Councils in England have recruited qualified social workers from abroad for years, especially for children’s services. Social work is a graduate-level profession that requires registration, so it remains eligible for the Skilled Worker visa when the salary rules are met.
Registration with Social Work England
- Hold a social work qualification comparable to a UK degree in social work.
- Submit an international application to Social Work England. They assess your education, training and experience.
- Provide English language evidence, such as IELTS at the required level, unless you are exempt.
Registration can take several months, so start early.
Read also: Pharmacist, Radiographer and Allied Health Jobs in the UK with Visa Sponsorship
Pay
Qualified social workers in councils typically earn around £35,000–£48,000, and more for senior or London-based roles. Your offer must meet the salary threshold that applies to your occupation code. Ask the council’s HR team to confirm how they assess this.
2026 rules in brief: since 22 July 2025, most Skilled Worker jobs must be at graduate level (RQF 6) and pay at least £41,700 a year or the occupation’s “going rate”, whichever is higher. Some roles have lower rates, such as new entrants, Health and Care roles, and jobs on the Temporary Shortage List, which runs until at least the end of 2026. Always check the current figures on GOV.UK before you apply.
Finding jobs
- Council careers pages. Many councils run international recruitment campaigns for children’s social workers.
- Check that the council or agency is on the Register of Licensed Sponsors.
- Agency work is common in UK social work, but sponsored roles are usually permanent council posts.
Prepare for
Competency-based interviews and questions on UK safeguarding law (Children Act 1989, Care Act 2014). Reading up on these before interviews makes a big difference.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Social Work England registration take?
International applications often take several months, so start before you apply for jobs.
Do councils pay relocation?
Some do, and others offer help with flights and temporary housing. Ask during the interview.
Can newly qualified social workers apply?
Most councils want post-qualifying experience, usually at least one to two years.
Information checked in October 2026. Immigration rules change often, so always confirm the latest requirements on the official government website before applying or paying any fees.
