If you’re an international job seeker with dreams of building your career in the UK — this is the moment you’ve been waiting for.
The UK Government has officially updated the Skilled Worker Visa occupation list, and it’s massive. From engineers, IT wizards, and nurses to chefs, welders, tailors, and even social media influencers, thousands of new global professionals are now eligible to apply for a UK work visa starting April 10, 2025.
This isn’t just a minor tweak — this is a game-changing expansion of career pathways across tech, healthcare, construction, education, hospitality, logistics, arts, and more. Let’s unpack the most thrilling highlights:
What’s New?
On April 9, 2025, the UK Home Office released a new, fully updated list of eligible occupation codes. Here’s what stands out:
- IT & Digital Professions: Software developers (2134), Cybersecurity professionals (2135), Data analysts (3544), UI/UX designers (2141), DevOps engineers (2139), and more are all on the YES list!
- Healthcare: From general practitioners (2211) and specialist doctors (2212) to nurses (2231-2237), psychologists (2225-2226), and senior care workers (6136) — every layer of healthcare is covered.
- Engineers: Civil (2121), Mechanical (2122), Electrical (2123), Aerospace (2126), and Project Engineers (2127) — all are eligible.
- Education: Teachers across early childhood, primary, secondary, special education, and ESL (2311-2319) are welcomed with open arms.
- Creative Arts & Media: Yes, you read that right — artists (3411), musicians (3415), social media influencers, photographers (3417), and actors (3413) are on the list!
- Skilled Trades: Carpenters (5316), Roofers (5314), Electricians (5241), Plumbers (5315), Chefs (5434), Welders (5213), and more now have open doors in the UK!
- Business & Finance: Chartered Accountants (2421), Investment Analysts (2422), Marketing Managers (2432), and HR officers (3571) are greenlighted.
Full List of 200+ occupations with codes eligible for UK skilled work visas in 2025: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/skilled-worker-visa-eligible-occupations/skilled-worker-visa-eligible-occupations-and-codes– (New Release)
How to Find Your Occupation Code After New Update?
- Use the CASCOT occupation coding tool if you’re unsure of your job’s code.
- Search by job title or duties — the job title might be listed differently than in your country.
- Check the updated Skilled Worker eligibility list, now active from April 10, 2025.
Pro Tip: Use full keywords like “laboratory” instead of “lab” when searching your occupation.
New Ineligible Occupations for UK Skilled Work Visa Starting April 10, 2025
Unfortunately, several low-wage, low-skilled, or part-time occupations remain ineligible, including:
- Bar staff, waiters, and fast-food workers
- Taxi drivers and delivery riders
- Housekeepers and cleaners
- Postal workers, packers, and warehouse assistants (except under extension)
Make sure your job is marked “Yes” under the Skilled Worker column before applying!
Can You Bring Your Family Upon Qualifying for Work Visa?
Absolutely! Most occupations eligible under the Skilled Worker route allow dependents (spouse + children) to apply with you and even work or study in the UK.