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SOC 2020 code 6135: Care workers and home carers

Can care workers still be sponsored in 2027?

Care workers (SOC 6135): on the Immigration Salary List until 22 July 2028, for people already in the UK. See what else changes in 2027.

Last reviewed 11 November 2026

Check thisIn forceIn Rules
ISL / TSL deadline

On the ISL until 22 July 2028, for in-country applicants only.

What changes

  • On the current Immigration Salary List (in-country applicants only (sw 6.1b)). The row is removed on 22 July 2028; a certificate must be issued before that date.
  • The ISL and the interim TSL are separate lists. Neither rolls over automatically, and not every ISL occupation is on the MAC's recommended list.
Sources:Immigration Rules: Appendix Skilled WorkerImmigration Rules: Appendix Immigration Salary Listgov.uk: Temporary Shortage Listgov.uk: Immigration Salary ListMAC: Temporary Shortage List Stage 2 report

At a glance

Immigration Salary List
Yes (in-country applicants only (sw 6.1b)). Removed on 22 July 2028.
Interim Temporary Shortage List
No
MAC's recommended list for 2027
No
Standard salary threshold today
£31,300 a year for a 37.5-hour week: the higher of the £31,300 health and care general threshold and the £25,000 occupation rate.
ISL threshold today
£25,000, for certificates issued before 22 July 2028.
Example job titles
Community support workers, Home care workers, Residential care workers. From Appendix Skilled Occupations; the duties decide the code, not the title.
2027 salary figures
Not published. Occupation rates are to move to the 25th percentile of pay and the general threshold is to be uprated.

Check your own situation

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Questions about care workers

Are care workers on the Temporary Shortage List?

Not the current interim Temporary Shortage List. The job is on the separate Immigration Salary List instead. The job is not among the 28 occupations the Migration Advisory Committee recommended for a new Temporary Shortage List from January 2027.

Are care workers on the Immigration Salary List?

Yes (in-country applicants only (sw 6.1b)). The row is removed on 22 July 2028, and a certificate must be issued before that date to use the lower ISL threshold.

What salary do care workers need for a Skilled Worker visa?

The occupation rate is £25,000 and the general threshold for health and care jobs is £31,300, for a 37.5-hour week. The higher of the two applies, so today's standard threshold is £31,300. Certificates that use the ISL rate can go down to £25,000 until the row ends. From spring 2027 occupation rates are to move to the 25th percentile of pay and the general threshold is to be uprated, but no 2027 figures have been published.

Which job titles come under SOC code 6135?

Appendix Skilled Occupations lists job titles for 6135 care workers and home carers including: Community support workers; Home care workers; Residential care workers. The code on a certificate depends on the duties of the job, not only its title.

Can care workers be recruited from overseas?

No. Recruiting care workers from overseas closed on 22 July 2025. The ISL row for this occupation is only for people already in the UK who are switching or extending.

Related occupations

See every occupation on the lists

Sources

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