Hiring and Sponsoring Biochemists and biomedical scientists (SOC Code 2113)

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Hiring biochemists and biomedical scientists in the UK requires a clear understanding of the sponsorship process, salary thresholds, and compliance obligations that apply to SOC Code 2113. This guide covers everything UK employers need to know about recruiting and sponsoring these specialist roles.

For related support, explore Annaizu’s sponsorship compliance software, mock audit inspection readiness and mock audit preparation.

For 2026 checks, cross-check the latest GOV.UK immigration skills charge before making sponsorship or visa decisions.

Key Takeaways

Essential Points for Employers

• Biochemists and biomedical scientists fall under SOC Code 2113 in the UK's Standard Occupational Classification system.
• Employers must hold a valid Skilled Worker sponsor licence to hire overseas nationals in this role.
• The role is eligible for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship due to its RQF Level 6 skill threshold.
• Salary requirements and going rates must be met to assign a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS).
• This occupation does not currently appear on the Immigration Salary List, meaning no salary discount applies.

What Do Biochemists and Biomedical Scientists Do?

Biochemists and biomedical scientists study the chemical processes that occur within living organisms. Their work is essential to understanding how diseases develop, how the body responds to treatment, and how new pharmaceutical solutions can be developed and tested.

Typical Duties Under SOC Code 2113

• Conducting research into the chemical and biological processes of living cells and organisms.
• Analysing samples such as blood, tissue, and other body fluids to assist with disease diagnosis.
• Developing and testing pharmaceutical compounds and treatments.
• Using laboratory equipment and techniques including chromatography, electrophoresis, and microscopy.
• Writing up findings and contributing to peer-reviewed research publications.
• Collaborating with clinical teams, research institutions, and pharmaceutical companies.
• Ensuring laboratory processes comply with health, safety, and regulatory standards.

Industries That Employ SOC 2113 Workers

• NHS hospitals and clinical laboratories
• Pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies
• University research departments
• Public Health England and other government agencies
• Private diagnostic laboratories
• Medical device manufacturers

Skilled Worker Visa Eligibility for SOC Code 2113

Biochemists and biomedical scientists are eligible for sponsorship under the UK Skilled Worker visa route. The occupation meets the required skill level of RQF Level 6, which means employers with a sponsor licence can assign a Certificate of Sponsorship to overseas candidates.

Points-Based System Requirements

To be eligible for a Skilled Worker visa under this SOC code, the applicant must score enough points under the UK points-based system. The mandatory requirements include:

• A valid job offer from a licensed sponsor - 20 points
• The role must be at the required skill level (RQF Level 6 or above) - 20 points
• The applicant must meet the English language requirement - 10 points

The applicant must also meet the salary threshold to obtain the remaining points needed to reach the 70-point total required for a successful visa application.

Salary Requirements for Biochemists and Biomedical Scientists

All employers sponsoring workers under SOC Code 2113 must pay at least the higher of the general threshold or the going rate for the specific occupation. Meeting these thresholds is a legal requirement and failure to do so can result in sponsor licence revocation.

Current Salary Thresholds

• General Skilled Worker threshold: £41,700 per year
• New entrant rate (where applicable): £33,400 per year
• The going rate for SOC 2113 must also be checked and matched or exceeded

New Entrant Salary Discounts

A reduced new entrant salary rate may apply in certain circumstances, including where the candidate is switching from a student visa, is under 26 years old, or is in the first year of a postdoctoral position. Employers should check the latest UKVI guidance to confirm whether any discount applies to their specific hire.

How to Sponsor a Biochemist or Biomedical Scientist

Sponsoring a worker under SOC Code 2113 follows the standard Skilled Worker sponsorship process. Employers who do not yet hold a sponsor licence must apply for one before they can assign a Certificate of Sponsorship.

Step-by-Step Sponsorship Process

1. Check that your organisation is eligible to hold a UK sponsor licence.
2. Apply for a Skilled Worker sponsor licence through the UK Visas and Immigration online portal.
3. Wait for the Home Office to process and approve the licence application.
4. Confirm the role meets the SOC Code 2113 skill and salary requirements.
5. Assign a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) to the overseas candidate via the Sponsor Management System.
6. Ensure the candidate uses the CoS reference number to apply for their Skilled Worker visa.
7. Carry out right to work checks before the worker's employment start date.
8. Maintain sponsor compliance records throughout the worker's employment.

Sponsor Licence Requirements

To obtain and retain a sponsor licence, employers must demonstrate that they are a genuine organisation operating lawfully in the UK, that they have appropriate human resources systems in place, and that they are capable of meeting their ongoing sponsor duties. The Home Office may conduct a pre-licence visit to assess this.

Right to Work Checks for SOC Code 2113 Roles

Before a sponsored worker starts employment, the employer must conduct a compliant right to work check. For Skilled Worker visa holders, this typically involves checking the worker's visa vignette or checking their right to work status using the Home Office online checking service with a share code.

Ongoing Compliance Obligations

• Record and retain copies of right to work documents for all sponsored workers.
• Report any changes to the worker's role, salary, or working hours via the Sponsor Management System.
• Report if the worker does not show up for their first day of work.
• Report if the worker's employment ends earlier than the end date on their CoS.
• Keep contact details and address records up to date for all sponsored employees.

Qualifications and Experience Typically Required

Employers recruiting biochemists and biomedical scientists will generally look for candidates with a relevant degree-level qualification in biochemistry, biomedical science, or a related life sciences discipline. Many senior positions will additionally require postgraduate qualifications or significant research experience.

Common Qualifications for SOC 2113 Roles

• BSc in Biochemistry, Biomedical Science, Molecular Biology, or related subject
• MSc or PhD in a relevant discipline for research or senior roles
• IBMS (Institute of Biomedical Science) membership or Fellowship for NHS laboratory roles
• HCPC registration for biomedical scientists working in regulated NHS settings

Shortage Occupation and Immigration Salary List Status

SOC Code 2113 is not currently listed on the Immigration Salary List. This means that employers cannot apply a 20% salary discount when sponsoring workers in this occupation. The full going rate and general salary threshold must be met in all cases unless a new entrant discount applies.

Employers should monitor updates from the Home Office and the Migration Advisory Committee, as shortage occupation designations and salary list inclusions can change following periodic reviews.

Costs Involved in Sponsoring a Biochemist or Biomedical Scientist

Employer Costs

• Sponsor licence application fee: £536 for small or charitable sponsors; £1,682 for medium or large sponsors
• Certificate of Sponsorship fee: £525 per worker
• Immigration Skills Charge: £364 per year for small sponsors; £1,000 per year for medium and large sponsors
• Home Office priority processing fees if applicable

Worker Visa Application Fees

• Skilled Worker visa application fee varies depending on the length of the visa and whether it is applied for inside or outside the UK
• Immigration Health Surcharge applies at the current rate per year of the visa
• Biometric enrolment fees where applicable

Frequently Asked Questions

What is SOC Code 2113?

SOC Code 2113 covers biochemists and biomedical scientists. These are professionals who study chemical processes in living organisms and apply this knowledge to disease diagnosis, treatment development, and pharmaceutical research.

Can I sponsor a biomedical scientist on a Skilled Worker visa?

Yes. Biochemists and biomedical scientists classified under SOC Code 2113 are eligible for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship, provided the employer holds a valid sponsor licence and the role meets the relevant salary and skill thresholds.

Does SOC Code 2113 appear on the Immigration Salary List?

No. SOC Code 2113 is not currently on the Immigration Salary List, so no salary discount is available. The full general threshold and going rate must be paid unless the new entrant rate applies.

What salary do I need to pay a sponsored biochemist?

You must pay at least £41,700 per year or the going rate for SOC Code 2113, whichever is higher. A reduced new entrant rate of £33,400 may apply in specific circumstances. Always check the latest UKVI guidance for current figures.