Hiring and Sponsoring IT business analysts; architects and systems designers (SOC Code 2133)

‍

Hiring skilled IT professionals from overseas is a well-established route for UK employers facing domestic talent shortages. IT business analysts, architects and systems designers sit under SOC Code 2133 and are eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa route. This guide covers everything you need to know about sponsoring workers in this occupation, from salary thresholds and job duties to the application process and compliance obligations.

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

Key Takeaways

Essential Points for Employers

• SOC Code 2133 covers IT business analysts, architects and systems designers - all eligible for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship.
• Employers must hold a valid sponsor licence before assigning a Certificate of Sponsorship to any overseas worker.
• The minimum salary threshold for this occupation must be met at the time of application and throughout employment.
• Right to work checks are mandatory before employment begins and must be maintained throughout the worker's time in the role.
• Annaizu can help UK employers manage sponsor licence duties and compliance obligations end to end.

What is SOC Code 2133?

SOC Code 2133 is the Standard Occupational Classification code assigned by the UK government to IT business analysts, architects and systems designers. This broad category includes professionals who analyse client business needs, define the scope of IT solutions, design system architectures and oversee the implementation of technology projects to improve business efficiency.

Roles Covered Under SOC 2133

• IT business analyst
• Systems architect
• Systems designer
• Enterprise architect
• Solutions architect
• Business systems analyst
• IT consultant (business analysis focused)

If the role you are recruiting for falls under one of these job titles and the duties align with the occupation description, you can use this SOC code when assigning a Certificate of Sponsorship.

Typical Job Duties for SOC 2133

When assigning a Certificate of Sponsorship, the job duties listed must accurately reflect the role. Common duties for SOC 2133 roles include the following.

• Analysing client business requirements and translating them into technical specifications.
• Designing and documenting IT system architectures and workflows.
• Evaluating existing systems and identifying areas for improvement or modernisation.
• Collaborating with development teams to implement technical solutions.
• Managing stakeholder relationships and communicating technical concepts to non-technical audiences.
• Overseeing testing and quality assurance of new or updated systems.
• Ensuring IT solutions align with business goals, regulatory requirements and security standards.

Skilled Worker Visa Eligibility for SOC 2133

To sponsor a worker under SOC Code 2133 on the Skilled Worker visa, both the employer and the candidate must meet a set of eligibility requirements. The role must appear on the eligible occupations list, which SOC 2133 does, and the salary must meet the applicable threshold.

Employer Requirements

• Hold a valid UK sponsor licence for the Skilled Worker route.
• Have a genuine vacancy that meets the SOC 2133 job description.
• Pay the worker at least the minimum salary threshold for the occupation.
• Assign a valid Certificate of Sponsorship before the worker applies for their visa.
• Maintain accurate records and comply with ongoing sponsor duties.

Worker Requirements

• Hold a valid Certificate of Sponsorship reference number from a licensed sponsor.
• Meet the English language requirement at the required level.
• Have enough personal savings to support themselves on arrival, unless exempt.
• Meet the salary threshold for the role.
• Provide a valid passport and any supporting documentation required by UKVI.

Salary Thresholds for SOC 2133

The Skilled Worker visa has a general minimum salary threshold as well as an occupation-specific going rate. Sponsors must pay whichever is higher. For SOC 2133, the Home Office sets a going rate based on the median salary for the occupation. Employers should check the latest UK Visas and Immigration guidance on going rates before assigning a Certificate of Sponsorship, as thresholds are updated periodically.

Key Salary Rules to Follow

• The salary must meet both the general threshold and the going rate for SOC 2133, whichever is higher.
• Salary must be a guaranteed basic salary - discretionary bonuses and allowances generally cannot be used to meet the threshold.
• Part-time roles are permitted but the pro-rated salary must still meet the minimum hourly rate.
• Salary must be maintained throughout the sponsorship period, not just at the point of application.

How to Sponsor a Worker Under SOC 2133

The process for sponsoring an IT business analyst, architect or systems designer follows the standard Skilled Worker sponsorship route. Below is a step-by-step overview.

1. Apply for a sponsor licence if you do not already hold one, using the online application on gov.uk.
2. Wait for the Home Office to assess your application - standard processing takes up to eight weeks.
3. Once licensed, log in to the Sponsor Management System and assign a Certificate of Sponsorship to your chosen candidate.
4. The worker uses the Certificate of Sponsorship reference number to apply for their Skilled Worker visa online.
5. The worker submits supporting documents including their passport, English language evidence and proof of savings if required.
6. UKVI processes the application - standard processing takes around three weeks for out-of-country applications.
7. Once granted, the worker can travel to the UK and begin employment on or after the visa start date.
8. Conduct a right to work check before the worker's first day and retain a copy of the evidence.

Sponsor Licence Application

If your organisation does not yet hold a sponsor licence, you will need to apply before you can issue any Certificate of Sponsorship. The application is made online through the gov.uk sponsor licence application portal. You will need to demonstrate that your business is genuine, operating lawfully in the UK, and capable of meeting your sponsor duties.

Documents Commonly Required for Sponsor Licence Applications

• Evidence of your organisation's registration, such as a Companies House certificate.
• Employer's liability insurance certificate showing at least £5 million cover.
• Recent bank statements showing the business is financially active.
• Evidence of the business premises, such as a lease agreement or utility bill.
• HMRC registration evidence, such as a VAT registration certificate if applicable.

The Home Office may also conduct an unannounced compliance visit to verify the information provided. Ensuring your HR systems and record-keeping processes are in order before you apply will reduce the risk of your application being refused.

Certificate of Sponsorship for SOC 2133

A Certificate of Sponsorship is not a physical document - it is a digital record created in the Sponsor Management System. Each CoS has a unique reference number that the worker uses in their visa application. When assigning a CoS for an IT business analyst, architect or systems designer role, you must include accurate details about the job, salary, start date and work location.

Information Required on the Certificate of Sponsorship

• The worker's full name, date of birth and nationality.
• The job title and SOC code - 2133 for this occupation.
• A clear description of the job duties.
• The gross annual salary and hourly rate.
• The employment start date and, if applicable, end date.
• The work address or remote working arrangements.

Immigration Skills Charge

When sponsoring a Skilled Worker, most employers must pay the Immigration Skills Charge in addition to the visa application fee. This charge is paid by the employer and cannot be passed on to the sponsored worker - doing so is a breach of sponsor duties.

Current Immigration Skills Charge Rates

• Small or charitable sponsors: £364 per year of sponsorship.
• Medium or large sponsors: £1,000 per year of sponsorship.
• Charges are paid upfront for the full duration of the Certificate of Sponsorship at the time of assignment.

Certain workers are exempt from the Immigration Skills Charge, including those switching from a student visa and those sponsored for roles in specific shortage occupations. Check the latest Home Office guidance to confirm whether any exemption applies to your situation.

Right to Work Checks for Sponsored Workers

As a sponsor, you are legally required to carry out a right to work check before your employee's first day of work. For sponsored workers, the check is completed using the Home Office online right to work checking service, which allows the worker to share a code with you to verify their immigration status digitally.

Right to Work Check Process for Sponsored Workers

1. Ask the worker to generate a share code through the UK Visas and Immigration online service.
2. Use the share code and the worker's date of birth to check their status on the gov.uk employer checking portal.
3. Retain a record of the check, including a screenshot or printout showing the date the check was carried out.
4. Set a reminder to repeat the check before the worker's visa expiry date.

Ongoing Sponsor Duties

Holding a sponsor licence comes with continuing obligations. Failure to meet these duties can result in your licence being downgraded, suspended or revoked, leaving your sponsored workers without valid status and your business unable to hire internationally.

Core Ongoing