The 6135 job code in the UK refers to Senior Care Workers, a skilled occupation eligible under the Skilled Worker visa, specifically the Health and Care Worker route.

As of 2025, this job code allows qualified overseas applicants to work in the UK, bring dependents, and earn a minimum salary of £23,200, provided they meet the RQF Level 3 requirement.

Key points covered in this blog:

What Is The 6135 Job Code In The UK And Who Does It Apply To?

What Is The 6135 Job Code In The UK And Who Does It Apply To

The 6135 job code in the UK refers specifically to Senior Care Workers, a position listed under the Skilled Worker visa scheme. These roles are categorised as skilled occupations eligible for sponsorship, and they sit at a higher level than general care workers due to their supervisory responsibilities.

This code is recognised by the UK Home Office and is used in visa documentation like the Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS). It signals that the role meets minimum skill and salary thresholds, making it viable for international recruitment.

Job titles falling under the 6135 job code typically include:

The role applies across various settings:

The UK Government outlines the responsibilities tied to this job code on their official health and care worker visa page, specifying the job type and required standards.

Applicants must be aware that applying under the correct job code is critical. Errors in job code classification can lead to visa rejections. This code’s distinction from others, such as 6145, is especially important when considering eligibility for bringing dependents and meeting salary benchmarks.

What Are The Responsibilities And Job Description For 6135 Job Roles?

The responsibilities of a Senior Care Worker are multi-faceted. These workers not only deliver hands-on care but also manage teams and ensure regulatory compliance.

Key duties associated with the 6135 job code include:

These roles require the ability to lead with empathy, maintain attention to detail, and make decisions in sensitive care scenarios.

Typical Employers For 6135 Roles In The UK

Senior Care Workers can be employed by a wide range of organisations. These include:

Some care homes offer specialist services for dementia, disability support, and palliative care, where 6135 job roles are essential for quality assurance and daily operations.

How To Qualify For The 6135 Job Code Under The Skilled Worker Visa

To qualify for a UK work visa under this job code, candidates must meet a strict set of criteria. These include:

The NHS Employers site also notes that senior care positions must demonstrate leadership duties, which makes RQF level 3 critical for application success.

What Is The Average Salary For 6135 Job Code Roles In The UK?

What Is The Average Salary For 6135 Job Code Roles In The UK

Salary is a defining feature of visa eligibility under the 6135 job code. The UK Home Office has set the minimum annual salary threshold at £23,200, or £11.90 per hour, which applicants must meet or exceed to be considered under the Skilled Worker visa.

That said, salary ranges can differ significantly depending on region, employer type, and experience. For example, jobs in London and the South East typically offer higher pay due to living costs and labour shortages.

Here’s a breakdown of the average salaries across sectors:

Employer Type Entry-Level Salary Mid-Level Salary High Experience Salary
NHS (Band 3–4 roles) £23,200 – £25,000 £25,500 £26,500 – £28,000
Private Care Homes £22,000 – £24,000 £25,000 £28,000 – £30,000
Greater London Roles £24,000+ £27,000 Up to £32,000

The Health and Care Worker visa comes with certain cost benefits such as:

Employers sponsoring workers under the 6135 code often provide additional support such as relocation assistance, accommodation, or first-month transportation costs.

What RQF Level Is Required For 6135 Job Code In The UK?

To be eligible under the 6135 job code, applicants must demonstrate that they have qualifications or training equivalent to RQF Level 3. This is a mandatory skill level required by the UK Government for visa-eligible occupations within this category.

RQF Level 3 qualifications are equivalent to A-Levels in the UK. Recognised certifications may include:

These qualifications can be obtained in the UK or overseas. However, if qualifications are earned outside the UK, applicants must have them verified by UK ENIC (UK NARIC) to ensure equivalence to RQF Level 3.

Additional evidence of training or supervisory experience can strengthen an application, especially where formal education does not directly match UK qualifications.

Employers may also be open to candidates who are working towards Level 3 through recognised training programmes. Some care organisations in the UK provide on-the-job training which counts towards this qualification level.

Can The 6135 Job Code Bring Dependents To The UK In 2025?

Can The 6135 Job Code Bring Dependents To The UK In 2026

One of the major advantages of applying under the 6135 job code is the ability to bring dependents under the Health and Care Worker visa scheme. In 2025, these rules remain in effect despite changes introduced in early 2024 that limited dependents for care workers under the 6145 code.

Dependents typically allowed under the visa include:

The government specifies that for a dependent visa to be granted, the primary visa holder must have a valid Certificate of Sponsorship and be earning a qualifying salary.

According to NHS Employers, senior care workers classified under 6135 are still eligible to bring family members, and this has been confirmed in the updated 2025 guidance.

As a writer (Adam) with specialist insight into UK immigration policies and care sector workforce trends, I’ve examined how the 6135 job code has evolved, particularly in the context of dependent visa eligibility.

“I’ve spoken with several care providers and overseas applicants navigating the Skilled Worker route, and it’s clear that senior care roles under the 6135 code remain a key entry point for families looking to settle in the UK. Despite recent policy tightening for general care workers, the 6135 pathway still offers a stable route for bringing dependents. However, applicants need to be cautious I’ve seen cases where minor misclassifications between 6135 and 6145 have led to delayed or rejected dependent applications. Employers and applicants must align job responsibilities precisely with the job code criteria to avoid complications.”

Applicants should ensure:

What Is The Difference Between The 6135 And 6145 Job Code?

What Is The Difference Between The 6135 And 6145 Job Code

The 6135 and 6145 job codes are both within the care sector, but their roles, skill levels, and visa eligibility differ significantly. Understanding these differences is essential when applying for a Skilled Worker visa and determining whether dependents can be included.

Below is a table that highlights the primary differences:

Feature 6135 (Senior Care Worker) 6145 (Care Worker/Home Carer)
Visa Eligibility Skilled Worker Health and Care Visa
RQF Level Level 3 Level 1–2
Dependents Allowed Yes No (as of 2024)
Salary Threshold £23,200+ £20,960+
Role Responsibilities Supervisory + Hands-on Entry-level care
Experience Requirement Mid to high Entry to mid

Because of these distinctions, it is crucial to confirm your job code with your employer before your visa application. Confusing 6135 with 6145 can result in the loss of dependent rights or visa rejection.

Applicants aiming to bring dependents or secure higher earnings should target roles that are clearly defined as Senior Care Worker with responsibilities like team supervision, care plan management, and oversight of junior staff.

Is 6135 On The Immigration Salary List In The UK?

Yes, the 6135 job code is included on the Immigration Salary List, previously known as the Shortage Occupation List. This listing provides key advantages for visa applicants and their employers.

The Immigration Salary List highlights job roles where there is a critical shortage of workers in the UK, allowing for:

This inclusion makes it easier for UK-based care providers to recruit internationally without facing the administrative burdens or cost barriers associated with other skilled roles.

The UK Government updates this list periodically based on labour market analysis. It is essential to check the most recent list on the GOV.UK website before submitting your application to ensure your role remains eligible for these benefits.

How Do You Check Your Job Code For UK Visa Purposes?

Identifying the correct job code is a crucial step when applying for a Skilled Worker visa. Incorrect codes can delay or even invalidate your visa application.

To check your job code:

If your actual responsibilities match those listed under 6135 but your employer incorrectly assigns 6145, it may result in ineligibility for bringing dependents or lower visa benefits.

Can Care Workers With The 6135 Job Code Get Sponsorship In The UK?

Care workers under the 6135 job code are highly sought after in the UK, especially in regions with ageing populations and a shortage of domestic staff. As a result, many employers are actively recruiting overseas professionals and offering visa sponsorship.

Sponsors must be licensed by the Home Office, and applicants must:

Organisations currently offering sponsorship include:

Employers sometimes assist with:

It is strongly recommended that applicants verify the sponsoring employer’s licence status on the UKVI’s official list of approved sponsors before signing any employment agreement.

What Are The Current Rules For 6135 Dependent Visas Inside The UK?

What Are The Current Rules For 6135 Dependent Visas Inside The UK

Dependents of Skilled Worker visa holders under the 6135 job code can usually apply from inside the UK, provided certain criteria are met.

Rules include:

Dependents can include:

Applications from inside the UK must be made before the current visa expires, and they must include all required documentation such as identity proofs, relationship evidence, and the main applicant’s CoS.

Recent updates on NHS Employers clarify that dependents are still allowed under 6135 but not under 6145, which has been restricted since 2024. Therefore, being under the correct job code has a direct impact on a dependent’s eligibility.

Conclusion

If you’re eyeing a future in the UK care sector, the 6135 job code is your golden ticket. With visa sponsorships, dependent eligibility, and real career growth, this role isn’t just in demand it’s a game-changer.

Secure your spot, align your documents, and take the leap while the doors are wide open. Now’s the time to make your move and build a future that supports your skills and your family.

FAQs About 6135 Job Code And Dependent Visas

Can I Bring My Family With Me If I Have A 6135 Job Code?

Yes, dependents are allowed under the Skilled Worker visa route if the job code is 6135 and all visa conditions are met.

What Happens If My Job Code Is Entered Incorrectly?

An incorrect job code on your CoS may lead to a visa refusal. Always verify with your sponsor.

Can I Switch From A Student Visa To A Skilled Worker Visa Under 6135?

Yes, switching is allowed if your job offer and employer meet the Skilled Worker visa criteria.

Is There An Age Limit For Dependents Of Skilled Workers?

No specific age limit for spouses/partners, but children must usually be under 18 unless already in the UK as dependents.

Are Senior Care Workers Still On The Shortage List In 2025?

Yes, as of 2025, senior care workers (6135) remain on the UK’s Immigration Salary List.

Do I Need IELTS For 6135 Visa Application?

Yes, unless exempt, you’ll need to prove English language proficiency through IELTS or an approved alternative.

Can My Dependent Work In The UK?

Yes, dependents of Skilled Worker visa holders can usually work full-time in the UK.