2226SOC 2020 · 2 · 22 · 222Higher Skilled · Table 3

Other psychologists: UK Skilled Worker visa and SOC 2226

Higher Skilled

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

Can you get a Skilled Worker visa for a job in “other psychologists”?

Yes. You can get a UK Skilled Worker visa for a job in “other psychologists” (SOC 2226) 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 (2226).
  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 2226 (Other psychologists) 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 £56,763 for educational Psychologist). 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 2226
OccupationOther psychologists
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)2212
SOC 2020 group22 Health professionals › 222 Therapy professionals

National pay scale going rates for 2226

For health and education codes, the going rate is the relevant national pay scale, which differs between England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Table 3
GradeGoing rate (per year)Weekly hours
Educational Psychologist£56,763–
Senior Educational Psychologist, Depute Principal Educational Psychologist and Principal Educational Psychologist£76,701–

Going rates must be pro-rated for other working patterns, based on the weekly hours stated by the sponsor.

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 2226

GOV.UK lists these related job titles:

  • Counselling psychologists
  • Educational psychologists
  • Forensic psychologists
  • Health psychologists
  • Occupational psychologists
  • Research psychologists
  • Sports psychologists
  • Other psychologists not elsewhere classified
More job titles from the ONS SOC 2020 index (5)
  • Educational psychologist
  • Forensic psychologist
  • Occupational psychologist
  • Psychologist
  • Psychometrist

What the job involves

Psychologists research, study and assess emotional, cognitive and behavioural processes and abnormalities in human beings and animals and how these are affected by genetic, physical and social factors.

Typical tasks

  • Develops and administers tests to measure intelligence, abilities, aptitudes, etc. and assesses results
  • Develops treatment and guidance methods and gives treatment or guidance using a variety of therapy and counselling techniques
  • Observes and experiments on humans and animals to measure mental and physical characteristics
  • Analyses the effect of hereditary, social and physical factors on thought and behaviour
  • Studies psychological factors in the treatment and prevention of mental illness or emotional and personality disorders
  • Maintains required contacts with family members, education or other health professionals, as appropriate, and recommends possible solutions to problems presented
  • Applies professional knowledge and techniques within the workplace, addressing issues such as job design, work groups, motivation etc
  • Applies psychological treatment methods to help athletes achieve optimum mental health and enhance sporting performance

Typical entry routes and qualifications

Entrants require a degree in psychology recognised by the British Psychology Society. Postgraduate and professional qualifications relating to different areas of psychology are available and are required for certain posts.

Description: ONS SOC 2020 Volume 1.

Questions about SOC 2226

Can you get a Skilled Worker visa for a job in “other psychologists”?

Yes. You can get a UK Skilled Worker visa for a job in “other psychologists” (SOC 2226) 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 2226 (Other psychologists) is Higher Skilled and is listed in Table 3 of Appendix Skilled Occupations, where the going rate is the national pay scale (for example £56,763 for educational Psychologist). Points option K applies, with a general threshold of £25,000 a year.

What is SOC code 2226?

2226 is the SOC 2020 code for Other psychologists. Psychologists research, study and assess emotional, cognitive and behavioural processes and abnormalities in human beings and animals and how these are affected by genetic, physical and social factors.

What job titles use SOC code 2226?

GOV.UK lists: Counselling psychologists, Educational psychologists, Forensic psychologists, Health psychologists, Occupational psychologists, Research psychologists, Sports psychologists, Other psychologists not elsewhere classified.

Sources

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