Hiring and Sponsoring Public relations professionals (SOC Code 2493)

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If your organisation needs to hire a skilled public relations professional from overseas, understanding the UK's sponsorship rules for SOC Code 2493 is essential. This guide covers everything UK employers need to know about sponsoring PR professionals under the Skilled Worker visa route, from eligibility and salary thresholds to the application process and compliance obligations.

For related support, explore Annaizu’s sponsorship compliance software, secure document management and Sponsor Management System support.

For 2026 checks, cross-check the latest GOV.UK immigration skills charge before making sponsorship or visa decisions.

Key Takeaways

Essential Points for Employers

• Public Relations Professionals fall under SOC Code 2493 and are eligible for sponsorship under the UK Skilled Worker visa route.
• Employers must hold a valid sponsor licence before they can issue a Certificate of Sponsorship to a PR professional.
• Salary thresholds and going rates apply and must be met to secure a successful visa application.
• Right to work checks are mandatory before and throughout employment.
• Ongoing sponsor compliance duties apply once the worker starts their role.

What Is SOC Code 2493?

SOC Code 2493 covers Public Relations Professionals. These are specialists who plan and carry out strategies to manage and improve how an organisation is perceived by the public, media, stakeholders and other audiences.

Typical Job Titles Under SOC 2493

• Public Relations Manager
• Communications Manager
• PR Consultant
• Media Relations Officer
• Corporate Communications Specialist
• Press Officer
• Brand Communications Manager

Core Duties in This Occupation

• Developing and implementing public relations strategies and campaigns
• Writing and distributing press releases, articles and media statements
• Building and managing relationships with journalists and media outlets
• Managing social media presence and digital communications
• Advising senior management on communications and reputational matters
• Monitoring media coverage and preparing reports on PR activity
• Handling crisis communications and reputational risk management

Is SOC 2493 Eligible for Skilled Worker Sponsorship?

Yes. Public Relations Professionals (SOC 2493) appear on the list of eligible occupations for the Skilled Worker visa. The role meets the required skill level of RQF Level 6 or above, which is equivalent to graduate-level work. This means UK employers with a valid sponsor licence can sponsor overseas nationals to fill these roles.

Salary Requirements for Sponsoring a PR Professional

To sponsor a worker under SOC 2493, employers must pay whichever is the higher of the general salary threshold and the occupation-specific going rate set by the Home Office.

General Salary Threshold

The standard minimum salary for most Skilled Worker visa applicants is £41,700 per year. New entrants to the labour market - including recent graduates and those switching from certain student visa routes - may qualify for a lower threshold, typically set at 70% of the going rate for the occupation.

Going Rate for SOC 2493

The going rate is determined by the Office for National Statistics Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings data. Employers must check the latest published going rate for SOC 2493 on the Home Office and gov.uk guidance pages, as these figures are updated periodically. The salary offered must meet or exceed the applicable going rate to pass the points-based assessment.

New Entrant Provisions

• Applicants under 26 years old may qualify as new entrants
• Those switching from a Student or Graduate visa route may also qualify
• New entrants can be sponsored at 70% of the standard going rate
• New entrant status is time-limited and does not apply throughout the full visa period

How to Sponsor a Public Relations Professional

Step 1: Obtain a Sponsor Licence

Before you can hire a PR professional from overseas, your organisation must hold a valid Skilled Worker sponsor licence issued by the Home Office. If you do not already have one, you will need to apply and demonstrate that your organisation is genuine, financially stable and capable of meeting its sponsor duties.

Step 2: Identify the Role and Confirm Eligibility

Confirm that the specific role you are recruiting for genuinely falls within SOC Code 2493. The duties, job title and skill level must correspond with the occupation code. Assigning an incorrect SOC code is a compliance risk and can lead to visa refusal or sponsor licence action.

Step 3: Conduct a Genuine Vacancy Assessment

There is no longer a formal Resident Labour Market Test for most Skilled Worker roles, but the Home Office expects that vacancies are genuine. You should be able to demonstrate that the role exists for legitimate business reasons and that the salary and terms are consistent with equivalent positions in your organisation.

Step 4: Assign a Certificate of Sponsorship

Once you have identified your candidate, assign a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) through the Sponsor Management System. The CoS must accurately reflect the job title, SOC code, salary, start date and work location. Your candidate will use the CoS reference number when submitting their visa application.

Step 5: Candidate Applies for the Skilled Worker Visa

Your sponsored worker applies online through the UK Visas and Immigration portal. They will need to provide the CoS reference number, proof of English language ability, financial evidence and any other supporting documents required for their specific circumstances.

Step 6: Complete Right to Work Checks

Before the worker begins employment, you must carry out a compliant right to work check. For sponsored workers, this typically involves checking their visa vignette or digital immigration status and keeping a copy on record.

Sponsor Compliance Obligations

Sponsoring a PR professional does not end with the visa being granted. UK employers have ongoing duties throughout the worker's employment.

Reporting Duties

• Report any significant changes to the worker's role, salary or circumstances via the Sponsor Management System
• Report absences of ten or more consecutive working days without permission
• Report if the worker stops working for you or their employment is terminated

Record-Keeping Duties

• Keep copies of all right to work documents for the duration of employment and for two years after
• Maintain up-to-date contact details for all sponsored workers
• Retain copies of Certificates of Sponsorship and related visa documents

Monitoring Duties

• Track sponsored workers' attendance and absence
• Ensure the worker is only carrying out work within the scope of their sponsored role
• Monitor visa expiry dates and act promptly when renewals are due

Points-Based Assessment for SOC 2493

The Skilled Worker visa operates on a points-based system. Applicants must score a minimum of 70 points. The following mandatory and tradeable characteristics determine the score.

Mandatory Points (50 Points)

• Job offer from an approved sponsor: 20 points
• Job at the correct skill level (RQF Level 6): 20 points
• English language requirement met: 10 points

Tradeable Points (20 Points Required)

• Salary at or above the going rate: up to 20 points
• Job in a shortage occupation: 20 points (if applicable)
• Relevant PhD qualification: up to 20 points
• New entrant: 20 points (subject to eligibility)

English Language Requirement

All Skilled Worker visa applicants must demonstrate English language ability at CEFR Level B1 or above. This can be met through a recognised English language test, a degree taught in English, or nationality - nationals of majority English-speaking countries are automatically exempt.

Why PR Professionals Are Valuable Hires Under This Route

Public relations is a specialised discipline that combines strategic thinking, media expertise, writing ability and stakeholder management. Organisations operating in competitive or regulated sectors often find that experienced PR professionals from international backgrounds bring unique skills, language capabilities and cross-cultural communications expertise that add significant value to UK teams.

Sectors That Commonly Sponsor PR Professionals

• Financial services and professional services firms
• Technology and digital companies
• Healthcare and pharmaceutical organisations
• Government agencies and public sector bodies
• Charities and non-governmental organisations
• Media, entertainment and creative industries
• International businesses with multilingual communications needs

Costs Involved in Sponsoring a PR Professional

Employer Costs

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

Worker Costs

• Skilled Worker visa application fee: varies depending on length of visa and whether applying inside or outside the UK
• Immigration Health Surcharge: currently £1,035 per year
• English language test fee: typically £150 to £200 depending on the test provider