Understanding which jobs qualify for the UK’s Skilled Worker visa—and under which conditions—can be complex. This guide breaks it down clearly, covering occupations, skill thresholds, salary requirements, and recent changes rising from April 2024 and July 2025 updates.
1. What is the Skilled Worker Visa?
The Skilled Worker visa allows foreign nationals to work in the UK in eligible roles. To qualify, applicants need:
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A valid job offer from a UK-licensed sponsor.
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The role to meet the required skill level and salary threshold.
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A Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) linked to a recognised occupation code within the official SOC 2020 framework.
2. Eligible Occupation Codes: SOC 2020 Overview
Jobs are classified under the SOC 2020 system, and eligibility is determined by skill level:
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Higher-skilled roles (RQF level 6+) are broadly eligible.
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Medium-skilled roles (RQF 3–5) may qualify under transitional rules or via temporary shortage designations.
Some roles remain ineligible—such as elected officials and armed forces officers.
3. New Rules from July 2025: Minimum Skill Level RQF 6
As of 22 July 2025, only roles at RQF level 6 or above count as standard eligible occupations. Those below this threshold might still qualify only if:
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They’re on the Temporary Shortage List, or
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Existing Skilled Worker visa holders transitioned under previous regulations.
4. Salary Requirements & Going Rates
Each occupation has a particular ’going rate’, typically pegged to the 25th percentile of median UK earnings for that code
Standard salary rules:
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Pay at least the going rate, or
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A minimum of £41,700/year, whichever is higher.
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Applicants with relevant PhDs may qualify at 80% or 90% of the going rate for certain roles.
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Lower rates may apply for new entrants or those on Home Office shortage occupation lists.
Healthcare & Education Pathways:
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Many health and teaching roles have national pay scale rates instead. These roles are assessed via Table 3 in the official guidance and are not eligible for typical discounts.
5. Transitional & Shortage Occupation Rules
Roles at medium skill levels may still qualify via:
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Shortage lists, even below RQF 6.
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Grandfathering provisions allowing exceptions for those who held relevant visas before April 2024 or July 2025.
6. Bonus: Additional Work Rights
Skilled Worker visa holders may:
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Work overtime without restrictions.
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Take on up to 20 extra hours weekly, in same-or-higher-skill roles or shortage occupation roles, subject to sponsorship criteria.
7. Roles Qualifying for PhD Discounts
Certain occupation codes—like chief executives, diplomats, and some managerial positions—offer PhD-based salary discounts, lowering the required going rate by 10–20%.
8. Recent System Updates: What You Need to Know
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4 April 2024: SOC codes were restructured; job codes and occupational lists were updated.
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22 July 2025: Skill threshold raised to RQF level 6; only certain roles remain eligible at lower levels.
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Ongoing updates continue refining eligible job titles, such as care-workers, prison officers, and dryliners.
9. Step-by-Step Applicant Preparation
To successfully apply, you’ll want to:
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Find your SOC code using tools like CASCOT or browser search.
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Check if your role is listed and genuinely matches your job duties.
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Verify the salary requirement, factoring in going rate, national minimum, and any PhD/discounts.
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Ensure your sponsor issues a compliant CoS with accurate code and hours.
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Gather credentials, such as PhDs or proof of humanitarian roles, to claim discounts or special categories.
10. Why These Visa Rules Matter
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The government aims to raise entry thresholds to align with median UK wages, discouraging undercutting
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Changes protect the domestic job market while ensuring the visa route remains accessible to truly skilled professionals.
Note
- If you are Currently in the UK and you need help Applying for jobs like these, you can consider joining our Telegram community by CLICKING HERE
✅ Conclusion
The UK Skilled Worker visa now emphasizes high-skilled roles, robust salary standards, and precise occupation matching. Whether you’re a chief executive aiming for a national-scale salary or a nurse on the NHS pay scale, understanding SOC codes, going rates, and relevant discounts (like PhD or shortage role provisions) will determine your eligibility.
For more information on this, please visit the UK official website by CLICKING HEREÂ
