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).
Table of Contents
Appendix Skilled Occupations – Temporary Shortage List (from 22 July 2025)
| SOC 2020 Code | Occupation / Job Type |
|---|---|
| 1243 | Managers in logistics |
| 1258 | Directors in consultancy services |
| 3111 | Laboratory technicians |
| 3112 | Electrical and electronics technicians |
| 3113 | Engineering technicians |
| 3114 | Building and civil engineering technicians |
| 3115 | Quality assurance technicians |
| 3116 | Planning, process and production technicians |
| 3120 | CAD, drawing and architectural technicians |
| 3131 | IT operations technicians |
| 3132 | IT user support technicians |
| 3133 | Database administrators and web content technicians |
| 3412 | Authors, writers and translators |
| 3414 | Dancers and choreographers |
| 3417 | Photographers, audio-visual and broadcasting equipment operators |
| 3422 | Clothing, fashion and accessories designers |
| 3429 | Design occupations (limited to industrial/product designers; packaging designers; makeup artists; set designers; visual merchandising managers/designers) |
| 3512 | Ship and hovercraft officers |
| 3520 | Legal associate professionals |
| 3532 | Insurance underwriters |
| 3533 | Financial and accounting technicians |
| 3541 | Estimators, valuers and assessors |
| 3544 | Data analysts |
| 3549 | Business associate professionals (limited to business support officers; business systems analysts; contract administrators; clinical coders; clinical trials administrators; research coordinators) |
| 3552 | Business sales executives |
| 3554 | Advertising and marketing associate professionals |
| 3571 | Human resources and industrial relations officers |
| 3573 | Information technology trainers |
| 4121 | Credit controllers |
| 4122 | Book-keepers, payroll managers and wages clerks |
| 4129 | Financial administrative occupations (limited to box office assistants; grants officers; mortgage administrators; revenue assistants; treasury assistants) |
| 4132 | Pensions and insurance clerks and assistants |
| 5213 | Welding trades |
| 5214 | Pipe fitters |
| 5223 | Metal working production and maintenance fitters |
| 5225 | Air-conditioning and refrigeration installers and repairers |
| 5231 | Vehicle technicians, mechanics and electricians |
| 5232 | Vehicle body builders and repairers |
| 5233 | Vehicle paint technicians |
| 5235 | Boat and ship builders and repairers |
| 5241 | Electricians and electrical fitters |
| 5242 | Telecoms and related network installers and repairers |
| 5244 | Computer system and equipment installers and servicers |
| 5245 | Security system installers and repairers |
| 5249 | Electrical and electronic trades not elsewhere classified |
| 5311 | Steel erectors |
| 5315 | Plumbers and heating and ventilating installers and repairers |
| 5319 | Construction and building trades not elsewhere classified (builders; divers; fence erectors; industrial climbers; ROV operators; steel fixers; underpinners) |
| 5322 | Floorers and wall tilers |
| 5323 | Painters and decorators |
| 5330 | Construction and building trades supervisors |
| 8133 | Energy plant operatives |
This comprehensive list is drawn directly from GOV.UK’s Appendix Skilled Worker – Temporary Shortage List GOV.UK.
A Few Important Notes
- The Temporary Shortage List allows employers to sponsor non-graduate-level roles for remuneration at the standard Skilled Worker rate (i.e., without a special ‘shortage discount’)—but this provision applies only until the end of 2026, subject to reviews by the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) YouTubeFinancial Times.
- After 2026, to remain eligible, each sector must present a credible plan to train UK nationals in these roles Financial Times.
- From 22 July 2025, broader eligibility was narrowed to only higher-skilled (RQF 6+) roles, meaning most of these lower-level codes remain viable strictly under this temporary list or via transitional protections
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. If you’d like to confirm, you can search the Register of Licensed Sponsors.
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.
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