United Kingdom NHS Band 3 Salary Update Enables SOC 6131 Sponsorship

Key Point  

• The United Kingdom confirmed updated NHS pay scales for 2026–2027, making the new Band 3 salary of £25,760 sufficient for SOC 6131 roles to qualify for Skilled Worker sponsorship. 

NHS Band 3 Salary Update  

The United Kingdom (U.K.) government has confirmed that it will update the National Health Service (NHS) pay scales for 2026-2027. This change will become effective 1 April 2026. Under the new Agenda for Change salary structure, Band 3 roles in England will start at £25,760. 

Because this salary meets the £25,000 minimum required under Skilled Worker Points Option K (listed health or education occupations based on national pay scales), NHS healthcare support worker roles aligned with SOC code 6131 will now be eligible for Skilled Worker sponsorship for both in‑country and out‑of‑country applicants. 

Key Details 

• New Band 3 starting salary (England): £25,760 from 1 April 2026. 
• Eligibility impact: SOC 6131 (Healthcare Support Workers) now meets Skilled Worker Option K salary requirements. 
• The government expects the sponsorship window to run from 1 April to 31 December 2026 under current rules.
• SOC 6131 remains on the Immigration Salary List (ISL), which is scheduled to close on 31 December 2026.
• Pending guidance: The Home Office has not yet issued details on transitional arrangements for existing visa holders after the ISL ends. 

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