The UK care sector has long relied on international recruitment to address workforce shortages. However, significant changes to the UK’s immigration system have altered how overseas care workers can enter or remain in the country.
Anyone researching the 6135 Job Code should understand that the rules today differ considerably from those that applied just a few years ago.
Under the Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) 2020, 6135 refers to Care workers and home carers. This occupation code is closely linked to the UK’s Health and Care Worker Visa and Skilled Worker immigration routes.
Recent Home Office reforms have introduced new sponsorship conditions, stricter eligibility requirements, transitional arrangements for existing workers, and changes affecting overseas recruitment and dependant eligibility.
Whether an individual is an overseas applicant, an existing visa holder, or a UK care provider, understanding the latest requirements is essential before making employment or immigration decisions.
This guide explains what the 6135 Job Code means, who it applies to, the latest visa rules, eligibility requirements, and what applicants should know before pursuing employment under this occupation code.
Quick Answer
The 6135 Job Code is the UK SOC 2020 occupation code for Care workers and home carers. It is used by licensed employers when sponsoring eligible workers under the UK’s Skilled Worker immigration system, including the Health and Care Worker route.
Following recent Home Office reforms:
- Overseas recruitment under SOC code 6135 has been significantly restricted.
- Certain workers already in the UK may still be eligible to switch into this occupation through transitional arrangements until 22 July 2028, provided they meet the relevant eligibility requirements.
- Sponsoring employers in England must generally hold active Care Quality Commission (CQC) registration where required.
- Applicants must meet salary, sponsorship, English language and other immigration requirements before a visa can be granted.
As immigration rules continue to evolve, applicants should always check the latest guidance on the Health and Care Worker visa and related immigration policies before submitting an application.
What Is the 6135 Job Code?
The 6135 Job Code is part of the UK’s Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) 2020, which groups occupations according to the type of work performed. The Home Office uses these occupation codes to determine whether a role qualifies under the Skilled Worker immigration system and which salary thresholds and sponsorship requirements apply.
SOC code 6135 covers Care workers and home carers who provide practical and personal support to individuals who require assistance because of age, illness, disability or other care needs.
Typical responsibilities include:
- Providing personal care and hygiene support.
- Assisting with dressing, washing and mobility.
- Helping individuals take medication as instructed.
- Supporting daily living activities and independent living.
- Preparing meals and assisting with nutrition.
- Monitoring wellbeing and reporting concerns.
- Offering emotional support and companionship.
- Maintaining accurate care records.
- Following individual care plans and safeguarding procedures.
These duties may be carried out in:
- Residential care homes.
- Nursing homes.
- Domiciliary (home) care services.
- Supported living services.
- Community care settings.
It is important to understand that a job title alone does not determine eligibility. The Home Office assesses whether the actual duties performed match the occupation described under SOC code 6135. Employers must therefore select the correct occupation code when assigning a Certificate of Sponsorship.
Why Is the 6135 Job Code Important?
The occupation code plays a much bigger role than simply identifying a job title. It determines whether a position qualifies for sponsorship, which immigration rules apply, and the minimum salary an employer must offer.
For overseas workers, selecting the correct occupation code can directly affect whether a visa application is successful. An incorrect code may lead to delays, additional scrutiny or even refusal if the Home Office concludes that the role has been incorrectly classified.
For employers, using the appropriate occupation code demonstrates compliance with sponsor licence duties. Licensed sponsors are expected to assign Certificates of Sponsorship accurately and ensure that each sponsored role genuinely matches the occupation being claimed.
The 6135 Job Code is particularly significant because it has been one of the most affected occupations following recent reforms to the UK’s immigration system. New restrictions on overseas recruitment, revised salary requirements and updated sponsorship conditions mean that applicants should carefully review the latest eligibility criteria before accepting a job offer.
Understanding the correct occupation code also helps applicants distinguish between similar care-related roles. Some positions may fall under different SOC codes depending on the duties involved, meaning different immigration requirements could apply.
Which UK Visa Covers the 6135 Job Code?
Several immigration routes have historically allowed workers employed under SOC code 6135 to work legally in the UK. The most relevant route remains the Health and Care Worker Visa, which operates as part of the wider Skilled Worker framework.
Health and Care Worker Visa
The Health and Care Worker Visa is designed for eligible healthcare professionals and adult social care workers who have received a genuine job offer from an approved UK employer.
Compared with the standard Skilled Worker route, this visa offers several benefits, including reduced application fees and exemption from the Immigration Health Surcharge for eligible applicants.
To qualify, applicants must normally:
- Have a genuine job offer from a licensed sponsor.
- Be employed in an eligible occupation.
- Meet the applicable salary requirements.
- Satisfy the English language requirement.
- Receive a valid Certificate of Sponsorship before submitting their visa application.
The Home Office has introduced additional rules affecting care workers, particularly regarding overseas recruitment and sponsorship. These changes mean that eligibility now depends not only on the occupation code but also on when an individual first entered the immigration route and whether transitional arrangements apply.
Skilled Worker Visa
The Health and Care Worker Visa forms part of the wider Skilled Worker immigration system.
Although the underlying sponsorship framework is similar, care workers benefit from specific provisions that recognise the importance of the adult social care sector. However, recent policy changes have tightened access to this route for new overseas applicants while preserving certain rights for existing workers already in the UK under transitional arrangements.
Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
A Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) is an electronic record issued by a licensed sponsor. It is not a physical document but contains a unique reference number that applicants use when completing their visa application.
The CoS confirms details such as:
- The employer’s sponsor licence.
- The occupation code.
- Salary information.
- Job location.
- Employment start date.
Applicants cannot apply under the Health and Care Worker route without first receiving a valid Certificate of Sponsorship from an approved employer. Sponsors must also ensure that the information entered on the CoS accurately reflects the role being offered, as incorrect information may result in compliance action or visa refusal.
Who Can Apply Under the 6135 Job Code?
Eligibility depends on an applicant’s immigration status, employment circumstances and whether they satisfy the latest Home Office requirements.
In general, applicants must:
- Hold or obtain employment with a licensed UK sponsor.
- Be offered a genuine role that matches SOC code 6135.
- Meet the relevant salary threshold.
- Demonstrate English language ability at the required level.
- Satisfy any financial or maintenance requirements where applicable.
- Meet suitability requirements under the Immigration Rules.
Recent immigration reforms have also introduced transitional arrangements for some workers already living and working in the UK. These provisions allow certain individuals to continue extending or changing their permission under specific conditions, even though overseas recruitment into this occupation has become more restricted.
Because eligibility now depends on both current immigration rules and when an applicant first entered the route, it is important to review the latest Home Office guidance before making an application or accepting sponsorship.
Salary Requirements for the 6135 Job Code
Meeting the salary requirement is one of the most important conditions for obtaining or extending permission to work under the 6135 Job Code. The salary offered by a sponsoring employer must comply with the latest UK immigration rules and reflect both the occupation code and the applicable salary threshold.
At the time of writing, care workers sponsored under the Immigration Salary List (ISL) generally need to be paid at least £25,000 per year or £12.82 per hour, whichever is higher. Roles that do not qualify for the Immigration Salary List may be subject to the standard Skilled Worker salary threshold, which is typically higher.
Employers cannot artificially increase contracted working hours or include unpaid benefits to satisfy salary requirements. The Home Office assesses whether the salary genuinely meets the applicable immigration rules before approving a visa application.
Applicants should also remember that salary requirements can change following updates to the Immigration Rules. Before accepting an offer, both employers and workers should review the latest salary requirements for the Skilled Worker visa on the official GOV.UK website to ensure the proposed salary remains compliant.
Latest UK Care Worker Visa Rule Changes (2025–2026)
The UK Government has introduced significant reforms affecting care workers and home carers under SOC code 6135. These changes are designed to reduce exploitation, strengthen employer compliance and prioritise recruitment from the existing UK workforce.
Changes to Overseas Recruitment
One of the biggest changes is the closure of new overseas entry clearance applications for many care worker roles under SOC code 6135. While overseas recruitment previously formed a major part of the adult social care workforce, new immigration rules have substantially restricted this route.
Certain transitional arrangements continue to protect existing workers already in the UK, allowing eligible individuals to extend their visas or switch employers under specified conditions.
Three-Month Employment Requirement
Individuals wishing to switch into the Health and Care Worker route under SOC code 6135 from another eligible immigration category must generally have already been legally employed by their sponsoring organisation for at least three continuous months before a Certificate of Sponsorship can be assigned.
This requirement aims to reduce abuse of the sponsorship system while allowing genuine employers to retain existing workers.
Mandatory CQC Registration
For care roles located in England, sponsoring employers must generally be registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) if they carry out regulated activities.
The Home Office introduced this requirement to improve oversight within the adult social care sector and reduce the risk of sponsor licence abuse.
Applicants should therefore verify that their employer holds the appropriate CQC registration before accepting a sponsored role.
Dependants
The rules for dependants have also changed significantly.
Most individuals newly sponsored under the care worker route can no longer bring partners or children as dependants. However, transitional protections continue to apply for some workers who entered the route before the relevant rule changes and have maintained continuous permission.
Because dependant eligibility depends heavily on an individual’s immigration history, applicants should review the latest Home Office guidance before making family arrangements.
Transitional Arrangements Until 2028
The Home Office has introduced transitional provisions allowing certain workers already in the UK to continue switching into or extending permission under SOC code 6135 until 22 July 2028, provided they continue to meet all applicable requirements.
These arrangements are intended to provide stability for employers and existing sponsored workers while the Government implements wider reforms to the immigration system.
How to Apply for a UK Health and Care Worker Visa?
Although the exact process varies depending on an applicant’s circumstances, most applications follow the same general steps.
Step 1: Secure Employment with a Licensed Sponsor
The first step is obtaining a genuine job offer from an employer that holds a valid Home Office sponsor licence.
Applicants should verify that the employer is authorised to sponsor workers before accepting an offer.
Step 2: Receive a Certificate of Sponsorship
Once the employer confirms the job offer, they issue a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) containing details about:
- The occupation code
- Salary
- Job location
- Employer information
- Employment dates
Applicants will need the CoS reference number when completing their visa application.
Step 3: Prepare Supporting Documents
Applicants should gather all required evidence before submitting their application. Missing or incorrect documentation is one of the most common reasons for processing delays.
Step 4: Submit the Online Visa Application
Applications are submitted online through the official UK Government visa system.
During the application process, applicants provide personal details, immigration history and supporting documentation before paying any applicable fees.
Step 5: Attend a Biometrics Appointment
Applicants are usually required to provide fingerprints and a digital photograph at an approved visa application centre or by using an eligible identity verification process.
Step 6: Await a Decision
Processing times vary depending on the country of application, individual circumstances and whether priority services are available.
Applicants should avoid making irreversible travel plans until they have received a formal decision from UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).
Documents Required
The exact documents required may differ depending on individual circumstances. However, most applicants should expect to provide:
- A valid passport or other accepted travel document.
- Certificate of Sponsorship reference number.
- Evidence of English language ability where required.
- Criminal record certificate for relevant occupations.
- Proof of personal savings if maintenance is not certified by the sponsor.
- Tuberculosis (TB) test certificate where applicable.
- Additional documents requested by UK Visas and Immigration.
Providing accurate and complete documentation at the outset can help reduce delays and minimise the likelihood of further information requests during the assessment process.
Common Reasons Care Worker Visa Applications Are Refused
Even where an applicant has secured employment, visa approval is never automatic. The Home Office carefully assesses whether every requirement has been met.
Common refusal reasons include:
- The employer is not an approved licensed sponsor.
- The role has been assigned the wrong occupation code.
- The salary does not meet the applicable immigration threshold.
- The job does not genuinely match SOC code 6135.
- Required supporting documents are missing.
- English language requirements have not been satisfied.
- The applicant provides inaccurate or misleading information.
- Immigration suitability requirements are not met.
Applicants can reduce the risk of refusal by carefully checking every document before submission and ensuring the information on their Certificate of Sponsorship matches their visa application.
Because immigration rules can change with little notice, both employers and applicants should rely on the latest official Home Office guidance rather than outdated online information when preparing an application.
What Should Applicants Do Next?
Before accepting a sponsored care role, applicants should:
- Confirm that the employer holds a valid sponsor licence.
- Verify that the job genuinely falls under SOC code 6135.
- Ensure the offered salary satisfies the latest immigration requirements.
- Review the current Health and Care Worker Visa guidance before submitting an application.
- Prepare all supporting documents in advance.
- Check whether any transitional arrangements apply to their circumstances.
Taking these steps can significantly reduce the risk of delays or visa refusal.
Key Takeaways
- SOC 2020 code 6135 covers Care Workers and Home Carers.
- The occupation remains important within the UK’s adult social care sector, but immigration rules have changed significantly.
- Sponsorship from a licensed employer is essential.
- Salary, English language and sponsorship requirements must all be satisfied.
- Employers in England may need active CQC registration when sponsoring workers.
- Transitional arrangements continue to protect certain existing workers already in the UK.
- Applicants should always rely on the latest Home Office guidance before making immigration decisions.
Conclusion
The 6135 Job Code continues to play an important role in the UK’s adult social care workforce, but it is no longer as straightforward as simply receiving a job offer from a care provider. Recent immigration reforms have introduced stricter sponsorship obligations, revised salary requirements and transitional arrangements that affect who can qualify under this occupation code.
For prospective applicants, understanding these rules before accepting employment is essential. Employers must ensure that sponsored roles meet the correct occupation code and comply with all Home Office requirements, while workers should carefully verify their eligibility before beginning the visa process.
Because UK immigration policy continues to evolve, applicants and employers should regularly review official government guidance to ensure they are working with the most up-to-date information.
FAQs
What does the 6135 Job Code mean?
The 6135 Job Code is the SOC 2020 occupation code for Care Workers and Home Carers. It is used by the Home Office to classify eligible care roles under the Skilled Worker immigration system.
Can overseas applicants still apply under the 6135 Job Code?
Recent immigration reforms have significantly restricted new overseas recruitment for care workers. Eligibility now depends on the latest Home Office rules and any applicable transitional arrangements.
What salary is required for the 6135 Job Code?
Applicants must normally receive a salary that meets the applicable Home Office threshold for their occupation and immigration route. The required salary may vary depending on the Immigration Salary List and individual circumstances.
Does every care employer need CQC registration?
Employers carrying out regulated activities in England generally need active Care Quality Commission (CQC) registration before sponsoring workers under the care worker route.
Is a Certificate of Sponsorship compulsory?
Yes. A valid Certificate of Sponsorship issued by a licensed UK sponsor is required before applying for a Health and Care Worker Visa.
Can care workers bring dependants?
Dependant eligibility depends on the applicant’s immigration history and the current Home Office rules. Many newly sponsored care workers are no longer eligible to bring dependants, although transitional protections apply in certain cases.
How long does the visa application process take?
Processing times vary depending on where the application is made and whether priority services are available. Applicants should always check the latest processing times published by UK Visas and Immigration.
Can an employer use the wrong occupation code?
Using an incorrect occupation code can lead to delays, compliance issues or visa refusal if the Home Office determines that the role has been incorrectly classified.
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