Use this guide when a sponsored job fits more than one occupation code. It explains how to compare overlapping duties, choose an appropriate code and describe the decision clearly on the Certificate of Sponsorship.

Why the occupation code matters

When you sponsor a worker with a Skilled Worker visa, you will issue them with a certificate of sponsorship. A certificate of sponsorship must include the four-digit SOC 2020 occupation code that is appropriate for the job the worker will do.

You need to ensure:

  • The occupation code is eligible for the skilled worker route
  • The worker's salary meets the requirements for the chosen code
  • The job description and main duties accurately reflect the role.

An incorrect code can delay or lead to refusal of the worker's application and may result in compliance action.

It is important to select the most appropriate code. You must not choose a code solely because it has a lower going rate or makes it easier to meet the salary requirements. If a sponsor is found to have selected an incorrect code for this purpose, then they could have their licence revoked.

How to compare two possible codes

Step 1: Start with the job

Write down the role's main purpose, regular duties, expected outcomes, level of responsibility and any staff or budget management. Use the job as it will operate in practice, not a preferred job title.

Step 2: Shortlist the closest codes

Search SOC 2020 using the duties and responsibilities. You can check the example job titles in Appendix Skilled Occupations. Use the Office for National Statistics guidance or the CASCOT coding tool (cascotweb.warwick.ac.uk) where helpful.

Step 3: Compare the main purpose and duties

Remember the duties are more important than the title itself. Map each substantial duty against the two codes. Give greater weight to duties that define why the role exists and take up most of the worker's time. Occasional or supporting tasks should not outweigh the role's main function.

Step 4: Check the immigration requirements

Confirm that the most appropriate code is eligible and check its applicable going rate and any additional conditions. Complete this check after identifying the best occupational match; the immigration outcome must not drive the choice of code.

H3: Step 5: Keep a short record of the decision

Retain the final job description, the codes considered and a short explanation of why the selected code is the closest match. This creates a clear record if the Home Office later asks how the decision was reached.

Worked example: Communications and Marketing Manager

Overview

Role: Communications and Marketing Manager

Working week: 37.5 hours

Possible code 1: 2432 Marketing and commercial managers

Possible code 2: 2493 Public relations professionals

Main duties:

  • Set the marketing strategy, campaign plan and budget
  • Manage campaign delivery and analyse performance against organisational targets
  • Oversee media relations, public communications and social media
  • Line manage a marketing coordinator and coordinate senior stakeholders

Assessment

Both codes are plausible because the role combines marketing and public relations duties. Code 2432 is the better match because the role's main purpose is to plan and manage marketing activity. Most of the worker's time is spent setting strategy, controlling the campaign budget, managing delivery and reviewing performance.

Code 2493 was not selected because media relations and public communications are supporting parts of the role rather than its main function. The word 'communications' in the job title does not outweigh the content of the job. The salary must therefore be checked against the requirements for code 2432.

How to explain the choice on the Certificate of Sponsorship

Enter the selected code in the occupation code field. Use the summary of job description field to describe the main duties accurately. Where the overlap may not be obvious, include a brief explanation of why the chosen code is the closest match.

Final checks before assigning the certificate

  • The code reflects the job's main purpose and substantial duties.
  • The job description describes what the worker will actually do.
  • The selected code is eligible for the Skilled Worker route.
  • The salary meets the general threshold and the applicable going rate for that code.
  • Any salary option or other eligibility condition is explained where required.
  • The internal record shows which alternative code was considered and why it was not selected.

If the wrong code has already been used

A wrong occupation code is a significant error. If the certificate of sponsorship has been assigned but not yet used, withdraw it and assign a new certificate with the correct code. Do not try to correct the occupation code using a sponsor note, as these are only for minor amendments. If the certificate has already been used in an application, seek immigration advice promptly. The next steps will depend on the application's status.

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