Full 2026 Information for Expert Employee Visa

Fast Information:

• A SOC code is the muse of each Expert Employee visa choice and instantly impacts eligibility, wage thresholds, and sponsor compliance.
• From 2024 onward, SOC 2020 codes are obligatory, with outdated or incorrect codes now a number one reason behind refusals and licence motion.
• Employers should match precise job duties, not job titles, and make sure the wage meets the proper going charge for the chosen code.
• Sturdy SOC code proof protects in opposition to refusals, audits, and long-term sponsor licence danger in 2026 and past.

The proper SOC Code UK is important for each Expert Employee visa software. It impacts eligibility, wage, and sponsor compliance. The Residence Workplace makes use of SOC 2020 codes in Appendix Expert Occupations to evaluate talent ranges and going charges. This text provides a deep and sensible information to SOC codes, the right way to discover yours, the right way to keep away from errors, and the right way to keep compliant in 2026. You’ll discover examples, business lists, refusal situations, and steps for employers and employees.

A SOC code is a Customary Occupational Classification code. It’s a 4 digit quantity that teams jobs by talent and duties. The Workplace for Nationwide Statistics manages SOC 2020. UK Visas and Immigration makes use of these codes to guage eligibility for work visas. The code for every job seems in Appendix Expert Occupations. Every entry lists examples of job titles and the going charge.

SOC 2020 changed SOC 2010. All visa selections now use SOC 2020 solely.

SOC codes have an effect on many components of a piece visa. They resolve:

A mistaken SOC code creates danger. It may result in visa refusal. It may additionally result in sponsor licence compliance motion. This consists of suspension or revocation.

SOC codes apply to Expert Employee, Well being and Care Employee, World Enterprise Mobility, Scale Up, and Minister of Faith. Employers should select the proper code for each certificates.

SOC 2020 makes use of a transparent and easy construction.

Every job sits in a single unit group. The unit group lists frequent duties and required duties. The employer ought to match duties, not job titles.

Step by Step Course of

1. Open Appendix Expert Occupations on GOV.UK.
2. Search your job title.
3. Evaluate your duties with the listed job.
4. Verify that the wage meets the going charge.
5. Verify that the function stays eligible in 2026.
6. Verify the associated RQF talent stage.
7. Verify any circumstances for candidates or sponsors.

Matching titles just isn’t sufficient. Duties have to be the principle information.

Instruments To Use

• The CASCOT software for fast matching.
• ONS Occupation Explorer for business context.
• Appendix Expert Occupations for wage guidelines.
• Immigration Wage Listing for diminished thresholds.
• Job description and advert for responsibility alignment.

These examples provide help to perceive frequent teams.

This listing just isn’t full. It reveals typical roles utilized in visa instances.

The employer should assign a SOC code when issuing a Certificates of Sponsorship. The SOC code then decides:

• The job talent stage.
• The occupation particular wage.
• Whether or not the wage can meet the final threshold.
• Eligibility for diminished thresholds.
• Time allowed for sponsorship.
• Proof required for audits.

The overall threshold rose in mid 2025. Many roles should meet a better wage. If the going charge is larger than the final threshold, the going charge applies.

A mistaken SOC code may cause rapid refusal. It may additionally hurt sponsor compliance. Sponsors should present proof of their selection.

Key modifications embrace:

• SOC 2020 is obligatory for all purposes.
• The Immigration Wage Listing changed the Scarcity Occupation Listing.
• Greater than 100 roles turned ineligible in 2025.
• The overall wage threshold elevated.
• New steerage positioned extra concentrate on real roles.
• The Residence Workplace elevated audit and enforcement exercise.

Sponsors ought to examine Appendix Expert Occupations every time they recruit.

Beneath are expanded business guides. These assist sponsors select the proper code. In addition they assist employees perceive their choices.

Know-how

Tech roles usually overlap. Verify duties rigorously.

Engineering

Many engineering roles stay eligible in 2026.

Advertising and Artistic

Verify if the function meets RQF Degree 3.

Finance

Finance roles usually require chartered standing.

Healthcare

This sector stays one of many largest for sponsorship.

Hospitality

Many hospitality roles are now not eligible.

Refusals usually happen due to easy errors.

1. Duties do Not Match the SOC Code

A task might say engineer. The duties might present technician work. That mismatch causes refusal.

2. Wage Beneath Going Price

If the wage is appropriate for the market however not appropriate for the code, the appliance fails.

3. Utilizing Outdated SOC 2010 Codes

Any use of SOC 2010 creates danger.

4. Making an attempt to Match a Position right into a Greater Code

This usually occurs in advertising or tech. A caseworker can reject it.

5. Lacking Proof for Duties

Sponsors should present actual duties.

Case Research 1: Developer or Technician

A agency employed a junior coder. The duties matched 3131 (IT technician type duties). They assigned 2136. The wage met technician ranges however not developer ranges. The visa was refused.

Case Research 2: Restaurant Supervisor Misclassified

A restaurant employed a supervisor however gave the code to the supervisor. Duties confirmed staff supervision solely. The CoS was invalid.

Case Research 3: Advertising Govt

A advertising govt function was positioned beneath SOC 1132. The caseworker noticed no administration duties. The function didn’t meet the code.

For Staff

• Verify your job description.
• Verify your Certificates of Sponsorship.
• Evaluate your duties utilizing CASCOT 
• Verify your wage in opposition to the going charge.

For Sponsors

• Use CASCOT.
• Evaluate duties with SOC wording.
• Maintain responsibility proof.
• Maintain recruitment adverts.
• Maintain pay scale proof.
• Maintain inside approval notes.

Generally duties match two codes. Use these guidelines:

1. Select the code that finest matches core duties.
2. Think about which duties take probably the most time.
3. Think about the talent stage.
4. Think about wage alignment.
5. Doc your causes.

This guidelines helps sponsors throughout audits.

• Job description.
• Advert and recruitment notes.
• Interview notes.
• Organisation chart.
• Wage scale and pay construction.
• Responsibility breakdown.
• Inner justification word.
• Copies of Appendix Expert Occupations pages used.

Maintain proof for twelve months after sponsorship ends.

What’s a SOC Code?

A SOC code is a 4 digit classification for jobs within the UK.

How do I Discover My SOC Code?

Search Appendix Expert Occupations or use CASCOT.

What’s a 4 Digit SOC Code?

It’s the unit group that defines the occupation.

Does the SOC Code Have an effect on Expert Employee Visa Wage?

Sure. It units the going charge.

Is SOC 2020 Required?

Sure. SOC 2010 just isn’t legitimate.

Can Two Jobs Share One SOC Code?

Sure. A code can cowl many titles.

Are all SOC Codes Eligible for Visas?

No. Many are usually not eligible.

A Y & J Solicitors might help you select the proper SOC code with an in depth professional assessment of your job function, a full evaluation of your wage and eligibility, and full Expert Employee visa assist from begin to end. Our staff additionally guides sponsors on licence compliance and gives audit preparation and defence to scale back danger. If you happen to need assistance figuring out the fitting SOC code on your Expert Employee visa, e-book a name with us at this time!