Hiring and Sponsoring Medical Radiographers (SOC Code 2254)

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Medical radiographers play a vital role in the UK healthcare system, using advanced imaging technology to diagnose and treat patients. If your organisation is looking to hire overseas talent in this field, understanding SOC Code 2254 and the sponsorship process is essential for a smooth and compliant recruitment experience.

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Key Takeaways

Essential Points for Employers

• Medical radiographers fall under SOC Code 2254 and are eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa route.
• The role is on the Immigration Salary List, meaning reduced salary thresholds may apply in some circumstances.
• Employers must hold a valid sponsor licence before issuing a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) to overseas candidates.
• Candidates must meet English language requirements and hold relevant professional qualifications recognised by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
• Right to work checks must be completed before employment begins, regardless of nationality.

What Is SOC Code 2254?

SOC Code 2254 covers medical radiographers, professionals who specialise in using radiation and imaging technologies for the diagnosis and treatment of illness and injury. This occupational code is used by the UK Home Office to classify roles under the points-based immigration system.

What Do Medical Radiographers Do?

Medical radiographers are skilled healthcare professionals responsible for a broad range of clinical tasks. Their duties typically include:

• Operating imaging equipment such as X-ray, MRI, CT, and ultrasound machines for diagnostic purposes.
• Administering radiotherapy treatments to patients with cancer and other conditions.
• Assessing patients before, during, and after imaging or therapeutic procedures.
• Calculating and managing radiation dosages to ensure patient safety.
• Maintaining accurate patient records and communicating results to clinical teams.
• Providing patient care and follow-up support throughout the treatment pathway.

Diagnostic vs Therapeutic Radiographers

There are two main branches within this occupational group. Diagnostic radiographers focus on producing images to identify medical conditions, while therapeutic radiographers plan and deliver radiotherapy treatments. Both fall under SOC Code 2254 and share the same visa eligibility criteria.

Skilled Worker Visa Eligibility for SOC Code 2254

Medical radiographers are eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa route. To be eligible, candidates and employers must jointly meet a set of mandatory requirements set by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).

Salary Thresholds

From April 2024, the general minimum salary threshold for Skilled Worker visa applications increased significantly. For SOC Code 2254, employers must pay the higher of the following:

• The general salary threshold of £41,700 per year.
• The going rate for the specific occupation as defined by the Home Office.

Where the role appears on the Immigration Salary List, a reduced threshold may apply in certain qualifying circumstances. Employers should always verify current rates on the gov.uk occupational going rates page before issuing a Certificate of Sponsorship.

English Language Requirements

All applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency at B1 level or above on the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR). This can be evidenced through:

• An approved Secure English Language Test (SELT) such as IELTS for UKVI.
• A degree taught in English from a recognised institution.
• Nationality of a majority English-speaking country as listed by the Home Office.

Professional Registration Requirements

Medical radiographers working in the UK must be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). Overseas applicants will need to apply for HCPC registration before they can practise legally. Employers should factor in the time required for this process when planning international recruitment campaigns.

How to Sponsor a Medical Radiographer

Sponsoring an overseas medical radiographer involves several steps. Employers who do not already hold a sponsor licence must apply for one before making any job offers to overseas candidates.

Step-by-Step Sponsorship Process

1. Apply for a Skilled Worker sponsor licence through the UKVI online portal if you do not already hold one.
2. Advertise the role and carry out a compliant recruitment process, documenting all stages thoroughly.
3. Identify your preferred overseas candidate and confirm they meet the visa eligibility criteria.
4. Assign a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) to the candidate through the Sponsor Management System (SMS).
5. Ensure the candidate applies for their Skilled Worker visa using the CoS reference number.
6. Conduct right to work checks before the candidate's first day of employment.
7. Meet your ongoing sponsor duties, including monitoring attendance and reporting changes to UKVI.

Sponsor Licence Requirements

To obtain and maintain a sponsor licence, organisations must demonstrate that they are a genuine, trading business operating lawfully in the UK. Key requirements include:

• Having suitable HR systems and processes to track sponsored workers.
• Appointing an Authorising Officer, Key Contact, and at least one Level 1 User in the SMS.
• Complying with all Home Office sponsor guidance and record-keeping obligations.
• Passing any compliance checks or audits carried out by UKVI.

Right to Work Checks for Radiographers

All employers in the UK are legally required to check that every employee has the right to work before their employment begins. For sponsored workers, this means verifying the visa conditions and ensuring the role matches what was stated on the Certificate of Sponsorship.

Acceptable Documents and Digital Checks

Right to work checks can be carried out in one of three ways:

• Manual document checks using original identity documents from the Home Office-approved lists.
• Online checks via the Home Office Right to Work checking service for individuals who hold a share code.
• Checks through an Identity Service Provider (IDSP) for British and Irish citizens using digital identity verification.

Employers who conduct compliant right to work checks before employment begins benefit from a statutory excuse against a civil penalty if a worker is later found to have no right to work.

Recruiting Medical Radiographers from Overseas

The UK faces a well-documented shortage of trained radiographers, and many NHS trusts and independent healthcare providers recruit internationally to fill gaps. Countries such as India, the Philippines, South Africa, and various European nations produce qualified radiographers who may be eligible to apply for a Skilled Worker visa.

Resident Labour Market Test

Since January 2021, the Resident Labour Market Test (RLMT) is no longer a mandatory requirement under the Skilled Worker route. However, employers should still maintain clear records of their recruitment process to demonstrate compliance in the event of a Home Office audit.

Overseas Qualifications and Recognition

Employers should verify that overseas candidates hold qualifications that are broadly equivalent to UK standards. The HCPC provides detailed guidance on international applications, and some applicants may need to complete an adaptation period or pass an aptitude test before being granted full registration.

Costs Involved in Sponsoring a Medical Radiographer

Sponsoring an overseas worker involves a number of fees payable by the employer and the applicant. Employers should budget carefully to avoid delays in the process.

Employer Costs

• Sponsor licence application fee: £536 for small or charitable sponsors; £1,682 for medium or large sponsors.
• Certificate of Sponsorship fee: £239 per worker assigned.
• Immigration Skills Charge: £364 per year for small sponsors; £1,000 per year for medium or large sponsors.

Applicant Costs

• Skilled Worker visa application fee, which varies depending on the length of the visa and where the application is made.
• Immigration Health Surcharge, currently set at £1,035 per year for most applicants.
• English language test fees if applicable.
• HCPC registration fees for professional recognition in the UK.

Compliance Obligations for Sponsors

Once a medical radiographer is in post, the sponsoring employer must continue to meet all Home Office requirements throughout the duration of the worker's visa. Failure to do so can result in licence suspension or revocation.

Ongoing Sponsor Duties

• Report any significant changes in the worker's circumstances, such as changes to job title, salary, or hours, through the SMS within the required timeframes.
• Report if the worker does not turn up for their first day of work or is absent without explanation for ten or more consecutive working days.
• Keep copies of relevant documents, including passports, visas, and right to work evidence, for the duration of employment and for two years after the worker leaves.
• Cooperate with any Home Office compliance visits or requests for information.

Frequently Asked Questions

What SOC code applies to medical radiographers in the UK?

Medical radiographers are classified under SOC Code 2254. This code covers both diagnostic and therapeutic radiographers and is used to determine visa eligibility and salary thresholds under the Skilled Worker route.