Top Skilled Worker Visa Refusal Reasons & How to Avoid Them

Why Skilled Worker Visas Get Refused

The UK Skilled Worker visa is one of the most popular routes for professionals to work in the UK. However, many applications are refused due to small but costly errors that could have been easily avoided.

A refusal doesn't just mean wasted time — it can cost thousands in fees, delay your career, and even affect future applications. Understanding the common pitfalls can help you get it right the first time.

1. Incorrect Job Codes (SOC Codes)

This is one of the most common reasons for Skilled Worker visa refusals.

What Is a SOC Code?

Every Skilled Worker application requires a Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code that matches the job you'll be doing. The SOC code determines:

• Whether the job is eligible for the Skilled Worker visa
• The minimum salary (going rate) for that occupation
• Whether the job qualifies for any exemptions or discounts

Common SOC Code Mistakes

• ❌ Wrong code selected: The job title sounds similar but the duties don't match
• ❌ Using outdated codes: SOC codes were updated in 2020 — old codes are invalid
• ❌ Job duties don't match: The actual work doesn't align with the SOC code description
• ❌ Employer picks the "easiest" code: Choosing a code with a lower salary requirement that doesn't match the role

How to Get It Right

• ✅ Read the full SOC code description, not just the title
• ✅ Check the duties listed — your actual job must match
• ✅ Use the official eligible occupations list
• ✅ If unsure, check with an immigration adviser before applying

Real Example

A marketing professional applied using SOC code 3543 (Marketing Associate Professionals) when their role was actually strategic and should have been 1132 (Marketing and Sales Directors). The application was refused because the salary met the threshold for 3543 but the duties matched a more senior code.

2. Salary Threshold Problems

The salary requirement catches out many applicants, especially after the April 2024 increases.

Current Salary Requirements (2024-2026)

Requirement	Amount
General threshold	£38,700 per year
OR going rate for occupation	Whichever is higher
Hourly rate (if applicable)	£15.88 per hour minimum

You must meet BOTH the general threshold AND the going rate for your SOC code.

Common Salary Mistakes

• ❌ Salary below threshold: Even £1 under can cause refusal
• ❌ Including non-guaranteed pay: Bonuses, overtime, and commissions usually don't count
• ❌ Pro-rata calculation errors: Part-time salaries must still meet hourly rate
• ❌ Not checking the going rate: Some occupations have going rates higher than £38,700
• ❌ Salary doesn't match CoS: The amount on your Certificate of Sponsorship must match your contract

Salary Discounts (When Available)

Some applicants can qualify for a lower threshold:

• New entrants: £30,960 (recent graduates, under 26, or PhD students)
• Health and Care Worker visa: Lower thresholds for NHS roles
• Shortage occupation: Check if your role qualifies (list has been reduced)
• PhD relevant to job: 20% discount on going rate

How to Get It Right

• ✅ Check the going rate for your specific SOC code
• ✅ Ensure your base salary (excluding bonuses) meets the threshold
• ✅ Verify the salary on your CoS matches your contract
• ✅ If part-time, calculate the full-time equivalent correctly

3. Employer Sponsorship Issues

Problems with the sponsor or Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) are another major cause of refusals.

Common Sponsorship Problems

• ❌ Sponsor licence revoked: The employer loses their licence before your application is decided
• ❌ CoS errors: Wrong information on the Certificate of Sponsorship
• ❌ CoS expired: You must apply within 3 months of CoS being assigned
• ❌ Employer not genuinely hiring: Home Office suspects the job isn't real
• ❌ Previous sponsor issues: Problems with your previous employer's records

Red Flags the Home Office Looks For

• Very small companies sponsoring many workers
• Salary significantly below market rate
• Job duties that don't require the stated skills
• Employer with compliance history issues
• Last-minute CoS assignments

How to Protect Yourself

• ✅ Check your employer's sponsor licence is valid on the register of sponsors
• ✅ Review your CoS carefully before the visa application is submitted
• ✅ Ensure all details match your passport, contract, and other documents
• ✅ Apply promptly after receiving your CoS
• ✅ Keep copies of all correspondence with your employer

4. Missing or Incorrect Documentation

Documentation errors are frustrating because they're often easily avoidable.

Common Documentation Mistakes

• ❌ Wrong passport used: Applying with a different passport than on your CoS
• ❌ Missing translation: Documents not in English without certified translation
• ❌ Expired documents: Passport, qualifications, or other documents out of date
• ❌ Incorrect bank statements: Not meeting financial requirements (if applicable)
• ❌ Poor quality scans: Documents unreadable or partially cut off
• ❌ Missing ATAS certificate: Required for certain research roles

Documents Typically Required

• Valid passport
• Certificate of Sponsorship reference number
• Proof of English language (if required)
• Criminal record certificate (for certain roles)
• TB test certificate (from certain countries)
• ATAS certificate (for research roles)
• Qualification certificates (if required by CoS)

How to Get It Right

• ✅ Double-check passport details match exactly across all documents
• ✅ Get certified translations for non-English documents
• ✅ Ensure high-quality, complete scans of all pages
• ✅ Check if your role requires DBS, ATAS, or other clearances
• ✅ Verify all documents are current and not expired

5. English Language Requirement Issues

Most Skilled Worker applicants must prove English language ability.

Common English Requirement Mistakes

• ❌ Expired test: IELTS and other tests are only valid for 2 years
• ❌ Wrong test type: Using academic IELTS instead of IELTS for UKVI
• ❌ Scores too low: Minimum B1 (IELTS 4.0 in each component)
• ❌ Degree not from approved country: ECCTIS confirmation required
• ❌ Missing exemption evidence: Not proving nationality from English-speaking country

Acceptable English Evidence

• IELTS for UKVI (B1 level: 4.0+ in each skill)
• Other approved Secure English Language Tests (SELT)
• Degree taught in English (with ECCTIS verification)
• National of a majority English-speaking country
• Previous visa that required English at B1+

6. Previous Immigration History

Your immigration history can affect your Skilled Worker application.

Issues That Can Cause Problems

• ❌ Previous visa refusals: Must be declared, may raise concerns
• ❌ Overstaying: Any history of staying beyond your visa
• ❌ Working illegally: Working without permission in the past
• ❌ Deception: Previous false statements on applications
• ❌ Entry bans: Active bans prevent applications

How to Handle Previous Issues

• ✅ Always declare previous refusals honestly
• ✅ Explain any issues with a covering letter
• ✅ Provide evidence of changed circumstances
• ✅ Seek legal advice if you have significant immigration history

What Happens If Your Application Is Refused?

Your Options After Refusal

1. Administrative Review: If you believe there was a case working error
2. Reapply: Fix the issues and submit a new application (new fees apply)
3. Appeal: Limited circumstances where appeals are available
4. Seek legal advice: Understand your options before proceeding

Can You Reapply?

Yes — a refusal doesn't ban you from reapplying. However:

• You must pay all fees again
• You should fix the issues that caused the refusal
• Repeated refusals may raise concerns about future applications

Checklist: Before Submitting Your Application

Certificate of Sponsorship

• ☐ CoS is assigned and not expired
• ☐ SOC code matches your actual job duties
• ☐ Salary meets both general threshold AND going rate
• ☐ All personal details are correct
• ☐ Employer sponsor licence is active

Documentation

• ☐ Passport valid with 6+ months remaining
• ☐ All documents match passport name exactly
• ☐ Translations certified where required
• ☐ High-quality complete scans
• ☐ English language evidence valid and correct type

Application

• ☐ All questions answered truthfully
• ☐ Previous refusals/issues declared
• ☐ Correct fee paid
• ☐ Immigration Health Surcharge paid

Related Guides

• UK ILR Required Documents Checklist
• Which Visa Types Count Toward ILR?
• Administrative Review: What to Do If Refused

Official Government Resources

For official guidance on Skilled Worker visas, refer to these UK government pages:

• 🔗 Skilled Worker Visa Overview — gov.uk
• 🔗 Eligible Occupations and SOC Codes — gov.uk
• 🔗 Job Requirements — gov.uk
• 🔗 Visa Costs — gov.uk
• 🔗 Register of Licensed Sponsors — gov.uk
• 🔗 English Language Requirements — gov.uk

Need Help With Your Application?

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