Hiring and Sponsoring Registered mental health nurses (SOC Code 2235)

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Registered Mental Health Nurses (RMNs) play a vital role in the UK healthcare system, providing specialist care and treatment to individuals experiencing mental health conditions. For UK employers looking to hire internationally, SOC Code 2235 covers this occupation and makes it eligible for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship. This guide explains everything you need to know about hiring and sponsoring registered mental health nurses from overseas.

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Key Takeaways

Essential Points for Employers

• Registered Mental Health Nurses fall under SOC Code 2235 and are eligible for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship.
• Employers must hold a valid sponsor licence before they can issue a Certificate of Sponsorship to an overseas nurse.
• RMNs must be registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) before they can practise in the UK.
• The going rate and minimum salary thresholds must be met to comply with Home Office requirements.
• Mental health nursing is listed on the Immigration Salary List, which may affect the salary requirements that apply.

What Does a Registered Mental Health Nurse Do?

Day-to-Day Responsibilities

Registered Mental Health Nurses provide specialist nursing care to patients with a range of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, psychosis and personality disorders. Their work spans both inpatient and community settings across the NHS and independent sector.

Core Duties

• Assessing patients and identifying their mental health needs.
• Planning, implementing and evaluating care plans tailored to each patient.
• Administering medication and monitoring its effects and side effects.
• Supporting patients through therapy sessions and therapeutic activities.
• Coordinating with psychiatrists, social workers, occupational therapists and other professionals.
• Monitoring patient progress and updating clinical records.
• Providing support and guidance to patients' families and carers.
• Responding to mental health crises and emergencies.

SOC Code 2235 Explained

What Is SOC Code 2235?

The Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) Code 2235 covers Registered Nurses, which includes Registered Mental Health Nurses. This classification is used by the Home Office to determine visa eligibility and salary requirements for overseas workers. Because RMNs fall under this code, they qualify for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa route.

Why the SOC Code Matters

The SOC code assigned to a role determines the going rate that a sponsored worker must be paid. Employers must ensure the salary offered meets both the general minimum threshold and the occupation-specific going rate for SOC 2235. Paying below these thresholds will result in a refused Certificate of Sponsorship or a compliance failure.

Skilled Worker Visa Requirements for Registered Mental Health Nurses

Eligibility Criteria

To sponsor an overseas Registered Mental Health Nurse on a Skilled Worker visa, both the employer and the candidate must meet specific requirements set by the Home Office.

Employer Requirements

• Hold a valid Skilled Worker sponsor licence issued by the Home Office.
• Assign a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) to the candidate before they apply for their visa.
• Pay the candidate at least the going rate for SOC Code 2235 or the general minimum salary threshold, whichever is higher.
• Carry out right to work checks and maintain accurate employee records.
• Report relevant changes in the sponsored worker's circumstances through the Sponsor Management System (SMS).

Candidate Requirements

• Hold a valid job offer from a licensed UK sponsor.
• Meet the English language requirement at the required level.
• Be registered with or eligible to register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC).
• Meet the salary threshold applicable to their role and circumstances.
• Satisfy the Home Office on suitability and genuineness grounds.

Salary Requirements for SOC Code 2235

Minimum Salary Thresholds

As of 2024, the general minimum salary threshold for Skilled Worker visa applications is £41,700 per year. However, mental health nursing is listed on the Immigration Salary List (formerly the Shortage Occupation List), which may reduce the applicable threshold. Employers should always verify the current going rate for SOC 2235 on the official gov.uk going rates page before issuing a Certificate of Sponsorship.

NHS Pay Bands

In NHS settings, Registered Mental Health Nurses are typically employed at Agenda for Change Band 5 or Band 6, depending on their experience and responsibilities. Employers must ensure the NHS pay band salary aligns with Home Office salary requirements to avoid compliance issues.

NMC Registration for Overseas Mental Health Nurses

Why NMC Registration Is Required

All nurses working in the UK must be registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Council. Overseas RMNs who are not yet NMC registered must complete the registration process before they can practise independently. This process can take several months, so employers should plan their recruitment timelines accordingly.

Steps to NMC Registration for Overseas Nurses

1. Create an account on the NMC online registration portal.
2. Submit evidence of qualifications, identity and good character.
3. Undergo a competence assessment, which may include the Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE).
4. Demonstrate English language proficiency through IELTS or OET.
5. Pay the NMC registration fee upon approval.
6. Receive NMC PIN and begin supervised practice if required.

Supervised Practice Arrangements

Some overseas nurses may be required to complete a period of supervised practice as part of their NMC registration. Employers sponsoring nurses through this period should ensure they are employed in an appropriate clinical role that supports the assessment process.

How to Obtain a Sponsor Licence

Who Needs a Sponsor Licence?

Any UK employer wishing to hire workers from outside the UK on a Skilled Worker visa must hold a sponsor licence. This applies to NHS trusts, private hospitals, care providers and any other organisation employing registered mental health nurses from overseas.

Applying for a Sponsor Licence

1. Check that your organisation is eligible and meets the Home Office's honesty, dependability and compliance requirements.
2. Appoint key personnel including an Authorising Officer, Key Contact and Level 1 User in the Sponsor Management System.
3. Gather supporting documents evidencing your organisation's legitimacy.
4. Submit your online application through the UK Visas and Immigration portal and pay the relevant fee.
5. Await a decision, which typically takes up to eight weeks (or 10 working days for the priority service).

Maintaining Your Sponsor Licence

Once granted, a sponsor licence comes with ongoing duties. Employers must monitor sponsored workers, report changes promptly and keep records up to date. Failure to comply can result in licence suspension, downgrade or revocation.

Certificate of Sponsorship for Mental Health Nurses

What Is a Certificate of Sponsorship?

A Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) is a unique reference number assigned to an overseas worker by their sponsor. It confirms the job offer and is required for the Skilled Worker visa application. For Registered Mental Health Nurses, employers must assign a defined CoS that references the correct SOC code, job title and salary.

Defined vs Undefined CoS

• A defined CoS is required for workers applying from outside the UK or for most new hires from overseas.
• An undefined CoS is used for workers already in the UK switching or extending their visa.
• Defined CoS must be requested from the Home Office and are subject to an annual allocation.

Right to Work Checks for Sponsored Nurses

Employer Obligations

Before a sponsored worker begins employment, the employer must carry out a compliant right to work check. For visa holders, this typically involves checking the worker's visa status using the Home Office online checking service. Employers should retain evidence of this check throughout employment and for two years after the worker leaves.

Ongoing Monitoring

• Track visa expiry dates and remind workers to extend in good time.
• Carry out follow-up right to work checks before a visa expires.
• Report to the Home Office if a sponsored worker does not show up to work or their circumstances change significantly.

Recruitment Routes for Overseas Registered Mental Health Nurses

Where to Recruit

UK employers can recruit Registered Mental Health Nurses from a range of countries with established nursing workforces. Common source countries include the Philippines, India, Nigeria, Zimbabwe and various EU member states. Recruitment may be carried out directly or through specialist international healthcare recruitment agencies.

Ethical Recruitment

Employers recruiting from overseas must follow the Code of Practice for International Recruitment in Health and Social Care. This code restricts active recruitment from countries on the World Health Organization's Health Workforce Support and Safeguards List. Employers should ensure any agency they use is signed up to the code.

Costs of Sponsoring an Overseas Mental Health Nurse

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