Hiring and Sponsoring Electrical service and maintenance mechanics and repairers (SOC Code 5246)

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If your business relies on electrical service and maintenance mechanics and repairers, understanding how to hire and sponsor workers under SOC Code 5246 is essential. This guide covers everything UK employers need to know about sponsoring overseas workers in this occupation, from eligibility and salary thresholds to the certificate of sponsorship process.

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Key Takeaways

Essential Points for Employers

• Electrical service and maintenance mechanics and repairers fall under SOC Code 5246 on the UK's eligible occupations list.
• Employers must hold a valid Skilled Worker sponsor licence before issuing a Certificate of Sponsorship.
• The role must meet the minimum salary threshold set by the Home Office, currently £41,700 or the going rate for the occupation, whichever is higher.
• Workers must meet English language requirements and hold a valid job offer before applying for a Skilled Worker visa.
• Sponsors must carry out right to work checks and maintain accurate records throughout the worker's employment.

What Is SOC Code 5246?

SOC Code 5246 covers electrical service and maintenance mechanics and repairers. Workers in this category install, maintain, diagnose, and repair electrical systems and equipment across a wide range of industries, including manufacturing, utilities, and commercial facilities.

Typical Job Titles Under SOC 5246

• Electrical maintenance engineer
• Electrical service technician
• Electrical repairer
• Maintenance electrician
• Appliance service engineer
• Electrical systems maintenance mechanic

Core Duties and Responsibilities

• Inspecting, testing, and repairing electrical equipment and machinery
• Diagnosing electrical faults using specialist tools and diagnostics equipment
• Carrying out planned preventative maintenance on electrical systems
• Replacing defective components including wiring, motors, and control systems
• Ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations and electrical standards
• Keeping maintenance logs and reporting on equipment condition

Is SOC Code 5246 Eligible for Skilled Worker Sponsorship?

Yes. Electrical service and maintenance mechanics and repairers under SOC Code 5246 appear on the list of eligible occupations for the Skilled Worker visa route. This means UK employers with a valid sponsor licence can sponsor overseas nationals to fill these roles, provided all eligibility criteria are met.

Skilled Worker Visa Requirements for SOC 5246

Salary Threshold

As of April 2024, the general salary threshold for Skilled Worker visas is £41,700 per year. Employers must pay whichever is higher - the general threshold or the going rate for SOC Code 5246. Always check the latest Home Office guidance on gov.uk to confirm the current going rate for this occupation code.

English Language Requirement

Applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency at B1 level or above on the Common European Framework of Reference. This can be evidenced through an approved secure English language test, a degree taught in English, or nationality from a majority English-speaking country.

Skill Level

The role must be at RQF Level 3 or above. SOC Code 5246 meets this requirement, making it eligible under the Skilled Worker route.

Certificate of Sponsorship

The employer must assign a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) to the worker before the visa application is submitted. The CoS must accurately reflect the job title, salary, and duties associated with the role.

How to Get a Sponsor Licence to Hire Under SOC 5246

Before sponsoring any worker under this occupation code, your business must hold a Skilled Worker sponsor licence issued by the Home Office. Here is a step-by-step overview of the process.

1. Check your business is eligible to apply - you must be a genuine UK-based organisation operating lawfully.
2. Appoint key personnel including an Authorising Officer, Key Contact, and Level 1 User for the Sponsor Management System.
3. Gather supporting documents including proof of business registration, financial accounts, and evidence of genuine vacancies.
4. Submit the online sponsor licence application through the Home Office portal and pay the application fee.
5. Await a decision, which typically takes up to eight weeks - or five working days if you apply for priority processing.
6. Once approved, use the Sponsor Management System to assign Certificates of Sponsorship to workers.

Sponsor Licence Costs

Application Fees

• Small or charitable sponsors: £536
• Medium or large sponsors: £1,682

Certificate of Sponsorship Fee

Each Certificate of Sponsorship for a Skilled Worker costs £239. This fee is paid by the employer and cannot be passed on to the worker.

Immigration Skills Charge

Employers are also required to pay the Immigration Skills Charge when assigning a CoS for roles at RQF Level 6 and above, or for certain other categories. For SOC 5246 roles below RQF Level 6, confirm with the Home Office whether the charge applies. The standard rates are £1,000 per year for medium and large sponsors, and £364 per year for small or charitable sponsors.

Right to Work Checks for Electrical Maintenance Workers

All employers in the UK must conduct right to work checks before employment begins, regardless of the worker's nationality. For sponsored workers under SOC 5246, you must verify the worker's visa and ensure it permits work in the role you are offering.

Acceptable Evidence of Right to Work

• UK Visas and Immigration online right to work check using the worker's share code
• Original valid passport or travel document endorsed with permission to work
• Biometric Residence Permit confirming permission to work in the UK

Ongoing Sponsor Compliance Duties

Once you have sponsored a worker under SOC Code 5246, you must maintain compliance with all Home Office sponsor duties throughout their employment. Failure to do so can result in your licence being downgraded, suspended, or revoked.

Key Compliance Obligations

• Report any changes to the worker's employment, including salary changes, role changes, or absences, via the Sponsor Management System.
• Keep accurate records of all sponsored workers including contact details, job titles, and salary information.
• Notify the Home Office if a sponsored worker stops working for you or their visa is curtailed.
• Cooperate with any Home Office compliance visits or audits.
• Ensure the worker's salary continues to meet the minimum threshold throughout their sponsorship period.

Shortage Occupation and Going Rates

The shortage occupation list was replaced by the Immigration Salary List in April 2024. Employers should check the current Immigration Salary List to determine whether SOC Code 5246 roles attract any salary discount. Even where a discount applies, the salary must still meet the general threshold of £41,700 or the occupation going rate, whichever is higher.

Recruiting Electrical Maintenance Workers from Overseas

Common Source Countries

UK employers sponsoring electrical service and maintenance mechanics often recruit from countries including India, Nigeria, the Philippines, South Africa, and various EU member states. Workers from these regions frequently hold relevant qualifications and significant experience in industrial and commercial electrical maintenance.

Recognising Overseas Qualifications

UK employers should verify that overseas qualifications are equivalent to UK standards. NARIC, now known as UK ENIC, provides statements of comparability for foreign qualifications. While the Home Office does not always require formal recognition, it is good practice to confirm that the worker's credentials meet the requirements of the role.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is SOC Code 5246?

SOC Code 5246 refers to electrical service and maintenance mechanics and repairers. It covers workers who install, maintain, diagnose, and repair electrical systems, machinery, and appliances across industrial, commercial, and domestic settings.

Can I sponsor a worker under SOC Code 5246 on a Skilled Worker visa?

Yes. SOC Code 5246 is on the eligible occupations list for the Skilled Worker visa route. You must hold a valid sponsor licence and the role must meet the salary threshold and skill level requirements set by the Home Office.

What salary do I need to pay a sponsored electrical maintenance worker?

You must pay at least £41,700 per year or the going rate for SOC Code 5246, whichever is higher. Always check the latest going rate table on gov.uk before assigning a Certificate of Sponsorship.

How long does it take to get a sponsor licence?

Standard processing takes up to eight weeks. Priority processing, which costs an additional fee, reduces this to around five working days. You cannot sponsor any workers until your licence has been granted.

Do I need to pay the Immigration Skills Charge for SOC 5246 workers?

The Immigration Skills Charge applies to most Skilled Worker sponsorships. The charge is £1,000 per year for medium and large sponsors and £364 per year for small or charitable sponsors. Certain exemptions apply, so check the current Home Office guidance to confirm whether it applies to your specific situation.