Your Guide to UK Skilled Worker Visa: Eligible Occupations & What Changed.

The Skilled Worker visa (formerly Tier 2 General) allows individuals to work in the UK if they:

• Have a job offer from a Home Office–approved sponsor

• Work in an occupation listed as eligible by the UK government

• Meet salary, skill, and English language requirements.

This visa supports stays of up to five years, with a pathway to indefinite leave to remain. It also lets dependants join you, and most occupations allow additional paid work and study.

2. Eligible Occupations: Scope & Scope Changes

The government maintains a detailed list of eligible jobs identified by Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) 2020 codes. This list was comprehensively updated on 9 April 2025.

• If you’re unsure which SOC code applies, use the CASCOT tool on GOV.UK to search your job title or description.

• The list is extensive, covering most professional and technical fields—e.g., executives, scientists, engineers, educators, healthcare workers, and even some creative or middle-skilled roles.

3. 200+ New Roles Added in April 2025

A major April 2025 update added more than 200 new roles across sectors like tech, health, engineering, teaching, creative fields, and skilled trades. These include roles such as:

• Software developers, cybersecurity experts, data analysts.

• Traditional trades like electricians, plumbers, carpenters, welders.

• Creative and cultural roles: musicians, photographers, set designers.

• Health & education professionals: doctors, nurses, teachers.

A surprising and wide-ranging array of roles—such as DJs, dog walkers, costume interpreters, and homeopaths—were also included. This reflects a lower skill threshold introduced post-Brexit, allowing for a broader class of middle-skilled occupations.

4. Skill & Salary Thresholds

To qualify, a job must:

1. Be officially listed with the correct SOC code

2. Demonstrate a skill level equivalent to RQF Level 3+ (previously Level 3; moving toward Level 6+ from July 2025).

3. Meet the higher of the general minimum or “going rate” salary for that occupation.

Recent Salary Updates:

• General minimum salary increased from ~£26,200 to £38,700 for a 37.5-hour week in April 2024.

• Specific roles such as software engineers now require at least £51,000 per year.

• Jobs on the immigration salary list enjoy 80% lower salary requirement (e.g., £30,960 vs. £25,200). These vary by region, skill type, and whether the applicant is a health/social-care worker.

5. “Temporary Shortage List” & Non-Graduate Roles

In July 2025, the government introduced transitional easing by creating a Temporary Shortage List. This list allows some non-graduate roles—such as debt collectors, HR officers, IT techs, mortgage admins, lab/engineering technicians, welders, creative roles (set designers, box-office assistants), etc.—to remain eligible through to end‑2026.

After that point, employers in these sectors must submit domestic workforce training plans to regain eligibility.

6. Key Sectors in Demand

Here’s a snapshot of high-demand categories:

These reflect the UK’s evolving labour and industrial priorities, blending graduate roles with strategic middle‑skilled positions.

7. How to Apply Successfully

1. Confirm SOC Code: Use CASCOT on GOV.UK to validate job eligibility.

2. Secure a Sponsor: Your employer must be on the licensed sponsor register and issue a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS).

3. Meet Salary/Skill Conditions: Ensure your offered salary meets the occupation’s going rate or general threshold.

4. Prepare Supporting Documents: English proficiency, funding proof, TB tests (if required), plus identity checks.

5. Apply in Advance: Submit no earlier than 3 months before your job start date; visa can run up to five years.

6. Bring Dependants: Spouses and children under 18 can apply too—with their own set of fees and potential surcharge exemptions for health workers .

8. What’s Changing & What to Watch

• From July 2025, the visa is shifting toward RQF Level 6 (graduate level); fewer lower‑skilled roles will qualify unless listed under temporary exemptions or shortages.

• The Temporary Shortage List of non-graduate roles remains until end‑2026 before being reassessed.

• Salary thresholds continue to rise in line with UK wage trends, with next review likely in early 2026.

• Middle-skilled roles such as DJs, costume interpreters, dog-walkers remain eligible—but rule tightening is expected.

• High-skilled sectors (e.g., AI, life sciences) remain a priority, though with a stronger focus on domestic training and salary parity.

9. Final Take

The UK Skilled Worker visa remains the principal route for international talent. With regular updates and evolving policy, here’s what you should do:

• Always confirm your SOC code via official tools

• Double-check salary requirements for your role and location

• Act quickly on transitional policies like the Temporary Shortage List

• Plan ahead: from July 2025 it’s shifting toward high‑skilled positions

By staying proactive, well-informed, and aligned with official GOV.UK guidance, you’re best positioned to secure your UK work opportunity.