Can you get a Skilled Worker visa for this job?
Yes. This job can be sponsored for a Skilled Worker visa.
What you need
You must have:
- a job offer from a UK employer that's allowed to sponsor visas (check the sponsor list)
- a "certificate of sponsorship" from that employer: a reference number with details of your job
- a salary that meets the NHS or teacher pay scale for your role, and is at least £25,000 a year (see the pay scales)
- English at level B2: you can usually prove it with an approved test or a degree taught in English (ways to prove it)
- £1,270 in savings, unless your employer covers your first month or you've been in the UK for 12 months or more
- a criminal record certificate, if you're applying from outside the UK
This job can also use the Health and Care Worker visa.
How much it costs
| Visa fee, applying from outside the UK | £819 for up to 3 years £1,618 for more than 3 years |
|---|---|
| Visa fee, applying from inside the UK | £943 for up to 3 years £1,865 for more than 3 years |
| Healthcare surcharge | usually £1,035 a year |
| Savings to show (if needed) | £1,270 |
For example, a 3-year visa from outside the UK costs £819 plus £3,105 for the healthcare surcharge: £3,924 in total. Your partner and children pay too if they come with you. Full fees.
How long it takes
- You'll usually get a decision within 3 weeks if you apply from outside the UK.
- It's usually 8 weeks if you apply from inside the UK.
- Your visa can last up to 5 years. You can extend it.
- After 5 years you may be able to apply to settle in the UK.
How to apply
- Get a job offer from a licensed sponsor and ask for this job's occupation code (2211).
- Get your certificate of sponsorship reference number from your employer.
- Prove your English and get your documents ready (documents list).
- Apply online on GOV.UK: apply from outside the UK. You'll pay the fee and the healthcare surcharge.
- Prove your identity, using the ID Check app or at a visa application centre.
Things to check
- Do make sure the job description matches the work you'll actually do. The occupation code must fit the job.
- Do check your employer is on the licensed sponsor list.
- Don't apply before you have a certificate of sponsorship. You need a confirmed job offer first.
- Don't count overtime, bonuses or allowances. Only guaranteed basic pay counts towards the salary.
- Don't change job or employer without updating your visa.
Based on the UK Immigration Rules and the Skilled Worker visa guide on GOV.UK. This is a summary, not advice about your own situation.
The rules in detail
SOC 2020 code 2211 (Generalist medical practitioners) is Higher Skilled and is listed in Table 3 of Appendix Skilled OccupationsT3 · 29 Oct 26, where the going rate is the national pay scale (for example £36,616 for foundation year 1 (F1) and equivalent in England). Points option K applies, with a general threshold of £25,000 a year.
Source: Appendix Skilled Occupations and eligible occupations and codes, GOV.UK.| Occupation | Generalist medical practitioners |
|---|---|
| Skilled Worker eligibility | Higher Skilled |
| Going rate | National pay scale (see below) |
| Appendix table(s) | Table 3 (England), Table 3 (Scotland), Table 3 (Wales), Table 3 (Northern Ireland) |
| Immigration Salary List | No |
| Temporary Shortage List | No |
| Equivalent SOC 2010 code(s) | 2211 |
| SOC 2020 group | 22 Health professionals › 221 Medical practitioners |
National pay scale going rates for 2211
For health and education codes, the going rate is the relevant national pay scale, which differs between England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
| Grade | Going rate (per year) | Weekly hours |
|---|---|---|
| Foundation year 1 (F1) and equivalent | £36,616 | 40 |
| Foundation year 2 (F2) and equivalent | £42,008 | 40 |
| Specialty registrar (StR) at ST/CT1-2 and equivalent | £49,909 | 40 |
| Specialty registrar (StR) at CT3/ST3-5 | £61,825 | 40 |
| Specialty doctor and equivalent | £59,175 | 40 |
| Salaried General practitioner (GP) and equivalent | £73,113 | 40 |
| Specialist doctor and equivalent | £96,990 | 40 |
| Consultant and equivalent | £105,504 | 40 |
| Grade | Going rate (per year) | Weekly hours |
|---|---|---|
| Foundation year 1 (F1) and equivalent | £34,500 | 40 |
| Foundation year 2 (F2) and equivalent | £42,794 | 40 |
| Specialty registrar (StR) | £45,504 | 40 |
| Specialty doctor and equivalent | £47,905 | 40 |
| Salaried General practitioner (GP) and equivalent | £74,192 | 40 |
| Consultant and equivalent | £107,144 | 40 |
| Grade | Going rate (per year) | Weekly hours |
|---|---|---|
| Foundation year 1 (F1) and equivalent | £33,307 | 40 |
| Foundation year 2 (F2) and equivalent | £41,073 | 40 |
| Specialty registrar (StR) at ST/CT1-2 and equivalent | £43,821 | 40 |
| Specialty registrar (StR) at CT/ST3 and above | £43,821 | 40 |
| Specialty doctor and equivalent | £59,727 | 40 |
| Salaried General practitioner (GP) and equivalent | £76,079 | 40 |
| Consultant and equivalent | £106,000 | 37.5 |
| Grade | Going rate (per year) | Weekly hours |
|---|---|---|
| Foundation year 1 (F1) and equivalent | £29,566 | 40 |
| Foundation year 2 (F2) and equivalent | £36,371 | 40 |
| Specialty registrar (StR) at ST/CT1-2 and equivalent | £38,780 | 40 |
| Specialty registrar (StR) at CT/ST3 and above | £44,283 | 40 |
| Specialty doctor (new 2021 contract) and equivalent | £52,530 | 40 |
| Salaried General practitioner (GP) and equivalent | £69,974 | 40 |
| Specialist (new 2021 contract) and equivalent) | £83,945 | 40 |
| Consultant and equivalent | £94,127 | 40 |
Going rates must be pro-rated for other working patterns, based on the weekly hours stated by the sponsor.
Job titles under SOC 2211
GOV.UK lists these related job titles:
- General practitioners
- Public health doctors
- Generalist medical practitioners not elsewhere classified
More job titles from the ONS SOC 2020 index (5)
- Doctor
- General practitioner
- House officer (hospital service)
- Medical practitioner
- Physician
What the job involves
Generalist medical practitioners diagnose mental and physical injuries, disorders and diseases, prescribe and give treatment, recommend preventative action, and conduct medical education and research activities. They work in hospitals or in general practice and, where necessary, refer the patient to a specialist.
Typical tasks
- Examines patient, arranges for any necessary x-rays or other tests and interprets results
- Diagnoses condition and prescribes and/or administers appropriate treatment
- Administers medical tests and inoculations against communicable diseases
- Supervises patient’s progress and advises on diet, exercise and other preventative action
- Refers patient to specialist where necessary and liaises with specialist
- Prepares and delivers lectures, undertakes research, and conducts and participates in clinical trials
- Supervises the implementation of care and treatment plans by other healthcare providers
Typical entry routes and qualifications
Entrants require a university degree from a medical school recognised by the General Medical Council followed by two years of pre-registration training as a house officer. Some medical schools operate graduate entry schemes. Once the pre-registration period as house officer is completed, further postgraduate training in a general practice training programme is completed
Description: ONS SOC 2020 Volume 1.
Questions about SOC 2211
What is SOC code 2211?
2211 is the SOC 2020 code for Generalist medical practitioners. Generalist medical practitioners diagnose mental and physical injuries, disorders and diseases, prescribe and give treatment, recommend preventative action, and conduct medical education and research activities. They work in hospitals or in general practice and, where necessary, refer the patient to a specialist.
Is SOC code 2211 eligible for the Skilled Worker visa?
SOC 2020 code 2211 (Generalist medical practitioners) is Higher Skilled and is listed in Table 3 of Appendix Skilled Occupations, where the going rate is the national pay scale (for example £36,616 for foundation year 1 (F1) and equivalent in England). Points option K applies, with a general threshold of £25,000 a year.
What job titles use SOC code 2211?
GOV.UK lists: General practitioners, Public health doctors, Generalist medical practitioners not elsewhere classified.
Sources
- Skilled Worker visa: eligible occupations and codes (GOV.UK, updated 29 April 2026)
- Immigration Rules Appendix Skilled Occupations (GOV.UK, updated 29 October 2026)
- Immigration Rules Appendix Skilled Worker (GOV.UK, updated 29 October 2026)
- ONS SOC 2020 Volume 1: structure and descriptions of unit groups
Compiled by SWC Editorial Team from the sources above. An information summary, not immigration advice. Report an error on this page.