Question 1

Can senior care workers get a UK Skilled Worker visa?

Accepted Answer

Yes — Senior care workers roles fall under SOC 6136 (Medium Skilled - Specific Roles Only), so they qualify for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship. Your employer will need a sponsor licence and must pay at least the going rate for this occupation. It's on the Immigration Salary List too, so a reduced salary threshold may apply.

Question 2

What salary do senior care workers need for visa sponsorship?

Accepted Answer

The going rate for Senior care workers (SOC 6136) is £33,400 (£17.13 per hour). Immigration salary list rate applies. Your employer must pay whichever is higher: this going rate or the general Skilled Worker threshold of £41,700 per year.

Question 3

What job titles are covered by SOC 6136?

Accepted Answer

SOC 6136 covers a range of senior care workers roles, including: Senior community support workers, Senior home care workers, Senior residential care workers, Senior care workers not elsewhere classified.. Keep in mind that the Home Office matches jobs by duties rather than title alone — two roles with the same title can fall under different SOC codes depending on the actual work involved.

Question 4

How does the Immigration Salary List discount work for senior care workers?

Accepted Answer

Because Senior care workers (SOC 6136) is on the Immigration Salary List, employers can sponsor workers at a salary 20% below the standard going rate. This discount replaced the old Shortage Occupation List concession in April 2024.

Question 5

Is there a lower salary for new graduates entering senior care workers roles?

Accepted Answer

Yes. If you're under 26, a recent graduate, or switching from a Student visa, you count as a "new entrant" and your employer only needs to pay 70% of the going rate (minimum £30,960/year). For Senior care workers, that works out to £25,000. The discount lasts up to four years.

Question 6

Where can I find senior care workers jobs with UK visa sponsorship?

Accepted Answer

We list Senior care workers roles from companies with a Home Office sponsor licence — scroll down to see what's currently open. You can also search our full jobs database for more visa-sponsored positions across the UK.

SOC 6136 — Senior care workers

Visa Eligibility & Salary Requirements

Eligibility Status

Going Rate

Lower Rate (New Entrants)

Related Job Titles

Senior care workers Jobs with Visa Sponsorship

Related Occupation Codes

Frequently Asked Questions