Hiring and Sponsoring IT quality and testing professionals (SOC Code 2136)

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Hiring skilled IT quality and testing professionals from overseas is a realistic option for UK employers who hold a sponsor licence. SOC code 2136 covers a broad range of roles focused on software testing, quality assurance, error identification and test plan development. This guide explains who qualifies, what the visa route looks like, and what obligations fall on the sponsoring employer.

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 2136 covers IT quality and testing professionals including software testers, QA engineers and test analysts.
• Employers must hold a valid sponsor licence to assign a Certificate of Sponsorship to overseas candidates.
• The Skilled Worker visa is the primary route for sponsoring workers under this SOC code.
• Salary thresholds, right to work checks and ongoing compliance duties apply from day one of sponsorship.
• Roles under 2136 meet the skill level requirement for sponsorship under the points-based immigration system.

What is SOC Code 2136?

SOC code 2136 is the Standard Occupational Classification code used by the UK Home Office to categorise IT quality and testing professionals. It sits within the broader group of IT and telecommunications professionals and includes workers who design, develop and implement quality assurance processes for software systems and computer games.

Job Titles Covered by SOC 2136

• Software tester
• QA engineer
• Test analyst
• Test manager
• Quality assurance analyst
• Games tester
• Automation test engineer
• Performance test engineer
• User acceptance testing (UAT) specialist

What These Professionals Do

Workers in this classification are responsible for identifying errors and defects in software and IT systems, developing and executing test plans, ensuring products meet agreed quality standards, and documenting test results for development teams. They may work across agile, waterfall or hybrid delivery environments and often use automated testing frameworks and tools.

Visa Routes for Sponsoring IT Quality and Testing Professionals

Skilled Worker Visa

The Skilled Worker visa is the standard route for employers looking to sponsor overseas workers under SOC code 2136. Candidates must meet a points threshold covering salary, skill level, English language and sponsorship. SOC 2136 roles satisfy the skill level requirement at RQF level 6, making them eligible for this visa route.

Salary Thresholds

From April 2024, the general salary threshold for Skilled Worker visa applicants increased. Employers must pay whichever is higher: the general threshold, the going rate for SOC 2136, or the new entrant rate where applicable. Always verify the current figures on the gov.uk going rates page before assigning a Certificate of Sponsorship.

Certificate of Sponsorship

To sponsor a worker under SOC 2136, the employer must assign a defined Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) through the Sponsor Management System. The CoS must accurately reflect the job title, salary and work location. Errors at this stage can lead to visa refusals or compliance action against the sponsor.

How to Get a Sponsor Licence

Before sponsoring any worker, a UK employer must apply to the Home Office for a sponsor licence. Without this, no Certificate of Sponsorship can be assigned and no visa application can proceed.

Steps to Apply for a Sponsor Licence

1. Check your business is eligible and meets the genuine vacancy requirement.
2. Appoint an authorising officer, key contact and at least one level 1 SMS user.
3. Gather supporting documents showing your business is operating legally in the UK.
4. Submit the online sponsor licence application and pay the relevant fee.
5. Wait for the Home Office to process the application, which may include a compliance visit.
6. Once granted, access the Sponsor Management System to manage CoS allocations and worker records.

Sponsor Licence Fees

Fees vary depending on the size of the organisation. Small and charitable sponsors pay a reduced fee compared to medium and large employers. Check the current fee schedule on gov.uk before submitting your application.

Employer Compliance Duties When Sponsoring SOC 2136 Workers

Holding a sponsor licence carries ongoing legal obligations. The Home Office expects sponsors to monitor sponsored workers, maintain accurate records and report certain events within set timeframes.

Right to Work Checks

Employers must conduct a right to work check before employment begins and repeat checks for time-limited permissions. For sponsored workers, this means verifying the visa vignette or eVisa status and retaining evidence of the check. Failure to do so removes the statutory excuse against a civil penalty if an illegal working breach is found.

Record Keeping

• Keep a copy of each sponsored worker's passport and visa documentation.
• Record the worker's contact details and National Insurance number.
• Retain evidence of recruitment activity to demonstrate the genuine vacancy requirement was met.
• Store salary records showing the sponsored worker is being paid at or above the CoS rate.

Reporting Duties

Sponsors must report certain changes to the Home Office through the SMS within set deadlines. Reportable events include a worker failing to start employment, significant changes to job duties or salary, and early termination of employment. Missing a reporting deadline is a common cause of sponsor licence downgrade or revocation.

Tracking and Monitoring

Sponsors must have systems in place to track sponsored workers' attendance and contact details. If a worker is absent without permission or cannot be contacted, this must be reported. The Home Office may carry out unannounced compliance visits to check these systems are functioning.

Advertising the Role Before Sponsoring

Although the Resident Labour Market Test no longer formally applies under the points-based system, employers are still expected to be able to demonstrate that a genuine vacancy exists and that the role has not been created specifically to facilitate a visa. Keeping records of your recruitment process, job adverts and selection criteria is good practice and supports compliance.

Where to Advertise IT Quality and Testing Roles

• Find a Job (the government's official job listing service)
• LinkedIn and specialist IT job boards
• Internal vacancy listings
• Professional networks and industry associations

Immigration Skills Charge

Most employers sponsoring a Skilled Worker under SOC 2136 must pay the Immigration Skills Charge (ISC). This is charged per worker per year of sponsorship. Small employers and charities pay a reduced rate. The ISC is paid when the CoS is assigned, not when the visa is granted. The charge does not apply to students switching into the Skilled Worker route or to certain other exempt categories.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is SOC code 2136 eligible for the Skilled Worker visa?

Yes. SOC 2136 IT quality and testing professionals are included on the list of eligible occupations for the Skilled Worker visa. The roles meet the required skill threshold at RQF level 6.

What salary must I pay a sponsored IT quality and testing professional?

You must pay at least the higher of the general Skilled Worker salary threshold or the going rate set for SOC 2136. Current figures are published on the gov.uk website and are updated periodically. Always check before assigning a CoS.

Can I sponsor a games tester under SOC 2136?

Yes. Games testers fall within the SOC 2136 classification provided the role genuinely involves quality assurance and testing of software or games rather than playing games recreationally. The role must meet the skill level and salary requirements for sponsorship.

How long does it take to get a sponsor licence?

The standard processing time is around eight weeks, though this can vary. A priority processing service may be available for an additional fee. Preparing your supporting documents carefully before applying reduces the risk of delays or requests for further information.

What happens if I do not report a change in a sponsored worker's circumstances?

Failing to report a reportable event within the required timeframe is a compliance breach. The Home Office may downgrade your sponsor licence rating, suspend it or revoke it entirely depending on the severity and frequency of the breach.

Do I need to conduct a right to work check even if I have already seen the visa?

Yes. You must conduct a compliant right to work check and retain a copy of the evidence regardless of what you have seen informally. The check must follow the correct process - manual, online or via an identity service provider - to establish a statutory excuse.

Can a sponsored worker under SOC 2136 change roles within my organisation?

A sponsored worker may change roles within the same employer, but if the change is significant - for example a different SOC code, a substantial change in duties or a salary reduction - you may need to assign a new CoS and notify the Home Office. Always take advice before making changes to a sponsored worker's role.

Conclusion

Sponsoring IT quality and testing professionals under SOC code 2136 gives UK employers access to a global talent pool for roles in software testing, QA and test management. Getting the process right - from sponsor licence application through to ongoing compliance - is essential to avoid disruption and protect your licence. Annaizu helps UK employers manage sponsor licence duties, right to work checks and workforce compliance in one place, making it easier to hire and retain the skilled IT professionals your business needs.