Hiring and Sponsoring Physical scientists (SOC Code 2114)

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Physical scientists play a vital role in advancing our understanding of the natural world, from the behaviour of matter and energy to the dynamics of Earth's atmosphere. If your organisation is looking to hire or sponsor a physical scientist under the UK Skilled Worker visa route, understanding SOC Code 2114 is an essential starting point.

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Key Takeaways

Essential Points for Employers

• Physical scientists fall under SOC Code 2114 and are eligible for sponsorship under the UK Skilled Worker visa route.
• Roles include physicists, chemists, geologists, meteorologists and related scientific professionals.
• Sponsors must hold a valid sponsor licence and assign a Certificate of Sponsorship to each overseas worker.
• The occupation meets the required skill level (RQF Level 6 and above) for Skilled Worker sponsorship.
• Salary thresholds and going rates must be met to ensure compliance with Home Office requirements.

What Is SOC Code 2114?

SOC Code 2114 covers physical scientists - professionals who investigate the properties of matter, energy, and the physical environment through experiments, observation and mathematical modelling. The Standard Occupational Classification system, maintained by the Office for National Statistics, groups these roles together because of their shared scientific methods and career pathways.

Occupations Covered Under SOC 2114

• Physicist
• Chemist (research and industrial)
• Geologist and geophysicist
• Meteorologist and atmospheric scientist
• Hydrologist
• Oceanographer
• Materials scientist
• Astronomer and astrophysicist

These roles require deep theoretical knowledge and practical research skills, typically gained through a degree-level education or higher in a relevant scientific discipline.

What Do Physical Scientists Do?

Core Responsibilities

• Designing and conducting experiments to investigate physical, chemical or atmospheric phenomena.
• Developing and testing mathematical models to predict natural processes or material behaviour.
• Analysing data from field surveys, laboratory work or remote sensing instruments.
• Publishing findings in academic journals and presenting research at conferences.
• Advising on environmental, industrial or policy matters informed by scientific evidence.
• Collaborating with engineers, data scientists and other specialists on applied research projects.

Where Physical Scientists Work

Physical scientists are employed across a wide range of sectors in the UK, including government research agencies, universities, energy companies, environmental consultancies, defence organisations, pharmaceutical firms and technology businesses. The Met Office, British Geological Survey, Natural Environment Research Council and various university departments are among the most prominent employers.

Sponsoring a Physical Scientist Under the Skilled Worker Visa

UK employers who want to hire a physical scientist from outside the UK and Ireland must hold a valid sponsor licence issued by the Home Office. Once licensed, sponsors can assign a Certificate of Sponsorship to the worker, who then uses it to apply for a Skilled Worker visa.

Eligibility Requirements for the Role

• The job must appear on the list of eligible occupations - SOC Code 2114 qualifies at RQF Level 6.
• The worker must have a confirmed job offer from a licensed sponsor.
• The salary must meet the general threshold of £41,700 per year or the going rate for the specific occupation, whichever is higher.
• The worker must meet the English language requirement at the required level.

Going Rate for SOC Code 2114

The going rate for physical scientists under SOC Code 2114 is set by the Home Office based on the Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings. Employers must pay at least the going rate for the role unless a recognised tradeable discount applies, such as for new entrants or roles in shortage occupations. Always verify the current going rate on the official GOV.UK going rates table before assigning a Certificate of Sponsorship.

Steps to Sponsor a Physical Scientist

1. Apply for a sponsor licence if you do not already hold one, or check your existing licence covers the Skilled Worker route.
2. Identify the correct SOC code - 2114 - and confirm the role meets the skill and salary requirements.
3. Recruit the candidate and confirm their eligibility, including English language proficiency and qualifications.
4. Assign a Certificate of Sponsorship via the Sponsor Management System and pay the relevant fees.
5. The worker applies for a Skilled Worker visa using the Certificate of Sponsorship reference number.
6. Maintain compliance records throughout the employment, including right to work checks and reporting duties.

Sponsor Licence Requirements for Employers

Holding a sponsor licence comes with ongoing compliance responsibilities. Employers must carry out right to work checks before employment begins, keep up-to-date contact and absence records for sponsored workers, and report certain changes to the Home Office through the Sponsor Management System within set timeframes.

Key Compliance Duties

• Conduct right to work checks on all sponsored employees before their start date.
• Report changes to a worker's job title, salary, work location or absence within ten working days.
• Notify the Home Office if a sponsored worker does not arrive for work or their employment ends early.
• Retain copies of relevant documents including passports, visas and qualifications for the duration of employment.
• Cooperate with any Home Office compliance visit or audit.

New Entrant Rates and Exceptions

Physical scientists who qualify as new entrants may be paid a lower salary threshold - currently 70% of the going rate - if they meet certain criteria. This applies to workers who are under 26 at the time of application, are switching from a student or graduate visa, are working towards a recognised professional qualification, or are in their first job after completing a PhD relevant to the role.

When the New Entrant Rate Applies

• The worker is under 26 years old at the time of application.
• The worker is a recent graduate switching from a Student or Graduate visa.
• The role involves working towards a UK-recognised professional qualification or registration.
• The worker holds or is completing a PhD relevant to the job.

Physical Scientists and the Shortage Occupation List

Some scientific occupations within or adjacent to SOC Code 2114 have previously appeared on the UK Shortage Occupation List, which historically allowed sponsors to pay 80% of the going rate. However, following the Migration Advisory Committee review in 2023, the Shortage Occupation List was replaced by the Immigration Salary List in April 2024. Employers should check the current Immigration Salary List on GOV.UK to confirm whether any physical science roles retain a salary discount.

Qualifications and Skills Typically Required

Academic Background

• A bachelor's degree in physics, chemistry, geology, earth sciences, meteorology or a related discipline is typically the minimum requirement.
• Many research and senior roles require a master's degree or doctorate.
• Professional registration with bodies such as the Institute of Physics, Royal Society of Chemistry or Geological Society is common for senior professionals.

Practical Skills

• Data analysis and interpretation using specialist software and statistical methods.
• Laboratory techniques and field survey experience relevant to the discipline.
• Mathematical modelling and computational skills.
• Scientific writing and communication of complex findings to non-specialist audiences.

Costs of Sponsoring a Physical Scientist

Sponsoring an overseas worker involves several fees that employers should budget for carefully. These include the sponsor licence application fee, the Immigration Skills Charge payable for each sponsored worker, and the Certificate of Sponsorship fee. Workers also pay their own visa application fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge.

Employer Fee Summary

• Sponsor licence fee: £536 for small or charitable sponsors; £1,682 for medium or large sponsors.
• Certificate of Sponsorship fee: £525 per worker.
• Immigration Skills Charge: £364 per year for small or charitable sponsors; £1,000 per year for medium or large sponsors.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is SOC Code 2114 used for in UK immigration?

SOC Code 2114 is the Standard Occupational Classification code for physical scientists. It is used by the Home Office to determine whether a job role is eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa route and to set the relevant going rate salary threshold.

Can I sponsor a chemist or geologist under SOC Code 2114?

Yes. Chemists, geologists, meteorologists, physicists and other physical scientists all fall under SOC Code 2114 and can be sponsored through the Skilled Worker visa route, provided the salary and skills requirements are met.

What salary must I pay a sponsored physical scientist?

You must pay at least £41,700 per year or the published going rate for SOC Code 2114, whichever is higher. New entrant discounts may reduce this threshold in certain circumstances. Always check the current going rates on GOV.UK before assigning a Certificate of Sponsorship.

Do physical scientists qualify for the Global Talent visa instead?

Highly experienced or internationally recognised physical scientists may be eligible for the Global Talent visa through endorsement by UK Research and Innovation or the Royal Society. This route does not require employer sponsorship and offers more flexibility, but it is competitive and requires demonstrating exceptional talent or promise in the field.

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