000 patients. Tasks include supporting healthcare delivery, managing stock, and promoting wellness. A Care Certificate is preferred but not mandatory.
Visa Sponsorship: Yes
Care Assistant – Roseside Care Home (Various Locations)
Salary: £11.50 – £12.50 per hour
Roseside Care Home seeks caring individuals to join its team. The role involves providing day-to-day support to elderly residents. Full training is provided, so no previous experience is required.
Visa Sponsorship: Offered for international candidates who meet requirements.
Top Cities with High Demand for Healthcare Assistants
While London is often the first city that comes to mind, several other cities and regions across the UK are actively hiring healthcare assistants and may offer better quality of life, affordable housing, and faster career growth.
1. Manchester
A hub for healthcare innovation with several NHS trusts, Manchester is known for being more affordable than London. It also boasts excellent transport links and a large international community.
2. Birmingham
With a high concentration of care homes and one of the largest hospitals in Europe (Queen Elizabeth Hospital), Birmingham is a top choice for foreign HCAs.
3. Leeds
This Yorkshire city offers great employment opportunities, quality housing, and is home to the Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust—one of the UK’s largest healthcare providers.
4. Glasgow
Scotland’s largest city is very welcoming to overseas workers and has a growing demand for healthcare staff across both the NHS and private sectors.
5. Bristol
This vibrant city combines career opportunity with lifestyle perks and offers visa sponsorship roles across several major healthcare institutions.
Eligibility Requirements for International Applicants
Even though no prior healthcare experience is needed, you’ll still need to meet some basic requirements:
1. English Language Proficiency
To qualify for a UK Skilled Worker visa, you must prove your ability to speak, read, write, and understand English. Most employers will require an IELTS score of at least 4.0 to 5.0 (UKVI approved).
2. Sponsorship from a Licensed Employer
You must have a confirmed job offer from a UK employer who is authorized to sponsor Skilled Worker visas. The job must be on the official list of eligible occupations.
3. Criminal Background Check
Due to the sensitive nature of care work, a clean police clearance or criminal record check from your home country is typically required.
4. Tuberculosis (TB) Test
Applicants from certain countries must provide a TB test certificate as part of the visa process.
5. Proof of Funds (If Employer Doesn’t Cover)
Unless your employer certifies financial sponsorship, you must show you have enough funds to support yourself—usually £1,270 in your account for at least 28 consecutive days.
Benefits of Working as a Healthcare Assistant in the UK
The role of a healthcare assistant in the UK offers a range of compelling benefits, making it an attractive career choice for international candidates. These positions provide not only immediate job opportunities but also long-term stability and personal growth. From job security to cultural enrichment, the advantages of working as an HCA are multifaceted, catering to both professional aspirations and personal fulfillment.
Job Security and Demand
The demand for healthcare assistants in the UK is robust, driven by an aging population and increasing healthcare needs. This high demand translates into strong job security, with opportunities available in diverse settings such as hospitals, care homes, and community healthcare services. The UK’s demographic trends, with a growing elderly population, ensure that healthcare assistants will remain in demand for the foreseeable future, offering long-term employment prospects for those entering the field.
Professional Development
Healthcare assistant roles come with significant opportunities for career advancement. Many employers, including the NHS and private care providers, offer comprehensive training programs such as the Care Certificate, which equips HCAs with essential skills for patient care. Additionally, motivated individuals can pursue further education to progress into roles like nursing associates, senior healthcare assistants, or even registered nurses. This commitment to professional development ensures that HCAs can continuously grow their skills and climb the career ladder.
Cultural Enrichment
Working as a healthcare assistant in the UK provides a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in a diverse, multicultural environment. The UK’s healthcare system serves a varied population, exposing HCAs to different cultures, perspectives, and practices. This cultural exposure enhances personal growth, broadens global understanding, and fosters adaptability, making it an enriching experience for international workers seeking to expand their horizons.
Financial and Lifestyle Benefits
Healthcare assistant positions offer competitive salaries, typically starting at £20,000 to £25,000 annually, with the potential for higher earnings in specialized roles or high-demand areas. Beyond salaries, HCAs often receive NHS benefits, including pension schemes, paid leave, and health insurance. Flexible working hours allow for a balanced lifestyle, accommodating personal commitments. Moreover, after five years of continuous residence under the Health and Care Worker visa, HCAs may apply for indefinite leave to remain, paving the way for permanent residency and long-term stability in the UK.
Conclusion
Healthcare assistant jobs in the UK with visa sponsorship offer an incredible opportunity for international candidates, even those without experience. With high demand, competitive salaries, and a clear path to career growth, these roles are ideal for anyone passionate about making a difference in healthcare. The Health and Care Worker visa simplifies the immigration process, allowing you to work legally and build a future in the UK. With visa sponsorship, paid training, and clear paths to residency, the opportunities are both real and rewarding.
