In This Guide
Understanding salary requirements is essential when applying for or renewing your Health and Care Worker visa. If your salary does not meet the minimum threshold, your visa application will be refused. This guide covers the latest salary thresholds for 2026, how they are calculated, and what counts towards the minimum.
Pay in the care sector has been a significant area of policy change. The government has progressively increased minimum thresholds while also implementing the Health and Care Worker visa route to address severe staffing shortages. Knowing where you stand is critical.
Current Salary Thresholds (2026)
The Health and Care Worker visa has a lower salary threshold than the standard Skilled Worker visa, reflecting the government's recognition of the sector's critical staffing needs.
| Role (SOC Code) | Going Rate | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Care Workers & Home Carers (6145) | £23,200 | £11.90/hr |
| Senior Care Workers (6146) | £25,500 | £13.08/hr |
| Nursing Auxiliaries & Assistants (6141) | £23,200 | £11.90/hr |
| Registered Nurses (2231) | £29,970 | £15.37/hr |
| Social Workers (2442) | £35,000 | £17.95/hr |
Hourly rates calculated based on a standard 37.5-hour working week. Going rates are reviewed annually. Always check the latest Immigration Rules for the most current figures.
What Counts Towards the Minimum Salary
DOES Count
- Basic gross annual salary
- Guaranteed allowances (e.g., London weighting)
- Guaranteed annual pay rises written into contract
- On-call allowances (if guaranteed)
Does NOT Count
- Overtime pay (even if regular)
- Bonuses or commission
- Tips or gratuities
- Benefits in kind (accommodation, meals)
- Employer pension contributions
- Expenses or reimbursements
Part-Time and Variable Hours
If you work part-time, your salary is assessed on a pro-rata basis. The Home Office calculates what your salary would be if you worked full-time hours, and this must meet the going rate.
Example calculation:
Standard full-time hours: 37.5 hours/week
Your contracted hours: 25 hours/week
Going rate for SOC 6145: £23,200
Your minimum salary: (25 ÷ 37.5) × £23,200 = £15,467
Your hourly rate must still be at least £11.90
Important: The minimum hours for a sponsored care worker are typically set by your employer and stated on your CoS. Most sponsors require at least 30 hours per week. Very low-hour contracts may raise concerns with the Home Office about the genuineness of the role.
New Entrant Rates
You may qualify for a reduced salary threshold (the “new entrant” rate) if you meet one of these conditions:
- You are under 26 years old at the date of your application
- You are switching from a Student visa or Graduate visa
- You are in a postdoctoral position or professional training programme
The new entrant rate is 70% of the standard going rate. For care workers (SOC 6145), this would be approximately £16,240 per year. However, you must still meet the absolute minimum salary floor of £23,200 for the Health and Care Worker route, which means the new entrant discount has limited practical impact for most care roles.
New entrant status lasts for a maximum of 4 years, after which you must be paid the full going rate.
Negotiating Your Salary
While the minimum thresholds are set by immigration rules, many employers offer above the minimum. Here are tips for negotiating:
Research market rates in your area
Care worker salaries vary significantly by region. London and the South East typically pay 10-20% more than the North.
Highlight your qualifications and experience
NVQ/QCF qualifications, specialist training, or experience with complex care needs justify higher pay.
Ask about additional benefits
Some employers cover visa fees, IHS, accommodation, or offer relocation packages. These do not count towards the salary threshold but reduce your costs significantly.
Use CareVisa to compare sponsors
Our database shows salary ranges and benefits offered by different sponsors. Search sponsors to compare offers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum salary for a care worker visa in 2026?
The minimum salary for a care worker visa in 2026 is the higher of the going rate for your specific SOC code or the general salary threshold. For care workers and home carers (SOC 6145), the going rate is currently £23,200 per year (£11.90 per hour) for a 37.5-hour week. The general threshold for Health and Care Worker visas is £23,200.
Can I include overtime in my salary calculation?
No, guaranteed overtime cannot be used to meet the minimum salary threshold. Only your basic gross salary (before tax and deductions) counts. Allowances that are guaranteed and part of your core pay package may be included, but variable overtime, bonuses, and commission cannot.
Is there a different salary threshold for senior care workers?
Yes. Senior care workers (SOC 6146) have a higher going rate than standard care workers. The going rate for senior care workers is approximately £25,000-£27,000 per year depending on experience. Your salary must meet or exceed the going rate for the specific SOC code on your Certificate of Sponsorship.
What happens if my employer pays less than the CoS states?
If your employer pays you less than the salary stated on your Certificate of Sponsorship, this is a breach of their sponsor duties and potentially illegal. Report this to the Home Office and seek advice. Underpayment can result in your employer losing their sponsor licence.
Do part-time workers have different salary requirements?
Part-time workers must be paid the pro-rata equivalent of the full-time going rate. For example, if you work 20 hours per week instead of 37.5, your salary must be at least (20/37.5) x £23,200 = £12,373. The hourly rate must still meet the minimum.
Are there any salary exemptions for new entrants?
New entrant rates may apply if you are under 26, are in a graduate training programme, or are switching from a Student visa. The new entrant rate is typically 70% of the standard going rate. However, for care workers, the going rate is already set at a level where new entrant discounts result in very modest reductions.