Quick Facts:
- A SOC code is the foundation of every Skilled Worker visa decision and directly affects eligibility, salary thresholds, and sponsor compliance.
- From 2024 onward, SOC 2020 codes are mandatory, with outdated or incorrect codes now a leading cause of refusals and licence action.
- Employers must match actual job duties, not job titles, and ensure the salary meets the correct going rate for the chosen code.
- Strong SOC code evidence protects against refusals, audits, and long-term sponsor licence risk in 2026 and beyond.
The correct SOC Code UK is essential for every Skilled Worker visa application. It affects eligibility, salary, and sponsor compliance. The Home Office uses SOC 2020 codes in Appendix Skilled Occupations to assess skill levels and going rates. This article gives a deep and practical guide to SOC codes, how to find yours, how to avoid mistakes, and how to stay compliant in 2026. You will find examples, industry lists, refusal scenarios, and steps for employers and workers.
Table of Contents
What Is a SOC Code?
A SOC code is a Standard Occupational Classification code. It is a four digit number that groups jobs by skill and duties. The Office for National Statistics manages SOC 2020. UK Visas and Immigration uses these codes to judge eligibility for work visas. The code for each job appears in Appendix Skilled Occupations. Each entry lists examples of job titles and the going rate.
SOC 2020 replaced SOC 2010. All visa decisions now use SOC 2020 only.
Why SOC Codes Matter for UK Work Visas?
SOC codes affect many parts of a work visa. They decide:
- Whether a job meets RQF Level 3 or higher.
- The occupation specific going rate.
- Whether a job is allowed in the Skilled Worker route.
- Whether the job appears on the Immigration Salary List.
- Whether the salary can meet the general threshold.
- Whether the sponsor can issue a Certificate of Sponsorship.
A wrong SOC code creates risk. It can lead to visa refusal. It can also lead to sponsor licence compliance action. This includes suspension or revocation.
SOC codes apply to Skilled Worker, Health and Care Worker, Global Business Mobility, Scale Up, and Minister of Religion. Employers must choose the correct code for every certificate.
How SOC Codes Work (Structure Explained)
SOC 2020 uses a clear and simple structure.
| Digit position | Meaning | Example |
| First two digits | Major group | 21 = Science and Technology Professionals |
| Third digit | Minor group | 213 = IT Professionals |
| Fourth digit | Unit group | 2136 = Programmers and Software Developers |
Each job sits in one unit group. The unit group lists common duties and required tasks. The employer should match duties, not job titles.
How To Find the Correct SOC Code for Your Job
Step by Step Process
- Open Appendix Skilled Occupations on GOV.UK.
- Search your job title.
- Compare your duties with the listed job.
- Confirm that the salary meets the going rate.
- Check that the role remains eligible in 2026.
- Check the related RQF skill level.
- Confirm any conditions for applicants or sponsors.
Matching titles is not enough. Duties must be the main guide.
Tools To Use
- The CASCOT tool for quick matching.
- ONS Occupation Explorer for industry context.
- Appendix Skilled Occupations for salary rules.
- Immigration Salary List for reduced thresholds.
- Job description and advert for duty alignment.
Examples of Common SOC Codes (2026)
These examples help you understand common groups.
| Occupation | SOC 2020 Code | Route | Typical Going Rate |
| Software Developer | 2134 | Skilled Worker | £54,700 + |
| Software Engineer | 2137 | Skilled Worker | £45,600 + |
| Data Analyst | 3544 | Skilled Worker | £34,900 + |
| Marketing Manager | 2432 | Skilled Worker | £50,100 + |
| Sales Manager | 1150 | Skilled Worker | £36,400 + |
| Civil Engineer | 2121 | Skilled Worker | £50,400 + |
| Mechanical Engineer | 2122 | Skilled Worker | £46,800 + |
| Chef | 5434 | Skilled Worker (conditions) | £33,400 + |
| Care Worker | 6135 | Health and Care only | £25,000 + |
| Nurse | 2232 | Health and Care | Varies by region and NHS band |
| Accountant | 2421 | Skilled Worker | £49,200 + |
| Teacher (Secondary) | 2313 | Skilled Worker | Varies by region |
This list is not complete. It shows typical roles used in visa cases.
SOC Codes and the Skilled Worker Visa
The employer must assign a SOC code when issuing a Certificate of Sponsorship. The SOC code then decides:
- The job skill level.
- The occupation specific salary.
- Whether the salary can meet the general threshold.
- Eligibility for reduced thresholds.
- Time allowed for sponsorship.
- Evidence required for audits.
The general threshold rose in mid 2025. Many roles must meet a higher salary. If the going rate is higher than the general threshold, the going rate applies.
A wrong SOC code can cause immediate refusal. It can also harm sponsor compliance. Sponsors must show evidence of their choice.
Recent SOC Code Updates (2024 to 2026)
Key changes include:
- SOC 2020 is mandatory for all applications.
- The Immigration Salary List replaced the Shortage Occupation List.
- More than 100 roles became ineligible in 2025.
- The general salary threshold increased.
- New guidance placed more focus on genuine roles.
- The Home Office increased audit and enforcement activity.
Sponsors should check Appendix Skilled Occupations each time they recruit.
Industry Specific SOC Code Breakdowns
Below are expanded industry guides. These help sponsors choose the correct code. They also help workers understand their options.
Technology
| Role | SOC Code | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Software Developer | 2134 | Duties must involve coding and development. |
| Software Engineer | 2137 | Focus on engineering and design. |
| Data Analyst | 3544 | Data modelling and analysis. |
| Cyber Security Analyst | 2135 | Roles must involve security systems. |
| IT Project Manager | 2131 | Requires planning and delivery duties. |
Tech roles often overlap. Check duties carefully.
Engineering
| Role | SOC Code | Notes |
| Civil Engineer | 2121 | Strong design duties. |
| Mechanical Engineer | 2122 | Technical design focus. |
| Electrical Engineer | 2123 | Installation and testing duties. |
| Quality Engineer | 2481 | Depends on level of responsibility. |
| Engineering Technician | Varies | Must meet skill level. |
Many engineering roles remain eligible in 2026.
Marketing and Creative
| Role | SOC Code | Notes |
| Marketing Manager | 2432 | Must manage campaigns or teams. |
| Digital Marketing Specialist | 2473 | Duties must involve strategy. |
| Graphic Designer | 2142 | Needs creative design tasks. |
| Content Strategist | 3554 | Often overlaps with media roles. |
Check if the role meets RQF Level 3.
Finance
| Role | SOC Code | Notes |
| Accountant | 2421 | Requires professional duties. |
| Financial Analyst | 2422 | Must analyse data. |
| Investment Analyst | 2422 | Higher salary expectations. |
| Auditor | 2421 | Duties must match audit tasks. |
Finance roles often require chartered status.
Healthcare
| Role | SOC Code | Notes |
| Midwifery Nurse | 2231 | Eligible for Health and Care. |
| Doctor | 2211 | Requires GMC registration. |
| Physiotherapist | 2221 | Eligible. |
| Care Worker | 6135 | Only under Health and Care. |
This sector remains one of the largest for sponsorship.
Hospitality
| Role | SOC Code | Notes |
| Chef | 5434 | Must meet strict conditions. |
| Restaurant Manager | 1222 | Management duties essential. |
| Hotel Manager | 1221 | Duties must include planning. |
Many hospitality roles are no longer eligible.
Common Refusal Scenarios
Refusals often occur because of simple mistakes.
1. Duties do Not Match the SOC Code
A role may say engineer. The duties may show technician work. That mismatch causes refusal.
2. Salary Below Going Rate
If the salary is correct for the market but not correct for the code, the application fails.
3. Using Outdated SOC 2010 Codes
Any use of SOC 2010 creates risk.
4. Attempting to Fit a Role into a Higher Code
This often happens in marketing or tech. A caseworker can reject it.
5. Missing Evidence for Duties
Sponsors must show real duties.
Case Studies
Case Study 1: Developer or Technician
A firm hired a junior coder. The duties matched 3131 (IT technician style tasks). They assigned 2136. The salary met technician levels but not developer levels. The visa was refused.
Case Study 2: Restaurant Manager Misclassified
A restaurant hired a supervisor but gave the code to the manager. Duties showed team supervision only. The CoS was invalid.
Case Study 3: Marketing Executive
A marketing executive role was placed under SOC 1132. The caseworker saw no management tasks. The role did not meet the code.
How To Verify Your SOC Code
For Workers
- Check your job description.
- Check your Certificate of Sponsorship.
- Compare your duties using CASCOT
- Check your salary against the going rate.
For Sponsors
- Use CASCOT.
- Compare duties with SOC wording.
- Keep duty evidence.
- Keep recruitment adverts.
- Keep pay scale evidence.
- Keep internal approval notes.
What To Do When Two SOC Codes Fit
Sometimes duties fit two codes. Use these rules:
- Choose the code that best matches core duties.
- Consider which duties take the most time.
- Consider the skill level.
- Consider salary alignment.
- Document your reasons.
SOC Code Evidence Checklist
This checklist helps sponsors during audits.
- Job description.
- Advert and recruitment notes.
- Interview notes.
- Organisation chart.
- Salary scale and pay structure.
- Duty breakdown.
- Internal justification note.
- Copies of Appendix Skilled Occupations pages used.
Keep evidence for twelve months after sponsorship ends.
FAQs for Soc
What is a SOC Code?
A SOC code is a four digit classification for jobs in the UK.
How do I Find My SOC Code?
Search Appendix Skilled Occupations or use CASCOT.
What is a Four Digit SOC Code?
It is the unit group that defines the occupation.
Does the SOC Code Affect Skilled Worker Visa Salary?
Yes. It sets the going rate.
Is SOC 2020 Required?
Yes. SOC 2010 is not valid.
Can Two Jobs Share One SOC Code?
Yes. A code can cover many titles.
Are all SOC Codes Eligible for Visas?
No. Many are not eligible.
How A Y & J Solicitors Can Help
A Y & J Solicitors can help you choose the correct SOC code with a detailed expert review of your job role, a full assessment of your salary and eligibility, and complete Skilled Worker visa support from start to finish. Our team also guides sponsors on licence compliance and provides audit preparation and defence to reduce risk. If you need help identifying the right SOC code for your Skilled Worker visa, book a call with us today!
