Immigration Rule Changes For Care Workers Effective 22 July 2025

Effective from 22 July 2025, the UK Home Office has implemented changes to the Skilled Worker visa route that affect care workers and senior care workers classified under Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) codes 6135 and 6136.

Carer Sponsorship still possible Despite Increase In Skills Threshold

SOC codes 6135 and 6136 are classified at Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) Level 2. Although the standard minimum skill level for the Skilled Worker route is increasing to RQF Level 6 from 22/07, SOC codes 6135 and 6136 remain temporarily eligible for sponsorship because of their inclusion on the Immigration Salary List.

It is also important to note that the salary thresholds for SOC 6135 and 6136 remain unchanged after 22/07. Sponsored workers in these codes must be paid at least £25,000 per year or £12.82 per hour, whichever is higher.