Appendix Skilled Occupations: Guide 2026

Section A: What is Appendix Skilled Occupations?

Appendix Skilled Occupations is an important reference point for occupation codes and going rates used across sponsored work routes, including Skilled Worker visa, Global Business Mobility and Scale Up routes.

Each listed occupation is assigned a Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code, a going rate and skill level. Some roles may have different salary thresholds depending on whether the applicant qualifies for a reduced salary option, for example as a new entrant under the Skilled Worker rules.

In practice, the sponsor needs to ensure the role matches an eligible SOC 2020 occupation code and meets the skill-level rules in force on the application date. Since 22 July 2025, entry clearance and switching applications under Skilled Worker are limited to RQF level 6 occupations in Table 1 of Appendix Skilled Occupations or roles on the Temporary Shortage List or Immigration Salary List. Separate transitional arrangements apply to certain workers already in the route before 22 July 2025 and, for some cohorts, before 4 April 2024.

The role also needs to meet the higher of either the relevant salary threshold or relevant going rate.

The Appendix includes a wide variety of roles from across the economy, including healthcare, engineering, IT and teaching jobs. However, not all roles are eligible. For example, most routine or support-level positions are not listed, and lower-paid or lower-skilled jobs usually do not qualify as they are not included in the Appendix.

If you are an employer looking to sponsor someone from overseas under one of these routes, the role you are offering must match a job code listed in the Appendix – and meet the remaining eligibility requirements – in order to qualify for sponsorship.

Section B: Appendix Skilled Occupations Contents

Appendix Skilled Occupations is operated by the Home Office. It is subject to change, notably when salary thresholds or job classifications change. Employers should ensure they are referring to the current version of the Appendix at the time they are making their application. It is advisable to download the version being relied on when making an application for your records as you may need to refer to this if further information is requested by the Home Office.

The following is a summary overview of the tables that make up Appendix Skilled Occupations; as this is complex area, take advice on your specific circumstances to ensure correct application of the rules:

Section C: How to use Appendix Skilled Occupations: Guide for Employers

Employers should use Appendix Skilled Occupations to determine whether a role is eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa, Global Business Mobility routes or the Scale up visa. Before assigning a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), you should confirm that the job appears on the list, matches the relevant SOC code and meets the applicable salary and eligibility criteria.

To match a job role to the correct SOC code in Appendix Skilled Occupations, start by reviewing the full list of eligible occupations. Each entry includes a four-digit SOC code, the job title or titles covered by that code, examples of related job titles (non-exclusive) and the salary and skill level required.

Use the actual duties and responsibilities of the job as your starting point, not just the job title. Job titles can vary across industries and may not always match those in the appendix. It’s the day-to-day tasks that matter most. Compare your job description in detail with the duties listed for each SOC code. Look for the best overall fit based on function and level of responsibility.

Refer to the ONS SOC 2020 occupational coding tool (CASCOT (Warwick)) if you need further clarification on what is included under each SOC code. This can help to clarify the differences between similar job roles and avoid selecting a code that may appear suitable at first glance but has key differences in responsibilities or required qualifications.

Ensure the salary you plan to offer meets the threshold for that SOC code under the relevant visa route, whether Skilled Worker, Scale-up or Global Business Mobility, and verify any job-specific requirements, for example ATAS where relevant, professional registration or regulated-profession requirements.

Importantly, keep records of how the job was matched to the selected SOC code. If the Home Office questions your choice, you will need to show that the duties align with the occupation listed in the rules. If there is uncertainty, consider seeking professional advice before assigning a Certificate of Sponsorship. Errors in SOC code selection are a common cause of visa refusals and sponsor compliance issues.

Section D: Common Issues with Appendix Skilled Occupations

Job role eligibility for sponsorship is a common ground for visa application refusal. As such, employers must ensure they are using Appendix Skilled Occupations correctly and proceeding on the right basis to avoid negative decisions or potential compliance breaches. Mistakes such as selecting the wrong SOC code, relying on job titles rather than duties or offering a salary that falls short of the required threshold can result not only in visa refusals but also in sponsor licence downgrades, suspensions or revocations. The Home Office expects sponsors to demonstrate a clear, evidence-based link between the job offered and the occupation code selected, making accurate use of the Appendix a core part of compliant sponsorship.

Common issues and risks that employers and HR professionals should be aware of include:

1. Using the wrong SOC Code

The SOC code must accurately reflect the actual duties and responsibilities of the job. Choosing a code simply because it has a lower salary threshold or is eligible for a particular visa route can lead to visa refusals if UKVI finds the job description does not match the chosen code and/or sponsor licence compliance breaches, potentially resulting in suspension or revocation. Remember to use job descriptions, not job titles, to match with the SOC codes in Appendix Skilled Occupations.

2. Misapplying salary thresholds

Each role in the Appendix has a specific salary requirement. Employers sometimes miscalculate the salary based on incorrect working hours, or assume allowances or bonuses will be accepted towards the relevant salary test or apply a tradeable points discount incorrectly, e.g. for new entrants. Misapplying thresholds can lead to a refused visa application.

3. Overlooking route eligibility

Not every job in the Appendix will be eligible for all routes. Some are only permitted under the Skilled Worker, Global Business Mobility or Scale-up visa specifically. Using a job that is not eligible for the intended route will result in refusal.

4. Not updating with Appendix changes

Appendix Skilled Occupations is updated periodically. Employers who rely on old versions or cached documents may use outdated SOC codes or thresholds, which can affect eligibility.

5. Mismatch between Certificate of Sponsorship and job role

When assigning a CoS, the job description must clearly align with the SOC code selected. Inconsistencies in job duties, qualifications or salary figures may trigger scrutiny or refusal.

6. Ignoring job-specific requirements

Some roles have extra conditions, such requiring professional registration. Failing to meet these conditions can undermine the application.

Section E: How to use Appendix Skilled Occupations: Guide for Workers

Appendix Skilled Occupations can help you as a visa applicant to understand whether your job is eligible for sponsorship in the UK. If you are applying for a Skilled Worker visa or another sponsored route, your job must be listed in the Appendix. You should check that your occupation appears and that your duties match the description given.

The appendix also shows what salary is expected and whether your role is eligible for any concessions, such as qualifying as a new entrant. If your job is not listed, it may not be eligible for sponsorship under the route you are applying for.

Use the appendix to discuss your visa options with your employer or a legal adviser.

Section F: Summary

Appendix Skilled Occupations sits at the heart of the UK’s sponsored work visa system, but it is often misapplied. It is not a flexible guide or a discretionary list. UKVI uses it to assess whether a role is genuinely skilled, appropriately paid and credible within the UK labour market. Treating it as a box-ticking exercise is a common route to refusal.

The Appendix does not operate in isolation. It works alongside route-specific rules, salary thresholds and transitional provisions that depend on the application date and the worker’s sponsorship history. Selecting the correct SOC code is only the starting point. Sponsors also have to apply the correct table and salary methodology and be able to justify how the role aligns with the occupation code relied on.

SOC code selection is scrutinised closely. Caseworkers look for inconsistencies between duties, seniority and pay and do not give the benefit of the doubt in borderline cases. Errors cannot be corrected after submission and often have wider sponsor compliance consequences.

Section G: Need Assistance?

Job eligibility is a common source of confusion and a common ground for application refusal. It is also only one of several visa-specific criteria that must be satisfied for a sponsored visa application to be successful.

DavidsonMorris are UK immigration specialists. For expert support with UK visa sponsorship, including guidance on matching job roles to SOC codes to comply with Appendix Skilled Occupations, contact us.

Section H: Appendix Skilled Occupations FAQs

What is Appendix Skilled Occupations?

Appendix Skilled Occupations is part of the UK Immigration Rules. It lists the job roles that are eligible for visa sponsorship under routes such as the Skilled Worker visa, Scale up visa and some Global Business Mobility routes.

What is a SOC code and why is it important?

A SOC (Standard Occupational Classification) code is a four-digit number that groups job roles by their duties and required skill levels. You must use the correct SOC code when assigning a Certificate of Sponsorship. The code must match the actual duties of the role being offered.

Can I choose any SOC code that fits the job title?

The job title alone is not enough. The SOC code must reflect the main responsibilities of the job. Using the wrong code, even if the title seems close, can result in a visa refusal or compliance issues for the sponsor.

Is the salary the same for all jobs in the appendix?

Each SOC code has its own going rate and the applicable salary test depends on the route and points option.

How often is Appendix Skilled Occupations updated?

The list is reviewed and updated periodically by the Home Office. Changes may include salary thresholds, newly eligible roles or adjustments to existing occupation codes.

What happens if the wrong code is used?

The visa application may be refused, and the employer could face compliance action. It is important to review job descriptions carefully and select the most accurate code based on the duties involved.

Where can I find Appendix Skilled Occupations?

You can view the most up-to-date version of Appendix Skilled Occupations on the official GOV.UK website:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/immigration-rules/immigration-rules-appendix-skilled-occupations

Section I: Glossary

The official Immigration Rules Appendix Skilled Occupations can be found here >> 

Section J: Additional Resources & Links