Top Jobs in Healthcare for Immigrants in the UK
The UK healthcare sector is one of the largest employers, with the National Health Service (NHS) alone employing over 1.5 million people. However, there is a severe worker shortage, especially in roles that don’t require years of training.
The NHS, care homes, and private healthcare providers urgently need more staff, creating accessible job opportunities for immigrants looking for stable work.
Why Healthcare?
Healthcare is one of the easiest industries to enter in the UK, offering:
- High Demand: Especially for care assistants, home carers, and nursing support.
- Clear Entry Routes: Many roles require little to no prior experience beyond basic training.
- Visa Opportunities: Many healthcare jobs are on the Shortage Occupation List, making it easier to get sponsorship and a fast-tracked visa.
To support international workers, the UK government offers the Health and Care Worker Visa, which provides lower fees, quicker processing, and the ability to bring dependents.
This article will break down the most accessible healthcare jobs, explain what qualifications (if any) are needed, and guide you on how to apply for a UK work visa.
If you’re a refugee looking for work in the UK, there are programs and services that can help you get started. Learn more here: Finding a Job as a Refugee: A Practical Guide.
Key Information
Many healthcare jobs in the UK qualify for the Health and Care Worker Visa, which offers faster processing, lower fees, and the ability to bring dependents. If your job is on the Shortage Occupation List, you may be eligible.
Check requirements and apply here: https://www.gov.uk/health-care-worker-visa
Top Healthcare Jobs for Immigrants
Many healthcare jobs in the UK don’t require a degree and offer on-the-job training. If you are looking for work with visa sponsorship, there are plenty of roles you can start immediately. Some of these jobs also allow you to study while working, so you can move into higher positions over time.
Here are the most accessible healthcare jobs for immigrants and how to apply for them.
1. Care Workers & Home Carers
What you need:
- No formal qualifications required
- Some care experience is useful but not essential
- Many employers provide free training
Visa eligibility: ✅ Yes (on the Shortage Occupation List)
Salary: £20,000–£26,000
Where to look:
Care worker jobs are available in nursing homes, home care agencies, and NHS facilities. Many care agencies recruit directly from overseas and provide visa sponsorship.
You can find job listings here: https://www.carehome.co.uk/jobs/.
2. Senior Care Assistants
What you need:
- Some experience in care work (can be gained in a lower role)
- NVQ (National Vocational Qualification) Level 3 in Health and Social Care (some employers will train you)
Visa eligibility: ✅ Yes (same as care workers)
Salary: £22,000–£30,000
Where to look:
Senior care assistants work in residential care homes and hospitals. This role is a step up from a basic care worker and offers better pay and more responsibility.
You can search for jobs here: https://findajob.dwp.gov.uk/
3. Healthcare Assistants (HCA)
What you need:
- No degree required
- Basic healthcare training (many employers provide this for free)
Visa eligibility: ✅ Yes (often sponsored by the NHS or private hospitals)
Salary: £20,000–£25,000
Where to look:
Healthcare assistants work in hospitals, clinics, and GP surgeries, supporting nurses and doctors. This role can also lead to further training as a nursing associate.
You can search the live vacancies at the bottom of this page: https://www.healthcareers.nhs.uk/explore-roles/healthcare-support-worker/roles-healthcare-support-worker/healthcare-assistant
4. Maternity Support Workers
What you need:
- No formal qualifications required
- Experience in care work is useful
- Some employers provide training on the job
Visa eligibility: ✅ Yes (through NHS sponsorship)
Salary: £19,000–£25,000
Where to look:
Maternity support workers assist midwives in hospitals, birthing centers, and home births. This role is ideal if you want to progress into midwifery later.
You can find maternity support worker jobs here: https://www.jobs.nhs.uk/candidate/search/results?keyword=Maternity%20support%20worker&language=&fbclid=IwAR0VyQcPuynUzHiuzqTusNIo98SGyqBByUJ3KO64hjuLZYa
5. Mental Health Support Workers
What you need:
- No degree required
- Experience in mental health care is useful but not always needed
- Employers often provide mental health first aid training
Visa eligibility: ❌ No direct visa route, but sponsorship is possible
Salary: £22,000–£30,000
Where to look:
Mental health support workers are needed in NHS mental health units, private clinics, and residential care facilities. Some roles allow career progression into counseling or therapy.
You can find current vacancies here: https://uk.indeed.com/q-mental-health-support-worker-jobs.html?vjk=bf04a725361eeee0
6. Phlebotomists (Blood Sample Collectors)
What you need:
- No degree required
- Employers provide phlebotomy training (basic medical training)
Visa eligibility: ❌ Not on the Shortage Occupation List, but some employers offer sponsorship
Salary: £20,000–£25,000
Where to look:
Phlebotomists work in hospitals, GP clinics, and blood donation centers, collecting blood samples for medical testing.
To explore openings, check out the latest NHS phlebotomist vacancies: https://www.jobs.nhs.uk/candidate/search/results?searchFormType=main&keyword=bank%20phlebotomist&language=
7. Ambulance Care Assistants (Patient Transport Roles)
What you need:
- No degree required
- Basic first aid training (some employers provide this)
- A driving license (for transport roles)
Visa eligibility: ❌ Not on the Shortage Occupation List, but sponsorship is possible
Salary: £19,000–£23,000
Where to look:
Ambulance care assistants help transport non-emergency patients to and from medical appointments, ensuring they get to hospitals and clinics safely. This role is a great alternative to becoming a paramedic if you don’t have a degree.
Search for current ACA jobs here: https://uk.indeed.com/q-ambulance-care-assistant-jobs.html?vjk=5dacc6dd68c8c387
8. Dental Assistants (Trainee Dental Nurses)
What you need:
- No degree required
- You must register with the General Dental Council (GDC) after training
- Some employers provide paid training while you work
Visa eligibility: ❌ Not on the Shortage Occupation List, but sponsorship is possible
Salary: £20,000–£28,000
Where to look:
Dental assistants work in NHS dental clinics and private dental practices. This role can lead to further training to become a qualified dental nurse.
You can search for available positions here: https://findajob.dwp.gov.uk/search?loc=86383&q=dental%20assistant
9. Support Workers for People with Disabilities
What you need:
- No degree required
- Experience in care work is useful but not essential
- Some employers offer NVQ training
Visa eligibility: ✅ Yes (similar to care workers)
Salary: £20,000–£26,000
Where to look:
Support workers help people with physical or learning disabilities, often working in specialist care homes or within communities.
To find available jobs, visit Glassdoor here: https://www.glassdoor.co.uk/Job/disability-support-worker-jobs-SRCH_KO0,25.htm
10. End of Life (Palliative) Care Assistants
What you need:
- No degree required
- Some employers provide end-of-life care training
Visa eligibility: ✅ Yes (same as care workers)
Salary: £22,000–£28,000
Where to look:
End-of-life care assistants support terminally ill patients in hospices, hospitals, and care homes. This role is highly in demand due to the UK’s aging population.
You can find current Palliative Care Assistants jobs here: https://uk.indeed.com/q-palliative-care-assistant-jobs.html?vjk=4cc97322c732670d
Considering Work Opportunities Beyond the UK?
Exploring job opportunities outside the UK? The USA also offers accessible jobs for immigrants, with visa sponsorship options in key industries. Read more: Best Jobs for Immigrants in the USA.
Stay Connected with Yolla
Starting a new job in the UK doesn’t mean losing touch with home. Yolla makes it easy to stay connected, whether you're updating family, calling recruiters, or handling paperwork.
- Free Calls Between Yolla Users: Call loved ones for free over WiFi or mobile data.
- Earn Free Credits: Invite friends to Yolla and earn free calling credits when they make a payment.
- Low-Cost Calls to Any Number: Reach mobiles and landlines worldwide at affordable rates.
- Multiple Caller IDs: Use a UK number for job calls or your home country number for personal chats.
- Call Without Internet: Stay connected to areas with poor connectivity.
- International SMS & Top-Ups: Send texts worldwide and top up mobiles to 140+ countries.
Wherever life takes you, Yolla keeps you connected.
6. Final Thoughts
You now have the tools and knowledge to take the first step toward a rewarding career in UK healthcare. Whether you're looking for immediate work or a long-term career path, the opportunities are there—and they are waiting for people like you.
Healthcare is more than just a job; it's a chance to make a difference in people's lives while building stability, security, and a future for yourself and your loved ones. With high demand, visa sponsorship options, and pathways to grow, the UK offers a clear and achievable route into a fulfilling profession.
If you're ready to take that next step, check the job listings, explore visa options, and start applying. Your journey as a healthcare professional in the UK starts today.
