From 22 July 2025, new immigration rules will reshape how care providers in the UK hire international staff. These updates specifically affect the Care Worker (SOC 6135) and Senior Care Worker (SOC 6136) routes under the Skilled Worker visa.
If your care home or organisation relies on overseas recruitment, it’s crucial to understand these changes so you remain compliant and can plan ahead.
🔑 Key Changes You Need to Know
1. Only UK-based applicants are Eligible
- From 22 July, you can only hire workers who are already in the UK.
- New overseas applications will no longer be accepted for Care Worker or Senior Care Worker roles.
2. No Dependents for New Applicants
- Workers applying under these codes will not be able to bring dependants on new Skilled Worker visas.
3. Who You Can Hire
A worker must meet one of the following criteria to be eligible for sponsorship:
✔ Already employed by you in a Care/Senior Care Worker role for at least 3 months before the Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) is issued.
✔ Previously granted Skilled Worker permission under SOC 6135/6136 (or predecessor codes 6145/6146) and have held continuous permission in that role.
4. When You Cannot Hire
You cannot sponsor a Care Worker or Senior Care Worker if:
- They are applying from outside the UK, or
- They don’t meet one of the eligibility conditions above.
🏢 CQC Registration Requirement (England)
If your care home is based in England and you are sponsoring under SOC 6135/6136:
- You must be carrying out a regulated activity, and
- You must hold active registration with the Care Quality Commission (CQC).
📌 More details:
- CQC Scope of Registration
- Schedule 1 of The Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014
💷 Salary Requirements for Care Home Workers
- Standard Skilled Worker Route: £33,400 per year or £17.13 per hour (whichever is higher).
- Health & Care Worker Visa Route: £25,000 per year or £12.82 per hour (whichever is higher).
⚡ What This Means for Care Homes
For care providers, these changes mean:
- Recruitment from overseas will no longer be possible under SOC 6135/6136.
- Retention of existing international staff becomes more important than ever.
- Employers must ensure CQC registration and salary compliance before hiring.
- Workforce planning should focus on developing and keeping UK-based staff.