Hiring and Sponsoring Public relations and communications directors (SOC Code 1133)

‍

Hiring a Public Relations and Communications Director under SOC Code 1133 requires UK employers to navigate sponsorship rules, salary thresholds, and compliance duties carefully. This guide covers everything you need to know about sponsoring workers in this occupation, from visa eligibility to ongoing sponsor obligations.

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

Key Takeaways

Essential Points for Employers

• Public Relations and Communications Directors fall under SOC Code 1133 and are eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa route.
• Employers must hold a valid sponsor licence before issuing a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) to overseas candidates.
• The going rate and minimum salary threshold must both be met when sponsoring workers in this occupation.
• Ongoing compliance duties apply throughout the sponsored worker's employment, not just at the point of hire.

What Is SOC Code 1133?

SOC Code 1133 covers Public Relations and Communications Directors. These are senior professionals responsible for planning and directing an organisation's public relations strategy, communications campaigns, media relations, and stakeholder engagement activities. They may work in-house for a single organisation or lead communications functions within agencies serving multiple clients.

Typical Duties Under SOC 1133

• Developing and overseeing public relations strategies and communications policies.
• Managing media relations, press offices, and corporate communications functions.
• Directing campaign planning across digital, print, and broadcast channels.
• Advising senior leadership and boards on reputational risk and messaging.
• Leading and managing communications teams and external agencies.
• Overseeing crisis communications and issues management programmes.
• Monitoring public opinion and reporting on communications effectiveness.

Visa Routes Available for SOC Code 1133

Skilled Worker Visa

The Skilled Worker visa is the primary route for sponsoring overseas nationals into a Public Relations and Communications Director role. The occupation sits at RQF Level 6 and above, making it fully eligible under this route. Workers must meet the salary threshold, hold a valid job offer from a licensed sponsor, and satisfy English language requirements.

Global Talent Visa

Senior communications professionals with an exceptional track record may be eligible for the Global Talent visa, endorsed through the relevant endorsing body. This route does not require employer sponsorship in the same way, giving the individual greater flexibility.

Graduate Visa

International students who have completed a qualifying UK degree may switch into work on a Graduate visa. Employers can hire Graduate visa holders without needing a sponsor licence for that individual, though the visa is time-limited and cannot be extended.

Salary Requirements for Sponsoring SOC 1133 Workers

When sponsoring a Public Relations and Communications Director, you must pay whichever is higher of the general Skilled Worker salary threshold and the specific going rate for SOC Code 1133. The going rate for this occupation reflects senior director-level remuneration and is set by the Home Office based on Office for National Statistics data.

Key Salary Considerations

• The general Skilled Worker minimum threshold applies across most roles sponsored under this route.
• New entrant rates may apply in limited circumstances, but director-level roles will typically require the full going rate.
• Salary must be the guaranteed basic rate - commission, bonuses, and allowances generally cannot be used to meet the threshold.
• Employers should check the latest Appendix Skilled Occupations on the gov.uk eligible occupations page to confirm current going rates before issuing a CoS.

How to Sponsor a Worker Under SOC Code 1133

Step-by-Step Overview

1. Confirm your organisation holds a valid Skilled Worker sponsor licence or apply for one before proceeding.
2. Identify the correct SOC code - 1133 - and verify the role meets the skill and salary requirements.
3. Carry out a Resident Labour Market Test if required, or confirm the role is exempt from this requirement.
4. Assign a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) through the Sponsor Management System (SMS), including accurate job, salary, and start date details.
5. Inform the candidate so they can submit their Skilled Worker visa application using the CoS reference number.
6. Carry out right to work checks before employment begins and retain copies in line with Home Office guidance.
7. Report any changes to the worker's employment or circumstances via the SMS throughout the sponsorship period.

Sponsor Licence Requirements for Employers

To sponsor workers under SOC Code 1133, your organisation must hold a Skilled Worker sponsor licence issued by the Home Office. You must demonstrate that your business is genuine, operating lawfully in the UK, and capable of meeting your sponsor duties. The licence must be renewed and maintained, and any changes to your organisation or the sponsored worker's role must be reported promptly.

Ongoing Sponsor Compliance Duties

• Maintain accurate records of all sponsored workers, including contact details and right to work documentation.
• Report changes such as salary adjustments, role changes, or early termination of employment within the required timeframes.
• Conduct right to work checks on all employees, not just sponsored workers.
• Co-operate with any Home Office compliance visits or audits.
• Ensure that sponsored workers are working in the role and at the location stated on their CoS.

Skills and Qualifications Expected for SOC 1133 Roles

Public Relations and Communications Directors are expected to hold qualifications and experience consistent with senior management or director-level communications roles. The Home Office assesses the role itself rather than the individual's specific credentials, but the job description and salary must reflect the seniority implied by SOC Code 1133.

Common Qualifications and Experience

• Degree-level qualification in communications, public relations, journalism, marketing, or a related discipline.
• Substantial experience in senior communications, PR, or media relations roles.
• Proven track record of managing teams, budgets, and high-profile communications campaigns.
• Professional membership of bodies such as the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) or the Public Relations and Communications Association (PRCA) is advantageous but not mandatory.

Right to Work Checks for Communications Directors

Before a sponsored Public Relations and Communications Director begins work, you must conduct a compliant right to work check. For sponsored workers, this means checking the individual's visa vignette or digital immigration status via the Home Office online checking service. Manual document checks are not sufficient for most sponsored workers.

Right to Work Check Requirements

• Use the Home Office online right to work checking service for workers with a share code.
• Record the date the check was carried out and retain evidence securely.
• Carry out follow-up checks before the worker's permission to work expires.
• Do not employ anyone who does not have valid permission to work in the UK in the role offered.

Common Mistakes When Sponsoring SOC 1133 Workers

Errors That Can Jeopardise Your Licence

• Assigning a CoS with an incorrect SOC code that does not accurately reflect the role being offered.
• Paying below the going rate or attempting to include non-guaranteed pay elements to meet the threshold.
• Failing to report changes to the worker's salary, role, or working location via the SMS within the required timeframe.
• Not carrying out right to work checks before the worker's start date.
• Losing contact with a sponsored worker or failing to notify the Home Office if the worker stops attending work.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is SOC Code 1133?

SOC Code 1133 covers Public Relations and Communications Directors. These professionals plan, direct, and oversee an organisation's PR strategy, media relations, and communications function at a senior or director level.

Can I sponsor a Public Relations and Communications Director on a Skilled Worker visa?

Yes. SOC Code 1133 is eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa route. You must hold a valid sponsor licence, assign a Certificate of Sponsorship, and ensure the salary meets the going rate for this occupation.

What salary do I need to pay to sponsor a worker under SOC 1133?

You must pay at least the going rate for SOC Code 1133 as published in the Home Office's Appendix Skilled Occupations, or the general Skilled Worker minimum threshold, whichever is higher. Director-level roles in this occupation typically attract a higher going rate reflecting seniority.

Do I need a sponsor licence to hire a Public Relations and Communications Director from overseas?

Yes. To sponsor an overseas national under the Skilled Worker route, your organisation must hold a valid sponsor licence granted by the Home Office. Without one, you cannot assign a Certificate of Sponsorship or legally employ a worker who requires sponsorship.

How long does it take to get a sponsor licence?

Standard sponsor licence applications are typically processed within eight weeks. A priority service is available for an additional fee, which can reduce processing time to around ten working days. You should apply well in advance of your intended hire date.

Can a communications director on a Graduate visa work for my organisation without sponsorship?

Yes, if the individual holds a valid Graduate visa they can work for you without requiring you to sponsor them under the Skilled Worker route. However, Graduate visas are time-limited and cannot be extended, so you should plan for their future immigration status if you wish to retain them long term.

What are my ongoing duties after sponsoring a worker in