Is this guide for software developers too?

No. Software developers and programmers use a separate occupation code and have their own guide. This guide covers IT and data roles that are not software development, such as analysts, engineers, administrators, and security staff. See the software engineers guide if you write code for a living.

What salary do IT and data professionals need?

You must meet both the general salary threshold and the going rate for your Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code, whichever is higher. Going rates for most IT and data roles sit well above the general threshold in 2026, so the going rate is usually the figure that matters. Always check GOV.UK for the current value.

Do I need a degree to get an IT Skilled Worker visa?

You do not always need a degree. The Skilled Worker route looks at the skill level of the job, not only your qualifications. Many experienced IT professionals qualify on experience. A relevant degree can still help your employer evidence the role and may matter for your own career progression.

Can I switch employers on this visa?

Yes, but your new employer must also hold a sponsor licence and assign you a new Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS). You then make an application to change sponsor. You cannot simply move to an unsponsored job and keep the same visa.

Skilled Worker Visa for IT and Data Professionals: UK Guide 2026

Q: Which IT and data jobs qualify for the Skilled Worker visa?

Most professional IT and data roles qualify. This includes data analysts, IT support and operations staff, network engineers, cloud engineers, database administrators, and cyber security specialists. The role must be skilled enough to fit one of the eligible occupation codes, and your employer must hold a sponsor licence.

IT and data professionals such as data analysts, network and cloud engineers, database administrators, and cyber security specialists are eligible for the Skilled Worker visa. Going rates for most of these roles sit well above the general salary threshold. This guide covers the SOC codes, salary rules, and sponsorship process.

Who This Guide Is For

The UK has steady demand for IT and data skills. The Skilled Worker visa is the main way for overseas professionals in these fields to work in the UK. This guide is for people who work in IT and data roles that are not software development.

That includes data analysts, IT support and operations staff, network engineers, cloud engineers, database administrators, and cyber security specialists. If you write code as your main job, you are a software developer. In that case, use our guide for software engineers instead, because a different occupation code applies to you.

SOC Codes for IT and Data Roles

Your Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code sets the going rate for your job. It also decides which rules apply to you. Your employer chooses the code when they create your Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS). The main IT and data codes are:

SOC 2133 — IT managers. For people who lead IT teams, services, or projects.
SOC 2135 — Cyber security professionals. For security analysts, engineers, and specialists who protect systems and data.
SOC 2137 — IT business analysts, architects, and systems designers. For people who design systems or analyse how technology meets business needs.
SOC 2139 — Information technology professionals not elsewhere classified. A broad code that covers many roles, such as network engineers, cloud engineers, database administrators, and IT support and operations staff.

The code must match the work you will actually do. Check the eligible jobs list to confirm the right code for your role.

Salary and Going Rates

Your pay must meet two figures: the general salary threshold and the going rate for your SOC code. You must meet whichever of the two is higher.

In 2026, the going rates for most IT and data roles are well above the general threshold. This means the going rate is usually the number that decides your minimum salary. These figures change, so always check GOV.UK for the current value before you rely on it.

The salary calculation uses your guaranteed basic gross pay. It does not count bonuses or overtime. If you hold a relevant PhD, you may be able to use PhD tradeable points to meet a lower salary requirement.

Qualifications and Experience

You do not always need a degree for an IT or data role. The Skilled Worker route looks at the skill level of the job, not only your paper qualifications. Many experienced professionals qualify on their work history.

A relevant degree or recognised certification can still help. It can make it easier for your employer to evidence the role, and it can support your career growth. If you trained abroad, our guide on the recognition of foreign qualifications explains how UK employers and bodies assess overseas study.

Finding a Sponsor

You need an employer who holds a sponsor licence and who will assign you a Certificate of Sponsorship. Many technology firms, banks, consultancies, and public bodies sponsor IT and data staff.

You can check whether an employer can sponsor you by searching the register of licensed sponsors on GOV.UK. If your employer is not on the register, they would need to apply for a licence before they could sponsor you.

English Language Requirement

You must show English at CEFR level B1 (intermediate) or above. The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) is the standard scale used to measure language skill. You can often meet this through a degree taught in English.

If your degree was not taught in English, you can take an approved test. Our guide to English language tests for UK visas lists the accepted options.

Costs to Plan For

The main costs are the visa application fee, the Immigration Health Surcharge, and, in many cases, fees that your employer pays. Our Skilled Worker visa cost guide breaks down what you pay and what your sponsor pays. Budget for these before you apply so there are no surprises.

Path to Settlement

After 5 years on the Skilled Worker visa, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). To qualify, you usually need ongoing sponsored work at the required salary, a Life in the UK test pass, and English at the required level. Our settlement timeline guide maps out the full journey.

Next Steps

Confirm the SOC code for your role, check the current going rate on GOV.UK, and find an employer that can sponsor you. If you write code as your main job, switch to the software engineers guide instead.

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