Avoid These 3 Mistakes Choosing Eligible Occupation Codes

The Home Office strictly requires every sponsored role to match a specific occupation code from the official list. Failing to select the correct job code to ensure visa success often leads to immediate application refusal by caseworkers. You must align daily duties with the standard occupational classification system protocols for compliance. Our detailed UK CoS explanation highlights how specific job descriptions must correlate directly with these government codes.

Many applicants focus solely on job titles rather than the actual day-to-day responsibilities of the role. This approach causes significant issues because titles vary widely between different organizations and sectors. A managerial position in one company might be an administrative role in another firm. You must review the detailed task lists provided in the official guidance. Accurate matching prevents delays during the critical decision phase of your application.

The introduction of SOC 2020 codes has fundamentally changed how roles are classified for immigration purposes. You need to verify that your specific role meets the updated descriptions and skill levels. Failure to select the correct job code to ensure visa success risks your future immigration prospects. We recommend using the CASCOT tool to verify your specific occupation classification accurately.

The most common error involves selecting a code based purely on the job title provided by the employer. This strategy often fails because employers use creative titles that do not match official government categories. You must compare your specific duties against the official government occupation descriptions. Caseworkers scrutinize the job description to ensure it genuinely matches the selected code.

Government guidance explicitly states that the job description determines the eligible occupation code for sponsorship. You should request a detailed job description from your potential UK employer. This document allows you to verify tasks against the SOC 2020 list. Mismatched duties are a primary reason for sponsorship license audits and revocations.

Employers sometimes choose a code with a lower salary threshold to potentially save on costs. This practice is strictly prohibited and will result in the refusal of your visa application. You must select the correct job code to ensure visa success regardless of salary implications. The Home Office uses sophisticated data matching to identify these non-compliant applications.

Every eligible occupation code has a specific going rate that sponsors must pay to their workers. You cannot simply meet the general salary threshold without checking this specific occupation rate. Companies calculating ROI international talent sponsorship UK costs must factor in these mandatory minimums. The going rate ensures that migrant workers are not underpaid compared to resident workers. You must verify that your salary offer meets the higher of the two figures.

The going rate is based on a 37.5-hour working week under current immigration rules. You must pro-rate the salary calculation if your weekly hours differ from this standard working week. Failing to select the correct job code to ensure visa success impacts salary compliance significantly. Always use the exact gross salary figure when checking against the required thresholds.

A critical error involves ignoring the recent shift to RQF Level 6 requirements for most sponsored roles. The Home Office now requires most sponsored jobs to be at graduate level or above. This change significantly reduces the number of eligible occupations compared to previous years. You must ensure your role is not on the list of ineligible occupations. Attempting to sponsor a lower-skilled role will result in an immediate application rejection.

Some exceptions exist for workers who held permission before July 2025 under previous immigration rules. These individuals may still be sponsored for roles at RQF Level 3 to 5 under specific conditions. You must check if the transitional arrangements apply to your specific case. New applicants generally must meet the higher skill threshold without exception.

Selecting the wrong occupation code can lead to severe penalties for both the worker and the sponsor. The Home Office may revoke the sponsor license if they suspect non-compliance or manipulation of job roles. You must select the correct job code to ensure visa success to avoid these significant risks. A comprehensive UK relocation guide outlines the strict compliance measures currently in force. Your visa application fee will not be refunded if the application is refused.

Future applications may also be jeopardized by a refusal on your immigration record, impacting long-term plans. You should take extra care to ensure all details are absolutely correct and verifiable. The Home Office systems cross-reference data with tax records to ensure genuine employment. Inaccuracies in your application can cause long-term damage to your UK career prospects. Always double-check the code against the latest version of the immigration rules.

Workers already in the UK on a Skilled Worker visa have different rules under specific circumstances. Those with continuous permission since before July 2025 may retain RQF Level 3 eligibility for certain roles. You must verify if your immigration history qualifies you for these specific exceptions. This allows you to select the correct job code to ensure visa success more easily.

These transitional measures are strictly time-limited and subject to continuous permission requirements without interruption. You cannot break your continuous residence if you wish to use these specific rules. Employers must include a specific sponsor note on the CoS regarding this status. Always provide your previous CoS number to prove your eligibility for these provisions.

Correctly identifying your occupation code is the foundation of a successful visa application process. The rules for 2026 demand precision and strict adherence to the new immigration standards. You must select the correct job code to ensure visa success without exception. This attention to detail protects your immigration status and your employer's sponsorship license. Verified UK sponsor companies understand these requirements and will help guide you through the process.

Take the time to review every aspect of your job description today. Compare your duties against the official government tools before submitting any formal application. Ensure your salary meets the specific going rate for your chosen occupation code. Professional advice can be valuable if your role falls between two categories. Your diligence now will prevent costly rejections and delays in your journey.