The UK Skilled Worker visa offers a route for skilled professionals to live and work in the UK. It’s a points-based system, and while factors like English language proficiency and salary play a role, the foundation of your application rests on one crucial element: your occupation. Let’s look at the critical first step: determining your occupation’s eligibility.

Before you invest time and resources into gathering documents and preparing your application, it’s vital to confirm that your profession qualifies for this visa route. The UK government maintains a list of eligible occupations, known as the Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) codes. These codes categorise jobs based on skill level and type. Your occupation must be on this list to be considered for the Skilled Worker visa.

Most importantly, you must have been offered employment by a UK Company who are already registered as a Sponsor with the UKVI. If the company is not a registered Sponsor, they are not permitted to employ you under the Skilled Worker route.

Why is occupation eligibility so important?

Your occupation directly impacts your eligibility for the visa. The UK government aims to attract skilled workers in specific areas where there are shortages or where skills are needed to boost the economy. Therefore, they carefully curate the list of eligible occupations. Applying for a Skilled Worker visa with an ineligible occupation will lead to rejection, so please, make sure to check.

How do you determine if your occupation is eligible?

  • Identify Your SOC Code
    The first step is to accurately identify the SOC code that best matches your job. This can sometimes be tricky, as job titles can vary. The official UK government website provides a comprehensive list of SOC codes and their descriptions. Take your time to carefully review the descriptions and find the code that most closely aligns with your day-to-day responsibilities.

  • Check the Eligibility List
    Once you’ve identified your SOC code, you need to verify if it’s on the list of eligible occupations for the Skilled Worker visa. This list is also available on the government website and is regularly updated. Don’t assume your occupation is eligible just because it requires a degree or specialised skills. Only the official list confirms eligibility.

  • Consider the Required Skill Level
    The Skilled Worker visa requires occupations to be at a specific skill level (generally Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) level 3 or above). Your identified SOC code will indicate the skill level associated with that occupation.

Don’t leave your Skilled Worker visa application to chance. Once you have an employment offer and a Certificate of Sponsorship from a UKVI registered Sponsor, contact Nexus Visas for a consultation.

Key Takeaway

Before you do anything else, confirm your occupation’s eligibility. It’s the most critical first step in the Skilled Worker visa application process.

Nexus Visas is here to support you every step of the way. If you’re considering the Skilled Worker visa, we highly recommend a preliminary immigration consultation with Nexus Visas to help you save time and reduce stress. Complete our form here, call 020 3598 7413, or email info@nexusvisas.co.uk

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