How to define a role that may require sponsorship
Not every role qualifies for sponsorship, and not every international candidate needs it. This guide explains how employers should define a role before an international search begins.
In one sentence
Defining a sponsored role means confirming the occupation code, meeting the relevant salary threshold, and establishing that the vacancy is genuine — before any candidate search begins.
Quick answers
- Confirm the Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code for the role — this determines which immigration route and salary threshold applies
- The role must meet the minimum salary threshold for the Skilled Worker route — thresholds are set by the Home Office and updated periodically; always check current rates via gov.uk or Harveys Legal
- The vacancy must be genuine — UKVI may assess whether the role is real, necessary, and appropriately paid
- Job descriptions submitted for sponsorship purposes should describe the actual role, not a version written to match immigration criteria
- Roles that could be filled by a resident worker without additional qualifications may face scrutiny; genuine specialist requirements strengthen the application
Why role definition matters before a sponsored hire
Sponsorship is not something you can retrofit to a role after the fact. The occupation code, salary, and role description need to be established before a Certificate of Sponsorship is issued — and they need to be defensible if UKVI scrutinises the application.
The Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code
Every role in a sponsor licence application is classified by a SOC code. The Home Office uses these codes to determine which salary threshold applies and whether the role is eligible for the Skilled Worker route at all.
SOC codes are assigned based on the actual duties and skill level of the role, not the job title. A job titled "Senior Coordinator" might correspond to a SOC code that carries a different threshold than expected. Checking the correct code before the search begins avoids a mismatch at the application stage.
The current list of eligible SOC codes and associated salary thresholds is published by the Home Office. Harveys Legal can confirm the correct code and threshold for a specific role.
Salary thresholds
The Skilled Worker route requires the role to meet a minimum salary threshold. Thresholds are set per occupation by the Home Office and updated periodically — there is a general minimum and, for most roles, a higher occupation-specific going rate. Whichever is higher applies.
Employers should not set a salary below the applicable threshold and then attempt to raise it to qualify the role. UKVI reviews salary offers for credibility.
The genuine vacancy requirement
A sponsor licence does not give an employer the right to hire internationally for any role at any time. UKVI can assess whether a vacancy is genuine. The role should not have been created specifically to enable a visa application, the person hired should be doing the job described in the CoS, and the employer should be able to explain why the role exists.
A note on immigration law
Hirenza does not provide immigration legal advice and cannot confirm whether a specific role qualifies for sponsorship. For guidance on SOC codes, salary thresholds, and genuine vacancy requirements, speak to Harveys Legal.
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