The UK immigration landscape is undergoing major changes, especially for Skilled Worker visa holders in health and care roles. One of the most significant updates concerns dependant eligibility—a crucial factor for overseas workers planning to relocate with their families.
Care and senior care workers on 6135 and 6136 visa long lost their rights to bring dependents back in March 2024. Now, it seems the 6131 has now headed down that same route.
The New Rules – Post July 2025
In July 2025, a new rule came into enforcement stopping workers on SOC 6131 code from bringing their dependents unless they fall under transitional protections.
The transitional protections cover individuals whose Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) were issued before July 2025. These individuals are still eligible to add dependents even when they extend their visa, switch employers (under the same code) or the dependents renew their visas.
What Is SOC Code 6131?
SOC 6131 are assigned to individuals classed as Nursing Auxiliaries, Assistants and Support Workers who typically work within NHS hospitals, clinical environments, or specialized care settings alongside registered nurses.
The role is different from other healthcare roles such as Care Worker and Senior Care Worker which are under the 6135 and 6136 SOC codes, respectively. Under these codes, individuals tend to work in care homes, nursing homes, supported living and domiciliary care settings.
What Does This Mean for Overseas Applicants?
If you are applying for a 6131 role now, you should plan your move as an individual, not a family migration route. If you already in the UK and hold a Skilled Worker visa under 6131 before July 2025, you retain your family rights.
Where Is It Stated That 6131 Workers Cannot Bring Dependants?
The rule comes directly from the UK Immigration Rules, specifically the Skilled Worker route and the dependant eligibility section updated in July 2025.
There are two key places where this is stated: The Home Office Immigration Rules and The Home Office Statement of Changes (HC 590).
The updated rules state that only Skilled Worker roles at RQF Level 6 and above can bring dependants unless they fall under transitional protection. SOC 6131 is classified below RQF Level 6, now as part of the medium-skilled occupation group, so it falls into the group not eligible for dependants for new applicants.