What SOC code should a software engineer use for the Skilled Worker visa?

Software engineers typically fall under SOC code 2134 (Programmers and software development professionals). Some roles may also fit under 2135 (IT business analysts, architects, and systems designers) or 2133 (IT specialist managers) depending on the specific duties and seniority.

What is the minimum salary for a software engineer on a Skilled Worker visa?

The minimum salary depends on the SOC code and whether any discounts apply. For SOC 2134, the going rate is the key benchmark. In 2026, the general threshold is £38,700 or the going rate for the occupation, whichever is higher. New entrants may qualify for a lower threshold of 70% of the going rate.

Can a startup sponsor a software engineer for a Skilled Worker visa?

Yes. A startup can sponsor a software engineer, but it must first hold a valid sponsor licence. Startups face the same requirements as larger employers, including demonstrating that the business is genuine and that the role is a genuine vacancy. Small sponsors pay a reduced licence fee of £536.

Do remote software engineers qualify for the Skilled Worker visa?

The Skilled Worker visa requires you to work for a UK-based employer with a sponsor licence. Fully remote roles based overseas do not qualify. However, if you are based in the UK and occasionally work remotely from home, that is acceptable as long as the employer is UK-based and supervising your work.

Skilled Worker Visa for Software Engineers: 2026 Guide

Software engineers are one of the most frequently sponsored occupations on the Skilled Worker visa. This guide explains the correct SOC codes, salary thresholds, going rates, and practical considerations for tech professionals applying in 2026.

Why Software Engineers Use the Skilled Worker Route

The Skilled Worker visa is the primary route for international software engineers joining UK-based companies. The tech sector has consistently been one of the largest users of the sponsorship system, and software development roles are well represented on the eligible occupations list.

In 2026, the landscape for tech immigration is shaped by the salary threshold increase to £38,700 (from April 2024) and the continued evolution of the Immigration Salary List. Understanding the specific requirements for software engineering roles helps both employers and applicants navigate the process efficiently.

Choosing the Right SOC Code

The Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code determines the going rate for your role and must accurately reflect the work you will be doing. For software engineers, the most relevant codes are:

SOC 2134 — Programmers and software development professionals. This is the default code for most software engineering roles, including frontend, backend, full-stack, mobile, and DevOps engineers.
SOC 2135 — IT business analysts, architects, and systems designers. This may be more appropriate for solutions architects, systems designers, or technical architects.
SOC 2133 — IT specialist managers. Suitable for engineering managers, heads of engineering, or CTOs with a significant management component.

The employer selects the SOC code when creating the Certificate of Sponsorship. Getting this wrong is a common cause of visa refusal, so it is worth checking the eligible occupations list on GOV.UK carefully.

Salary Requirements in 2026

The salary you are offered must meet the higher of:

The general threshold of £38,700 per year
The going rate for your specific SOC code

For SOC 2134, the going rate is competitive, reflecting the market value of software engineering talent. Most experienced software engineers in the UK earn well above the threshold, but junior and mid-level roles — particularly outside London — can be closer to the boundary.

If you are a new entrant (under 26, a recent graduate, or in professional training), you may qualify for a reduced threshold of 70% of the going rate or £30,960, whichever is higher. See our guide on the salary threshold for the full breakdown.

What Counts Towards the Salary

Only guaranteed, fixed pay counts towards the salary threshold. This means:

Base salary: Always counts
Guaranteed allowances: Count if they are part of the employment contract and paid regularly
Bonuses: Discretionary bonuses do not count. Only guaranteed, contractual bonuses count
Stock options and equity: These do not count towards the salary threshold
Benefits in kind: Do not count

This is particularly important for software engineers, as tech compensation often includes significant equity components. A package worth £80,000 total but with a base salary of £35,000 would not meet the threshold.

The Sponsorship Process for Tech Companies

If you are an employer looking to sponsor software engineers, the process involves:

Obtaining a sponsor licence (if you do not already have one)
Assigning a Certificate of Sponsorship to the worker
The worker then applies for the Skilled Worker visa

Many tech companies, particularly startups, are new to the sponsorship system. The small business sponsor licence guide covers the specific considerations for smaller employers.

Switching from Other Visa Routes

Many software engineers in the UK are on other visa routes and want to switch to the Skilled Worker visa. Common switching scenarios include:

Graduate visa to Skilled Worker: Very common. The Graduate to Skilled Worker guide covers this in detail.
Global Talent to Skilled Worker: Less common but possible if the Global Talent visa is expiring and the applicant prefers the certainty of employer sponsorship.
Dependent to Skilled Worker: If you are currently in the UK as a dependant and have found a software engineering role, you can switch to the Skilled Worker route.

Remote Work and Hybrid Arrangements

The tech sector's embrace of remote and hybrid work creates specific questions for sponsored workers. The key rules are:

You must be based in the UK. Fully remote roles where you work from another country do not qualify.
Working from home in the UK is fine, as long as your employer is UK-based and supervising your work.
Occasional business travel abroad is permitted, but extended periods working from overseas may raise compliance issues.
Your sponsor must be able to monitor your work and attendance, even in a remote setting.

Path to Settlement

After 5 years on the Skilled Worker visa, software engineers can apply for indefinite leave to remain (ILR). The tech sector's relatively high salaries mean that most software engineers comfortably meet the salary threshold at the ILR stage. Plan your absences carefully and keep records of your employment history.

Next Steps

Confirm your SOC code and salary meet the requirements. If you are an employer, ensure your sponsor licence is in order. If you are a software engineer, discuss the timeline and process with your prospective employer early in the hiring process.

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