Which Jobs Qualify for a
UK Skilled Worker Visa?

Use SOC 2020, not an old code copied from a CV

Programmers and software development professionals use code 2134. Code 2136 now covers IT quality and testing professionals; it is not the current software-developer code. Nursing is split into several codes, rather than a single code for every registered nurse.

Sources: GOV.UK: eligible occupations and SOC 2020 codes

July 2025 tightened the skill requirement

From 22 July 2025, jobs normally need to be at RQF level 6 (graduate level), or the equivalent. This describes the job’s skill level; it does not mean every applicant must personally hold a degree. The change did not add 150 freely eligible occupations, as this article previously claimed.

Some medium-skilled jobs remain available through the Immigration Salary List or Temporary Shortage List, or under specific transitional rules. Existing workers and prison-officer applications have additional provisions. Check the current occupation entry and the rules for your application type rather than relying on a sector label.

Sources: Home Office: sponsor a Skilled Worker, section SK4 · GOV.UK: Skilled Worker job eligibility

Meet the salary floor and the going rate

The usual standard requirement is the higher of £41,700 and the occupation’s going rate. Eligible new entrants, PhD holders, certain healthcare or education workers and qualifying existing workers can have different requirements. The relevant percentage, fixed floor and working-hours calculation must all be checked.

The Immigration Salary List and Temporary Shortage List are different. A job on the Temporary Shortage List does not automatically receive a salary discount. Being on the Immigration Salary List does not remove the requirement to meet the applicable going rate.

Sources: GOV.UK: Skilled Worker job eligibility · GOV.UK: when you can be paid less

Care workers are not the same as registered nurses

Care worker and senior care worker codes 6135 and 6136 are closed to new overseas applications under the current rules. Limited in-country extension, update and switching arrangements remain, subject to their conditions. Registered nursing jobs use different codes and must meet nursing-specific requirements.

Sources: GOV.UK: Health and Care Worker eligible jobs

A practical eligibility check

• Ask the sponsor for the occupation code and compare the actual duties with the official entry.
• Check the skill classification, any list restrictions and transitional conditions.
• Check salary, contracted hours and the correct going-rate table.
• Verify the employer’s legal entity, route and status on the sponsor register.
• Confirm the employer will sponsor this particular vacancy. A register match or AI-suggested code is not a visa decision.

Sources: GOV.UK: eligible occupations and SOC 2020 codes · GOV.UK: register of licensed sponsors