You Can Get a Skilled UK Worker Visa job With These Occupations (Check Yours)

As of July 22, 2025, the UK Skilled Worker visa program includes a comprehensive list of eligible occupations, categorized by Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) codes. These occupations are classified into ‘Higher Skilled’ and ‘Medium Skilled’ roles. To qualify for the visa, applicants must secure a job offer from a licensed sponsor in one of these eligible roles and meet the relevant salary requirements.

Higher Skilled Occupations

Higher Skilled roles are eligible for all applications. These include professions such as:

• Chief Executives and Senior Officials (SOC code 1111)
• Medical Practitioners (SOC codes 2211, 2212)
• Nurses (SOC codes 2231–2237)
• Pharmacists (SOC code 2251)
• Software Developers (SOC code 2136)
• Civil Engineers (SOC code 2121)
• Architects (SOC code 2431)
• Teachers (SOC codes 2311–2314)

These roles typically require a higher level of education and experience.

Medium Skilled Occupations

Medium Skilled roles are eligible for the Skilled Worker visa under certain conditions:

• The job must be on the immigration salary list or the temporary shortage occupation list.
• The applicant must have held a Skilled Worker visa continuously since before July 22, 2025.

Examples of Medium Skilled roles include:

• Care Workers and Home Carers (SOC code 6135)
• Secondary Education Teaching Professionals (SOC code 2314)
• Social Workers (SOC code 2461)
• IT Technicians (SOC code 3131)
• Electricians (SOC code 5241)
• Plumbers (SOC code 5315)
• Chefs (SOC code 5434)

These roles often require specific vocational qualifications or experience.

Temporary Shortage Occupation List

Certain Medium Skilled occupations are included in the temporary shortage occupation list, allowing for more flexible visa requirements. Examples include:

• Nurses (SOC code 2231)
• Medical Practitioners (SOC codes 2211, 2212)
• Secondary Education Teaching Professionals (SOC code 2314)
• Social Workers (SOC code 2461)
• IT Business Analysts (SOC code 2135)
• Web Designers (SOC code 2137)
• Construction Project Managers (SOC code 2435)

Being on this list can simplify the visa application process for these roles.

Salary Requirements

Applicants must meet specific salary thresholds to qualify for the Skilled Worker visa:

• Standard Rate: Typically, the job must meet the ‘going rate’ for the occupation or a minimum salary threshold, whichever is higher.
• Lower Rate: Certain roles, particularly in healthcare and education, may qualify for a lower salary threshold.

It’s important to check the specific salary requirements for your occupation code.

How to Check Eligibility

To determine if your job is eligible for the Skilled Worker visa:

1. Identify your 4-digit occupation code.
2. Consult the Skilled Worker visa: eligible occupations and codes list to see if your occupation is included.
3. Verify the salary requirements for your occupation code.
4. Ensure your prospective employer is a licensed sponsor.

If you need assistance identifying your occupation code or understanding the eligibility criteria, consider using the CASCOT occupation coding tool.