2312SOC 2020 · 2 · 23 · 231Higher Skilled · Table 3

Further education teaching professionals: UK Skilled Worker visa and SOC 2312

Higher Skilled

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

Can you get a Skilled Worker visa as a further education teaching professional?

Yes. You can get a UK Skilled Worker visa as a further education teaching professional (SOC 2312) 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

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 (2312).
  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 2312 (Further education teaching professionals) 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 £22,387 for unqualified lecturer 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.
Key facts for SOC 2312
OccupationFurther education teaching professionals
Skilled Worker eligibilityHigher Skilled
Going rateNational pay scale (see below)
Appendix table(s)Table 3 (England), Table 3 (Scotland), Table 3 (Wales), Table 3 (Northern Ireland)
Immigration Salary ListNo
Temporary Shortage ListNo
Equivalent SOC 2010 code(s)2312
SOC 2020 group23 Teaching and other educational professionals › 231 Teaching professionals

National pay scale going rates for 2312

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: England
GradeGoing rate (per year)Weekly hours
Unqualified lecturer£22,387–
Qualified lecturer£27,786–
Advanced teaching and training£41,905–
Leadership & management£41,905–
Table 3: Scotland
GradeGoing rate (per year)Weekly hours
Lecturer and equivalent£27,786–
Senior lecturer and equivalent£41,905–
Table 3: Wales
GradeGoing rate (per year)Weekly hours
Instructor / demonstrator and associate lecturer£24,048.75–
Main grade lecturer£30,619.64–
Upper pay spine£44,010.49–
Management£47,696.57–
Table 3: Northern Ireland
GradeGoing rate (per year)Weekly hours
Lecturer£30,000–
Principal lecturer£52,361–
Heads of Departments£55,339–

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

Job titles under SOC 2312

GOV.UK lists these related job titles:

  • Further education teaching professionals
More job titles from the ONS SOC 2020 index (4)
  • FE College lecturer
  • Lecturer (further education)
  • Teacher (further education)
  • Tutor (further education)

What the job involves

Further education teaching professionals supervise and teach trade, technical, commercial, adult education, secondary and post-secondary courses to students beyond minimum school leaving age.

Typical tasks

  • Prepares, delivers and directs lectures, seminars and tutorials
  • Prepares, administers and marks examinations, essays and other assignments
  • Arranges instructional visits and periods of employment experience for students
  • Assists with the administration of teaching and the arranging of timetables
  • Liaises with other professional and commercial organisations to review course content

Typical entry routes and qualifications

Further education lecturers normally require a professional or academic qualification in the subject area they intend to teach, relevant professional, industrial or business experience and an appropriate teaching qualification. A DBS check may be required.

Description: ONS SOC 2020 Volume 1.

Questions about SOC 2312

Can you get a Skilled Worker visa as a further education teaching professional?

Yes. You can get a UK Skilled Worker visa as a further education teaching professional (SOC 2312) 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 2312 (Further education teaching professionals) is Higher Skilled and is listed in Table 3 of Appendix Skilled Occupations, where the going rate is the national pay scale (for example £22,387 for unqualified lecturer in England). Points option K applies, with a general threshold of £25,000 a year.

What is SOC code 2312?

2312 is the SOC 2020 code for Further education teaching professionals. Further education teaching professionals supervise and teach trade, technical, commercial, adult education, secondary and post-secondary courses to students beyond minimum school leaving age.

What job titles use SOC code 2312?

GOV.UK lists: Further education teaching professionals.

Sources

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