The data is pulled directly from the GOV.UK Content API, parsed table by table, and checked by an automated validation step before any page is built. It is then checked a second time, independently, against the GOV.UK pages. Pages are rebuilt when GOV.UK publishes a change.
1. Collection
Each source is downloaded from the GOV.UK Content API and stored with its GOV.UK update date, so every version is kept. ONS SOC 2020 Volumes 1 and 2 provide occupation descriptions and job titles for search.
2. Parsing
Every table is read into one record per occupation code. Health and education pay scales are read grade by grade, with weekly hours where GOV.UK states them.
3. Validation
The build stops if any check fails. Checks include: exactly 412 codes; every eligible code has a going rate or a pay scale; 90%, 80% and 70% rates never exceed the going rate; annual and hourly rates agree for a 37.5-hour week; the Temporary Shortage List in Appendix Skilled Worker matches GOV.UK's published list; every £ figure in a pay-scale cell is captured.
4. Independent check
A separate check re-extracts the source tables and compares them field by field. At the first check, about 8,300 fields matched, and the few pay-scale parsing gaps it found were fixed.
5. Updates
GOV.UK is checked daily. When a source changes, the new version is parsed, validated and reviewed before it goes live, and the change is logged on rule changes.
When sources disagree
The Immigration Rules (the appendices) take precedence over guidance pages. Code titles follow GOV.UK's wording, even where ONS words them slightly differently.
Sources
- Skilled Worker visa: eligible occupations and codes: updated on GOV.UK 29 April 2026
- Immigration Rules Appendix Skilled Occupations: updated on GOV.UK 29 October 2026
- Immigration Rules Appendix Immigration Salary List: updated on GOV.UK 29 October 2026
- Skilled Worker visa: temporary shortage list: updated on GOV.UK 20 July 2026
- Immigration Rules Appendix Skilled Worker: updated on GOV.UK 29 October 2026