In the UK employment and immigration landscape, the 6136 job code holds significant relevance—especially for those aspiring to work in the health and care sector.
This code, derived from the UK’s Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) system, categorises Senior Care Workers, an essential profession that supports vulnerable individuals across various settings.
Understanding this SOC code is crucial not just for employment purposes, but also for navigating the Health and Care Worker visa route.
From immigration rules to job responsibilities and salary expectations, this guide explains everything you need to know about the 6136 job code.
What Is The 6136 Job Code and Why Is It Important?
The 6136 job code is part of the UK’s Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) system, which is used by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) to categorise jobs based on their duties and responsibilities.
Specifically, SOC 6136 applies to Senior Care Workers, a role that plays a critical part in the health and social care system.
This classification is especially important for two key reasons:
- Immigration and Visa Applications: The UK Home Office uses SOC codes to assess eligibility for sponsored work visas. For example, if an applicant is applying under the Health and Care Worker visa, their job must fall within an eligible SOC code such as 6136.
- Salary Benchmarks and Job Structure: The SOC code also determines the minimum salary expectations for a role. Employers and immigration caseworkers refer to these codes when evaluating whether the proposed salary aligns with UK labour market standards.
Furthermore, as 6136 is on the Shortage Occupation List, it qualifies for certain benefits such as reduced visa fees and relaxed salary thresholds in some cases.
This makes it particularly relevant for both overseas workers and UK employers struggling with workforce shortages.
Who Qualifies As A Senior Care Worker Under SOC Code 6136?
To qualify under SOC 6136, an individual must be employed in a Senior Care Worker role, which involves both direct care provision and supervisory responsibilities.
These professionals act as a bridge between front-line care workers and care managers, ensuring service users receive high-quality, regulated support.
The role typically involves:
- Monitoring and mentoring junior staff, including care assistants
- Developing and updating care plans
- Coordinating with health professionals such as nurses and physiotherapists
- Ensuring the physical and emotional well-being of patients or residents
- Handling emergency protocols and reporting incidents
- Ensuring compliance with regulations, particularly CQC standards
Qualifications and Experience
To be classified as a Senior Care Worker under this code, individuals generally need:
- A Level 3 Diploma in Health and Social Care or equivalent
- At least 1–2 years of experience in a care role
- A strong grasp of English (CEFR level B1 or above, particularly for visa applicants)
- Skills in leadership, time management, and effective communication
Unlike general care roles, the 6136 classification expects a candidate to demonstrate decision-making ability and a higher level of autonomy, often overseeing more complex care needs and medication administration.
How Does SOC Code 6136 Affect Your Eligibility For A Health And Care Worker Visa?
The UK’s Health and Care Worker visa route allows foreign nationals to come and work in eligible health and care sector roles. To qualify under this scheme, the job must match an approved SOC code, with 6136 being one of them.
Applicants must have a confirmed job offer from a Home Office-licensed sponsor, such as a care home, NHS trust, or private care provider. Crucially, if working in England, the sponsor must also be registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC).
Visa requirements under SOC 6136 include:
- A valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from a licensed UK employer
- A guaranteed job role classified under SOC 6136
- Meeting the salary threshold for this code
- Proof of English language skills
- Clean criminal record and health clearance
Being classified under SOC 6136 also offers applicants the advantage of shorter visa processing times, lower application fees, and exemption from the Immigration Health Surcharge—a substantial benefit in cost-saving terms.
Can Senior Care Workers Bring Dependents To The UK?
One of the most significant changes to UK immigration policy in recent years involves the eligibility of Senior Care Workers, classified under SOC code 6136, to bring dependents—such as spouses, partners, and children under the Health and Care Worker visa route.
As of 11 March 2024, the UK government implemented new rules that restrict the right to bring dependents for newly arriving care workers and senior care workers.
This decision was part of a broader strategy aimed at reducing net migration and tightening controls around low-skilled labour routes.
What Has Changed?
Previously, individuals holding a valid Health and Care Worker visa could bring their immediate family members with them to the UK. This included a spouse or partner, and children under 18. However, under the revised immigration policy:
- New applicants sponsored under SOC code 6136 can no longer bring dependents unless they meet transitional exceptions.
- Existing visa holders under this code before 11 March 2024 retain the right to bring or extend visas for dependents.
This policy shift has significantly affected those planning to move to the UK with their families, making early planning and accurate timing critical.
Dependent Visa Eligibility: Before vs After 11 March 2024
| Visa Application Type | Can Bring Dependents? | Notes |
| Applied before 11 March 2024 |  Yes |
Eligible to bring dependents or extend existing family visas |
| Applied on or after 11 March 2024 |  No |
New applications under SOC 6136 cannot include dependents |
| Existing visa holder extending stay | Yes |
Can extend visas for dependents already in the UK |
| Switching employer but staying under 6136 | Yes (if original visa pre-2024) |
Only if the original visa was issued before the policy change |
Applicants must check their Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) date and immigration history to determine eligibility accurately.
This rule change highlights the importance of timing and being fully informed before applying under the 6136 job code.
What Are The Salary Requirements For SOC Code 6136?
Salary requirements for visa sponsorship under the 6136 SOC code are critical. The UK Home Office has set minimum salary levels, which employers must meet or exceed to sponsor a candidate.
Key Salary Requirements Include:
- A minimum annual salary of £23,200, based on a 39-hour work week
- For new entrants (under 26 or in their first job), the threshold is slightly lower at £20,960
- Workers under the Shortage Occupation List category can also qualify at £20,960, though this may depend on the employer and job region
Employers must offer genuine full-time roles, and part-time hours must be calculated proportionally to meet salary thresholds. If the salary is even a few pounds below the required threshold, the visa application can be rejected.
The “going rate” is also used to benchmark roles and ensure fair wages across the sector. It’s reviewed annually and updated on the official Home Office occupation codes page.
Why Must Your Employer Be Registered With The Care Quality Commission (CQC)?
For employers in England, registration with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) is not optional—it is legally required to hire care staff and to sponsor overseas workers under the Health and Care Worker visa.
What Is the CQC?
The CQC is the independent regulator of health and adult social care in England. They monitor, inspect, and rate care providers to ensure that:
- Services are safe
- Staff are properly trained and qualified
- Care is person-centred and dignified
- Employers adhere to legal staffing ratios and protocols
If an employer is not registered with the CQC, they cannot legally sponsor workers under SOC 6136.
This rule exists to protect foreign workers from exploitative employment practices and to ensure that those entering the UK are working in a safe and regulated environment.
Prospective employees can check CQC registration by searching the provider name on the CQC website.
How Can You Confirm If Your Job Falls Under The 6136 Job Code?
It’s not uncommon for applicants or even employers to misidentify the correct SOC code. Because job titles can vary between organisations, it’s important to match job responsibilities, not just the title, with the official ONS description for SOC 6136.
Tools and Methods:
- CASCOT (Computer Assisted Structured Coding Tool): Developed by the ONS, this tool allows users to input job descriptions and receive suggested SOC codes.
- Job Description Matching: Read the official description for SOC 6136 and compare it to your daily responsibilities. If your role includes tasks like managing junior staff and administering medication, it likely fits under this code.
- Sponsor Confirmation: Employers offering sponsorship should be well-versed in which SOC codes apply to the roles they’re hiring for. They can provide clarity on what’s been assigned on your Certificate of Sponsorship.
If there’s a mismatch between your role and the SOC code, your visa application may be delayed or rejected. This is why proper classification from the outset is essential.
What Are The Key Considerations When Applying For Care Jobs Under 6136 In The UK?
Applying for care jobs in the UK—particularly under the 6136 job code for Senior Care Workers—requires careful planning, attention to detail, and a thorough understanding of both the employment and immigration landscapes.
While the demand for qualified care professionals remains high, the UK government has introduced strict criteria to ensure only suitable and legally compliant applicants are granted sponsorship.
To improve your chances of securing a role and successfully migrating under the Health and Care Worker visa, it’s important to consider the following aspects:
1. Ensure the Employer Is a Licensed Sponsor
The first and most critical requirement is confirming that the employer offering the job is listed on the UK Home Office’s Register of Licensed Sponsors. Without this, even the most qualified applicant cannot be legally sponsored.
- Check the official list of sponsors on the UK government website.
- Verify that the sponsor licence is valid for the Health and Care Worker route.
- Ask the employer directly for their Sponsor Licence Number and confirmation that they have previously sponsored international workers (optional but recommended).
A job offer from an unlicensed employer is not valid for visa purposes, and proceeding without this verification can lead to significant delays or outright visa refusal.
2. Confirm the Role Aligns With SOC Code 6136
Employers sometimes mislabel job roles due to unfamiliarity with SOC classifications. It’s essential that the responsibilities of the job match those described under SOC 6136, which refers specifically to Senior Care Workers—not general carers or support workers.
Key Duties Expected Under 6136 Include:
- Supervising care assistants or junior staff
- Administering medication and maintaining medical records
- Developing, implementing, and evaluating care plans
- Liaising with families and medical professionals
- Ensuring compliance with care regulations and CQC standards
If your duties don’t align with these, you may actually fall under a different code (such as SOC 6145 for general care workers), which might not be eligible for sponsorship under current rules.
3. Validate That the Employer Is Registered With the Care Quality Commission (CQC)
For positions in England, it’s mandatory that the employer is registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC). The CQC oversees the standard of care provided by employers and is a crucial layer of legal and ethical protection for both employees and service users.
You can verify an employer’s CQC status by searching for them on the CQC website. Look for a valid registration, active status, and recent inspection ratings—ideally rated “Good” or above.
Employers not registered with the CQC are ineligible to sponsor overseas care workers, even if they hold a sponsor licence.
4. Review Salary and Contract Terms Carefully
The UK government has strict minimum salary thresholds for care jobs under the 6136 SOC code. As of the latest guidance:
- General salary threshold: £23,200 per year (based on 39 hours per week)
- New entrants or shortage occupation rate: £20,960 per year
Ensure your offer letter clearly states the number of working hours and that your pay aligns with the minimum requirement for your specific visa route. If the salary is pro-rated for part-time work, confirm it still meets the hourly equivalent rate required under the code.
Don’t accept vague or verbal salary promises—everything must be formally documented.
5. Understand What Documents You’ll Need
Applying for a care job and the accompanying visa will require a range of documents, including personal identification, professional credentials, and compliance documentation.
Essential Documents Include:
- Valid passport
- English language proficiency proof (IELTS for UKVI, or a degree taught in English)
- Job offer letter and employment contract
- Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from the employer
- Educational and professional qualifications (e.g., NVQ Level 3 or equivalent)
- Police clearance certificate from your home country
- Tuberculosis test certificate (if applicable, based on country of residence)
Having these documents ready and correctly formatted will significantly speed up your visa processing and reduce the risk of errors or rejection.
Conclusion
Understanding the SOC 6136 job code is crucial for anyone pursuing a career as a Senior Care Worker in the UK.
Whether you’re an international applicant navigating visa processes or a UK employer offering sponsorship, accurate job classification helps streamline the immigration process, ensures compliance, and secures the right talent for the sector.
From visa eligibility and salary thresholds to CQC registration and dependent rules, every detail surrounding this code plays a role in successful employment and settlement in the UK’s thriving care industry.
FAQs About The 6136 Job Code
What is the difference between SOC 6145 and SOC 6136?
SOC 6145 typically refers to Care Workers and Home Carers, while SOC 6136 covers Senior Care Workers with supervisory duties and higher responsibilities.
Can a care assistant be promoted to a senior care worker under 6136?
Yes, with additional qualifications, experience, and assuming supervisory duties, a care assistant can move into a senior role classified under 6136.
Is SOC 6136 on the Shortage Occupation List?
Yes, Senior Care Workers under 6136 are currently listed, offering benefits such as lower visa fees and salary flexibility.
What kind of employers hire under SOC 6136?
Typical employers include care homes, nursing homes, domiciliary care agencies, and NHS trusts that are CQC-registered.
Can I switch jobs under the same visa if it’s still under 6136?
You may switch jobs within the same SOC code, but you’ll need a new Certificate of Sponsorship and employer sponsorship.
Are there English requirements for 6136 job code applicants?
Yes, applicants must prove their English ability through tests like IELTS UKVI or equivalent qualifications as per UKVI standards.
How long is the Health and Care Worker visa valid under 6136?
The visa can be granted for up to 5 years, depending on the length of the employment contract. It can be extended or used to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).
