Hiring and Sponsoring Registered children's nurses (SOC Code 2236)

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Registered children's nurses play a vital role in the UK healthcare system, providing specialist care to young patients across hospitals, community settings and emergency departments. For UK employers looking to fill these roles from overseas, understanding the sponsorship requirements under SOC code 2236 is essential. This guide covers everything you need to know about hiring and sponsoring registered children's nurses.

For related support, explore Annaizu’s sponsorship compliance software, mock audit inspection readiness and mock audit preparation.

For 2026 checks, cross-check the latest GOV.UK immigration skills charge before making sponsorship or visa decisions.

Key Takeaways

Essential Points for Employers

• Registered children's nurses fall under SOC code 2236 and are eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa route.
• Employers must hold a valid sponsor licence before issuing a Certificate of Sponsorship to an overseas candidate.
• The role is on the Immigration Salary List, meaning a lower salary threshold may apply in some circumstances.
• Nurses must be registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) before they can practise in the UK.
• Right to work checks must be completed before employment begins, regardless of the visa route used.

What Does a Registered Children's Nurse Do?

Registered children's nurses, classified under SOC code 2236, are qualified professionals who provide nursing care specifically to infants, children and young people. Their responsibilities span a wide range of clinical and support activities across NHS and private healthcare settings.

Core Duties and Responsibilities

• Assessing, planning and delivering nursing care to children and young patients.
• Administering medications and treatments as prescribed by medical staff.
• Monitoring patient conditions and responding to changes in clinical status.
• Providing emergency care and triage in paediatric settings.
• Supporting and educating families and parents on health management and disease prevention.
• Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams including paediatricians, therapists and social workers.
• Maintaining accurate patient records and care documentation.

Settings Where Children's Nurses Work

• NHS hospital wards and paediatric units.
• Accident and emergency departments.
• Community health teams and schools.
• Children's hospices and palliative care services.
• Private hospitals and independent healthcare providers.

SOC Code 2236 and Skilled Worker Visa Eligibility

SOC code 2236 covers registered nurses working in specialist fields, including children's nursing. Roles under this code qualify for the Skilled Worker visa, making it possible for UK employers to recruit internationally when domestic supply is insufficient.

Salary Thresholds for SOC 2236

As of 2024, the general minimum salary threshold for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship is £41,700 per year. However, registered nurses and children's nurses on the Immigration Salary List may qualify for a lower going rate, which is set at the 25th percentile of the occupation's pay scale. Employers should check the latest Home Office guidance to confirm the applicable rate at the time of sponsorship.

Immigration Salary List

Registered children's nurses appear on the Immigration Salary List. This means eligible candidates may be sponsored at a salary below the standard £41,700 threshold, provided the role meets the relevant going rate for the occupation code. This is particularly relevant for NHS Band 5 and Band 6 nursing posts.

NMC Registration Requirements

All nurses working in the UK must be registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Council before they begin practising. For overseas candidates, this process can take several months and involves meeting competency and English language standards.

Steps to NMC Registration for Overseas Nurses

1. Apply to the NMC for assessment of overseas qualifications.
2. Complete the Computer-Based Test (CBT) to demonstrate nursing knowledge.
3. Undertake the Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) at an NMC-approved test centre in the UK.
4. Provide evidence of English language proficiency through IELTS Academic or OET.
5. Receive NMC registration confirmation before commencing employment.

English Language Requirements

Overseas children's nurses must demonstrate English language proficiency. Accepted tests include IELTS Academic with a minimum score of 7.0 in each component, or OET with a minimum grade of B in each sub-test. Some exemptions apply to nationals of majority English-speaking countries.

How to Sponsor a Registered Children's Nurse from Overseas

UK employers who wish to recruit registered children's nurses from outside the UK must hold a valid sponsor licence. The process involves several steps that must be completed in the correct order to remain compliant with Home Office requirements.

Step-by-Step Sponsorship Process

1. Apply for a sponsor licence on the UK government website if you do not already hold one.
2. Receive your sponsor licence and gain access to the Sponsor Management System (SMS).
3. Identify the candidate and confirm they meet the skills, salary and NMC registration requirements.
4. Assign a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) through the SMS, specifying the role details and salary.
5. The candidate uses the CoS reference number to apply for their Skilled Worker visa.
6. Once the visa is granted, complete right to work checks before the employee starts work.

Sponsor Licence Requirements

To obtain a sponsor licence, your organisation must demonstrate that it is a genuine UK business operating lawfully, that it has appropriate HR systems in place, and that it can fulfil ongoing compliance obligations. The Home Office may conduct an audit before or after granting the licence.

Right to Work Checks for Children's Nurses

Employers are legally required to verify that every employee has the right to work in the UK before employment begins. Failure to carry out these checks correctly can result in civil penalties of up to £60,000 per illegal worker.

Acceptable Right to Work Evidence

• A valid Skilled Worker visa vignette or digital immigration status via the UK Visas and Immigration online service.
• A share code provided by the employee to check their online immigration status.
• A British or Irish passport for settled workers.
• An EU Settlement Scheme status confirmation for eligible EEA nationals.

Ongoing Compliance Obligations for Sponsors

Holding a sponsor licence comes with a range of ongoing duties. Employers must actively monitor their sponsored workers and report certain changes to the Home Office through the SMS within specified timeframes.

Key Compliance Duties

• Report any significant changes to a sponsored nurse's role, salary or working location.
• Record and monitor sponsored workers' contact details and absences.
• Notify the Home Office if a sponsored nurse's employment ends before their visa expires.
• Maintain up-to-date right to work records for all employees throughout their employment.
• Cooperate with any Home Office compliance visits or audits.

Costs Involved in Sponsoring a Children's Nurse

Employers should budget carefully for the costs associated with sponsoring an overseas children's nurse. These include both Home Office fees and any recruitment or relocation costs.

Typical Sponsorship Costs for Employers

• Sponsor licence application fee: £536 for small sponsors and charities; £1,682 for medium and large organisations.
• Certificate of Sponsorship fee: £239 per worker for roles on the Immigration Salary List.
• Immigration Skills Charge: £364 per year for small sponsors; £1,000 per year for medium and large sponsors. This charge does not apply to roles on the shortage occupation or Immigration Salary List in some cases - always check current guidance.
• Visa application fee paid by the candidate, which may be reimbursed by the employer depending on contractual arrangements.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is SOC code 2236?

SOC code 2236 covers registered nurses working in specialist fields, including children's nursing, mental health nursing and learning disability nursing. It is used by the Home Office to classify nursing roles for the purposes of Skilled Worker visa sponsorship.

Do registered children's nurses need to be NMC registered before applying for a visa?

Yes. Candidates must hold full NMC registration before they can legally practise as a nurse in the UK. Employers should not allow a sponsored nurse to begin clinical work until NMC registration is confirmed, even if their visa has been granted.

Is there a shortage of registered children's nurses in the UK?

Yes, there are longstanding shortages of children's nurses across NHS and private healthcare settings in the UK. This is one reason the role appears on the Immigration Salary List, making it easier for employers to recruit internationally.

Can a children's nurse switch employers once they are in the UK?

Yes, but the nurse must obtain a new Certificate of Sponsorship from the new employer and apply to change their Skilled Worker visa sponsorship before starting work with the new organisation. The original sponsor must also be notified.

How long does the sponsorship and visa process take?

The timeline varies depending on whether the employer already holds a sponsor licence and how quickly the candidate completes NMC registration. In general, from CoS assignment to visa decision, standard processing takes around eight weeks. Priority visa processing is available for an additional fee.

What salary should I pay a sponsored children's nurse?

You must pay at least the going rate for SOC code 2236 as set by the Home Office, or the general minimum threshold of £41,700, whichever is higher. NHS employers typically pay in line with Agenda for Change pay bands, with Band 5 and Band 6 covering most registered children's nurse