Hiring and Sponsoring IT network professionals (SOC Code 2137)

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IT network professionals play a critical role in keeping UK businesses connected, secure and operational. If you are an employer looking to sponsor overseas talent under SOC code 2137, understanding the occupational requirements, salary thresholds and sponsorship rules is essential before you begin the process.

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 2137 covers IT network professionals including network engineers, architects and security specialists.
• The role is eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa route.
• Employers must hold a valid sponsor licence and assign a Certificate of Sponsorship before the worker applies.
• Salary requirements must meet both the general threshold and the going rate for SOC 2137.
• Right to work checks must be completed before the sponsored worker begins employment.

What Is SOC Code 2137?

SOC code 2137 relates to IT network professionals. This occupational category covers workers who plan, install, configure, maintain and troubleshoot computer networks and infrastructure within organisations.

Roles Covered Under SOC 2137

• Network engineer
• Network architect
• Network administrator
• Network security specialist
• IT infrastructure engineer
• Systems network analyst
• Wireless network engineer

Core Duties Associated With This Role

• Designing and implementing local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs) and cloud-based network solutions
• Monitoring network performance and identifying faults or bottlenecks
• Troubleshooting connectivity issues and restoring service following outages
• Configuring firewalls, routers, switches and other network hardware
• Implementing and maintaining network security protocols and access controls
• Providing technical support and guidance to end users
• Documenting network configurations, changes and incidents

Skilled Worker Visa Eligibility for SOC 2137

SOC code 2137 is on the eligible occupations list for the Skilled Worker visa. This means UK employers with a valid sponsor licence can sponsor overseas workers for these roles, provided all eligibility criteria are met.

Minimum Salary Requirements

As of April 2024, sponsored workers under SOC 2137 must be paid the higher of the general salary threshold or the going rate for the occupation. Employers should check the latest going rate for SOC 2137 on the Home Office going rates table before assigning a Certificate of Sponsorship.

Points-Based Eligibility

To be eligible for a Skilled Worker visa under this SOC code, the applicant must score sufficient points across the following criteria:

• A valid job offer from a licensed sponsor - mandatory
• The role meets the required skill level - mandatory
• English language requirement met - mandatory
• Salary meets the going rate and general threshold - tradeable or mandatory depending on circumstances

How to Sponsor an IT Network Professional

Before hiring an overseas IT network professional, employers must ensure they have the correct sponsorship infrastructure in place. The process involves several steps and ongoing compliance responsibilities.

Step-by-Step Sponsorship Process

1. Apply for a sponsor licence if you do not already hold one, using the Home Office online application.
2. Identify the correct SOC code for the role - in this case, SOC 2137.
3. Confirm the salary offer meets the going rate and general threshold for SOC 2137.
4. Assign a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) through the Sponsor Management System (SMS).
5. Provide the CoS reference number to the candidate so they can submit their visa application.
6. Conduct a right to work check once the worker arrives and before they start work.
7. Maintain accurate records and report any changes in circumstances to the Home Office.

Sponsor Licence Requirements

To obtain and maintain a sponsor licence, employers must demonstrate that they are a genuine trading organisation, have appropriate HR systems in place, and can meet their ongoing sponsor duties. The Home Office may conduct unannounced compliance visits to verify this.

Right to Work Checks for Sponsored Workers

All employers in the UK must carry out right to work checks before a new employee starts work. For sponsored workers, the check must confirm that the individual holds a valid visa that permits work in the relevant role.

Acceptable Evidence for Sponsored Workers

• A share code generated via the Home Office online right to work checking service
• A current Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) where applicable
• An eVisa verified through the UKVI online service

Compliance Duties When Sponsoring SOC 2137 Workers

Sponsoring an IT network professional does not end with the visa being granted. UK employers have ongoing compliance responsibilities throughout the duration of the sponsorship.

Ongoing Sponsor Obligations

• Report any significant changes in the worker's circumstances through the SMS, including changes to job title, salary or work location
• Report if the worker does not show up for their first day of work or if they are absent without permission for more than ten consecutive working days
• Keep copies of right to work documents and contact details up to date
• Ensure the worker is only performing duties consistent with the role described on their CoS
• Cooperate fully with any Home Office compliance audit or visit

Salary Considerations and Immigration Salary List

The Immigration Salary List (ISL) replaced the Shortage Occupation List in 2024. IT network professionals under SOC 2137 should be assessed against the current ISL to determine whether any salary discounts apply.

How Salary Thresholds Work

The salary offer must meet whichever is higher: the general Skilled Worker threshold or the going rate for SOC 2137. Where a role appears on the ISL, a reduced salary threshold may apply, but employers must verify this against the latest published guidance on gov.uk.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does SOC code 2137 cover?

SOC code 2137 covers IT network professionals, including network engineers, architects, administrators and security specialists. These workers design, implement, monitor and maintain computer networks and related infrastructure.

Can I sponsor an IT network professional from overseas?

Yes. SOC 2137 is eligible under the Skilled Worker visa route. You must hold a valid UK sponsor licence, assign a Certificate of Sponsorship and ensure the salary meets the going rate for the occupation.

What is the going rate for SOC 2137?

The going rate is set by the Home Office and is updated periodically. You should always check the latest going rates table on gov.uk before assigning a CoS, as rates can change following annual reviews.

Do I need a sponsor licence to hire an IT network professional from outside the UK?

Yes. Any employer wishing to sponsor a worker from outside the UK must hold a valid Skilled Worker sponsor licence issued by the Home Office before a Certificate of Sponsorship can be assigned.

How long does a Skilled Worker visa last for SOC 2137 roles?

A Skilled Worker visa can be granted for up to five years, or the length of the CoS plus 14 days, whichever is shorter. Workers may apply to extend or switch to settlement after meeting the residency requirement.

What happens if I fail to meet my sponsor duties?

Failing to meet sponsor duties can result in your licence being downgraded, suspended or revoked. This would prevent you from sponsoring further workers and could affect existing sponsored employees.

Conclusion

Sponsoring IT network professionals under SOC code 2137 requires careful attention to salary thresholds, CoS assignment and ongoing compliance. Annaizu helps UK employers manage every stage of the sponsorship process, from licence applications to right to work checks, all in one place.