Hiring and sponsoring IT directors (SOC code 1137)

Information Technology Directors, classified under SOC code 1137, are senior leaders responsible for shaping and overseeing an organisation's IT strategy. The role sits at the top of the technology function, aligning systems and people with the wider business plan. Typical responsibilities include:

• Setting IT strategy with senior management to improve operational effectiveness.
• Directing IT infrastructure, procurement, procedures and standards.
• Building IT business plans and operational budgets to meet agreed service levels.
• Assessing staffing needs, overseeing recruitment and setting training policy.
• Prioritising and scheduling major IT projects.
• Evaluating new technologies against the organisation's needs.
• Working with senior management or clients to define the aims of IT programmes.

As organisations rely more heavily on technology, demand for skilled IT directors keeps rising. This guide helps HR and People teams hire and sponsor an IT director under the UK's current immigration rules.

What is SOC code 1137?

SOC code 1137 covers Information Technology Directors who develop and oversee an organisation's IT strategy, from infrastructure and budgets to recruitment and major projects. It is a graduate-level role, which matters for visa eligibility after the July 2025 rule changes.

Can you still sponsor an IT director in 2026?

Yes. Since 22 July 2025 the Skilled Worker route is limited to graduate-level (RQF6) occupations, and IT director roles qualify. Around 180 lower-skilled occupations lost access to the route on the same date, so it is worth confirming eligibility for any role before you recruit.

Salary requirements

The salary must meet two tests, and the higher of the two applies: the general Skilled Worker minimum of £41,700 a year, which rose from £38,700 on 22 July 2025, and the going rate for SOC 1137. IT director going rates are typically well above the general minimum, so the going rate is usually the figure that bites. There is also an absolute floor of £25,000 a year that no role can go below. Use our minimum salary calculator and confirm the current going rate before you assign a Certificate of Sponsorship.

Note: the Shortage Occupation List was abolished in April 2024 and replaced by the Immigration Salary List (ISL). Check the current ISL to see whether this role qualifies for a reduced salary minimum.

What it costs to sponsor an IT director

• Sponsor licence: £611 for small or charitable sponsors, £1,682 for medium or large, from 8 April 2026.
• Certificate of Sponsorship: £525 per CoS.
• Immigration Skills Charge: £480 a year for small or charitable sponsors, up to £2,400 over a five-year visa, and £1,320 a year for medium or large, up to £6,600 over five years. The ISC rose 32% on 16 December 2025.
• Immigration Health Surcharge, paid by the worker: £1,035 a year.
• Priority sponsor licence service, optional: £750.

How to sponsor an IT director, step by step

Step 1: Get a sponsor licence

Before hiring an IT director from overseas, you need a sponsor licence. We can handle the sponsor licence application for you, or follow our step-by-step guide. Standard processing takes around eight weeks, or about 10 working days with the priority service. Once approved, you receive a sponsor licence number and can assign Certificates of Sponsorship.

Step 2: Assign a Certificate of Sponsorship

Assign a Certificate of Sponsorship with the job and salary details. Use a Defined CoS for an IT director applying from outside the UK, and an Undefined CoS for someone already in the UK who is switching or extending. You pay the £525 CoS fee and the Immigration Skills Charge at this point.

Step 3: The worker applies for the Skilled Worker visa

Once the CoS is assigned, your hire applies for the Skilled Worker visa and pays the application fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge. Use the visa fees calculator to estimate the total. If you would rather not handle it in-house, our team can run the visa application end to end.

Right to work checks

Before the IT director starts, run a right to work check. Most sponsored workers now hold an eVisa, so you check their status online using a share code rather than a physical document. See the right to work check guide.

After hiring: your compliance duties

Keep accurate records of the role, salary and contact details, and report changes such as promotions or salary increases through the Sponsor Management System. Falling short of your sponsor licence duties can lead to a downgrade or revocation, which would stop you sponsoring future hires.

How Borderless helps

Sponsoring an IT director can be involved, and we make it straightforward. We support the sponsor licence application, the Certificate of Sponsorship, and ongoing Home Office compliance, so your team can focus on the hire. If you recruit across the sector, our technology page shows how we support tech employers. Book a demo for tailored support.