The two tests every sponsored role must pass
1. Skill level
The occupation must be RQF level 6 or above — or on the Temporary Shortage List or Immigration Salary List.
2. Salary
At least £41,700 and the occupation’s going rate, pro-rated to the hours worked — with lower thresholds for new entrants and some lists.
Before you assign the certificate of sponsorship
- Record why the SOC code matches the job’s actual duties
- Check the salary on the CoS matches the contract and payroll
- Confirm the vacancy is genuine and keep your recruitment evidence
- Work out the full cost with the sponsorship cost calculator
Once the worker starts, the salary, hours and duties on the certificate become things you must monitor and report on. See your sponsor reporting deadlines.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if a job can be sponsored for a Skilled Worker visa?
The job must have an eligible occupation code (SOC 2020) and pay at least the salary threshold. Since 22 July 2025, new sponsorship generally requires an occupation at RQF level 6 (degree level) or above, unless the job is on the Temporary Shortage List or Immigration Salary List.
What is the minimum salary for a Skilled Worker visa in 2026?
The general threshold is £41,700 a year, or the going rate for the occupation if higher. New entrants and jobs on the Immigration Salary List have a lower floor of £33,400, and some health and education jobs on national pay scales can be paid from £25,000.
What is a SOC code?
A SOC (Standard Occupational Classification) code is a 4-digit code that identifies an occupation. Employers choose the SOC 2020 code that best matches the job when assigning a certificate of sponsorship, and the code determines the going rate and eligibility.
Can I sponsor a care worker from overseas?
No. Overseas recruitment for care workers and senior care workers closed on 22 July 2025. People already in the UK can switch into these roles if they have worked legally for the sponsor in the role for at least 3 months, until 22 July 2028.
How do I choose the right SOC code for a role?
Pick the SOC 2020 code whose description best matches the duties of the job, not the job title or the salary you want to pay. The Home Office can refuse the visa or take action against your licence if it thinks the code was chosen to get around the skill or salary rules, so keep a note of why you chose it.
What should I pay a sponsored worker who works part-time?
The going rate is pro-rated to the hours worked, based on a 37.5-hour week, but the general salary floor (£41,700, or £33,400 for new entrants) is not pro-rated. In practice that makes low-hours part-time sponsorship hard to meet.
Official sources
- Immigration Rules: Appendix Skilled Worker
- Immigration Rules: Appendix Skilled Occupations
- Immigration Rules: Appendix Immigration Salary List
- Skilled Worker visa: Temporary Shortage List
Rules and fees checked September 2026. Immigration rules change often — this tool gives general information, not legal or immigration advice. For advice on an individual case, speak to a regulated immigration adviser or one of the firms listed here.