Appendix Skilled Occupations: Guide 2025

Appendix Skilled Occupations plays an important role in the UK visa sponsorship system, as it sets out the job roles that are eligible under the Skilled Worker, Global Business Mobility and Scale Up routes.

Employers looking to sponsor a foreign national for one of these work visas will need to cross-reference with Appendix Skilled Occupations to ensure that the role being recruited for is eligible for sponsorship. If a role is not included, it cannot be used to support a visa application under these routes, regardless of business need.

Job role eligibility for visa sponsorship is a common ground for 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 essential for lawful and effective sponsorship.

In this guide, we look at what Appendix Skilled Occupations is and how it works in the visa sponsorship process, as well as common areas of risk for sponsors.

 

Section A: What is Appendix Skilled Occupations?

 

As part of the UK’s Immigration Rules, Appendix Skilled Occupations specifies the list of jobs that are eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa, Global Business Mobility and Scale Up routes.The Appendix effectively determines whether a job offer is suitable for sponsorship.

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.

Each listed occupation is assigned a Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code, minimum salary requirement and skill level. Some roles may have different salary thresholds depending on factors such as whether the worker is a new entrant or under 26.

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.

 

 

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.

Currently, the Appendix comprises the following:

 

Section	Description
Table 1: Eligible SOC 2020 Occupation Codes	Lists eligible occupations with corresponding SOC 2020 codes and going rates based on median Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE) data. Applicable to Skilled Worker (SW), Global Business Mobility (GBM), and Scale-up (SCU) routes.
Table 2: Occupations with 25th Percentile ASHE Rates	Details eligible occupations with going rates based on the 25th percentile of ASHE data. Relevant for certain points-based options under the Skilled Worker route.
Table 2a: Transitional Occupation Codes for Skilled Workers	Specifies additional SOC 2020 occupation codes and going rates for Skilled Worker applicants granted permission under rules in place before 4 April 2024. Applicable until 4 April 2030 for continuous permissions.
Table 2b: Transitional Occupation Codes for Global Business Mobility	Outlines additional SOC 2020 occupation codes and going rates for Global Business Mobility applicants granted permission under rules in place before 4 April 2024. Applicable until 4 April 2030 for continuous permissions.
Table 3: Health and Education Occupations with National Pay Scales	Lists SOC 2020 occupation codes in health and education sectors where going rates are based on national pay scales. Eligible for certain points-based options under the Skilled Worker route.
Table 6: Ineligible Occupation Codes	Identifies SOC 2020 occupation codes not eligible for the Skilled Worker, Global Business Mobility, or Scale-up routes due to skill level or other criteria.

 

 

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, a brief description of the duties 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 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.

Also 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. Salary levels vary depending on factors such as experience, age or whether the applicant qualifies as a new entrant.

Importantly, keep records of how the job was matched to the selected SOC code. If UKVI 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.

 

Common issues when using Appendix Skilled Occupations

 

When using Appendix Skilled Occupations for visa sponsorship, there are several common issues and risks that employers and HR professionals should be aware of:

 

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.

 

Not meeting 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 can count toward the minimum salary or apply a tradeable points discount incorrectly, e.g. for new entrants. Failing to meet the correct salary can lead to rejection of the visa application.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

Ignoring job-specific requirements

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

 

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.

 

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.

 

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 occupation has a specific minimum salary requirement. Some roles allow lower salaries for new entrants, shortage occupations or where the worker is under 26. You must check the exact salary requirement for the role under the relevant visa route.

 

Do all jobs in the appendix qualify for every visa route?

Some jobs are only eligible under certain routes. For example, a role may be suitable for the Skilled Worker visa but not for the Scale-up visa. Always check which route the job is eligible for before applying.

 

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

 

Glossary

 

 

Term	Definition
Appendix Skilled Occupations	The official list in the UK Immigration Rules setting out jobs eligible for sponsorship under visa routes such as Skilled Worker, Scale-up, and Global Business Mobility.
SOC Code	Standard Occupational Classification code. A four-digit number used to group jobs based on type of work and skill level. Each eligible job in the appendix has a SOC code.
Skilled Worker Visa	A UK work visa route allowing employers to sponsor overseas workers for eligible roles listed in Appendix Skilled Occupations.
Global Business Mobility (GBM)	A set of UK visa routes for overseas businesses to send workers to the UK for specific business purposes, including secondments and graduate training placements.
Scale-up Visa	A visa route for fast-growing UK businesses to sponsor highly skilled workers for qualifying roles that meet minimum salary and skill requirements.
Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)	An electronic document issued by a licensed sponsor to support a worker’s visa application. The job and salary must match what is permitted in the immigration rules.
Shortage Occupation	A role where there is a recognised shortage of workers in the UK. These jobs may have reduced salary thresholds and lower visa fees.
Tradeable Points	Points that can be used to meet Skilled Worker visa requirements, such as for salary, qualifications, or shortage occupation status.
New Entrant	A worker who qualifies for a lower salary threshold under the Skilled Worker route, usually based on age or recent graduation.
GOV.UK	The official UK government website where immigration rules, visa guidance, and the latest version of Appendix Skilled Occupations are published.

 

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