Are you dreaming of building a rewarding career in the United Kingdom while earning a competitive salary of up to $64,000 per year? Caregiver jobs in the UK with visa sponsorship have become one of the most talked-about opportunities for internationally trained care professionals seeking a better life abroad. With the UK’s aging population growing rapidly and the National Health Service (NHS) facing persistent staffing shortages, the demand for compassionate, skilled caregivers has never been higher.
In this comprehensive guide, we break down everything you need to know — from exact salary figures and take-home pay calculations to visa requirements, relocation packages, top employers, and a step-by-step application strategy. Whether you are a seasoned care professional or someone just starting out in the healthcare field, this article will give you the real, actionable information you need to land a caregiver job in the UK with full visa sponsorship.
What Is a Caregiver Job in the UK?
A caregiver — also called a care worker, carer, or support worker — is a professional who assists individuals who are unable to fully care for themselves due to old age, disability, illness, or other conditions. Unlike registered nurses who work in clinical settings, caregivers primarily work in:
- Residential care homes and nursing homes
- Private homes (domiciliary care)
- Supported living facilities
- Hospitals and rehabilitation centers
- Specialist disability care units
Their daily duties include personal hygiene assistance, meal preparation, medication prompting, mobility support, emotional companionship, and documentation of care plans. It is a deeply human profession — one that requires empathy, patience, and dedication.
The UK currently has over 100,000 unfilled care vacancies across the country, making it one of the most in-demand sectors for international workers.
How Much Do Caregivers Earn in the UK? Full Salary Breakdown
This is the question everyone wants answered — and we are going to give you the full picture, including dollar amounts, take-home pay, and what different roles actually pay.
Salary Ranges by Role (Annual)
| Role | Annual Salary (GBP) | Annual Salary (USD Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level Care Assistant | £25,000 – £27,500 | $31,500 – $34,650 |
| Experienced Care Worker | £27,500 – £30,000 | $34,650 – $37,800 |
| Senior Care Assistant / Team Leader | £30,000 – £35,000 | $37,800 – $44,100 |
| Live-In Carer | £28,000 – £33,000 | $35,280 – $41,580 |
| Disability Support Worker | £28,000 – £32,000 | $35,280 – $40,320 |
| Residential Care Manager | £33,400 – £50,000 | $42,084 – $63,000 |
| Specialist / Senior Care Manager | £45,000 – £64,000 | $56,700 – $80,640 |
(Exchange rate: 1 GBP ≈ $1.26 USD as of 2025/2026)
So yes — senior-level caregiver and care management roles in the UK can realistically pay $50,000 to $64,000 per year or more, especially in London and the South East.
Hourly Pay Rates
- Standard weekday rate: £12.82 – £15.00/hour ($16.15 – $18.90/hour)
- Night shift rate: £14.00 – £17.00/hour ($17.64 – $21.42/hour)
- Weekend/bank holiday rate: £15.00 – £19.00/hour ($18.90 – $23.94/hour)
Many employers offer a 25–30% enhancement for nights and weekends. A caregiver working regular weekend shifts can add an extra $4,000 – $6,000 per year to their base salary.
Take-Home Pay Calculation (After Tax)
Let’s look at what a caregiver earning £28,000/year ($35,280) actually takes home monthly in the UK:
- Gross Annual Salary: £28,000 ($35,280)
- Income Tax (20% basic rate): approximately £3,486 ($4,392)
- National Insurance Contributions (8%): approximately £1,692 ($2,132)
- Net Annual Take-Home: approximately £22,822 ($28,756)
- Monthly Take-Home Pay: approximately £1,902 ($2,396)
For a senior care manager earning £50,000 ($63,000):
- Monthly Take-Home Pay: approximately £3,100 ($3,906)
These figures do not include overtime, night shift bonuses, or employer-provided benefits like free accommodation (for live-in roles), which can save an additional $800 – $1,500 per month in living costs.
Salary by Region
| Region | Average Annual Salary | USD Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| London & Greater London | £29,000 – £33,000 | $36,540 – $41,580 |
| South East (Surrey, Kent, Berkshire) | £28,000 – £31,000 | $35,280 – $39,060 |
| Midlands | £27,500 – £30,000 | $34,650 – $37,800 |
| Northern England (Manchester, Leeds) | £27,500 – £29,000 | $34,650 – $36,540 |
| Scotland / Wales / Northern Ireland | £27,500 – £30,000 | $34,650 – $37,800 |
Pro Tip: While London pays the most, the Midlands and Northern England often deliver better net savings because the cost of living is significantly lower. A caregiver earning £28,000 in Manchester can save far more each month than one earning £31,000 in London.
Understanding Visa Sponsorship for Caregiver Jobs in the UK
What Is Visa Sponsorship?
Visa sponsorship is when a UK employer officially supports a foreign worker’s application to live and work in the United Kingdom. The employer must hold a valid sponsor licence issued by the UK Home Office and provide the worker with a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) — a unique reference number used in the visa application.
Importantly, you should never pay for a Certificate of Sponsorship. Legitimate employers cover this cost. Any employer asking you to pay for your own CoS is likely operating illegally.
The Health and Care Worker Visa
The primary visa route for international caregivers is the UK Health and Care Worker Visa, a specialized sub-category of the Skilled Worker visa. It offers several major advantages over the standard Skilled Worker route:
- Lower visa application fees: £304 for up to 3 years; £590 for over 3 years
- No Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): This saves you £1,035 per person per year — a massive financial benefit
- Fast-tracked processing: Standard decisions in approximately 3 weeks
- Priority processing available: Reduced to 5 working days for an additional fee of £500 (inside UK) or £1,000 (outside UK)
- Route to permanent residency: After 5 years of continuous residence, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)
Important 2025/2026 Visa Rule Changes
The UK government made significant changes to the Health and Care Worker visa in July 2025. Here is what you need to know:
New overseas applications for basic care worker roles (SOC codes 6135 and 6136) closed on 22 July 2025. This means that if you are outside the UK, you can no longer apply for a new visa specifically as a care worker or senior care worker under these codes.
However, there are still pathways available:
- Transitional arrangements until 22 July 2028: Workers already in the UK who have been on a sponsor’s payroll for at least 3 months can still extend or switch their visa under these codes.
- Higher-skilled healthcare roles remain fully open: Nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, social workers, care managers, and other graduate-level (RQF Level 6+) roles are still fully eligible for new overseas applications.
- Graduate visa route: International students who graduate from UK universities can switch to a Graduate visa and then transition into a care role.
Minimum salary thresholds (as of 2025/2026):
- Minimum base salary for transitional care worker sponsorship: £25,000/year ($31,500)
- Standard threshold for non-national pay scale health roles: £31,300/year ($39,438)
- General Skilled Worker threshold: £41,700/year ($52,542)
Types of Caregiver Jobs Available in the UK
1. Residential Care Worker (Care Homes)
Salary: £27,500 – £29,000/year ($34,650 – $36,540)
Working in a residential care home, you provide round-the-clock support to elderly residents or those with disabilities. Major employers include Barchester Healthcare, HC-One, and Care UK. These roles offer structured shift patterns and clear promotion pathways to senior carer positions.
2. Home Care Assistant (Domiciliary Care)
Salary: £27,500 – £30,000/year ($34,650 – $37,800) + mileage allowance
Domiciliary care workers visit clients in their own homes, helping with personal care, medication, and daily tasks. Many employers also pay for travel time between visits and offer mileage reimbursement of 25–45 pence per mile ($0.32 – $0.57/mile), which can add $1,500 – $3,000 per year to your earnings.
3. Live-In Carer
Salary: £28,000 – £33,000/year ($35,280 – $41,580) — accommodation and meals included
Live-in carers reside in the client’s home and provide 24-hour support with scheduled breaks. Because accommodation and meals are provided, your actual savings potential is significantly higher. A live-in carer earning £30,000 ($37,800) with free housing and food can save the equivalent of $45,000 – $50,000 per year in total value.
4. Disability Support Worker
Salary: £28,000 – £32,000/year ($35,280 – $40,320)
These roles involve supporting individuals with physical disabilities, learning disabilities, autism, or complex needs in supported living environments. Specialist training is provided, and the work is highly rewarding.
5. Senior Care Assistant / Team Leader
Salary: £30,000 – £35,000/year ($37,800 – $44,100)
Senior carers supervise shifts, manage medication administration, mentor junior staff, and liaise with families and healthcare professionals. This is the natural next step for experienced caregivers looking to grow their careers.
6. Residential Care Manager / Proprietor
Salary: £33,400 – £64,000/year ($42,084 – $80,640)
Care managers oversee entire care facilities, manage staff teams, ensure regulatory compliance, and handle budgets. These roles require significant experience and often a Level 5 Diploma in Leadership for Health and Social Care. This is where the $64,000 salary figure becomes very real and achievable.
Relocation Packages: What Employers Offer
Many UK employers who sponsor international caregivers offer relocation packages to help with the transition. Here is what you can typically expect:
- Relocation bonus: £1,000 – £3,000 ($1,260 – $3,780) paid upon arrival or after a probationary period
- Flight reimbursement: Some employers cover one-way or return flights, valued at $500 – $1,500
- Temporary accommodation: Free housing for the first 4–8 weeks, saving $800 – $1,500
- Airport pickup: Many sponsors arrange transportation from the airport
- Visa cost reimbursement: Employers often reimburse the £304 – £590 ($383 – $743) visa application fee
- Training costs: Free induction training, Care Certificate, and NVQ Level 2/3 funding (valued at $500 – $2,000)
Total relocation package value: $3,000 – $10,000 depending on the employer.
Requirements and Eligibility for Caregiver Jobs with Visa Sponsorship
Basic Requirements
To qualify for a caregiver job in the UK with visa sponsorship, you generally need to meet the following criteria:
Professional Requirements:
- Relevant caregiving experience (paid or voluntary) — typically 1–3 years preferred
- Basic first aid and CPR certification
- Clean criminal background check (DBS check equivalent from your home country)
- Good physical health and fitness
- Two professional references from previous employers
Visa Requirements:
- Valid passport with at least 6 months validity
- Certificate of Sponsorship from a licensed UK employer
- English language proficiency (IELTS score of 4.0–5.0 for entry-level; B2 level for new overseas applicants from January 2026)
- Proof of maintenance funds: £1,270 ($1,600) in savings held for 28 days (unless employer certifies maintenance)
- Tuberculosis test results (if from a listed country)
Financial Requirements:
- Visa application fee: £304 – £590 ($383 – $743)
- Maintenance funds: £1,270 ($1,600)
- Travel costs: $500 – $1,500 (often reimbursed by employer)
- Total upfront cost estimate: $2,500 – $4,000 (much of which is recoverable through employer reimbursement)
English Language Requirements
Since January 2026, new overseas applicants for the Health and Care Worker visa must demonstrate English proficiency at CEFR Level B2 in reading, writing, speaking, and listening. This is equivalent to an IELTS score of approximately 5.5–6.0. For in-country switches and extensions, requirements may vary.
Top Employers Offering Caregiver Jobs with Visa Sponsorship
Here are some of the most reputable UK care employers known for sponsoring international workers:
1. Barchester Healthcare
One of the UK’s largest care home operators with over 200 homes nationwide. Offers competitive salaries starting at £27,500 ($34,650) with structured career progression.
2. HC-One
A leading care home group with approximately 300 homes across the UK. Known for strong training programs and employee support.
3. Care UK
Operates over 150 care homes and offers comprehensive relocation packages including temporary accommodation and flight reimbursement.
4. Helping Hands Home Care
Registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and offers live-in and visiting carer positions with visa sponsorship support.
5. Caremark
A leading home care provider with over 100 offices across the UK, Ireland, Malta, and India. Offers domiciliary care positions with competitive pay.
6. Agincare International
A UK Visas and Immigration Licensed Sponsor that offers sponsorship to qualified nurses and senior healthcare assistants. Requires a minimum of one year of clinical experience.
7. Right at Home UK
One of the world’s most trusted care companies, operating through a global network of over 500 locally owned offices. Offers home care positions with visa sponsorship.
8. Trinity HomeCare
Provides bespoke daily and live-in care services with 20+ years of experience. Offers competitive packages for international applicants.
9. A1 Care
A direct sponsor (no third parties involved, no hidden fees) offering domiciliary and live-in care positions through their Visa Onboarding Program.
10. NHS (National Health Service)
The NHS employs nursing auxiliaries, healthcare assistants, and support workers across hundreds of hospitals and community health settings. NHS roles come with Band 2–3 pay scales ($31,500 – $37,800/year) plus excellent pension contributions.
Step-by-Step Application Guide
Step 1: Assess Your Eligibility
Before applying, confirm your current visa status, English language level, and caregiving experience. If you are outside the UK, focus on graduate-level healthcare roles or explore the student visa pathway.
Step 2: Build a UK-Style CV
Your CV should be:
- Maximum 2 pages
- Clearly state your visa status and that you require sponsorship
- Include specific metrics (e.g., “Provided care to 15+ clients weekly with zero medication errors”)
- List all relevant certifications, training, and experience
Step 3: Create a Sponsor Pack
Compile a single PDF document containing:
- Valid passport copy
- CV and cover letter
- English language test results
- Police clearance certificate
- Medical/fitness note
- First aid and manual handling certificates
- Two professional references with contact details
- Proof of funds (£1,270 / $1,600 bank statement)
Step 4: Apply to 20–30 Licensed Sponsors
Target a mix of care homes, domiciliary agencies, and live-in care specialists. Use job boards like Indeed, Reed, Totaljobs, and NHS Jobs. Filter specifically for “visa sponsorship” and “care assistant” roles. Always verify that the employer holds a valid sponsor licence on the UK Home Office register.
Step 5: Prepare for Video Interviews
Be ready to discuss:
- Specific caregiving scenarios (dementia care, safe transfers, medication management)
- Safeguarding procedures
- How you handle challenging behaviors
- Your motivation for working in the UK
Step 6: Negotiate Your Offer
Once you receive a job offer, confirm in writing:
- Gross salary (minimum £25,000 / $31,500)
- Contracted hours and shift patterns
- Night/weekend enhancement rates
- Accommodation or housing allowance
- Who covers visa costs (should be the employer)
- Relocation package details
Step 7: Obtain Your Certificate of Sponsorship and Apply for Your Visa
Your employer will issue your CoS. You then submit your visa application online, pay the fee (£304 – £590 / $383 – $743), attend a biometrics appointment, and await a decision — typically within 3 weeks.
Step 8: Arrive and Complete Induction
Upon arrival, complete your Care Certificate training, register with a GP, obtain your National Insurance (NI) number, open a UK bank account, and begin your new career.
Benefits of Working as a Caregiver in the UK
Beyond the salary, working as a caregiver in the UK comes with a remarkable package of benefits:
Financial Benefits:
- Competitive salary of $31,500 – $64,000+ per year
- Night and weekend shift enhancements adding $4,000 – $8,000 annually
- Paid annual leave (minimum 28 days per year)
- Employer pension contributions (minimum 3% of salary)
- Mileage reimbursement for domiciliary roles ($1,500 – $3,000/year)
- Free accommodation and meals for live-in roles (saving $12,000 – $18,000/year)
Career Benefits:
- Free training and professional development (Care Certificate, NVQ Level 2/3)
- Clear career progression from care assistant to senior carer to manager
- Access to NHS-funded further education
- International experience that enhances your global employability
Immigration Benefits:
- Legal right to live and work in the UK for up to 5 years
- Route to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after 5 years — valued at permanent residency
- Potential pathway to British citizenship after 6 years
- Spouse can work full-time in the UK (for eligible visa categories)
Personal Benefits:
- Exposure to British culture and lifestyle
- Improved English language skills
- Access to the NHS for healthcare (no IHS surcharge for Health and Care visa holders)
- Diverse, multicultural work environment
Cost of Living in the UK: What to Expect
Understanding your expenses is just as important as knowing your salary. Here is a realistic monthly budget for a caregiver living in the UK:
London:
- Rent (shared accommodation): £700 – £1,200/month ($882 – $1,512)
- Food and groceries: £200 – £300/month ($252 – $378)
- Transportation: £150 – £200/month ($189 – $252)
- Utilities and phone: £100 – £150/month ($126 – $189)
- Total monthly expenses: £1,150 – £1,850 ($1,449 – $2,331)
Midlands / Northern England:
- Rent (shared accommodation): £400 – £700/month ($504 – $882)
- Food and groceries: £150 – £250/month ($189 – $315)
- Transportation: £80 – £150/month ($101 – $189)
- Utilities and phone: £80 – £120/month ($101 – $151)
- Total monthly expenses: £710 – £1,220 ($895 – $1,537)
A caregiver earning £28,000/year ($35,280) and living in the Midlands can realistically save $800 – $1,500 per monthafter all expenses — that’s $9,600 – $18,000 per year in savings.
How to Avoid Scams and Protect Yourself
Unfortunately, the high demand for UK caregiver jobs has attracted fraudulent recruiters targeting vulnerable international applicants. Here is how to protect yourself:
Red Flags to Watch For:
- Any recruiter asking you to pay for a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) — this is illegal
- “Guaranteed visa sponsorship” offers without a formal job interview
- Requests for large upfront “placement fees” of $500 – $3,000
- Employers not listed on the UK Home Office’s official sponsor register
- Job offers with salaries below £25,000/year ($31,500) claiming to offer visa sponsorship
How to Stay Safe:
- Always verify the employer’s sponsor licence on the official UK Home Office register
- Never send money before receiving a formal, signed job offer
- Use reputable job boards (Indeed, Reed, NHS Jobs, Totaljobs)
- Research the employer independently before applying
- Consult a registered UK immigration adviser if unsure
Career Progression: From Caregiver to Care Manager
One of the most exciting aspects of a caregiving career in the UK is the clear pathway to higher earnings. Here is what a typical career progression looks like:
Year 1–2: Care Assistant
Salary: £25,000 – £27,500/year ($31,500 – $34,650)
Focus: Building experience, completing Care Certificate, NVQ Level 2
Year 2–4: Senior Care Assistant
Salary: £28,000 – £32,000/year ($35,280 – $40,320)
Focus: Team leadership, medication management, NVQ Level 3
Year 4–6: Care Coordinator / Deputy Manager
Salary: £32,000 – £40,000/year ($40,320 – $50,400)
Focus: Operational management, staff supervision, Level 4/5 Diploma
Year 6–10: Registered Care Manager
Salary: £40,000 – £64,000/year ($50,400 – $80,640)
Focus: Full facility management, CQC compliance, budget oversight
This progression is entirely achievable for a dedicated international caregiver who arrives in the UK with the right attitude and commitment to professional development.
Practical Tips for International Caregivers Moving to the UK
- Open a UK bank account before or immediately upon arrival — Monzo, Starling, and Revolut offer accounts without a UK address requirement
- Register with a GP (family doctor) within your first week — it’s free under the NHS for Health and Care visa holders
- Apply for your National Insurance (NI) number immediately — you need this to pay taxes and access benefits
- Join professional networks — the Registered Managers Network and Skills for Care offer free resources and community support
- Budget for your first month carefully — have at least £1,500 – £2,000 ($1,890 – $2,520) available for initial expenses
- Understand your employment rights — UK workers are entitled to minimum wage, paid holidays, and protection from unfair dismissal from day one
- Keep copies of all your documents — both physical and digital backups of your passport, visa, CoS, and employment contract
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
FAQ 1: Can I still apply for a caregiver job in the UK with visa sponsorship from outside the country in 2025/2026?
Answer: The situation has changed significantly since July 2025. New overseas applications for basic care worker roles (SOC codes 6135 and 6136) are no longer accepted under the Health and Care Worker visa. However, there are still viable pathways. If you are a qualified nurse, physiotherapist, occupational therapist, social worker, or care manager (graduate-level roles), you can still apply for a new visa from overseas. Additionally, if you are already in the UK on a valid visa (such as a Graduate visa or Student visa) and have been working for a UK care employer for at least 3 months, you may be eligible to switch to the Health and Care Worker visa under transitional arrangements that remain in place until 22 July 2028. The best strategy for overseas applicants is to target higher-skilled healthcare roles or explore the student visa pathway to enter the UK first.
FAQ 2: How much money do I need to have saved before applying for a UK caregiver visa?
Answer: You need to demonstrate that you have at least £1,270 ($1,600) in savings, held in your bank account for a minimum of 28 consecutive days before your visa application. This is the UK government’s maintenance requirement to prove you can support yourself upon arrival. However, if your employer certifies on your Certificate of Sponsorship that they will cover your first month’s costs, you may be exempt from this requirement. Beyond the maintenance funds, you should budget for your visa application fee (£304 – £590 / $383 – $743), travel costs ($500 – $1,500), and initial living expenses for your first month in the UK (£800 – £1,500 / $1,008 – $1,890). In total, plan to have approximately $3,000 – $5,000 available before you travel, though many employers reimburse a significant portion of these costs through relocation packages.
FAQ 3: What is the realistic take-home pay for a caregiver in the UK, and how much can I save each month?
Answer: A caregiver earning the minimum sponsored salary of £25,000/year ($31,500) will take home approximately £1,700 – £1,800 per month ($2,142 – $2,268) after income tax and National Insurance deductions. At the mid-range salary of £28,000/year ($35,280), monthly take-home pay is approximately £1,900 – £2,000 ($2,394 – $2,520). For senior carers earning £35,000/year ($44,100), take-home pay rises to approximately £2,300 – £2,500 per month ($2,898 – $3,150). In terms of savings, a caregiver living in the Midlands or Northern England (where rent for shared accommodation averages £400 – £600/month) can realistically save $800 – $1,200 per month, or $9,600 – $14,400 per year. Live-in carers, who receive free accommodation and meals, can save even more — potentially $1,500 – $2,000 per month ($18,000 – $24,000 per year).
FAQ 4: Can my family join me in the UK if I get a caregiver job with visa sponsorship?
Answer: This depends on your specific visa category and occupation code. For most Health and Care Worker visa holders in graduate-level roles (nurses, therapists, social workers, care managers), qualifying dependants — including a spouse or civil partner and children under 18 — can accompany or join you in the UK. Each dependant pays the same reduced visa fee (£304 – £590 / $383 – $743) and is also exempt from the Immigration Health Surcharge. However, for workers sponsored under SOC codes 6135 (Care Workers) and 6136 (Senior Care Workers), new dependants are not permitted to join under the current rules introduced in March 2024. Existing dependants who were already granted permission before the rule change can continue to hold their status. If bringing your family is a priority, targeting higher-skilled roles such as nursing or care management — which pay £35,000 – £64,000/year ($44,100 – $80,640) — is the recommended strategy.
FAQ 5: How long does it take to get a UK caregiver visa, and what is the process?
Answer: The UK Health and Care Worker visa is one of the fastest-processed work visas available. Standard processing time for applicants outside the UK is approximately 3 weeks from the date of biometrics submission. If you need a faster decision, a priority service is available for an additional fee of £1,000 ($1,260) outside the UK, which reduces processing to approximately 5 working days. The full process from job offer to arrival typically takes 6–12 weeks and involves the following steps: (1) Receive a formal job offer from a licensed UK sponsor — 1–4 weeks; (2) Employer issues your Certificate of Sponsorship — 1–8 weeks; (3) You submit your visa application online and pay the fee (£304 – £590 / $383 – $743) — 1–2 days; (4) Attend a biometrics appointment at a visa application center — 1–2 weeks; (5) Receive your visa decision — approximately 3 weeks; (6) Travel to the UK and begin work. Having all your documents prepared in advance (passport, English test results, police clearance, proof of funds) is the single most effective way to speed up the process.
Final Thoughts: Is a Caregiver Job in the UK Worth It?
Absolutely — for the right person, a caregiver job in the UK with visa sponsorship represents one of the most accessible, rewarding, and financially viable pathways to building a new life in one of the world’s most developed countries.
With salaries ranging from $31,500 for entry-level positions to $64,000+ for senior care managers, generous relocation packages worth $3,000 – $10,000, free NHS healthcare, a clear route to permanent residency after 5 years, and the opportunity to work in a profession that genuinely changes lives — the value proposition is compelling.
Yes, the immigration rules have become more complex since July 2025, and new overseas applicants for basic care worker roles face additional hurdles. But for those willing to pursue higher-skilled healthcare roles, explore the student visa pathway, or leverage existing UK residency, the opportunities remain very real.
The key is to be informed, be prepared, and be strategic. Use this guide as your roadmap, apply only to licensed sponsors, never pay for a Certificate of Sponsorship, and invest in your English language skills and professional certifications.
Your new life in the UK — earning a competitive salary, growing your career, and making a meaningful difference in people’s lives — could be closer than you think.