Hiring and Sponsoring Speech and Language Therapists (SOC Code 2223)

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Speech and Language Therapists (SLTs) are in high demand across the NHS, private healthcare, and education sectors in the UK. If you are a licensed sponsor looking to recruit internationally, understanding how SOC code 2223 works - and what it means for your sponsorship obligations - is essential before you issue a Certificate of Sponsorship.

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Key Takeaways

Essential Points for Employers Hiring SLTs

• Speech and Language Therapists fall under SOC code 2223 and are eligible for the Skilled Worker visa route.
• The role appears on the Immigration Salary List, meaning reduced salary thresholds may apply in some cases.
• Sponsors must carry out a Resident Labour Market Test or meet shortage occupation conditions before issuing a CoS.
• HCPC registration is required for all practising SLTs in the UK.
• Overseas applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency as part of their visa application.

What Is SOC Code 2223?

SOC code 2223 covers Speech and Language Therapists - qualified professionals who assess, diagnose, and treat communication disorders, swallowing difficulties, and related conditions. This occupational code is used by the Home Office to classify the role within the Skilled Worker visa framework.

What Do Speech and Language Therapists Do?

SLTs work with patients across a wide range of ages and conditions. Their responsibilities typically include:

• Assessing speech, language, communication, and swallowing disorders
• Diagnosing conditions such as aphasia, dysarthria, dysphagia, and stammering
• Designing and delivering tailored rehabilitation programmes
• Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams including doctors, nurses, and occupational therapists
• Supporting patients in schools, hospitals, community settings, and private clinics
• Advising carers and families on communication strategies

Where Do SLTs Work in the UK?

Speech and Language Therapists are employed across a broad range of settings, including:

• NHS trusts and hospitals
• Community health services
• Special educational needs (SEN) schools and local authorities
• Private clinics and independent healthcare providers
• Care homes and residential facilities
• Research and academic institutions

Skilled Worker Visa Eligibility for SOC 2223

To sponsor an overseas Speech and Language Therapist under the Skilled Worker route, the role must meet specific eligibility criteria set by the Home Office.

Skill Level Requirements

SOC code 2223 sits at RQF Level 6 or above, which means it qualifies for the Skilled Worker visa. Candidates will typically hold a degree-level qualification in speech and language therapy or an equivalent recognised credential.

Salary Thresholds

As of April 2024, the general salary threshold for Skilled Worker visa applications is £41,700 per year. However, Speech and Language Therapists appear on the Immigration Salary List, which means a lower threshold of £33,400 may apply in certain circumstances. Sponsors should always check the most current threshold on gov.uk before assigning a Certificate of Sponsorship.

English Language Requirement

All Skilled Worker visa applicants must demonstrate English language ability 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), a degree taught in English, or by being a national of a majority English-speaking country.

HCPC Registration: A Mandatory Requirement

Speech and Language Therapists in the UK must be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) before they can practise legally. This applies to both UK-trained and internationally trained therapists.

Registration for Overseas-Trained SLTs

Internationally qualified applicants must apply to the HCPC for registration. The process involves:

1. Submitting an application for assessment of overseas qualifications
2. Providing evidence of training, clinical practice, and good standing in the home country
3. Completing an aptitude test or period of adaptation if required by the HCPC
4. Receiving a registration decision before commencing employment

Sponsors should factor HCPC registration timelines into their recruitment planning, as delays can affect the visa application start date.

Sponsoring an SLT: What UK Employers Need to Know

If your organisation holds a valid Skilled Worker sponsor licence, you can sponsor overseas SLTs. Below is an overview of the key sponsorship steps.

Step-by-Step Sponsorship Process

1. Confirm your organisation holds an active Skilled Worker sponsor licence
2. Identify the role under SOC code 2223 and confirm it meets salary and skill requirements
3. Ensure the candidate has or is eligible for HCPC registration
4. Assign a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) through the Sponsor Management System (SMS)
5. Ensure the candidate applies for their Skilled Worker visa using the CoS reference number
6. Carry out a right to work check before the employee starts work
7. Fulfil ongoing sponsor duties including reporting changes in employment status

Sponsor Licence Requirements

Organisations that do not yet hold a sponsor licence must apply to the Home Office before they can issue a CoS. Key requirements include:

• Being a genuine UK employer operating lawfully
• Having appropriate HR systems and processes to meet compliance obligations
• Appointing an Authorising Officer, Key Contact, and at least one Level 1 User in the SMS
• Passing a Home Office assessment of your suitability as a sponsor

Right to Work Checks for SLTs

Before any sponsored employee begins work, employers must conduct a statutory right to work check. For overseas SLTs entering on a Skilled Worker visa, this typically involves:

• Checking the employee's visa vignette or eVisa via the Home Office online checking service
• Confirming the visa covers the role and hours specified in the CoS
• Retaining a copy of the check result in line with Home Office guidance
• Conducting follow-up checks if the employee holds a time-limited visa

Recruitment Considerations for UK Employers

NHS Band and Pay Scale Alignment

NHS employers hiring SLTs should align the salary offered with the relevant Agenda for Change (AfC) band - typically Band 5 for newly qualified therapists and Band 6 or 7 for those with specialist experience. The salary must meet or exceed the applicable visa salary threshold.

Advertising the Role

While the formal Resident Labour Market Test was abolished for most Skilled Worker roles in 2021, sponsors are still expected to act in good faith and not use sponsorship to undercut resident workers. Advertising the role through appropriate channels remains best practice.

Overseas Recruitment Pipelines

Many NHS trusts and private healthcare providers recruit SLTs from countries including India, South Africa, the Philippines, and other Commonwealth nations. Establishing clear onboarding timelines - including HCPC registration, visa processing, and relocation support - helps reduce delays.

Ongoing Sponsor Compliance Duties

Sponsoring an overseas SLT creates ongoing obligations that last for the duration of employment. Failure to meet these duties can result in sponsor licence downgrade, suspension, or revocation.

Key Compliance Obligations

• Report any significant changes in the employee's role, salary, or working pattern via the SMS
• Report absences of more than 10 consecutive working days without authorisation
• Notify the Home Office if the employee's employment ends before their visa expires
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records for all sponsored workers
• Cooperate with any Home Office compliance visits or audits

Frequently Asked Questions

What SOC code applies to Speech and Language Therapists?

Speech and Language Therapists are classified under SOC code 2223. This code is used by the Home Office to determine eligibility for the Skilled Worker visa and to set the applicable going rate salary threshold.

Is Speech and Language Therapy on the shortage occupation list?

Speech and Language Therapists appear on the Immigration Salary List, which replaced the previous shortage occupation list. This may allow sponsors to offer a lower salary threshold than the standard rate, but the specific threshold should always be confirmed on gov.uk.

Do overseas SLTs need HCPC registration before arriving in the UK?

Yes. HCPC registration is required before an SLT can legally practise in the UK. Sponsors should ensure the candidate has received or is in the process of obtaining registration before a CoS is assigned, as this affects when employment can legally begin.

What salary must I offer a sponsored Speech and Language Therapist?

The salary must meet the higher of the general Skilled Worker threshold or the going rate for SO