SOC Codes Explained: A 2026 Employer Guide to Skilled Worker Sponsorship

If you're a UK employer looking to sponsor overseas talent, understanding SOC codes is absolutely essential. The Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code isn’t just a box to tick - it's the foundation of any Skilled Worker visa application. Get it wrong, and you risk Home Office refusal, compliance breaches, or failed audits.

This Imminova guide breaks down what SOC codes are, why they matter, how to select the right one, and how recent immigration changes (from July 2025) have made SOC accuracy even more critical.

1️⃣ What Are SOC Codes?

SOC (Standard Occupational Classification) codes are four-digit numbers used by the UK Home Office and Office for National Statistics (ONS) to classify job roles.

Each eligible occupation under the Skilled Worker visa is assigned a specific SOC code that defines:

• The title and description of the job

• Whether the role meets the required skill level (RQF Level 6 and above from July 2025)

• The minimum salary threshold needed to sponsor a worker

• Whether the role is on the Immigration Salary List (ISL) or Temporary Shortage List (TSL)

• Whether dependants are permitted under that job code

Selecting the correct SOC code ensures your job offer aligns with Home Office rules — and protects your business from compliance issues.

2️⃣ SOC Codes in Practice: Why They Matter

When an employer assigns a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) to a worker, you must choose a SOC code that reflects the actual role duties — not just the job title.

Here’s why the right code matters:

Risk	What Could Go Wrong
❌ Wrong skill level	The job might not qualify under new RQF 6+ rules
❌ Salary mismatch	The worker might not meet the threshold linked to the SOC code
❌ Compliance red flags	The Home Office may view it as an attempt to game the system
❌ Visa refusal	The application could be rejected for not matching the CoS and job description

At Imminova, we regularly help businesses review job descriptions and map them to the correct SOC code before CoS assignment — saving them from delays or denials.

3️⃣ How SOC Codes Changed in July 2025

From 22 July 2025, the UK government implemented wide-reaching reforms to Skilled Worker sponsorship:

Change	SOC Impact
RQF level raised	Only jobs at RQF Level 6 or above are now eligible, except a few transitional exceptions
Salary thresholds increased	Minimum salary now starts from £41,700/year or £17.13/hour depending on the SOC code
List reshuffle	The new Immigration Salary List (ISL) replaced the Shortage Occupation List, affecting which SOC codes allow discounted thresholds
Dependants limited	Jobs on the ISL or TSOL no longer permit dependant applications

This means fewer jobs are eligible for sponsorship — and the margin for SOC error is even smaller.

4️⃣ Examples of Skilled Worker SOC Codes

Here are examples of popular SOC codes under the Skilled Worker route (as of July 2025):

SOC Code	Occupation	Skill Level	Salary Threshold	ISL Listed?
2136	Programmers and software development professionals	RQF 6+	£41,700	❌
2431	Architects	RQF 6+	£41,700	❌
2219	Health professionals not elsewhere classified	RQF 6+	£30,960 (ISL)	✅
2314	Secondary education teaching professionals (STEM)	RQF 6+	£30,960 (ISL)	✅
6145	Care workers and home carers	Below RQF 6	In-country switch only	✅ (transitional)

⚠️ Note: Many roles that were previously eligible have now been removed or restricted. Always check the most recent occupation list before assigning a CoS.

You can access the full list here:🔗 Skilled Worker Visa Eligible Occupations – gov.uk

5️⃣ How to Choose the Right SOC Code

Use this checklist before assigning a SOC code:

✅ Job duties match the Home Office description, not just the title

✅ The code is listed on the Skilled Worker eligible occupation list

✅ The salary meets or exceeds the minimum linked to that code

✅ The hours don’t exceed 48/week for threshold calculations

✅ You’ve documented justification for the chosen code (for audit purposes)

If you're unsure, consult with a regulated immigration adviser before issuing the CoS. At imminova, we perform SOC validation reviews for each sponsorship case to protect clients from risk.

6️⃣ What Happens If You Use the Wrong SOC Code?

Using an incorrect or unsuitable SOC code can lead to:

• Visa refusal for the worker

• Sponsor licence downgrading or revocation

• Civil penalties or compliance action

• Loss of business reputation or recruitment delays

That’s why a small misstep in coding can have major business consequences. A safe rule? Don’t guess - get expert help.

7️⃣ imminova’s Expert Tip 💡

Before assigning any CoS, map the job offer to the SOC code by duties - not job title. For example:

❌ "IT Analyst" could fall under 2139 (other IT professionals), 2136 (software dev), or even 2423 (business analyst).✅ Only a line-by-line comparison of the duties ensures the right SOC code is used.

We help clients by preparing SOC alignment tables to justify and document their choice - a key defence in any Home Office audit.

8️⃣ How imminova Supports Employers

Our team of regulated UK immigration advisers and sponsor compliance specialists can help you:

• ✅ Choose the correct SOC code based on actual duties

• ✅ Benchmark your salary offers against new thresholds

• ✅ Document the role for audit protection

• ✅ Request, assign, and manage Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS)

• ✅ Stay compliant with your sponsor duties

We don’t believe in copy-paste sponsorship advice. Every case is tailored - because every job and worker is different.

📩 Need a SOC review or full sponsorship support? Contact imminova today and let’s future-proof your hiring strategy.