Appendix Skilled Occupation List UK Guide

At UKBloom, we understand how confusing the UK immigration process can feel—especially when it comes to navigating specific requirements like the Appendix Skilled Occupation list. If you’re planning to work, study, or settle in the UK, knowing whether your job is listed as a skilled occupation can be a key part of your visa journey.

In this guide, we’ll break down what Appendix Skilled Occupation means, why it matters for immigration, and how you can use it to identify the right visa route. Whether you’re a student looking to switch to a Skilled Worker visa, or a care worker considering sponsorship, this article will help you make informed decisions.

What is the Appendix Skilled Occupation List?

The Appendix Skilled Occupation list is an official register published by the UK Home Office. It includes eligible job roles and associated occupation codes that are required for various UK work visas, especially the Skilled Worker visa and Health and Care Worker visa.

Jobs on this list have been assessed as meeting the UK skill and salary thresholds, making them eligible for sponsorship under certain visa routes.

Why is the Appendix Skilled Occupation list important?

If your job role appears in the Appendix Skilled Occupation list, it means:

You may be eligible for a UK work visa.
An employer can sponsor you to work legally in the UK.
Your occupation meets the required skill level and salary.
You may be able to bring dependants, and in some cases, gain Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).

How the List is Structured

The Appendix Skilled Occupation list is divided into job sectors, each containing:

SOC Code (Standard Occupational Classification) – a 4-digit code that identifies your role.
Job title – the name of the occupation (e.g., Civil Engineer, Nurse).
Eligible visa routes – which visas the job supports.
Salary thresholds – minimum salary requirements depending on the visa type.

For example:

SOC Code	Job Title	Visa Routes Supported	Salary Threshold
2231	Nurses	Skilled Worker, Health & Care	£23,200 (or £20,960 for new entrants)
2136	Civil Engineers	Skilled Worker	£38,700
6135	Care Workers*	No longer eligible after July 2025	N/A

Note: From 22 July 2025, care workers and senior care workers are no longer eligible for overseas recruitment unless under special schemes like the Health and Care visa.

Who Should Use the Appendix Skilled Occupation List?

This list is vital for:

Skilled Worker visa applicants
UK employers sponsoring international staff
Health and care professionals
International students switching to work visas
People planning long-term settlement in the UK

How to Use the List to Check Eligibility

If you’re applying for a job in the UK or preparing your visa application, here’s how to use the list:

Step 1: Identify Your Job Title

Search for your job title or industry in the UK’s official occupation list. You’ll find the SOC code and job description.

Step 2: Confirm the Visa Route

Make sure your desired visa (like Skilled Worker or Health and Care visa) is listed as eligible for that job. Not all roles are supported under every route.

Step 3: Check Salary Requirements

Your offer must meet the minimum salary threshold for your occupation. Some exceptions apply:

New entrants (e.g., recent graduates) may have lower thresholds.
Shortage occupation roles may offer salary concessions (though these are being phased out).

Step 4: Confirm Employer Sponsorship

Ensure your UK employer is a licensed sponsor. You can search the Register of Licensed Sponsors for confirmation.

Real-World Example: Engineering Graduate

Situation:
Ravi, a recent Mechanical Engineering graduate, has received a job offer from a UK engineering firm.

Job Title: Mechanical Engineer
SOC Code: 2122
Visa Route: Skilled Worker
Salary Offered: £29,500
Threshold for New Entrants: £26,200

✅ Eligible: Ravi can apply for the Skilled Worker visa as his job is on the list, the salary meets the new entrant threshold, and the employer is licensed.

Tools to Help You Navigate

At UKBloom, we’ve created several helpful tools and resources:

[Skilled Worker Visa Points Calculator] – Check your eligibility based on age, education, job offer, and salary.
[Visa Route Finder Tool] – Explore which UK visa best suits your job and situation.
[Childcare and Schooling Cost Calculator] – Estimate family costs if you plan to settle long-term.

Key Updates: 2025 Changes to Skilled Occupations

As of July 2025, the UK has implemented several changes:

Care Workers and Senior Care Workers removed from eligibility under the Skilled Worker route.
New salary thresholds apply: £38,700 for most roles.
The Shortage Occupation List has been replaced by a new Immigration Salary List, focusing only on a few roles.
More emphasis is now placed on high-skilled, high-paying roles.

Stay informed by checking the UK Home Office guidance.

Benefits of Jobs on the Appendix Skilled Occupation List

Path to Permanent Residency (ILR) after 5 years
Bring dependants (spouse/partner and children)
Switch visa categories from within the UK
Work rights and protections similar to UK citizens

FAQ: Appendix Skilled Occupation List

What if my job isn’t on the list?

If your job isn’t listed, you may not qualify for a Skilled Worker visa. Consider other routes like:

Graduate Visa (if recently studied in the UK)
Global Talent Visa
UK Ancestry Visa
Or re-evaluate the job title and role—some titles overlap with eligible ones.

How often is the list updated?

The UK government updates the list periodically based on labour market needs. Always refer to the latest version on gov.uk.

Can I switch to a job outside the list later?

To maintain your Skilled Worker visa, you must remain in an eligible occupation. If you change jobs or employers, a new visa or sponsorship may be required.

Is sponsorship guaranteed if my job is listed?

No. Employers must be licensed sponsors and willing to issue a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS). The job also needs to meet salary and skill criteria.

Conclusion

Understanding the Appendix Skilled Occupation list is essential for anyone looking to work and build a life in the UK. It’s not just a list—it’s a gateway to opportunity, career growth, and future settlement. By identifying whether your job is eligible and understanding the steps to apply, you’re one step closer to making your UK journey a success.

At UKBloom, we’re here to simplify that journey. Whether you need help navigating visa rules, finding cost calculators, or planning your family’s future, we’ve got you covered with up-to-date tools and advice.

Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Please refer to official UK government sources or seek legal support for specific guidance.