Hiring and Sponsoring Other registered nursing professionals (SOC Code 2237)

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Hiring skilled nursing professionals from overseas is a practical solution for UK healthcare employers facing persistent workforce shortages. Other Registered Nursing Professionals under SOC Code 2237 cover a wide range of specialist nursing roles beyond standard registered nursing, including emergency care nurses, community nurses, and other advanced practice nurses. This guide explains what employers need to know about sponsoring workers in this occupation code, from eligibility and salary thresholds to the sponsorship process itself.

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Key Takeaways

Essential Points for Employers Hiring Under SOC 2237

• SOC Code 2237 covers Other Registered Nursing Professionals, including specialist and advanced nursing roles outside the main registered nurse category.
• Employers must hold a valid Skilled Worker sponsor licence before issuing a Certificate of Sponsorship to overseas candidates.
• Roles under SOC 2237 are eligible for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship, subject to meeting salary and skills thresholds.
• Healthcare and nursing roles on the Immigration Salary List may attract a discounted salary threshold.
• Nurses sponsored under this code must be registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) before they can begin practising in the UK.

What Is SOC Code 2237?

SOC Code 2237 refers to Other Registered Nursing Professionals. This occupation code sits within the broader nursing and midwifery group but captures specialist nursing roles that are not classified under the primary registered nurse code. Roles in this category typically require registration with the NMC and involve advanced clinical responsibilities, specialist patient management, or leadership within nursing teams.

Examples of Roles Covered by SOC 2237

• Emergency care nurses
• Community psychiatric nurses
• Nurse practitioners
• Clinical nurse specialists
• Infection control nurses
• Occupational health nurses
• Advanced nurse practitioners
• Nurse consultants

Employers should confirm the specific job title and duties align with the SOC 2237 definition before assigning this code to a Certificate of Sponsorship. Misclassification can lead to compliance issues during a Home Office audit.

Skilled Worker Visa Eligibility for SOC 2237

To sponsor a worker under SOC 2237, the role must meet the eligibility criteria for the Skilled Worker visa route. Both the employer and the candidate must satisfy specific requirements before a visa can be granted.

Employer Requirements

• Hold a valid Skilled Worker sponsor licence issued by the Home Office.
• Have a genuine vacancy that meets the skill level for SOC 2237.
• Pay the worker at least the minimum salary threshold for the role.
• Assign a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) to the candidate.
• Carry out right to work checks and maintain accurate sponsorship records.

Candidate Requirements

• Have a valid job offer from a licensed UK sponsor.
• Meet the English language requirement at the required level.
• Satisfy the salary threshold for the assigned role and SOC code.
• Hold or be working towards NMC registration for nursing roles.
• Score enough points under the Skilled Worker points-based system.

Salary Thresholds for SOC 2237

Salary thresholds for Skilled Worker visas changed significantly from April 2024. Employers sponsoring workers under SOC 2237 must pay at least the higher of the general threshold or the going rate for the specific occupation code.

Standard Salary Thresholds

• The general Skilled Worker threshold is £41,700 per year.
• The going rate for SOC 2237 roles applies where this exceeds the general threshold.
• New entrants to the profession may qualify for a reduced threshold, typically 70% of the going rate.

Immigration Salary List Discounts

Certain nursing roles appear on the Immigration Salary List, which allows employers to pay a reduced salary threshold compared to the standard rate. Employers should check the current version of the Immigration Salary List on gov.uk to confirm whether a specific SOC 2237 role qualifies for this discount. Even with a discount, the salary must still meet the relevant going rate floor for the occupation.

NMC Registration Requirements

All nurses working in the UK under SOC 2237 must be registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Council. Overseas-trained nurses cannot practise in the UK without full NMC registration. Employers should factor the registration timeline into their recruitment planning, as it can take several months to complete.

NMC Registration Process for Overseas Nurses

1. Submit an application to the NMC and provide proof of qualifications and experience.
2. Pass the Computer-Based Test (CBT) if required for your qualification route.
3. Complete an Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) at an approved NMC test centre in the UK.
4. Obtain full NMC registration once all requirements are met.
5. Begin practising as a registered nurse in the UK.

Employers can sponsor a candidate while they are completing their NMC registration steps, provided the candidate is working in a supervised capacity and the CoS reflects this arrangement accurately.

How to Sponsor a Worker Under SOC 2237

The sponsorship process involves several steps for employers. Getting each stage right is essential to avoid delays, compliance failures or licence suspension.

Step-by-Step Sponsorship Process

1. Confirm you hold a valid Skilled Worker sponsor licence. If not, apply through the Home Office sponsor licence application process.
2. Identify the correct SOC code for the role - SOC 2237 for Other Registered Nursing Professionals.
3. Check the current salary threshold and going rate for the occupation.
4. Confirm the role is genuine and the candidate meets the eligibility criteria.
5. Assign a Certificate of Sponsorship via the Sponsor Management System (SMS).
6. Ensure the candidate applies for their Skilled Worker visa within the CoS validity period.
7. Carry out right to work checks before employment begins.
8. Maintain accurate records throughout the employment and report any changes to the Home Office as required.

Sponsor Licence Duties When Hiring Nursing Professionals

Holding a sponsor licence comes with ongoing compliance obligations. Employers in the healthcare sector are subject to Home Office audits and must be able to demonstrate that all sponsored workers are employed in genuine roles matching their CoS details.

Core Sponsor Compliance Duties

• Monitor sponsored workers' attendance and report unauthorised absences promptly.
• Report any significant changes to a worker's role, salary or working location via the SMS.
• Keep copies of all right to work documents and contact details for sponsored staff.
• Notify the Home Office if a sponsored worker's employment ends before the visa expiry date.
• Cooperate with any Home Office compliance visits or audits.

Costs Involved in Sponsoring a Worker

Sponsoring an overseas nurse involves several fees that employers should budget for in advance. Some costs are mandatory and cannot be passed on to the worker.

Main Sponsorship Costs

• Sponsor licence application fee - £239 for small sponsors, £1,682 for medium or large sponsors.
• Certificate of Sponsorship fee - £239 per worker.
• Immigration Skills Charge - £364 per year for small sponsors, £1,000 per year for medium and large sponsors. This charge is mandatory for most Skilled Worker roles and cannot be paid by the worker.
• The worker pays their own visa application fee and Immigration Health Surcharge, unless the employer chooses to cover these.

Recruiting Other Registered Nursing Professionals from Overseas

Many UK healthcare employers recruit nursing professionals directly from countries with established nurse training programmes. Common source countries include the Philippines, India, Nigeria, Kenya and Zimbabwe. Employers may work with international recruitment agencies or use direct advertising to find suitable candidates.

Key Considerations When Recruiting Internationally

• Check that the candidate's qualifications are recognised by the NMC before progressing the application.
• Allow sufficient lead time for NMC registration, visa processing and relocation.
• Provide support for candidates completing their OSCE, including access to preparation resources.
• Ensure employment contracts accurately reflect the sponsored role and salary to match the CoS details.
• Consider pastoral support arrangements for newly arrived nurses adjusting to working in the UK.

Emotional Wellbeing and Clinical Skills Support

Internationally recruited nurses often face significant adjustments when moving to the UK, both professionally and personally. Employers have a duty of care that extends beyond basic compliance. Providing structured induction programmes, mentoring from experienced colleagues, and access to mental health and wellbeing resources helps retain skilled staff and supports safe patient care.

Supporting Newly Sponsored Nursing Staff

• Assign a named mentor or buddy during the initial period of employment.
• Provide training on UK clinical protocols, documentation standards and patient communication.
• Offer access to employee assistance programmes covering mental health and financial wellbeing.
• Facilitate peer networking with other internationally educated nurses in the organisation.
• Conduct regular check-ins during the first six to twelve months of employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is SOC Code 2237?

SOC Code 2237 covers Other Registered