Can you get a Skilled Worker visa as a laboratory technician?
Yes, for now. You can get a UK Skilled Worker visa as a laboratory technician (SOC 3111) because the job is on a shortage list, until the list’s end date.
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 of at least £33,400 a year
- 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
If the job includes research at PhD level in some science and technology subjects, you may also need an ATAS certificate. Read the ATAS rules on GOV.UK.
This job can also use the Health and Care Worker visa.
Check the date. The Temporary Shortage List only counts if your employer gives you your certificate of sponsorship before 31 December 2026.
How much it costs
| Visa fee | £628 for up to 3 years £1,235 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 £628 plus £3,105 for the healthcare surcharge: £3,733 in total. Your partner and children pay too if they come with you. The lower fee applies because the job is on the Immigration Salary List. 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 (3111).
- 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 3111 (Laboratory technicians) is Medium Skilled (RQF level 3–5) and is on the Immigration Salary List and the Temporary Shortage List. The Temporary Shortage List applies where the certificate of sponsorship was issued before 31 December 2026. It is listed in Table 1a of Appendix Skilled OccupationsT1a · 29 Oct 26: only for people granted Skilled Worker permission under the rules before 22 July 2025 who have held it continuously since, unless the job is on the Immigration Salary List (option D) or the Temporary Shortage List.
Source: Appendix Skilled Occupations and eligible occupations and codes, GOV.UK.| Occupation | Laboratory technicians |
|---|---|
| Skilled Worker eligibility | Medium Skilled |
| Going rate | £33,400 a year (£17.13 an hour)T1a |
| Appendix table(s) | Table 1a, Table 2aa |
| Immigration Salary List | Yes, until 31 December 2026Only jobs requiring 3 or more years’ related on-the-job experience. This experience must not have been gained through working illegally. (all UK) |
| Temporary Shortage List | Yes, certificate of sponsorship issued before 31 December 2026Laboratory technicians |
| Eligible for PhD points | Yes |
| Equivalent SOC 2010 code(s) | 3111 |
| SOC 2020 group | 31 Science, engineering and technology associate professionals › 311 Science, engineering and production technicians |
Going rates for 3111 in Appendix Skilled Occupations
A code can appear in more than one table. Each table applies to different applicants. Rates are per year for a 37.5-hour week and must be pro-rated for other hours.
| Table and who it applies to | Going rate | 90% | 80% | 70% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Table 1aOnly for people granted Skilled Worker permission under the rules before 22 July 2025 who have held it continuously since, unless the job is on the Immigration Salary List (option D) or the Temporary Shortage List. | £33,400 £17.13/hr | £33,400 £17.13/hr | £33,400 £17.13/hr | £33,400 £17.13/hr |
| Table 2aaFor applicants using options F–J who were granted Skilled Worker permission before 22 July 2025 and have held it continuously, unless option I (Immigration Salary List) or the Temporary Shortage List applies. Not eligible for Global Business Mobility or Scale-up. | £25,000 £12.82/hr | £25,000 £12.82/hr | £25,000 £12.82/hr | £25,000 £12.82/hr |
Salary thresholds that apply to 3111
Under Appendix Skilled Worker, the salary must equal or exceed both the general threshold and the going-rate figure for the points option used. This table puts the two figures side by side for each option. It does not say which option applies to any person. See salary thresholds for the conditions on each option.
| Option | Condition | General threshold | Going-rate figure | Higher of the two |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | Standard | £41,700 | £33,400 (100%) | £41,700 |
| B | The applicant has a PhD in a subject relevant to the job | £37,500 | £33,400 (90%) | £37,500 |
| C | The applicant has a PhD in a STEM subject relevant to the job | £33,400 | £33,400 (80%) | £33,400 |
| D | The applicant is being sponsored for a job on the Immigration Salary List | £33,400 | £33,400 (100%) | £33,400 |
| E | The applicant is a new entrant at the start of their career | £33,400 | £33,400 (70%) | £33,400 |
| Option | Condition | General threshold | Going-rate figure | Higher of the two |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| F | Standard | £31,300 | £25,000 (100%) | £31,300 |
| G | The applicant has a PhD in a subject relevant to the job | £28,200 | £25,000 (90%) | £28,200 |
| H | The applicant has a PhD in a STEM subject relevant to the job | £25,000 | £25,000 (80%) | £25,000 |
| I | The applicant is being sponsored for a job on the Immigration Salary List | £25,000 | £25,000 (100%) | £25,000 |
| J | The applicant is a new entrant at the start of their career | £25,000 | £25,000 (70%) | £25,000 |
Rule changes that named 3111
- HC 997: Skilled Worker changes laid on 1 July 2025 (1 July 2025)
Job titles under SOC 3111
GOV.UK lists these related job titles:
- Biological laboratory technicians
- Chemical laboratory technicians
- Health physics monitors
- Laboratory food technicians
- Medical laboratory technicians
- Laboratory technicians not elsewhere classified
More job titles from the ONS SOC 2020 index (6)
- Assistant scientist (laboratory)
- Associate practitioner (laboratory)
- Cytoscreener
- Hospital technician
- Laboratory technician
- Scientific technician
What the job involves
Laboratory technicians carry out routine laboratory tests and checks and perform a variety of technical support functions requiring the application of established or prescribed procedures and techniques to assist scientists with their research, development, analysis and testing, and to verify the physical, chemical and other characteristics of materials and products.
Typical tasks
- Sets up and assists with the construction and the development of scientific apparatus for experimental, demonstration or other purposes
- Prepares organic and inorganic material for examination and stains and fixes slides for microscope work
- Operates and services specialised scientific equipment, undertakes prescribed measurements and analyses and ensures that sterile conditions necessary for some equipment are maintained
- Records and collates data obtained from experimental work and documents all work carried out
- Maintains and rotates stock and supplies
- Disposes of chemical and biological waste safely
- Keeps up to date with new technical developments
Typical entry routes and qualifications
Entry varies from employer to employer. Entrants usually possess a degree, although entry is also possible with A-levels, GCSEs/S grades, an appropriate BTEC/SQA award or HNC/HND. Professional qualifications, NVQs/SVQs at various levels, and apprenticeships are available in some areas of work. Good eyesight, and in some cases, normal colour vision are also required.
Description: ONS SOC 2020 Volume 1.
Questions about SOC 3111
Can you get a Skilled Worker visa as a laboratory technician?
Yes, for now. You can get a UK Skilled Worker visa as a laboratory technician (SOC 3111) because the job is on a shortage list, until the list's end date. SOC 2020 code 3111 (Laboratory technicians) is Medium Skilled (RQF level 3–5) and is on the Immigration Salary List and the Temporary Shortage List. The Temporary Shortage List applies where the certificate of sponsorship was issued before 31 December 2026. It is listed in Table 1a of Appendix Skilled Occupations: only for people granted Skilled Worker permission under the rules before 22 July 2025 who have held it continuously since, unless the job is on the Immigration Salary List (option D) or the Temporary Shortage List.
What is SOC code 3111?
3111 is the SOC 2020 code for Laboratory technicians. Laboratory technicians carry out routine laboratory tests and checks and perform a variety of technical support functions requiring the application of established or prescribed procedures and techniques to assist scientists with their research, development, analysis and testing, and to verify the physical, chemical and other characteristics of materials and products.
What is the going rate for SOC code 3111?
Table 1a of Appendix Skilled Occupations gives a going rate of £33,400 a year (£17.13 an hour) for 3111, based on a 37.5-hour week. It must be pro-rated for other working hours.
Is 3111 on the Immigration Salary List?
Yes. Only jobs requiring 3 or more years’ related on-the-job experience. This experience must not have been gained through working illegally. in England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland. The list states a removal date of 31 December 2026.
Is 3111 on the Temporary Shortage List?
Yes, for laboratory technicians. It applies where the certificate of sponsorship was issued before 31 December 2026.
What job titles use SOC code 3111?
GOV.UK lists: Biological laboratory technicians, Chemical laboratory technicians, Health physics monitors, Laboratory food technicians, Medical laboratory technicians, Laboratory technicians 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 Immigration Salary List (GOV.UK, updated 29 October 2026)
- Skilled Worker visa: temporary shortage list (GOV.UK, updated 20 July 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.