2223SOC 2020 · 2 · 22 · 222Higher Skilled · Table 3

Speech and language therapists: UK Skilled Worker visa and SOC 2223

Higher Skilled

Rules checked against GOV.UK 6 November 2026 · Compiled by SWC Editorial Team

Can you get a Skilled Worker visa as a speech or language therapist?

Yes. You can get a UK Skilled Worker visa as a speech or language therapist (SOC 2223) if you meet the requirements below.

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 surchargeusually £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

  1. Get a job offer from a licensed sponsor and ask for this job's occupation code (2223).
  2. Get your certificate of sponsorship reference number from your employer.
  3. Prove your English and get your documents ready (documents list).
  4. Apply online on GOV.UK: apply from outside the UK. You'll pay the fee and the healthcare surcharge.
  5. 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 2223 (Speech and language therapists) 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. Points option K applies, with a general threshold of £25,000 a year.

Source: Appendix Skilled Occupations and eligible occupations and codes, GOV.UK.
Key facts for SOC 2223
OccupationSpeech and language therapists
Skilled Worker eligibilityHigher Skilled
Going rateNational pay scale (see below)
Appendix table(s)Table 3
Immigration Salary ListNo
Temporary Shortage ListNo
Equivalent SOC 2010 code(s)2223
SOC 2020 group22 Health professionals › 222 Therapy professionals

Agenda for Change pay bands (Table 4)

BandEnglandScotlandWalesNorthern Ireland
Band 3£24,071£26,869£24,433£22,816
Band 4£26,530£29,116£26,928£25,147
Band 5£29,970£31,892£30,420£28,407
Band 6£37,338£39,912£37,898£35,392
Band 7£46,148£48,788£46,840£43,742
Band 8a£53,755£60,126£54,550£50,952
Band 8b£62,215£70,986£63,150£58,972
Band 8c£74,290£83,837£75,405£70,417
Band 8d£88,168£99,534£89,491£83,571
Band 9£105,385£117,732£106,967£99,891

Band 1 and band 2 jobs are not eligible to be sponsored. Except for 6131 Nursing auxiliaries and assistants, band 3 and band 4 jobs can only be sponsored for people granted Skilled Worker permission before 22 July 2025 who have held it continuously (Table 4 notes).

Job titles under SOC 2223

GOV.UK lists these related job titles:

  • Speech and language therapists
More job titles from the ONS SOC 2020 index (4)
  • Communication therapist
  • Language therapist
  • Speech and language therapist
  • Speech therapist

What the job involves

Speech and language therapists are responsible for the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of speech, language, fluency and voice disorders caused by disability, injury or illness.

Typical tasks

  • Assesses, tests and diagnoses a client’s condition
  • Designs and initiates appropriate rehabilitation and/or remedial programmes of treatment
  • Treats speech and language disorders by coaching and counselling clients or through the use of artificial communication devices
  • Attends case conferences and liaises with other specialists such as doctors, teachers, social workers and psychologists
  • Counsels relatives to help cope with the problems created by a patient’s disability
  • Writes reports and maintains client caseloads

Typical entry routes and qualifications

Entrants require a recognised graduate or postgraduate degree that encompasses both theory and clinical practice. Successful completion of these courses leads to eligibility for a certificate to practice and membership of the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists. Full membership is granted after completion of a year of supervised, post-qualifying experience.

Description: ONS SOC 2020 Volume 1.

Questions about SOC 2223

Can you get a Skilled Worker visa as a speech or language therapist?

Yes. You can get a UK Skilled Worker visa as a speech or language therapist (SOC 2223) if you meet the requirements: a job offer from a licensed sponsor, a certificate of sponsorship, the minimum salary, and English at level B2. SOC 2020 code 2223 (Speech and language therapists) is Higher Skilled and is listed in Table 3 of Appendix Skilled Occupations, where the going rate is the national pay scale. Points option K applies, with a general threshold of £25,000 a year.

What is SOC code 2223?

2223 is the SOC 2020 code for Speech and language therapists. Speech and language therapists are responsible for the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of speech, language, fluency and voice disorders caused by disability, injury or illness.

What job titles use SOC code 2223?

GOV.UK lists: Speech and language therapists.

Sources

Compiled by SWC Editorial Team from the sources above. An information summary, not immigration advice. Report an error on this page.