No More CoS: UK Blocks New Care Worker Visas and Dependants From 22 July
Big changes are coming for Zimbabweans and other foreign nationals hoping to move to the UK for work. Starting 22 July 2025, the UK government will no longer allow new Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) applications for care workers and senior care workers from outside the UK.
That means people currently outside the country can’t use this route anymore to migrate—a significant shift from what has become one of the most popular and accessible work pathways for many.
Who Can Still Apply?
After the new rules kick in, only people already in the UK will be allowed to apply for sponsorship in the affected care roles.
Even then, not everyone qualifies. Applicants must:
Be legally working in the UK for a sponsor in one of the approved occupation codes under the updated SOC 2020 list.
Have worked for at least three months for that sponsor before the CoS is issued.
Apply before 22 July 2028 or be already sponsored as a Skilled Worker under the same codes.
Shortage Occupation List Scrapped
Another big change: the Immigration Salary List (ISL), commonly known as the “shortage occupation list,” is being scrapped. It’s being replaced with a new Temporary Shortage List (TSL) under the Skilled Worker visa system.
The TSL is longer than the old list because it now includes a wider range of medium-skilled jobs (RQF 3–5). However, it removes several higher-skilled (RQF 6+) jobs from the shortage category—these can still be sponsored, but under stricter mainstream salary rules.
No More Dependents for New Sponsored Workers
Unlike the old system, jobs on the new TSL will no longer qualify for salary discounts. In short: no more “shortage job” salary breaks.
There are also some surprises on the new list. In construction, for instance, once-prioritised roles like bricklayers, roofers, and retrofitters are missing. Instead, the new focus is on jobs like plumbers, floorers, builders, painters and decorators.
Perhaps the biggest blow for families: anyone sponsored under the TSL after 22 July 2025 will not be allowed to bring dependents with them. That includes spouses and children—a major shift that’s likely to deter many would-be applicants.
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