The 6135 job code refers to care workers and home carers within the UK’s Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) system.
If you’re considering a career in this field or planning to apply for a UK Health and Care Worker Visa, understanding this job code is essential.
From employer requirements to career progression and visa eligibility, this blog will walk you through everything I’ve learned about the 6135 occupation code.
What is the 6135 Job Code?
The 6135 job code is part of the UK’s Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) system and refers specifically to care workers and home carers.
This code is used by UK government departments and immigration authorities to categorise occupations for visa eligibility, workforce planning, and regulatory purposes.
This particular SOC code is essential in the context of the Health and Care Worker Visa, as it qualifies overseas applicants to legally work in the UK care sector under a licensed sponsor.
Workers under this classification perform a range of support services that enable vulnerable individuals to live safely and independently.
Job code 6135 is listed on the UK’s Shortage Occupation List, which reflects the growing demand for professionals in this sector.
As a result, the government allows employers to sponsor foreign nationals under this code, provided they meet specific criteria such as Care Quality Commission (CQC) registration and compliance with visa salary thresholds.
Who Does It Apply to?
The 6135 job code applies to individuals who are engaged in delivering personal care and support services to people in their homes, residential facilities, or supported living arrangements.
These individuals often work with clients who are elderly, disabled, chronically ill, or recovering from medical treatment.
Care workers and home carers falling under this code are not medical professionals like nurses or doctors, but they play an equally crucial role in ensuring day-to-day health, safety, and emotional well-being of those under their care.
This job code applies to:
- Live-in carers providing round-the-clock support in private homes
- Domiciliary carers who visit multiple clients during the day
- Residential care staff working in care homes and assisted living facilities
- Support workers aiding individuals with learning disabilities or mental health issues
- Agency care workers contracted to provide services across multiple locations
These roles often involve:
- Helping with mobility and physical transfers
- Supporting with dressing, washing, and feeding
- Administering or reminding clients to take medications
- Accompanying clients to appointments or community events
- Recording changes in health or mood and reporting them to supervisors
To qualify for a Health and Care Worker Visa under the 6135 job code, individuals must have a valid job offer from a UK employer who is both Home Office-licensed and CQC-registered, with the job itself being part of a regulated activity.
What Are the Key Duties of Care Workers Under Job Code 6135?
Care workers and home carers under SOC code 6135 play a vital role in supporting individuals with physical, emotional, and practical needs.
Their work enables clients to live independently and with dignity, either in their own homes or in care facilities. The duties can vary slightly depending on the care setting, but they consistently fall into several core areas of responsibility.
1. Personal and Physical Care
A fundamental part of the role is helping clients with daily personal hygiene tasks such as bathing, dressing, and toileting.
For individuals with limited mobility, this support is essential. The care worker must maintain the client’s comfort and privacy while also ensuring that hygiene standards are met consistently.
2. Medication Support
Although care workers do not prescribe medication, they often assist with its administration.
This includes prompting clients to take their prescribed medicines at the correct time and recording medication intake when required. Some care providers offer additional training for administering medication safely.
3. Nutrition and Meal Preparation
Preparing meals that meet individual dietary needs is another key duty. This involves understanding basic nutrition, preparing food safely, and offering support during mealtimes, especially for clients who may have difficulty swallowing or require encouragement to eat. In some cases, care workers also assist with feeding.
4. Domestic Tasks and Home Environment
Care workers often help maintain a safe and clean environment. While not expected to perform heavy cleaning duties, they assist with light tasks such as laundry, washing dishes, and tidying up living spaces. This support helps create a more comfortable and risk-free setting for the client.
5. Mobility and Physical Assistance
Supporting clients with movement is crucial, particularly for those who are frail or recovering from injury.
This can include helping someone in and out of bed, assisting with walking, or using mobility aids such as hoists and frames. Proper manual handling techniques are required to ensure safety for both the client and the worker.
6. Emotional and Social Support
Care work also involves offering companionship and emotional reassurance. Many clients face loneliness or mental health challenges, and daily interaction can make a significant difference to their well-being.
Whether it’s through conversation, shared activities, or simply being present, this emotional connection is a valued aspect of the role.
What Skills and Qualifications Are Required for the 6135 Job Code?
A combination of interpersonal skills, physical ability, and basic healthcare knowledge is essential for care workers.
While specific qualifications are not always mandatory, many employers seek candidates who either hold or are willing to work towards recognised credentials.
Skills Needed:
- Compassion and empathy in daily interactions
- Strong communication to understand needs and explain care plans
- Organisational ability to manage multiple clients or tasks
- Ability to work independently and within a team
- Physical stamina to assist with mobility or lifting
Common Qualifications:
- Level 2 or 3 Diploma in Health and Social Care (or equivalent NVQ)
- First Aid and Manual Handling certifications
- Safeguarding Training
- Enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) clearance
Employers often provide structured on-the-job training that meets the standards set out by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).
How Does Job Code 6135 Relate to the UK Health and Care Worker Visa?
The UK Health and Care Worker Visa allows foreign nationals to work in health or care roles that fall under eligible SOC codes, including 6135.
This visa is part of the Skilled Worker route, specifically tailored for the healthcare and social care sectors.
To be eligible under this visa route, the following conditions must be met:
- The job must fall under SOC code 6135 (care worker or home carer)
- The employer must be a licensed sponsor
- The employer must be registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC)
- The salary must meet the required threshold of £20,960 or £10.75/hour
Table: Key Visa Eligibility Criteria for 6135 Job Code
| Requirement | Details |
| Job Role | Care Worker or Home Carer |
| SOC Code | 6135 |
| Employer Status | Home Office-licensed sponsor & CQC registered |
| Regulated Activity Required | Yes (e.g. personal care, health monitoring) |
| Salary Threshold | £20,960 annually or £10.75/hour (as of 2024) |
| English Language Requirement | IELTS or equivalent proof |
This visa is exempt from the Immigration Health Surcharge, making it financially more accessible for international applicants.
What is the Role of the Care Quality Commission (CQC) in 6135 Jobs?
The CQC regulates health and social care providers in England and plays a significant role in job code 6135.
Employers must be actively registered with the CQC and must be undertaking at least one regulated activity to legally sponsor care workers under this occupation code.
Regulated Activities Include:
- Personal care
- Nursing or medical treatment
- Supporting with mental health and learning disabilities
- Assistance with eating and drinking
An employer who wants to act as a sponsor must be visible in the CQC public register and must demonstrate that their organisation complies with legal obligations. Visa applications may be rejected if the employer fails to meet these conditions.
What Opportunities and Career Paths Exist for Care Workers in the UK?
The care sector in the UK is not only essential but rapidly growing. With over 1.5 million people employed in adult social care, opportunities for progression are widely available for individuals entering under job code 6135.
Table: Career Progression Path for Job Code 6135
| Level | Role Example | Notes |
| Entry-Level | Care Assistant | Requires minimal experience and basic training |
| Intermediate | Senior Carer, Support Worker | Requires NVQ Level 3 or equivalent |
| Advanced | Healthcare Assistant (NHS) | May work under nurses or doctors |
| Managerial | Care Coordinator, Manager | Requires leadership training and management skills |
| Professional Transition | Nurse, Social Worker | Requires formal degree and professional registration |
Many care workers use this role as a stepping stone towards other careers in the healthcare sector, such as nursing or health management.
How Much Can You Earn as a Care Worker Under Job Code 6135?
Salaries vary depending on experience, geographic location, and whether the role is full-time, part-time, or involves unsocial hours. Many employers also offer overtime and night shift premiums.
Average Salary Ranges:
- Entry-Level: £20,960 – £22,000 per year
- Mid-Level: £23,000 – £25,000 per year
- Experienced/Senior Carer: £26,000 – £28,000 per year
- Overtime/Weekend Shifts: May increase hourly rate by 10–25%
Care workers on the Health and Care Worker Visa must meet the salary threshold, which is currently set at £20,960 per year for visa eligibility under the 6135 job code.
Pay may also vary depending on the type of care setting. For example, workers in London or NHS-affiliated roles may receive additional pay supplements due to higher living costs or NHS pay banding.
How Can You Apply for a Job Under the 6135 Occupation Code?
Finding a job under job code 6135 involves identifying CQC-registered and visa-licensed employers in the UK care sector. Many such employers are actively recruiting both domestic and international candidates due to workforce shortages.
Here are a few steps to guide the application process:
- Use official job boards like NHS Jobs, Find a Job, or the UK Government’s licensed sponsors list
- Prepare essential documentation such as academic certificates, proof of training, and references
- Ensure your English language proficiency meets visa requirements
- Contact care recruitment agencies that specialise in overseas placements
- Double-check that the employer is performing regulated activities and is listed with the CQC
What Are the Related SOC Codes to 6135 Job Code?
| SOC Code | Occupation Title | Relation to 6135 |
| 6131 | Nursing auxiliaries and assistants | Assist nurses; similar patient care tasks |
| 6132 | Ambulance staff (excluding paramedics) | Involved in patient transport and basic care |
| 6133 | Dental nurses | Supportive care role, though more clinical |
| 6136 | Senior care workers | Direct progression route from 6135 |
Conclusion
Choosing a career as a care worker under job code 6135 offers both personal fulfilment and long-term career potential.
With growing demand and structured visa support from the UK government, it’s an ideal option if you’re passionate about helping others and building a meaningful career in healthcare.
If you’re ready to make a difference in people’s lives and explore a rewarding pathway in the UK, this role might be the perfect fit.
FAQs About 6135 Job Code
What is the difference between a care worker and a home carer?
While both roles involve providing personal and health-related support, care workers may operate in various settings including care homes, while home carers primarily assist individuals in their private residences.
Do I need previous experience to apply under job code 6135?
Experience is beneficial but not always mandatory. Many employers provide training, especially if you demonstrate the right attitude and soft skills.
Can international applicants get sponsorship for 6135 jobs?
Yes, care workers and home carers are eligible for sponsorship under the UK Health and Care Worker Visa, provided their employer meets the CQC and Home Office criteria.
What training is required for care workers in the UK?
Most employers expect a minimum of NVQ Level 2 or equivalent, along with training in First Aid, Manual Handling, and safeguarding. On-the-job training is common.
Is job code 6135 part of the shortage occupation list?
Yes, 6135 is included in the UK’s shortage occupation list, allowing for lower salary thresholds and faster visa processing.
Do all care homes need to be CQC registered to sponsor visas?
Yes. Employers hiring under job code 6135 must be registered with the CQC and conduct regulated activities to sponsor foreign workers legally.
What are common challenges faced by care workers in the UK?
Challenges include long shifts, emotional strain, and demanding physical tasks. However, many find the work deeply rewarding and meaningful.
