This guide explains the UK Skilled Worker visa job list, including eligible occupations, SOC codes, skill level requirements, and the immigration salary list that offers reduced salary thresholds for shortage roles.
What is the UK Skilled Worker Visa Job List?
The UK Skilled Worker visa job list is the official register of occupations that can be sponsored under the Skilled Worker route. Every eligible job is assigned a Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code and a Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) skill level, both of which determine whether you meet the visa requirements.
The Home Office publishes the full list of eligible occupations and codes, which specifies whether each SOC code is classified as higher skilled, medium skilled, or ineligible for sponsorship. The skill threshold rose from RQF Level 3 to RQF Level 6 on 22 July 2025, meaning that new applications must now be for graduate-level roles unless the occupation appears on the immigration salary list.
Key Components of the Job List
The UK Skilled Worker visa job list comprises three main elements:
Eligible occupations and codes: The definitive list of SOC codes that qualify for sponsorship, organised by major and minor occupational groups.
Going rates: The minimum annual salary benchmarks set for each occupation code, which determine whether an applicant meets the salary threshold.
Immigration salary list: A subset of occupations that qualify for reduced salary thresholds (typically 80% of the standard minimum) due to shortage status or other policy reasons.
Last verified against official UK government sources.
All three elements are published separately on GOV.UK and are updated periodically to reflect labour market conditions and Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) recommendations.
Eligible Occupations and SOC Codes
The Skilled Worker visa eligible occupations publication groups roles by SOC 2020 codes, the UK's standard occupational classification system. Each four-digit code represents a specific job family, and each is marked as higher skilled, medium skilled, or ineligible.
How SOC Codes Work
SOC codes are hierarchical:
Major group (first digit): Broad category such as managers, professionals, or skilled trades.
Sub-major group (first two digits): Narrower category within the major group.
Minor group (first three digits): More specific job families.
Unit group (four digits): The precise occupation code used for visa sponsorship.
For example, SOC 2135 (IT business analysts, architects and systems designers) sits within major group 2 (professional occupations), sub-major group 21 (science, research, engineering and technology professionals), and minor group 213 (information technology and telecommunications professionals).
Skill Level Requirements
From 22 July 2025, most eligible occupations must be at RQF Level 6 (bachelor's degree level or equivalent) to qualify under the standard Skilled Worker route. The change from RQF Level 3 to Level 6 was implemented on that date, raising the minimum qualification benchmark for new sponsorships.
Exceptions apply for:
Occupations on the immigration salary list, which may qualify at lower RQF levels if the role meets the salary and shortage criteria.
Health and Care Worker visa applicants, who follow separate eligibility rules.
You can verify the skill level of any SOC code by consulting the eligible occupations and codes publication, which labels each entry as higher skilled (RQF 6+), medium skilled (RQF 3–5), or ineligible.
Immigration Salary List: Reduced Thresholds for Shortage Roles
The immigration salary list identifies occupations that qualify for a reduced minimum salary threshold—typically 80% of the standard rate—due to labour shortages or other policy considerations. If your job appears on this list, you may be eligible for sponsorship even if the salary is below the general threshold.
Employers and applicants should monitor GOV.UK for updates, as the MAC reviews shortage occupations periodically and the Home Office may amend or remove codes from the list.
Going Rates for Eligible Occupation Codes
Every eligible SOC code has an associated "going rate"—the minimum annual salary threshold that must be met for a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) to be valid. The Home Office publishes going rates for eligible occupation codes, which are calculated based on labour market data and updated annually.
Standard vs Lower Going Rates
Standard going rate: The default minimum salary for each SOC code, applicable to all Skilled Worker visa applications.
Lower going rate: 80% of the standard rate, available only for occupations on the immigration salary list or for certain applicants (such as new entrants under 26 or those switching from student status).
For example, if a role has a standard going rate of £40,000, the lower rate would be £32,000 (80% of £40,000). Your sponsor must pay you at least the going rate for your SOC code, or the general salary threshold—whichever is higher.
Pro-Rata Calculations for Part-Time Work
If you work part-time, your salary is calculated pro-rata based on your contracted hours. The minimum threshold still applies on a full-time equivalent basis, so you must earn at least the going rate (or general threshold) when scaled to a standard working week.
For instance, if the going rate for your occupation is £45,000 for a 37.5-hour week and you work 30 hours per week, your pro-rata salary would be (30 ÷ 37.5) × £45,000 = £36,000. This calculation must meet the going rate threshold when converted to full-time equivalent terms.
How to Check if Your Job is on the List
To confirm whether your occupation qualifies for a Skilled Worker visa:
Check the skill level: Verify that the SOC code is classified as higher skilled (RQF 6+) or, if medium skilled, that it appears on the immigration salary list.
Confirm the going rate: Look up your SOC code in the going rates publication to find the minimum salary threshold.
Review the immigration salary list: If your occupation is listed, note the lower going rate and any additional conditions that apply.
Your employer or sponsor will typically handle the SOC code assignment as part of the Certificate of Sponsorship process, but it is important to verify that the code is correct and that your salary meets the required threshold.
Common Eligible Occupations by Sector
While the full eligible occupations list runs to hundreds of SOC codes, certain sectors consistently sponsor Skilled Worker visa holders. Below are examples of frequently sponsored occupations:
SOC 2315: Primary and nursery education teaching professionals
SOC 2316: Further education teaching professionals
Each of these occupations has its own going rate and skill level requirement; consult the official publications for the most current data.
Jobs Not on the Eligible List
Not all occupations qualify for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship. Jobs that do not meet the RQF Level 6 threshold—and are not on the immigration salary list—are classified as ineligible. Common examples include:
If your occupation does not appear on the eligible list or is marked as ineligible, you have several options:
Explore alternative visa routes: The Graduate visa, Global Talent visa, Innovator Founder visa, or other work visa categories may be available depending on your qualifications and circumstances.
Seek a role that qualifies: Consider whether your skills and experience align with a related occupation that does meet the RQF Level 6 threshold.
Wait for list updates: The Home Office and MAC periodically review and expand the eligible occupations list in response to labour market needs. Check GOV.UK regularly for announcements.
Do not attempt to apply for a Skilled Worker visa if your occupation is ineligible, as your Certificate of Sponsorship will be refused and your sponsor may face compliance penalties.
Salary Thresholds and the Job List
The UK Skilled Worker visa job list works in conjunction with two salary thresholds:
General salary threshold: The minimum salary for any Skilled Worker visa application, regardless of occupation. This figure is set by the Home Office and updated periodically.
You must meet whichever threshold is higher. If your job is on the immigration salary list, you may qualify for the lower going rate (80% of the standard rate), but you still must meet the general salary threshold unless you are eligible for a further reduction (for example, as a new entrant).
Immigration Salary List vs Shortage Occupation List
Before April 2024, the UK used a "Shortage Occupation List" to identify roles facing labour shortages. The immigration salary list replaced the Shortage Occupation List and functions similarly: it grants reduced salary thresholds and, in some cases, exemptions from skills charge or labour market tests.
Key differences include:
The immigration salary list is reviewed and updated more frequently.
Expiry dates are now clearly stated for each entry, ensuring the list remains responsive to changing labour market conditions.
The lower going rate mechanism (80% of the standard rate) is formalised and consistent across all listed occupations.
If you previously held a visa under the Shortage Occupation List, your occupation may still qualify under the immigration salary list, but you should verify the current status and expiry date on GOV.UK.
How Employers Use the Job List
UK employers who hold a sponsor licence use the job list to:
Assign the correct SOC code on your Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS).
Set the salary at or above the going rate and general threshold.
Claim immigration salary list benefits if your role qualifies, including reduced salary thresholds and skills charge discounts.
Your sponsor is responsible for ensuring that the SOC code accurately reflects your job duties. The Home Office may audit CoS applications and refuse those with incorrect codes or salaries below the required thresholds. If you believe your employer has assigned the wrong code, you should raise this before the CoS is issued, as errors can lead to visa refusals or future compliance issues.
Keeping Up to Date with Changes
The UK Skilled Worker visa job list is updated periodically in response to MAC recommendations, labour market data, and policy changes. To stay informed:
Check the "last updated" date: Each publication displays the date of the most recent revision at the top of the page.
Monitor MAC reports: The Migration Advisory Committee publishes recommendations on which occupations should be added to or removed from the immigration salary list. These reports are available on GOV.UK.
Review your occupation before renewal: If you plan to extend your Skilled Worker visa, confirm that your SOC code remains eligible and that your salary still meets the going rate, as both can change between applications.
The Home Office expects the SOC code on your Certificate of Sponsorship to match your actual job duties, not just the job title. If your role spans multiple codes, your employer must choose the code that best represents the majority of your work. Mismatches can lead to visa refusals or sponsor compliance action.
Salary Calculations
Your salary must be expressed as an annual figure, even if you are paid hourly or monthly. Bonuses, allowances, and benefits are generally excluded unless they are guaranteed and pensionable. Part-time workers must meet the going rate on a pro-rata basis, and your contracted hours must be clearly stated on the CoS.
Immigration Salary List Conditions
Some immigration salary list entries include additional conditions, such as geographic restrictions (jobs must be in a specific region) or qualification requirements (you must hold a particular certification). The immigration salary list publication specifies these conditions for each entry; failing to meet them means you cannot benefit from the reduced threshold.
Practical Example: Checking Eligibility
Suppose you are offered a job as a graphic designer in London. Here is how you would verify eligibility:
Find your SOC code: Graphic and multimedia designers are classified under SOC 3421.
Review the offer: If your salary is £30,000 per year and you meet any additional conditions (for example, working full-time), you qualify under the immigration salary list at the lower threshold.
