Occupation code 3240 covers veterinary nurses. On the UK Skilled Worker route this code is classed as Medium Skilled, with a standard going rate of £33,400.
Is code 3240 eligible for sponsorship?
Occupation code 3240 is classed as Medium Skilled (RQF levels 3–5). It is not automatically eligible: it can only be sponsored in limited circumstances — typically where the occupation appears on the Immigration Salary List or the interim Temporary Shortage List, or where the worker was already in the Skilled Worker route before 22 July 2025. Workers sponsored in RQF 3–5 roles through those lists generally cannot bring dependants.
Salary requirement for code 3240
| General salary threshold (most new applicants) | £41,700 |
| Standard going rate for code 3240 | £33,400 (£17.13/hour) |
| Lower going rate (discounted cases) | £25,000 (£12.82/hour) |
What you must actually be paid
You must meet both the general threshold and the going rate — whichever is higher applies. For occupation code 3240 that means a minimum of £41,700 a year for a standard application, set by the general salary threshold.
If you qualify for a discounted rate — a new entrant, someone switching from a Student or Graduate visa, a relevant PhD holder, or a role on the Immigration Salary List — the comparison is against the lower going rate and the £33,400 threshold, giving a minimum of £33,400.
Which figure is realistic for this code? Because 3240 is Medium Skilled, the usual way in is through the Immigration Salary List or Temporary Shortage List — and those carry the discounted threshold, so £33,400 is normally the relevant number rather than £41,700. Health and Care Worker roles paid on national pay scales are assessed against a separate £25,000 threshold instead.
Only guaranteed basic gross pay counts. Overtime, bonuses, tips, allowances and the value of benefits such as accommodation are excluded. Going rates are quoted for a 37.5-hour week and are pro-rated for different hours. See how salary thresholds work.
Job titles under this code
GOV.UK lists the following related job titles for occupation code 3240. Your employer should choose the code that matches your actual duties, not your job title — different employers use different titles for the same work.
- Veterinary nurses
Which employers can sponsor this role?
Any employer holding a Skilled Worker sponsor licence can sponsor an eligible occupation — the licence is not granted per occupation code. What you need to check is that the employer appears on the Home Office register with the Skilled Worker route and an A rating.
Search over 125,000 licensed sponsor records on the UK sponsor list, filter by town on sponsors by city, or check a specific employer in the A–Z company directory.
Related occupation codes
Other codes in the same associate professional occupations group: