The government has removed Senior Skilled Care Worker (SOC 6115)  job title from the UK shortage occupation list, following the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) latest recommendations sent on 3rd March, 2011.

Due to this change a Tier 2 visa can no longer be sponsored for Senior Carers; however those Senior Carers who are already working in UK as Senior Carers under the work permit arrangements or Tier 2 visas can switch employers and also apply for ILR if they have completed 5 years in UK and meet all other relevant criteria.

Previously Senior Care Assistants could be employed under the Tier 2 (General) visas.

The following criterion had to be met:

In England and Northern Ireland, skilled senior care worker positions where the job:
- included supervisory responsibilities (see below); and
- required at least a relevant S/NVQ level 2 or equivalent qualification in care; and
- required two or more years relevant experience.
Please note that the two years’ experience did not include experience gained whilst on a work placement studying for a qualification.

In Scotland, skilled senior care worker positions where the job:
- included supervisory responsibilities (see below); and
- required at least a relevant S/NVQ level 3 or equivalent qualification in care; and
- required registration with the Scottish Social Services Council as a Supervisor (This could be done after entry to the United Kingdom but must be done before starting work).

In England, Northern Ireland and Scotland, “supervisory responsibilities” requires that, as part of their regular daily duties, the individual will have responsibility for front line supervision and monitoring of care workers and care assistants, be in charge of a shift of workers and take responsibility for the smooth running of the service whilst they are on duty. They will respond to emergencies and provide guidance and support to care workers.

In Wales, skilled senior care worker positions where the job:
- required working at S/NVQ level 3 (Functions and job responsibilities will depend on the size of provision and the staffing structure and must be established by the sponsor.); and
- required at least a relevant S/NVQ level 3 or equivalent qualification in care; and
- required registration with the Care Council for Wales as an Assistant Manager / Senior Care Worker / Senior Care Officer / Senior Care Assistant (This may need to be done after entry to the United Kingdom but must be done before starting work).

All other jobs in this occupation code were below NVQ or SVQ level 3.

Under the transitional arrangements, you can issue a certificate of sponsorship for this occupation for someone who has a work permit as a senior care worker, without the job meeting NVQ or SVQ level 3.

The job must be paid the minimum salary according to the following:

The job must be paid the minimum salary below, which is derived either from the Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE) or, where alternative salary data is available, from an alternative code of practice.

Minimum rates:
• Applications under the transitional arrangements: £7.02 per hour

The above rate applies after any deductions for accommodation, meals etc. Any overtime must also be paid at the above rates.

Related job titles:

Care assistant
Home care assistant
Night care assistant
Residential social worker

Example of job tasks:

• assists residents to dress, undress, wash and bathe
• serves meals to residents at table or in bed
• accompanies infirm residents on outings and assists with recreational activities
• undertakes light cleaning and domestic duties as required

We specialise in processing Tier 2 (General) Visa applications for Senior Care Assistants and regularly deal with various care/nursing homes and hospitals across UK. Please contact us if you want to make sure that your Tier 2 visa application is processed smoothly.