2461SOC 2020 · 2 · 24 · 246Higher Skilled · Table 3

Social workers: UK Skilled Worker visa and SOC 2461

Higher Skilled

Rules checked against GOV.UK 6 November 2026 · Compiled by SWC Editorial Team

Can you get a Skilled Worker visa as a social worker?

Yes. You can get a UK Skilled Worker visa as a social worker (SOC 2461) if you meet the requirements below.

What you need

You must have:

  • a job offer from a UK employer that's allowed to sponsor visas (check the sponsor list)
  • a "certificate of sponsorship" from that employer: a reference number with details of your job
  • a salary that meets the NHS or teacher pay scale for your role, and is at least £25,000 a year (see the pay scales)
  • English at level B2: you can usually prove it with an approved test or a degree taught in English (ways to prove it)
  • £1,270 in savings, unless your employer covers your first month or you've been in the UK for 12 months or more
  • a criminal record certificate, if you're applying from outside the UK

This job can also use the Health and Care Worker visa.

How much it costs

Visa fee, applying from outside the UK£819 for up to 3 years
£1,618 for more than 3 years
Visa fee, applying from inside the UK£943 for up to 3 years
£1,865 for more than 3 years
Healthcare surchargeusually £1,035 a year
Savings to show (if needed)£1,270

For example, a 3-year visa from outside the UK costs £819 plus £3,105 for the healthcare surcharge: £3,924 in total. Your partner and children pay too if they come with you. Full fees.

How long it takes

  • You'll usually get a decision within 3 weeks if you apply from outside the UK.
  • It's usually 8 weeks if you apply from inside the UK.
  • Your visa can last up to 5 years. You can extend it.
  • After 5 years you may be able to apply to settle in the UK.

How to apply

  1. Get a job offer from a licensed sponsor and ask for this job's occupation code (2461).
  2. Get your certificate of sponsorship reference number from your employer.
  3. Prove your English and get your documents ready (documents list).
  4. Apply online on GOV.UK: apply from outside the UK. You'll pay the fee and the healthcare surcharge.
  5. Prove your identity, using the ID Check app or at a visa application centre.

Things to check

  • Do make sure the job description matches the work you'll actually do. The occupation code must fit the job.
  • Do check your employer is on the licensed sponsor list.
  • Don't apply before you have a certificate of sponsorship. You need a confirmed job offer first.
  • Don't count overtime, bonuses or allowances. Only guaranteed basic pay counts towards the salary.
  • Don't change job or employer without updating your visa.

Based on the UK Immigration Rules and the Skilled Worker visa guide on GOV.UK. This is a summary, not advice about your own situation.

The rules in detail

SOC 2020 code 2461 (Social workers) is Higher Skilled and is listed in Table 3 of Appendix Skilled OccupationsT3 · 29 Oct 26, where the going rate is the national pay scale. Points option K applies, with a general threshold of £25,000 a year.

Source: Appendix Skilled Occupations and eligible occupations and codes, GOV.UK.
Key facts for SOC 2461
OccupationSocial workers
Skilled Worker eligibilityHigher Skilled
Going rateNational pay scale (see below)
Appendix table(s)Table 3
Immigration Salary ListNo
Temporary Shortage ListNo
Equivalent SOC 2010 code(s)2442
SOC 2020 group24 Business, media and public service professionals › 246 Welfare professionals

Agenda for Change pay bands (Table 4)

BandEnglandScotlandWalesNorthern Ireland
Band 3£24,071£26,869£24,433£22,816
Band 4£26,530£29,116£26,928£25,147
Band 5£29,970£31,892£30,420£28,407
Band 6£37,338£39,912£37,898£35,392
Band 7£46,148£48,788£46,840£43,742
Band 8a£53,755£60,126£54,550£50,952
Band 8b£62,215£70,986£63,150£58,972
Band 8c£74,290£83,837£75,405£70,417
Band 8d£88,168£99,534£89,491£83,571
Band 9£105,385£117,732£106,967£99,891

Band 1 and band 2 jobs are not eligible to be sponsored. Except for 6131 Nursing auxiliaries and assistants, band 3 and band 4 jobs can only be sponsored for people granted Skilled Worker permission before 22 July 2025 who have held it continuously (Table 4 notes).

Job titles under SOC 2461

GOV.UK lists these related job titles:

  • Adult social workers
  • Children, family and school social workers
  • Criminal justice social workers
  • Mental health and healthcare social workers
  • Social workers not elsewhere classified
More job titles from the ONS SOC 2020 index (5)
  • Independent review officer (social worker)
  • Mental health social worker
  • Senior practitioner (local government: social services)
  • Social worker
  • Team leader (local government: social services)

What the job involves

Social workers provide information, advice and support to those who are socially excluded or are experiencing crisis; they protect the welfare of vulnerable groups including children, young people, people with disabilities, elderly people and people who are mentally or physically ill, and they may specialise in specific areas of work.

Typical tasks

  • Liaises with other health and social care professionals and agencies to identify those in need and at risk within the local community
  • Interviews individuals and groups to assess and review the nature and extent of difficulties
  • Undertakes and writes up assessments to specified standards
  • Arranges for further counselling or assistance in the form of financial or material help
  • Organises support and develops care plans to address service users’ needs
  • Keeps case records, prepares reports and participates in team meetings
  • Gives evidence in court
  • Participates in training and supervision

Typical entry routes and qualifications

Social work is a regulated profession and practitioners must be registered with the appropriate statutory body. To register a social worker must satisfy the criteria for registration. Non-graduates must undertake a three year degree in social work; graduates with relevant experience may take a two year postgraduate diploma/Master’s degree. Prior relevant work experience or relevant voluntary work is encouraged. Background checks including a DBS check are required.

Description: ONS SOC 2020 Volume 1.

Questions about SOC 2461

Can you get a Skilled Worker visa as a social worker?

Yes. You can get a UK Skilled Worker visa as a social worker (SOC 2461) if you meet the requirements: a job offer from a licensed sponsor, a certificate of sponsorship, the minimum salary, and English at level B2. SOC 2020 code 2461 (Social workers) is Higher Skilled and is listed in Table 3 of Appendix Skilled Occupations, where the going rate is the national pay scale. Points option K applies, with a general threshold of £25,000 a year.

What is SOC code 2461?

2461 is the SOC 2020 code for Social workers. Social workers provide information, advice and support to those who are socially excluded or are experiencing crisis; they protect the welfare of vulnerable groups including children, young people, people with disabilities, elderly people and people who are mentally or physically ill, and they may specialise in specific areas of work.

What job titles use SOC code 2461?

GOV.UK lists: Adult social workers, Children, family and school social workers, Criminal justice social workers, Mental health and healthcare social workers, Social workers not elsewhere classified.

Sources

Compiled by SWC Editorial Team from the sources above. An information summary, not immigration advice. Report an error on this page.