Skilled Worker Visa Eligible Occupations List

If you do not know your job's occupation code, you can search for your job in the CASCOT occupation coding tool.

Understanding Occupation Codes for Skilled Worker Visas

Your occupation code is one of the most critical elements of your Skilled Worker visa application. It determines not only whether you're eligible for sponsorship, but also your minimum salary requirements through the "going rate" system.

The UK uses the Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) 2020 system, which categorizes every job into a 4-digit code. For Skilled Worker visas, these codes are classified into three categories:

• Higher Skilled (RQF Level 6+): Graduate-level jobs eligible for standard Skilled Worker sponsorship
• Medium Skilled (RQF Level 3-5): Jobs that may be eligible only if on the Temporary Shortage List
• Ineligible: Jobs that cannot be sponsored under the Skilled Worker route

Important Changes in 2026

As detailed in our 2026 visa changes guide, the UK government raised the minimum skill level requirement. Most roles now need to be at RQF Level 6 (graduate level) or above. This change, effective from July 22, 2025, eliminated approximately 180 mid-skill occupations from standard eligibility.

Key Point: Occupation codes changed on April 4, 2024. If you used a code before this date, verify it's still current.

How to Find Your Occupation Code

Method 1: Use the CASCOT Tool (Recommended)

The CASCOT occupation coding tool is the official UK government tool for finding your occupation code:

1. Enter your job title
2. Answer questions about your specific duties
3. Receive your SOC 2020 code

Important: Don't just rely on job titles. Two people with the title "Marketing Manager" might have different codes depending on their actual responsibilities.

Method 2: Search the Official List

The complete, official table of eligible occupations is maintained by the UK government at:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/skilled-worker-visa-eligible-occupations/skilled-worker-visa-eligible-occupations-and-codes

Search Tips:

• Use your browser's search function (Ctrl+F or Cmd+F)
• Try full words rather than abbreviations (e.g., "laboratory" not "lab")
• Look for similar job titles if you can't find an exact match
• Check the occupation code if you already know it

Understanding the Official Table

The government's table includes three key columns:

1. Occupation Code: The 4-digit SOC 2020 code
2. Occupation: The job title or description
3. Skill Level: Higher Skilled, Medium Skilled, or Ineligible

Complete Table of Eligible Occupations

Below is the complete, official table of all occupation codes for Skilled Worker visas as of 2026. Use your browser's search function (Ctrl+F or Cmd+F) to find your occupation.

Note: This table is updated from the official GOV.UK source. For the most current version, always check the official gov.uk page.

Common Pitfalls with Occupation Codes

Pitfall 1: Wrong Code = Visa Refusal

As explained in our salary trap guide, choosing the wrong occupation code can lead to refusal even if your salary seems adequate. Each code has its own "going rate" - the minimum salary for that specific occupation.

Example: A Marketing Manager offered £42,000 might be refused if coded as "Marketing Director" (going rate £55,000) but approved if correctly coded as "Marketing Associate Professional" (going rate £35,000).

Pitfall 2: Job Title ≠ Occupation Code

Your job title is irrelevant to the Home Office. What matters is your actual duties and responsibilities. A company might call you a "Senior Developer" but if your duties match "Web Developer," that's the code that should be used.

Pitfall 3: Outdated Codes

If you're switching employers or extending your visa, verify your occupation code is still current. The April 2024 changes meant some codes were merged, split, or reclassified.

Skill Level Classifications Explained

Higher Skilled (RQF Level 6+)

These are graduate-level roles requiring a degree or equivalent professional experience. Most Skilled Worker visas fall into this category. Examples include:

• Software developers and programmers
• Engineers (all disciplines)
• Healthcare professionals (doctors, nurses, therapists)
• Teachers and education professionals
• Scientists and researchers
• Business analysts and consultants
• Architects and designers

Salary Requirements: Must meet both the general threshold (£41,700 as of 2026) AND the occupation-specific going rate, whichever is higher.

Medium Skilled (RQF Level 3-5)

These roles typically require A-levels or vocational qualifications. As of 2026, most Medium Skilled roles are not eligible for standard Skilled Worker sponsorship unless they appear on the Temporary Shortage List.

Examples that may be eligible if on the Shortage List:

• IT operations technicians
• Laboratory technicians
• Certain healthcare support roles

Important: The Temporary Shortage List is scheduled to expire on December 31, 2026, unless extended. Check current status before applying.

Ineligible Occupations

These roles cannot be sponsored under the Skilled Worker route at all. However, some may be eligible for alternative visa routes:

• Care Workers: May qualify for Health and Care visa
• Seasonal Workers: May qualify for Seasonal Worker visa
• Youth Mobility: May qualify if from eligible country and under 31

Special Cases and Exceptions

Health and Care Visa

Healthcare roles have their own visa route with different salary thresholds. Eligible occupations include:

• Nurses and nursing associates
• Doctors
• Paramedics
• Social workers
• Care workers and home carers

These roles are not subject to the £41,700 general threshold. Instead, they have occupation-specific minimums ranging from £25,000 to £31,300.

PhD-Level Roles

If your role requires a PhD and you hold one in a relevant subject, you may qualify for reduced salary thresholds:

• General PhD: £37,500 or 90% of going rate
• STEM PhD: £33,400 or 80% of going rate

New Entrant Roles

If you're under 26 or within three years of completing a degree, you qualify for the New Entrant discount:

• General threshold: £33,400 (instead of £41,700)
• Going rate: 70% of standard rate

How Sponsors Use Occupation Codes

When a licensed sponsor offers you a job, they must:

1. Determine the correct occupation code based on your actual duties
2. Verify the code is eligible (Higher Skilled or on Shortage List)
3. Calculate the minimum salary (higher of general threshold or going rate)
4. Assign this code on your Certificate of Sponsorship

Your Rights: You can and should verify the occupation code on your CoS is correct. If it seems wrong, question it before submitting your visa application. A wrong code can lead to refusal, and fixing it after submission is difficult.

Verifying Your Occupation Code

Before accepting a job offer, follow these steps:

Step 1: Get the Code from Your Employer

Ask your prospective employer: "What SOC 2020 occupation code will you use for my role?"

Step 2: Verify It's Eligible

Check the official gov.uk table to confirm the code is listed as "Higher Skilled" or is on the current Temporary Shortage List.

Step 3: Check the Going Rate

Look up the going rate for that code on the gov.uk going rates page.

Step 4: Confirm Your Salary Meets Both Tests

Your offered salary must be:

• At least £41,700 (or applicable reduced threshold)
• AND at least the going rate for your occupation code

If it fails either test, you'll be refused.

Step 5: Verify the Code Matches Your Duties

Use the CASCOT tool yourself to see what code your actual job duties suggest. If it differs from what your employer proposed, discuss why.

What If Your Job Isn't on the List?

If you can't find your exact job title:

1. Search for similar roles: "Data Analyst" might be listed as "Data Scientists" or "Business Analysts"
2. Use the CASCOT tool: It will guide you to the closest match based on duties
3. Check the occupation code: If you know the code, search for that instead
4. Consider the job family: Look at related occupations in the same field

Still can't find it? Your job may not be eligible for Skilled Worker sponsorship. Consider:

• Whether a similar code could apply with slightly adjusted job duties
• Alternative visa routes (Global Talent, Innovator Founder, etc.)
• Consulting an immigration lawyer for professional assessment

Occupation Codes and Job Switching

If you're already in the UK on a Skilled Worker visa and want to switch employers, your new job's occupation code matters:

• Same code: Straightforward switch
• Different code, same skill level: Usually fine, but verify going rate
• Different skill level: May face additional scrutiny

Important: When switching jobs, you're making a new visa application. The new employer must assign the correct code for your new role, which may differ from your current code.

Occupation Codes for Dependants

Your dependants' ability to accompany you isn't affected by your occupation code. However, your salary (which is partly determined by your code's going rate) must be sufficient to support them.

For more on bringing family members, see our complete dependants guide.

Keeping Up with Changes

Occupation codes and eligibility can change. Stay informed by:

1. Checking gov.uk regularly: The official list is updated when changes occur
2. Monitoring the Temporary Shortage List: It's reviewed periodically
3. Following immigration news: Major changes are usually announced months in advance
4. Consulting your sponsor: Licensed sponsors receive updates from the Home Office

Conclusion: Your Code Matters

Your occupation code is not just an administrative detail - it's a fundamental determinant of your eligibility and salary requirements. Getting it right is essential for a successful visa application.

Key Takeaways:

• Use the CASCOT tool to find your code
• Verify your code on the official gov.uk list
• Ensure your salary meets both the general threshold AND the going rate for your code
• Question any code that doesn't match your actual job duties
• Remember: codes changed in April 2024, so verify you're using current codes

For help understanding how occupation codes affect your salary requirements, read our salary vs going rate guide. If you're searching for sponsors in your occupation, use our sponsor search tool to find licensed employers in your field.