Choosing an Occupation Code: Employer’s Guide 2025

What Is an Occupation Code?

An occupation code (also known as an SOC code) is a four-digit number the Home Office uses to classify job roles.

Each code defines:

• The skill level of the role
• The salary “going rate”
• Example job titles associated with the role

Sponsors must include the correct code when assigning a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS). Choosing the wrong one can lead to refusals or even sponsor licence compliance action.

Why Does the Occupation Code Matter?

The occupation code determines whether:

• The role is eligible for sponsorship
• The proposed salary meets the going rate threshold
• The applicant can claim tradeable points (e.g. PhD, new entrant, Immigration Salary List)

If the Home Office believes you chose a less appropriate code to avoid higher salary thresholds or because the role doesn’t meet skill level, they can:

• Refuse the visa application
• Investigate the business
• Suspend or revoke your sponsor licence

How to Choose the Right Occupation Code

1. Define the role clearly

Start with a detailed job description: duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and reporting lines.

2. Match against Appendix Skilled Occupations

Use the official Appendix Skilled Occupations to compare your role against eligible job types.

3. Use the CASCOT coding tool

The CASCOT tool (which replaced the ONS Occupation Coding Tool) allows you to search keywords and match duties to the closest SOC code.

4. Check the going rate and salary thresholds

Each occupation code has a “standard” going rate and sometimes lower rates (new entrants, PhD holders, shortage roles). Ensure the salary meets the higher of:

• The cash threshold, and
• The relevant % of the going rate

5. Test the “genuine vacancy” requirement

The Home Office may ask whether the role is a genuine vacancy. A genuine role must:

• Involve skilled duties matching the SOC code
• Be consistent with your business model and scale
• Not be artificially created just to enable sponsorship

6. Keep records

Document your reasoning for choosing the occupation code. Evidence might include:

• Job description and advert
• CASCOT search results
• Appendix Skilled Occupations entry
• Salary calculations

This protects you during a sponsor compliance audit.

Risks of Choosing the Wrong Occupation Code

• Visa refused: The Skilled Worker cannot take up the role.
• Compliance concerns: UKVI may allege misuse of codes to bypass salary thresholds.
• Sponsor licence action: Suspension, revocation, or curtailment of sponsored workers’ visas.

If the wrong code was chosen by mistake, it may sometimes be corrected. But if UKVI believes it was deliberate, the consequences can be severe.

Occupation Code FAQs

What is an occupation code?
A Home Office classification system (SOC code) that defines which jobs qualify for sponsorship and what salary thresholds apply.

How do I find the right occupation code?
Check the Appendix Skilled Occupations list and use the CASCOT tool to match job duties.

What happens if I choose the wrong code?
The visa may be refused, and your sponsor licence could be investigated or suspended.

Are all job titles eligible?
No. The SOC code lists example job titles, but eligibility depends on duties and skill level, not just the title.

Do occupation codes change?
Yes. Codes are updated periodically. Always confirm the latest version before assigning a CoS.

👉 See our immigration glossary for more definitions.

Conclusion

Choosing the correct occupation code is one of the most important steps in sponsoring a Skilled Worker. Misclassification risks refusals and sponsor compliance issues.

At Borderless, we guide employers through SOC code selection, salary compliance, and sponsor licence duties to ensure a smooth and compliant hiring process.

👉 Talk to Borderless today for expert advice on sponsor compliance and occupation code selection.