What is the Standard Occupational Classification Code?

“Which Standard Occupational Classification Code (SOC) Code” is one of the biggest challenges that are faced by a sponsor when allocating a certificate of sponsorship to a migrant who wishes to enter the UK from Non-EEA Nationals. When an employer assigns a Certificate of Sponsorship, he or she must match Standard Occupational Code (SOC) which contains the job description with the role intending to recruit for. The employer must put job titles or keywords in order to identify the correct SOC.

The Standard Occupational Classification Code is used to employ the appropriate skill and salary level for specific job roles. The employer assigns the Certificate of Sponsorship with the relevant SOC being selected. Please note that a sponsor cannot issue a Certificate of Sponsorship if the job role does not meet the skills as well as salary thresholds. It’s not always obvious for HR Staff to use SOC code accurately since different employers might use the same job that describes different roles. This suggests identifying keywords that fit the organisational map. However, one must understand that the wrong code will most likely result in potential refusal of a prospective employee’s application for failing to satisfy Tier 2 requirements. Tier 2 Visa application refusal implies applying for a visa, immigration skills charge, and health surcharge.

How to get SOC Codes right?

The SOC covers all the possible jobs with details that entail Tier 2 criteria for minimal salary along with some exceptions where salary is further determined either at an experienced rate or new entrant. Since the code of practice is subject to change, get in touch with experienced solicitors who keep a tab on the latest version of codes of practice. They can give an accurate code of practice before issuing a Certificate of Sponsorship for a migrant worker from overseas. An employer also needs to understand that if a CoS is issued at a salary that is below the minimum thresholds, it’s likely to result in the refusal of Tier 2 requirements.

A huge difference can be made if a code is under the Shortage Occupation List which implies an easier process of hiring foreign migrants without employing the Resident Labour Market Test (RMLT).

Best use of Tier 2 SOC Codes

The codes of practice describe job titles as well as job skills comprehensively. The employer can search by using either keywords or job title set in Table 1 for Ph.D. jobs, Table 2 for Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF). Table 3-6 contain creative codes and some that come under the Shortage Occupation List. The employer must make sure that the expansion of the points-based system from 1 January 2021 will reduce RQF for a job from level 6 to level 3. However, there are a number of points of consideration which entails for advice from a qualified team of UK immigration Solicitors. With the help of technical managers, they can identify the best job titles by covering all the dimensions without overlooking any codes that could have been an appropriate match for migrants.

How to formulate recruitment Strategies?

At A Y & J Solicitors, we help our clients take a strategic approach while keeping in mind the company’s broader recruitment aims. We, at A Y & J Solicitors, believe that SOC Code must be identified well-in-advance since the role must meet Tier 2 visa requirements as far as skill and salary levels are concerned. There are certain roles that require the Resident Labour Market Test (RMLT) to be employed in order to get granted a Home Office application. Our immigration lawyers will also take a planned approach in order to satisfy future recruitment needs. Get in touch with us to get a better insight about creating jobs that match future skills needs. A Y & J Solicitors is a multi-award winning boutique immigration firm with a decade of experience, recommended by Legal 500 based in Central London. Do you have any questions regarding SOC Codes, or CoS applications? Look no further than A Y & J Solicitors. For further information about our immigration service, please email us at contact@ayjsolicitors.com or Whatsapp us on +44 7448 5656 70.