CV for a UK Skilled Worker visa

How should Skilled Worker visa applicants write a UK CV?

Skilled Worker visa applicants should write a standard 2-page British CV that demonstrates their role aligns with a specific SOC (Standard Occupational Classification) code. The job must meet the minimum salary threshold, currently £41,700 for most new applicants or the going rate for the occupation, whichever is higher.

Your CV is not merely a career summary when applying under the Skilled Worker route, it is a supporting document for your visa application. UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) officers may review your CV to verify that your claimed experience matches the SOC code specified on your Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS). Any inconsistency between your CV duties and the SOC code's lead statement can delay or derail your application.

Write in British English throughout. Use "organise" not "organize," "programme" not "program" (unless referring to software), and "optimise" not "optimize." British spelling signals familiarity with UK professional norms and demonstrates attention to detail that employers and UKVI assessors notice.

Format your CV on A4 paper. Include your right to work status in the personal details section. Structure the document with: personal details, personal profile, key skills, work experience (reverse chronological), education and qualifications, and professional memberships or certifications.

What are SOC codes and why do they matter for your CV?

SOC codes (Standard Occupational Classification) determine which occupations qualify for Skilled Worker visas. Your CV must clearly demonstrate that your experience matches the SOC code specified in the job listing. Misalignment between your CV and the SOC code can lead to visa refusal by UKVI.

Each SOC code has a lead statement describing the primary function of the role, followed by a list of typical duties. When writing your CV, review the SOC code for your target role and mirror the language in your work experience bullet points. For example, SOC 2136 (Programmers and software development professionals) lists duties including "researching, designing, writing, and testing computer programmes," "designing websites," and "writing operational specifications."

Common SOC codes for international applicants include: 2136 (Software developers), 2137 (Web developers), 2211 (Medical practitioners), 2231 (Nurses), 2314 (Secondary education teachers), 2423 (Management consultants), 2136 (Data scientists), and 1136 (IT directors). Check the UK Government's Appendix Skilled Occupations for the complete list.

What minimum salary thresholds apply to Skilled Worker visas?

For most new applicants the threshold is £41,700 per year or the going rate for the specific SOC code, whichever is higher. New entrants (under 26, students and recent graduates, people in professional training) can be paid 70% of the going rate with a £33,400 floor. Your CV should highlight experience that justifies the salary level offered by the sponsor employer. The Skilled Worker salary threshold check shows the going rate for every eligible code.

The general threshold rose from £38,700 to £41,700 on 22 July 2025. The increases affect the type of roles that qualify for sponsorship and the seniority level expected. Your CV should demonstrate senior-enough experience to command the required salary. Entry-level roles are increasingly difficult to sponsor unless they qualify under the new entrant rules or the immigration salary list.

A relevant PhD lowers the bar: a STEM PhD allows 80% of the going rate with a £33,400 floor, and a PhD in another subject 90% with a £37,500 floor. Roles on the Immigration Salary List (which replaced the Shortage Occupation List) can be paid from £33,400 but need the full going rate.